How do you work on the challenge?

[Sheila]

I was just curious how everyone goes about planning and implementing their seasonal challenge.

I'll start. In picking books for the great tasks that are posted I try to pick from the many audiobooks that I have either on my iPod or computer waiting to go on my iPod first. Once I finish them than I can delete them and make room for more! Then I will try to fit in books by my favorite authors/genres if possible. I'll admit that sometimes I am absolutely clueless and "copy" from other peoples plans when it comes to genres I don't know/understand. This season (summer 2011) I was stymied by steampunk and scifi. If those methods don't work I'll just read one of the examples given with the task.

When actually reading books for the challenge I generally try to go pretty much in order starting with the 5 pointers. A lot of this is dependent on the availability of books from the library. I haven't actually bought a book in years since I have a library so close. I usually am reading 4 or 5 books at a time switching between them until one will really grab me and DEMAND I read it all by itself. haha

I keep track of my plan and my points on an excel spreadsheet which I feel is absolutely essential to keep from getting confused.

I'm anxious to hear how others "do" the SRC

[Dee]

i'm part of a private group here, and we all have our own threads for posting challenges etc...so every season I have a thread for the challenge - list all the 5, 10 points etc, in separate threads, and input book titles when I figure them out, I also use this thread for tracking points because I normally only post when I hit 100 points or so (makes it easier for me to track)

for picking books, I go through the list and have my to-read pile open in a different window and try to fit in as many books on that as possible, then I use listopia for ideas and search the library...the only books I normally buy are those niche ones my library doesn't have (some of the romancey stuff I read)...I also try to work books in that I have selected for other challenges (cover colors, general genres etc)

[Christine US]

Since I do a lot of audio books b/c of my long commute, I tend to go through the tasks first with the audiobooks I own and what I can easily get from the library. Then, I look through my Nook -- it's easy to drag my Nook around places, and I have lots of options within it. Finally, I look at books on-hand. It is rare I will go buy a book to fit a task.
I already know I won't be able to finish this season, so I'm skipping the tasks I'm not interested in -- which is primarily the sci-fi stuff. I'd rather read within the genres I like for the time I have.

I do keep an Excel spreadsheet - it is definitely a big sheet, between tracking all the requirements, book pages, post #s, etc. However, it's the only way I have to organize it.

[Gayla]

A couple of weeks before the challenge starts, I make a list of twenty or twenty-five books that I really want to read in the next few months. Once the tasks are posted, the first thing I do is try to find spots for those books. Then I do what Dee does -- open up my TBR list in a separate tab and try to fit books to tasks. My TBR list is extremely large, so it is rare that I read a book just to fit a task. (The exception to this is the Group Reads task.)

I also have a huge spreadsheet to help me track everything.

[JC]

Since I have never finished a challenge (summer 2011 is my fourth) and I average around 500 points, I try to get the most points for my effort. I try to read as many of the 20 pointers as I can, then the one-book 15 point tasks and 2-book 30 point tasks, and so on. I rarely post a 5 pointer and if I do, its because it was a book I read for my "real life" book club or one of a series I wanted to read and it wouldn't fit anywhere else. That being said, I do plan probably about 10 books in advance of what I'm reading, so I try to fit those 10 next books I'm going to read into the most points I can get. I also participate in another challenge in another group, but on a much smaller scale, and try to fit books into both challenges. I like to do both because I usually can finish the other group's challenge and place at least in the top 5 and sometimes get to design a task, whereas SRC is a little tougher to get to design a task, but the tasks are so fun to find books for. I haven't gotten to design an SRC task yet, which is probably why I keep coming back! I also use a spreadsheet to keep track of points/big books/GR authors. I don't even pick a book for a task if it won't fit one of my TBR books.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I write down books I want to read off my tbr list that fit the tasks. If I can't find a book I have that fits the task I will go with what is suggested. Most of the books I have owned with little library visiting. I alternate between two book tasks and single book tasks. I try for the higher point ones first. I usually have three books planned out that I want to read next so I don't waste time deciding what to read.

[Lisa]

I keep track of the tasks and my reading plan in the "my writing" section of my profile page. I divide my writing into: my plan, tasks in progress, and tasks completed. I only put tasks in the completed section after I report the points. I don't report after every completed task, but generally post several together, so as not to inundate the completed tasks thread. It works well for me.

The first thing I do in planning is plug in all the books from my group reads, which includes 5 different groups, two here on GR and three face-to-face groups. After that, I work in books from series that I like. (I was happy this time around that I fit in the last 6 books from a series I discovered during the Spring SRC.) I also try to get a good mix of new books I'm looking forward to and old books that I own. Many of my pre-owned books I picked up for cheap at Goodwill. I also download and put on hold ebooks from the library. What I can't get from the library I often read for free on my Nook using their in-store free daily hour.

I don't read in any particular order, usually giving preference to what I need to finish for book club, then whatever whim strikes. I always have several books going at once. One thing I try to do is reserve the open-ended tasks (15.10) for unexpected books that might crop up during the SRC that I don't have room for anywhere else. I also leave some open to fiddle with down the road. I don't want to feel too locked into my reading, otherwise it takes away the pleasure. As for tasks I'm not thrilled about, I do search out books and complete some of them, but if time is running out I skip those. I have been surprised about liking books I might not have read if not for these tasks. It's always fun to see what everyone is reading and get ideas that way.

[Katrina]

To plan this challenge, I start by reading through the challenges and working out books based on my tbr list and try to fit in books I really want to read. I don't like the idea of just reading a book to fit a challenge, I use it as a way of getting through books I haven't read yet.

I use a spreadsheet to keep track of what I've read, and what I plan on reading for particular goals, then highlighting goals in green that I've completed, and highlighting the ones partially done in red, so I know I need to read that goal's second book.

I don't go in any particular order, but I am planning on working through bigger point tasks first, i.e. 15-30 point ones, as I am aiming for a high point tally.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I should use a spreadsheet. I still keep track by pen and paper. I write down the task, task description and book I am reading for that task. Then when I am done reading the book, I mark the date I finished it and that it is completed.

[Kathy G.]

I never finish the challenge--- and I had some things get in my way of reading last challenge--- but I absolutely love reading and trying to do the tasks. (This is my 6th challenge.)

I haven't quite figured out a "method" for reading the books.
I try to do the "big books" and longer books first - but my town has a very small library so I have to order the books from other branches--- so availability is a big issue. Once I have them in my hand, I want to get them read.

I also like lots of different genres (and the challenge sure creates lots of variety), so I read more than one book at a time and change "flavors" as the mood hits me.

During the school year (I'm a teacher) I use the books I'm reading to my first grade class to fit the 5 and 10 point tasks. I get to read at school and at home that way.

I also try to get more points each challenge (if I'm able to) to beat my own record. Someone should create a task where we read to someone else! :-)

[Jensownzoo]

I try to fill out a task plan with books off my shelves that I haven't read. Since I get a lot of my books secondhand (and cheap), I usually can fill most of the tasks with them. The tasks that are wide open, I leave open like Lisa for "surpise" books.

Otherwise, I go and pull all the books off my shelves that I've listed into the plan and put them on their own shelf. When I am looking for a book to read, I just pick it off that shelf, knowing that it will fit at least one task. I keep track of what I've read using Word as well as the strikethrough HTML on the plan thread here.

[★Meghan★]

This is my 5th challenge. I definitely have never finished a challenge I am working toward getting to 200 points much less (haha) 1000 like this season.

I put all the tasks onto a word document and save it for each season. I then look at each one and try to pick out books I already have. I probably have close to 500 books just on Epub, pdf, or Nookbooks and a vast majority of those have not been read. So I first go through all those books and try to find a place somewhere for each one. When I do that I go through and pick out books I really want to read and start off with those. I also try to fit in all my First read books that I get from here too.

I usually start off with reading more books at a time and when it comes toward the end of the challenge I only read one or two at a time in order to avoid having too many half books into the next challenge. I like to leave the open-ended ones for books the two book tasks that I can't finish both.

With my word document I highlight the books depending on whether it is a Nook book, Epub, or paperbook. This way I know if I need to get the books off my computer or what. I bold the ones that I am currently reading and highlight the books in a different color if I have finished it. I also have set at the bottom the format I use to put in my completed post.

[Bluemoon]

I use a large spreadsheet to keep track also. I highlight tasks that have been completed and claimed, tasks that have not been claimed, and books that have been completed for 1/2 a task in different colors. I am in the library alot ( I think I am addicted). In my county if you have a library card you have access to all 37 libraries. I can order books if I need to from libraries that I don't want to drive to. I rarely buy a book anymore (my husband says I have too many). A few of the branches that I go to regularly have alot of audio books so I try and fit in as many as possible. I have also borrowed books from other peoples list or will use something approved in the task thread. I also try to do the higher point tasks. I have finished a challenge once.

[chucklesthescot]

I write out all the tasks complete with what you need to include, in my planning journal, leaving space under the one book tasks, or space under each option given. Then I start ploughing through my tbrs to find as many books that I can to fit each task. I then use that list to select my first choice for each task. I post my list on my own group for easy reference. Tasks with plays, poetry, classics or a non-fiction on subjects I don't like I just miss out completely as reading this stuff doesn't interest me. I work only from my tbrs as I can't afford to go and buy extra books just to get challenge points.

Then I just start reading!

[Jennifer]

I copy and paste all the tasks into a word document and work from there. First, I go through all the unread books on my bookshelf to find what fits, then my iPod audiobooks and kindle books. If I still need a book idea for a task, then I search my library's on-line catalogue. I rarely buy a book for a challenge, but I will this time...Bite Me by Christopher Moore - love his books.

I have no strategy for points...I read what strikes my fancy. But, if I'm planning on reading a big book, I do start reading it before the challenge starts.

I've never finished a challenge (I think I came within 150 points once) and probably never will. ;)

[Cindy AL]

I've been doing this since the second challenge, missing only one or two when life got crazy. I'm impressed with people who keep their TBR shelf up to date. I keep some TBRs on that shelf and others in my Amazon cart, sometimes I find Amazon more convenient, an I never remember to switch books from TBR to Read when I finish them.

My strategy is this:
I copy and paste the tasks into a Word document and walk around with that document in my purse until the last task is posted (about 25-30 tasks). While I'm waiting (and reading) I put the tasks into a spreadsheet to keep up with the points. I find it easier to research off the Word document and keep up with a spreadsheet. I don't enter the additional task requirements as someone else mentioned, although I'll consider that now.

I get most of my books from the library and from my own library. I "borrow" some of DH's e-books. I try to only use books I have and library books (my subdivision is next door to the library, I can go every day that it is open - yes, be envious!LOL!), but I usually fail miserably and buy more books.

My favorite part of the whole process is the scavenger hunt aspect of finding the books, it is always a letdown when that is over for a quarter.
When the last tasks are posted, I complete the Word document and reprint to use for the remainder of the challenge.

The hardest and least fun part to me is the posting. My spreadsheet is a copy from a generous group member. When I post I copy the correct line of the spreadsheet into a chapter of "My Writing" on Goodreads, then edit to get the pretinent info - THIS IS VERY TEDIOUS. Having read these responses I may try to paste the task list into "my Writing" and post off the task list with all the excess verbiage removed. I'd like to know how others handle the posting piece.

Forgot to say I color code the book titles on my spreadsheet to keep track of books tbr, books read but not posted and tasks complete and posted.

[Beth F]

This is my 11th challenge and how I keep track of and "do" the challenge has evolved over the quarters, but this is what has worked the best for me -

I start with a spreadsheet and once the tasks have been finalized, I transfer that list to a private group that I created for me, myself and I for the sole purpose of keeping track of reading challenge information. This way I have access to my book list from any computer I use (home, work, library, my husband’s, etc.) as well as from my phone.

I usually start with 10-15 books that I really want to read over the course of the next challenge and I try to fill those in first. Next, I use books from my TBR list. I *try* to prioritize books I already own or books from my Kindle but invariably, I end up borrowing a lot of what I read from the library because I’m easily distracted by what I don’t already possess. My local library is nicely stocked and if they don’t have the book I want, I’ll use the statewide inter-library loan system which is phenomenal. It gives me access to every library in the state of Minnesota, including the colleges and universities. It is very rare that I can’t find the book I want that way. And it’s free! Yippee!

If I’m unable to fill a task using my TBR list, I’ll start researching possible options that appeal to me. If I can’t find a book that interests me, I’m not afraid to leave a task blank and revisit it later in the challenge after a few others have read/recommended something or leave it until the end and not complete that particular task.

I usually earn around 400-500 points, sometimes less and sometimes more, depending on real life. I have two full-time jobs: one outside of the home and the other is in the shape a toddler, so I don’t enter these challenges with the intent to finish. I don’t read in any particular order and I usually ignore the point values when trying to decide what to read next. I just leave that aspect up to my mood of the moment and hope for the best. :)

[Sheila]

Several people have mentioned the "My Writing" portion of your profile page. I can't seem to find that on my page. Where is it specifically? Thanks

[Cait]

Sheila, when you're on the updates page (your home page), there are a bunch of links under "my profile" (view my: profile, groups, comments, quotes, friend requests, etc.) In the right column directly under 'inbox' is the 'writing' link. Here is my 'my writing' section, so you can see what it looks like. I use it for challenges, book recommendations, reading lists, etc.

http://www.goodreads.com/story/list/1...

[Lisa]

Sheila wrote: "Several people have mentioned the "My Writing" portion of your profile page. I can't seem to find that on my page. Where is it specifically? Thanks"

If you go to the home page, look under your profile info and there is an option for "writing". Click on that and you can set up your writing from there. Once you have started "my writing", you can find it on your profile page when you scroll down towards the bottom.

Feel free to click on my profile page and look at my writing section. I have two chapters for the Summer SRC. The first is just a copied and pasted list of the tasks. The second is my plan and progress. My plan is a condensed version of the tasks, just enough facts to know what is required. Everyone is welcome to copy and paste if this appeals to them.

[Sheila]

Thanks Cait and Lisa - I found it.

[JC]

Cait and Lisa - I followed your directions, but I can't find the writing option. I click "home" at the top of any page I'm on and that takes me to my "recent updates" or "discussions" tabs, depending on where I left it the last time. I don't have a "my profile" button, but I do have a pull-down menu in the top right corner of the page next to my username and avatar. When I click on the pull-down menu my options are: Inbox, Notifications, My Profile, My Account, My Comments, Help, Log Out. If I click on My Profile, it just takes me to the profile page others see, and the options are the same in the pull-down menu.

EDIT: FOUND IT!!!

[Gayla]

This may be a little off-topic, but I was curious how many people are trying to fit in the Song of Ice and Fire books before A Dance with Dragons comes out, and what tasks you are using them in? I can't be the only one, right?

I'm using A Clash of Kings for a long book with a short title, A Storm of Swords for Mind the Gap, and (probably) A Feast for Crows for 20.6, if I can finish it over my vacation. And then I'm planning to use A Dance with Dragons as the longest book on my TBR list (30.8).

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

hahahaha I fit in Game of Thrones for 25.3. I an rereading it. I fit in Dance With Dragons for 15.9 Up In the Air for the letters GR.

[Joanna]

Very interesting thread.

I know that I'll never be able to finish a challenge because I'll never read 75+ books in three months. I challenge myself to hit the halfway point in each challenge.

Also, I have a toddler at home who likes to be read to and (usually) likes new books. I try to plan as many tasks as I can to be books that I read with him because it entertains me at the children's section of the library to hunt for, e.g., books with cat covers/titles and encourages us to reread all the books in his collection instead of just reading the same ones ad infinitum. This season's challenge turns out to have lots of tasks that are suitable for this: 5.3, 5.4, 5.8, 5.9, 10.4, 10.6, 10.8, 10.10, 20.4, 25.4

Other than the tasks that I try to do with my toddler, I try to focus on getting the most points while only reading books that I really want to read and primarily books that I already own. So, I probably won't do any two-book 15 point tasks or any 5 point tasks unless I happen to read something that fits there and nowhere else.

[Vicky]

Gayla wrote: "...how many people are trying to fit in the Song of Ice and Fire books..."

I am!
A Game of Thrones in task 5.3, there's a wolf on the cover of my edition.
A Clash of Kings in task 15.5.
A Storm of Swords in 15.8 with the initials GR being Greece.
A Feast for Crows in 10.8, I have an red cover edition.
A Dance with Dragons in 30.10, using Last Dance from last seasons list.

To the topic at hand...

Last season was the first time I actually broke the 100 mark, I always get overwhelmed or distracted. But I've been lurking around kind of participating for about 6 seasons.

I work off a GoogleDocs Spreadsheet (viewable here) that I've been tweaking since I started lurking about (I'm kind of a spreadsheet geek). I put in the tasks as soon as they're posted and start filling things in, and as I go through the challenge it keeps track of a ton of stats. I just this season set it up to calculate how many pages/day I need to read to complete all the challenges and it calculates how far behind I am in that goal and how many pages/day I need to read from here on out to make it, which I'm really excited about (again, spreadsheet geek).

Picking books for all the tasks is one of my favorite things about this challenge! When I pick my books, I start by going through the books I own (physical and ebooks) and fitting them in where I can. After the books I own, I turn to classics that are in the public domain and can be downloaded for free.

If I don't own a book that fits the task I keep an options tab in my spreadsheet with any task that hasn't been assigned a book. I'll look through my TBR list and any suggestions and make a list of ones I'd like to read. Then I check the Goodreads Bookswap to see if anything on this list is available. If someone has it up for swap, I'll read that book.

I don't read in a specific task order. In fact, last season I scrapped my list half way through and started adding books I had read during the challenge into the highest point tasks I could find for them.

[Donna Jo]

This is my tenth challenge (so addicting) and my methods have evolved. When I started I didn't plan much ahead, but just picked books as I went along. After the first two challenges I set up a spread sheet which has also evolved. I do color code for books that have arrived (mostly from the library), books I've read, tasks reported.
I mostly use library books--I have a great library system and Interlibrary Loan has been a big help. This is the first challenge I've bought a number of books for--loaded a bunch on my e-reader since I will be on an extended trip this season.
While I do use my TBR list, it is a mess. I have several books on it that refuse to move over to the read shelf, and a number of books are hard for me to come up with. I don't have a pile of books I own that haven't been read. If I buy them, I read them immediately.
I don't read in any particular order. It mostly depends on when the book comes from the library.

[chucklesthescot]

Cait wrote: "Sheila, when you're on the updates page (your home page), there are a bunch of links under "my profile" (view my: profile, groups, comments, quotes, friend requests, etc.) In the right column dire..."

This sounds very useful! Like Sheila, I didn't even know about that. Cool!

[Rosemary]

I love the planning stage too! I have a spreadsheet with my TBR books down the left side and the tasks across the top. There are always some books that I REALLY want to read or that are book group reads, and I take care of those first.

I allocate each of my 'top' books to a task, and also find a book (or a couple of options) to fit the more difficult tasks. I enter those on my reading plan on this site. But I will leave myself with as many options as possible, because otherwise reading all the books just becomes a chore.

I colour-code books that I have read and posted, and write the points next to them so I keep track of my points. I also highlight the tasks that have been completed and (in a different colour) those where I have decided on one particular book, but not yet read it.

I try not to buy books for the challenge but I do request swaps and order books from the library, and I might buy one or two if I cannot get them that way.

[Cindy AL]

You also can get to My Writing by clicking on the tab at the top of almost any Goodreads page that says "Explore", go down the list to "Creative Writing", then on the next screen there is a direct link to "My Writing" at the top of the page, just a little to the right of center.

[Beth F]

Vicky - I just peeked at your spreadsheet and that is quite impressive!!! I love how you've set it up for tracking status.

[Heidi]

I am pretty haphazard, like I am in all my life! I go through the tasks and find books for them, but then I pick the first 2-3 books that caught my fancy and then off to the library. What is next is anyone's guess. This time I am reading a Goodreads author book that I won in one of the drawings.

I am impressed, Vicky, by your spreadsheet as well. I usually can read 5 or so books. It never ceases to amaze me that people are able to read so much and still have a full time job. I don't watch a lot of TV either, so I guess I read slow. Oh, well, I am having FUN!

My goal is a book a week and I have just finished one today and have another just about finished.

[Dee]

since there was a comment made in the completed tasks thread about finishing the challenge - thought I would bump this, if anyone has anything they would like to contribute - a strategy, maybe something you do that you think is unique!

[Kate]

I have an excel worksheet. Each of the point divisions (5, 10, 15, etc) have their own book. I like to have a lot of options for each task because I am a very moody reader. So I list pretty much any books I might be interested in read for a task. I bold the names of any goodreads authors and any books over 500 pages. After I read and complete a task I highlight the the task number and book that I choose for that task.

[Dee]

I pretty much do the same thng - but I have an addition column, that I put the points in, once I finish the task - then it gets auto added to my total at the bottom - it makes it less likely that I make a mistake. I also have a column called special requirements - where I make notes about showing cover; dice rolls etc to make sure I include them in my final post

[Katrina]

I also have that extra column of requirements, makes it easier to ensure you add the cover and mention what number dice you rolled, and any other extra things you may have to mention.

As for strategy, I am yet to actually develop a proper one. All I'd suggest is you plan both books for a 2 point task before you read the first book. Even better if you have access to the second book as well, i.e. out from the library, on your kindle, on your bookshelf. That way, you won't get to trying to read that second book and realise that you've got a holds queue or you're having difficulty choosing a book to fit the requirements.

[Kate]

The columns I have are task number, task title, task description, book title, author, pages, status (ie: library, own, kindle, etc), and complete. I am contemplating adding a new page that has all the task numbers blank and filling it in as I finish a task and having it auto add.

[Sarah]

Since this is my first challenge I can't say how I "usually" do things, but I have tried to fill all tasks with books I have on my shelves or on my wishlist (only very few of those though). I have a post in the "Reading Plan" Discussion and a spreadsheet, so far I only have the title's and whether the books in question will earn me a GRA or Big Book Ticket. I plan on adding a column for Author, Pages, "Other Requirements" and Status, however. I might also add a column for the total points earned so far, or something.

[Bea]

I am trying some new things this season.

1. I have started a Google Docs spreadsheet, mainly because when we lost power I had no access to my home computer files but was able to get internet access through the library. So...Google spreadsheet.

2. I have quit tracking pages, and I have added a "notes" column.

3. For this challenge, I have decided to not make all the choices immediately. Thus, several lines say "many options". I will choose the title I want to read when I start working on that task. I haven't decided yet how to keep track of the "many options"...do I list them separately somewhere else....or in the task itself?

[Dee]

i do identify the tasks that have more leeway (for lack of a better word) - those are typically the ones I leave until last - this time, there is 10.10. 15.10, one of my books for Cheryl's task; my task - because they are cover based, or relatively easy to fill in

[Kate]

Bea wrote: "I am trying some new things this season.

1. I have started a Google Docs spreadsheet, mainly because when we lost power I had no access to my home computer files but was able to get internet acc..."

Bea, what I do for this is create lines beneath the task description and list all the options there. That way I can have all of my options right there and it is easier to pick/keep organized.

[Bea]

Kathryn, I have decided to make the list on a separate sheet of my Google spreadsheet. My columns are: task #, options, GR author, and source of option (ie owned, TBR, etc). Prior to this, the options have been floating around on pieces of paper or piles of books!

[Kate]

Bea- one time I tried by keeping a notebook where each task had a page and then I wrote the many, MANY options on that page (at the top of each page was the task description). This was an okay method, but I prefer spreadsheets I think.

[Sarah]

Ooh, btw, as far as options go, first I wrote all tasks on the spreadsheet, task number and description. When I had them all, I worked through the list 1 by 1, trying to find a fitting book unti my list was filled. I did the options with rolling dice or flipping coins last. If I found that a book would fit two tasks, I chose that one for the task harder to find a book for and then went searching through my list again. Also, I tried to stick to books on my TBR shelf as much as possible. That way I've managed to find 47 books (for all tasks up so far), 2 of which I've already read and 3 which are on my wishlist, all others I have at home, waiting to be read.

[mstan]

My spreadsheet includes where I can get my book from (which branch of the national library, or whether I need to get it on kindle). I also try to fit my to-read books in every challenge, but I add a fair number of new to-read books as well, when looking for covers of a certain colour, titles containing certain words, etc. I enjoy that about this challenge!

I am a bit hesitant about reading very thick books (>550 pages) IF the author is new to me, I am not hankering to read the book TOO much, and I know I have a busy season ahead of me at work/ in other parts of my life. E.g. I still haven't gotten round to fitting in the Song of Ice & Fire series yet... I guess I am taking it for granted a bit also because I own it, so it's quite low in terms of to-read priority.

[Bea]

My goal is to read books from my own shelves, but I do like going to the library and browsing through all the books there. It is like a scavenger hunt for me.

Previous challenges, I have selected books for all of the tasks. The problem is that, towards the end of the challenge, I start feeling like I have to read them rather than looking forward to reading them. I also usually have read most of the library selections and so no longer have that fun.

This time, I am particularly not filling all the tasks. Hoping it gives me room to select something else later in the challenge.

[Jessica]

I use a Google docs spreadsheet for my tracking as well - I've changed it up for the upcoming challenge since I've been gone for a while and my old set-up just wasn't right anymore.

My basic template is to have the tasks on the left, with the task number and short name listed and the actual text of the task itself in a comment box. From there I track title, author, option chosen (for tasks where you get choices or flip/roll/etc. first), points earned (which runs up to a total), Goodreads author, and big book.

And because I'm even dorkier than that, I've started color-coding:

White: Read and points claimed
Yellow: Currently reading
Blue: Have hard copy
Pink: Have on audio
Purple: Have on Kindle
Gray: Only available in hard copy
Green: Available for Kindle
Orange: Available to borrow for Kindle (light orange for borrowed, dark orange for pending/on hold)

As for actually fitting books to tasks, I start with the highest-value tasks and look for homes for books I already own in some format. Then I start digging into my to-read shelf for options and look into availability. After that, I see what the gaps are and start looking farther afield - I normally consult "1001 Books to Read Before You Die," task-specific threads, and Goodreads suggestions/searches for ideas. If I don't come up with something after all that, I leave it blank and come back to it later. That said, I tend to have books that will fit multiple tasks so nothing is fixed until I actually read the book and claim the points.

Once I've slotted a book for a task, I add it to my "SRC" shelf so that I can quickly pull up everything I'm planning on reading. And then realize that there is no way that I will ever finish a challenge again - I did it once during one of the very first ones, but it's gotten so big now I can't manage it between a full-time job and an infant. But I love trying!

[Bea]

Jessica, I usually aim for at last half the points, since I have a family and a full-time job. Life, however, got in my way this past challenge.

[Dee]

yay, i'm not the only one who color codes...although I only do 3 - red for not started, yellow for in progress, green for task done

[Sarah]

So far I've got red for books I need to find somewhere, either bookshop (the probable one, I like owning books) or a library (not a huge selection of english books in this neck of the woods)

I plan on keeping books that aren't started yet in black though, yellow for ones I've started on and green for finished. I'll keep tabs on what I've earned points for by adding the points (haha) to that specific column and have one ready for tasks that might have problems crop up, so I can work those over at the end….