The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
>
How do you work on the challenge?
message 51:
by
Jayme(theghostreader)
(new)
Nov 30, 2011 11:24AM
Okay, I start filling books for tasks as soon as the tasks are available. If I can fill it then and there I do from books I have on my tbr list. I write it down by task points and I try to put them in order. I usually doing more than one task so I try to find books I can fit into two or more challenges.
reply
|
flag
...it's gotten so big now I can't manage it between a full-time job and an infant. But I love trying! Amen to Jessica's comment! I often have high hopes of finishing at the start of every new challenge but life always manages to get in the way within the first week or two and then I just try to do my best. Between my toddler, my job, and my husband (who views me reading a book as an invitation to strike up a conversation) I just can't keep up--but I do love to try!
And I'm freshly motivated this time around and especially excited to get started because my chances are a little better this time. I had a new baby at the end of October so I'm on maternity leave until the 2nd week of January. My daughter still goes to daycare (because we have to pay for it whether we use it or not) and newborns sleep a lot, so will not having to work give me a fighting chance? Heh, we'll see. Probably not, but that isn't going to stop me from feeling hopeful. :)
Congrats on the new baby, Beth! I read a ton when my kids were babies, because there was nothing else to do while nursing.
I use color coding too, but I use the lightest shade of red background in the title square when I put the book on hold (I use a lot of library books), the next deeper shade for the title AND the author square when I actually get it home (which also goes for books I own, or beg, borrow, or--oh, wait, I haven't started stealing books yet), the third darkest shade in the author, title, and ISBN # squares when I am reading it. Then I switch to a light green when I'm finished reading if it's a one book task. If it's a multiple book task it gets shaded light blue. When the second book gets read, it becomes light green.)When I am ready to post points (usually once a week, I look for the light green squares and enter those. Once the info is entered the whole line becomes yellow.
Gayla wrote: "Congrats on the new baby, Beth! I read a ton when my kids were babies, because there was nothing else to do while nursing."Thanks. :) And yes, nursing = reading time. They complement each other perfectly!
I also have used colors in the past several challenges: purple for library books I need to get, light blue for books I am reading, aqua blue for next to read books (usually library books or the second book of a two book task) and bright yellow for finished. I am not sure that I will stick with these colors this time. Depends on the flexibility of colors for the Google spreadsheet.
Beth F. wrote: "...it's gotten so big now I can't manage it between a full-time job and an infant. But I love trying! Amen to Jessica's comment! I often have high hopes of finishing at the start of every new ch..."
You can listen to audiobooks while nursing :)
I definitely got a lot more reading done than I expected when I was home on maternity leave this summer with my daughter (she'll be 6 months next week!). Reading is a perfect "OMG she's napping and I don't dare disturb the delicate equilibrium we have established, but want to do something so I don't die of boredom" activity. Now that I'm back at work, I get some reading time in while I'm hanging out in the lactation room. Works pretty well, actually!
Mod
I keep track of what I read and what I am going to read next by a spreadsheet that tracks my pages, points, and books for the tasks. I like to put about a week of planned books in my currently reading folder to make it a little easier to organize the books once I have read them and I go there to see which one I am reading next. I also have a list on Notepad of the order I would like to go in. I do not have much of a system in choosing what to read next. It depends on my mood, which book I just can't wait to get to, what I have available from the library and if its weekday or weekend. I generally only listen to books during the week at work and then read books on the weekend. I also tend to read 3-5 books at once until one gets me going enough to where I cannot put it down.
Love reading how everybody handles this.This is my 10th challenge (can't believe it!) and I have never come close to finishing one. Partially this is because I'm busy with writing a dissertation and soon to be even busier with a new baby, and partially it's because I choose books I want to read and those books aren't always conducive to finishing the challenge. For instance, I have no problem reading a long book that fits a task even though I know that means I won't have time to finish the whole challenge.
I have a running "Books to Read" Word document on my computer, so for the first few challenges I would go through that document and plug in books from my list that fit various challenges. Then I would fill in the blanks with books I researched online. Sometimes I would steal ideas from other group members' lists, sometimes I would just do the research myself. I realized after a few challenges that there was no way I would ever get through the whole thing (at least, not in this period of my life) so now I no longer research to fill in my whole list. I just list the books I want to read next to the challenge that they fit and try to get through as many of those as I can.
Lately I've gotten really lazy about it and have just started reading whatever I feel like reading at the moment and then finding a place to plug it into the challenge after I've finished it. The tasks are so varied and there are so many of them that I have yet to read a book that I couldn't find a place for on the challenge. Now the main thing I use the challenge list for is to pick what I'm going to read next if I have several options and can't decide (in that case I'll read the one that earns the most points or that I need as a partner book for a 2-book challenge) or if I have no idea what I want to read next (which rarely happens).
As for how I keep track, it's definitely not an elegant system. I have a Word document that I paste the tasks into. Under each task I list the book and author that fit it in all caps. Once I have finished reading the book I add the total number of pages in the book next to the author's name. Once I go through and report tasks I cross them out on the list. I keep track of Big Book Tickets, Goodreads Author Tickets, and total pages read by keeping a running tally at the bottom of each thread I post to the Completed Tasks thread. I simply look up the last thread I posted, copy and paste the running totals and then post the new tasks I have completed.
On the Word document I also put a star next to books that are available at the local library and an arrow next to books I already have at my house. I never buy a book specifically for the challenge since I have dozens of books at home I haven't read yet (my husband and I combined our books when we moved in together and I haven't read half of the things he brought to our marriage) and a good public library nearby.
WOW!!! Fall 2012 was my first challenge and I must say that I learned a few things that I hope NOT to do in the upcoming challenge. I came into this challenge not really knowing how to do things and didn't really know what to expect. I got a little bit frustrated but overall had fun.In general, I am not a planner of books for my challenges. I usually just read and if the book fits a challenge I slot it in. BUT I pre-planned my books for this one and I followed my plans a little bit but definitely not as much as I should have. LOL I found myself taking books off my list,adding different ones, going back and picking different task options etc etc. Hopefully this time I won't do that as it wastes my precious reading time LOL
I usually read more than one book at a time. Sometimes I have 7 or 8 books on the GO. I am a mood reader and if the book I am reading doesn't suit my mood I will start another one. I NEED TO STOP THAT!!!!!! This last couple of weeks of the challenge, I had several books that I read about half way through and never finished along with 2 or 3 I HAD to start & finish. I was beginning to feel the pressure of getting done with all those half read books LOL On one hand, maybe that was good as I was able to get through the books quickly so I could finish the challenge. But on the other hand, if I would have finished them when I started them, I may have been able to finish the challenge sooner and wouldn't have felt so pressed for time.
On the tasks that require reading more than one book, I found that I would read one book and then read a book for a different task. During this next challenge, if I start a 2 or more book task I want to finish that task before starting a new task.
As far as keeping track of what I read/posted I had a fairly simple system. I have a private group here on GR that I keep up with all my challenges in. In one folder/topic I had my reading plans for each task which you can see here Robin's Reading Plans. On my reading plans I put all pertinent info that I need for that task. I also made it a habit to include covers regardless of whether I need the cover or not for that task. I have another folder/topic for my posting records. I used a basic format for posting which was this:
Readerboard Name: ♥Robin ♥
Points Earned This Task:
Points Achieved to Date: 0/1110
Goodreads Authors:
Big Book Tickets:
500+ (0)
750+ (0)
1000+ (0)
Once I complete a task,I copy and paste that format into a new post in my posting records, then copy and paste the completed task from my reading plans into that formatted post. I then fill in the the points earned for that task, total points, GRAs and BBs because the previous post in my records has probably already cleared or should be pretty accurate ☺ Then I copy and paste into the SRC thread. I know it seems like a lot but it really isn't. Initially, it's a little bit of work making the reading plans but once the challenge starts, the plans are made and it's really quick and easy just to copy and paste ☺
On my reading plans I would list the day I posted,what page # and what post #.
✔5.1 I Did It! Posted on 9/6/2012 Page 3 Post # 102
1.Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas: Further, Further Confessions of Georgia Nicolson
On my posting records I would put the day I posted and a link to the post. I also go back and add when I see that the post has cleared.
Readerboard Name: ♥Robin ♥
15.6 - Chasin' Those Clouds Away-Clouds on cover
A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee
Approval Post # 39
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer Claiming GRA Ticket
Points Earned This Task: 15
Points Achieved to Date: 15/1110
Goodreads Authors to Date: 1
Big Book Tickets to Date:
500+ (0)
750+ (0)
1000+ (0)
Posted to thread: 9/5/2012-Cleared as of 9/7
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
I've already started planning my books for Winter 2012. I don't use a spread sheet or any type of color coding. I read the task and then look at my TBR for books that will fit. For this next challenge, I am trying to use books that I own,have on kindle,books without a hold list at the library or ebooks that I can download from the library. I don't buy books specifically for challenges as that could get very expensive.
It's interesting to see all the different methods that each of us use to keep track of things. I wish you all the best of luck in developing a tracking method that works for you and GOOD LUCK IN THE UPCOMING CHALLENGE. I am off to finish my planning LOL ☺☺☺☺
I used to always use a spreadsheet to keep track but recently have started my own private goodreads group to keep track of my different challenges. Here is an example of what it looks like.■✔20.1 - Most Improved Player - Putterpal's Task: There's a 1st Time for Everything (Debut Novel)
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
☐✔20.2 - Rookie at the Top - Janet F's Task: Rookie It’s Snow Joke, “Winter’s Cool”!
Option 5. Read a book with the word ‘snow’ in the title. - Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
25.1 - Laurie ME's Task - A Tribute to the Women in my Life
4. My middle sister: Jill:(Romance) - Lightning by Danielle Steel
➜6. Me, Laurie: (mystery) - Cross by James Patterson
20.1 has been posted and credited. 20.2 has been pssted but not credited yet. 25.1 I've finised book 2 but not book one yet. I also keep track of post #'s and totals like this.
Posted Books
Post 15--- Points 25--- Point Total 25--- 5.1, 20.10
Post 40--- Points 15--- Point Total 40--- 5.2, 10.3
Post 60--- Points 10--- Point Total 50--- 5.4, 5.5
Post 65--- Points 10--- Point Total 60--- 10.2
Post 91--- Points 10--- Point Total 70--- 5.9, 5.10
Post 118--- Points 20--- Point Total 90--- 10.5, 10.10
Post 143--- Points 35--- Point Total 125--- 15.8, 20.4
It really helps to have a plan, especially now that I am doing several other challenges it is my goal to be able to use the same book in several different challenges. Of course the reading itself is the best thing.
I try fit a book into more than one challenge.
Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I try fit a book into more than one challenge."LOL I do that too especially since I have about 40 or more challenges going all the time...they are just so addictive ☺ Kind of like Lay's Potato Chips...you can't just join one LOL
♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I try fit a book into more than one challenge."LOL I do that too especially since I have about 40 or more challenges going all the time...they are just so addictiv..."
Hey Robin! *waves* Same boat as you, lol. The worst is to juggle the books between all those challenges. I don't like pre-planning my books either, but since joining the SRC I've become more of a planner. The SRC books are my master list, and as much as I can I shoehorn those books into my other challenges. And to keep track of all that I have a secret group. I waste a lot of time planning and still it's like putting a square peg in a round hole, lol.
This is my 4th SRC challenge and I've finished early in the first three...not sure how I'll do this time since there's more books required than ever and I didn't get as many books read over the holidays as I expected to. I think I would go out of my mind if I tried to do any more of them, so hats off to those of you with the bandwidth to manage multiple challenges. I use a Google Docs spreadsheet to track everything. Until about the last month of the challenge, I don't plan in advance what I'm going to read, but just fit what's on my reading list into the various tasks until I get down to the books that I would not be reading except for the challenge. This often means that I move books around a lot to make them fit, but my spreadsheet tracks all of the books that qualify for a task so it's easy to move them around when necessary.
I generally try to post the first 10 together (because it takes a while to finalize the tasks so I can figure out the best fit for some books) and then after that, post 5 at a time, unless it's right before a deadline, when I post everything as I finish it because we all know things that can go wrong.
In terms of tracking my TBR, I maintain lists in several places: the TBR list on Goodreads, e-library wish list, and my Bookswim queue. I usually have 30-35 books on my shelves at any given time, from two libraries, Bookswim, and my library's e-library. I have purchased less than 10 books in the past year, of the over 325 I've read, and plan to keep it that way. I read mostly brand new books published in the last year, so when I see a new book I want to read, I put it in my Bookswim queue/request it at the local library/put it on the e-library wish list and then just read them according to my mood and due date once they're available. My library leases books that are brand new -- they're not part of the permanent collection and can only be checked out once without renewal -- so I read those first (as well as the one-time e-book checkouts for hard to get books) and fill in the others as I can.
Then when I get close to the end, I start placing holds on all the books I need to fill in from my local library. If all else fails, I'll re-read one from my personal bookshelf, but prefer to be reading new books for the challenges if at all possible. (I only own a few books that I haven't read since I made a conscious decision about 18 months ago to only own extraordinary books. I have too little space and money to buy books to support my reading habit (and the environment is also a consideration), so I'd rather rent them through Bookswim or check them out from my local library, which has a surprisingly good selection.)
I love how the SRC has focused my reading habit and given me something new to obsess about!
I joined in Fall 2009 so this is my *counting on fingers* my 10th SRc challenge. :)
Chaitra wrote: "♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I try fit a book into more than one challenge."LOL I do that too especially since I have about 40 or more challenges going all the time...they are..."
** waves back at Chaitra** ☺ LMBO You sound just like me!!!! I use the SRC planning as my master list for all my other challenges. It doesn't matter how much I plan though, it always seems like I start moving books around here there and every where.I could plan until doomsday and still figure out a way to not stick by it LOLOL I must admit, I got the secret group idea from Barbara★ and when I saw how organized hers was I was like "WOW" this really could make my life easier by having them all in one place. And it does....if I would keep the Quantity of challenges lower, but that's not going to happen :D
This is my first challenge (winter 2012) and since I've found it incredibly daunting, i thought i might post how i've tackled it to give some tips to other newbies.First off despite doing everything else in my life on computer for this I didn't, i printed the tasks out on paper (16 pages) and stapled them together. Then i got a pencil and wrote down next to each task book ideas. As i completed each task i highlighted it, as i completed a page I'd cross the page. On the blank back of the pages i have the list of books i have read, details of my postings and totals and lots of other scribble. It allows me to sit in front of the tv with my ipad and my list and casually search for books, the task list also easilly comes with me to the library. The biggest bonus though is that as my list generally lives on the coffee table other people see it, discuss it and become involved which is lovely.
I didn't do a lot of preplanning, i took it week by week, adding more book ideas as i went and got ideas off what other people were reading but religiously reading all the posts and error posts. The tasks that had fairly narrow scope ie. specific club reads or books with themes i decided on those fairly early, allowing myself time to beg/borrow/buy the specific book. For the rest i focused on my "to read list" or just waited till i was inspired.
For the particularly long, dull or challenging books, i found that if i made the effort to read just 30 pages of them every few days it really helped to get into them and get through them.
Overall i've loved doing this challenge. Not only has it dramatically increased the number of books i read (1 per week to more than 7!) but it has pushed me outside my comfort zone of styles, genres and authors, and finding books with birds on the front or pink words is fun and has become a hobby within a hobby!.
Mod
These are really good tips, Nikki.
A couple other things I've learned - maybe others are already doing this, but it took me a couple times around to realize these things!
When I start looking at any lists to find books for a task, I write down the necessary info right then. I didn't at first, and then, when I'd have to go back to the list to verify that a book I thought was on the list really was there, it would be just my luck to hit GR on one of its really bad days, or to have had the list change. I finally caught on that I should add this info to my spreadsheet, instead of going back again and again............. So, I added pages to my spreadsheet for each point category, and when I go through any lists to find books, I add the info to my spreadsheet right then - which task, date I looked, page and # on the list, anything else required for the task. Don't have to make a decision right away (and in fact I rarely do), but now I've got a solid list of potentials and don't have to revisit the list. When I'm ready to pick a book, I've got a good list and if I don't feel like reading any of them, I can always go back to the list if necessary.
I do the same thing with words in a title or an author name, only I work on this via my library website. Fortunately, we have a good library website, so I can put in a word and click on author or title, and bring up a list of books that fit. Usually, the list is too broad (I haven't figured out why some books show up that don't seem to fit at all!), but then I can go through the list looking for anything that sounds interesting. My library has a "my list" function, so I can just click a box and add the book to my "SRC possibles" list on the library website, but if it looks really promising, I'll add it to my spreadsheet as well. Big advantage to this approach is that I know I can get the book through my library! And, by doing this sort of search, I run across books that I never would have seen otherwise. I like the serendipity of trying books that I would otherwise never have read - true, sometimes I wind up with a string of 2* books, but I've also found some real gems that way.
I also keep a paper copy of the tasks as well as a copy on my computer. The paper copy comes in particularly handy in the seasons when I'm the "readerboard mod" since switching around on GR can be a massive PITA! But it also helps me personally, because before I click "post" on my completed tasks, I read through the task description one more time to make sure everything required is included in my post.
I update my tbr list every new challange and hope I had some to cross off. I reorganized my tBR list and instead of typing it in Word. I typed it in Excel so it looks more organized. I used to just type the series name of all my books but then I didn't remember what the titles were. So when I redid it. I had one column for title of the book and one colum for title of the series and I typed them in the order of the series. There are a few excceptions. So my current TBR list has 206 titles that I own and have not read. As for the challenge, I write out the tasks in a notebook and pen and I search for my book then and make sure I write down what requirements it fits for the task when I write them down on the beginning of each challenge. I am in 3-4 challenges a season so any books I can fit into more than one challenge is a plus. I write out the task for each challenge and label which challenge it is, SRC Wintero 2012/2013 for example. I usually don't deviate from the list too much.
I am in the Reading With Style challenge so I can do those tasks more than once. It is nice.
By the time I am done, I usued have written out about 3-4 pages for the SRC challenge, 2 pages for the RWS challenge and I am also in the Historical Fictionistas challenge. I usually do about 10 tasks a challenge and read about 10-15 books for the SRC challenge. 12 books is about normal. I usually don't finish any of the challenges. I usually range from about 125-250 points per challenge.
I keep a list (on goodreads of course) of all the books I want to read that year (to read 2013) and find books from that list for each task or I use a book that I've already chosen (or added) for another challenge. Once I've added a book to an SRC task, I create a shelf for each season and include that book on the shelf so I can search if needed.Once I've chosen all my books for SRC, I then work on completing my other monthly challenges using the books I've specifically chosen for SRC therefore fulfilling more than one at a time.
I keep each seasons SRC tasks and books in an excel spreasheet for ease of use and point calculation; highlighting each book as it's read. So far this system works pretty good. I almost finished my first time (fall 2012) but winter 2012-2013 is not looking so great.
I have a TBR list on goodreads too. That one has more recent books added that I don't own. I also use my SRC challenge books as my master list and then plug those books into other challenges. I do have a few added that are not on the SRC challenge.
I've been doing this challenge a couple of years. At first, I found books to fit each task, but then I realized I was reading books I didn't want to read! So, now I just read what I want and find a task to fit. I can only recall one book that didn't fit any of the tasks at hand, and truly I probably could have rearranged something to make it fit.I am amazed at those who are able to finish. With a full time job, two kids, and a need to sleep, there is no way I can read 80+ books in 3 months!
I haven't had too much luck in randomly selecting books to fit the tasks as I go. I keep ending up on the wall of shame! This time around I have a spreadsheet of the tasks and the books from my TBRs (yes, that's plural - I have one on GR and at each of my public library locations) that will fit the requirements. I'm hoping that will work out better and shrink my TBRs significantly.
Marty wrote: "I haven't had too much luck in randomly selecting books to fit the tasks as I go. I keep ending up on the wall of shame! This time around I have a spreadsheet of the tasks and the books from my T..."I don't have any luck with just randomly reading books and slotting them either. I have to plan them ahead of time. Glad to know you have multiple TBRs too :) I have one on my computer that dates back to several years ago that I may not even be able to find the books on that list anymore...eek!!! I also I have a spiral bound notebook from back in the day when we used pen and paper to make lists LOL and of course I have the one on GR as well as at each one of my library locations. I'll never get all those books read but at least I have options!
I pick books to fit the tasks, then read them in whatever order I feel like. Sometimes if a book is awful I'll read a few chapters, put it down, read something else, then switch back--so I'll have more than one book going at the same time. I have a massive pile from the library on my bedroom floor right now, and the ones I'm most interested in reading beside me on the bed. It tends to slow me down a bit towards the end, since I'm slightly less enthusiastic about the ones towards the bottom of the piles, but I know myself well enough that I can generally pick books I enjoy. Even if I don't like a particular book, I'm stubborn enough to slog through it until the end!
Ms Anderson wrote: "Even if I don't like a particular book, I'm stubborn enough to slog through it until the end!"That is so like me!
I plan my books for the tasks. In fact, that is part of the fun of the challenges for me - doing the hunt for the book I would like to read for the task. However, when I start reading other factors come into play - library book coming due, book I need for some other challenge, (later) book I started earlier in challenge and am determined to finish and second book of two book task.
I usually have several books going at one time. Right now I am reading 4: one is 609 pages but easy read. I have limited myself to 50 pages a day to get it done as I have checked it out several times and never got to it. Due next week. Book one of 30.1, so it creates the need to read another book.
Another is a translated book that I started last season. No longer applicable for SRC but reading it for another challenge. This one I read on the treadmill as it is a slow read and I don't really like it.
A third book is for a 10 book challenge and is book one for that group. It also fits 15.10 for SRC. Barely started this one.
The fourth book that I have going is an ebook and has to be read on my computer. I read it in the early morning and in the evening, a couple of chapters at a time. It is for 15.1 and will also create another book to read next (book two of the task).
Finally, I have another library book to read this weekend as it is due next week. I have reached the limits on checkouts and so am pushed to get it read. Hopefully it will be a fast read.
Mod
I'm so happy there are others like me who persist with a bad book! I've heard so many times that I'm an idiot or a sucker for punishment that I feel so guilty when I keep at a book! But I still do, lol. I also have multiple books going at a time, and I feel I can always handle a bad book when I read it in small doses in between other books I enjoy. Alright, most of the time it's not really worth the effort, but a few times a book proves me wrong. I hated The Song of Achilles & How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe to begin with, but they were both 4 starrers by the time I finished. Every time that happens I feel vindicated, and I read more bad books, lol. I also plan my books for the tasks. I'm also in a million other challenges in some other groups, so I try to work in books that work for those as well. Then there are library holds that become available randomly and ARCs that I indiscriminately request thinking I won't get it. Most of the times I can get away with very minimal adjustments here and there, and I almost always read books out of my TBR. Only for tasks that require non fiction books do I have to go out of my way to find something, but I make sure that too is something that I really want to read...
Chaitra wrote: "I'm so happy there are others like me who persist with a bad book! I've heard so many times that I'm an idiot or a sucker for punishment that I feel so guilty when I keep at a book! But I still do,..."I too have trouble setting a book aside and not finishing it. I trace it back to an elementary school librarian who drilled it into our heads that if we checked out a book we had to read all of it. I can think of only a handful of books in my 70 years that I haven't finished.
The flip side of that is that we always had to do book reports on everything we read. I hate writing book reports and often don't even note that I've read a book on GR, as easy as it is.
I must admit that finding books for the challenge that I enjoy reading is pretty easy usually. I regularly read a wide range of genres so I know I'll enjoy almost anything. The toughest ones for me are the ones asking for TBR (I don't keep a list) and ones needing specific cover items.
If I really don't like the book, I will abandon it after the first 50-100 pages.
I give myself 3 chapters. If I hate it within 3 chapters, it's gone. But I very rarely develop such animosity so early. That's when I call them the sneaky authors, the ones who don't get to me until the middle of the book....
This is the first challenge I've been in from the start so I'm still working out what works best but at the moment I'm having a look at the tasks and working out what stands out as things I can do off the top of my head. I then read those books and any others I would have read anyway and see where they fit in. Some do, some don't. As I'm getting further through the list, I'm starting to search out books that fit the criteria.
Claire wrote: "This is the first challenge I've been in from the start so I'm still working out what works best but at the moment I'm having a look at the tasks and working out what stands out as things I can do ..."**waves** Hi Claire :) It's good to see you here as well as seeing you over there ---> LOL I hope you have lots of fun here!!!!
I have to admit after doing the challenge for like 10 seasons now, i'm probably less organized now, then I was at the beginning...when I started, I had the list of tasks printed off, books written in etc...now I more go with the flow - find a book that fits a task (or my typical multiple books at one time) and read them...try to alternate between a harder task/less liked one (yes, i'm looking at you sandy), with an easier oneI also tend to leave the more open ones (shelved by genres etc) towards the end because I have an easier time of fitting those in
♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Claire wrote: "This is the first challenge I've been in from the start so I'm still working out what works best but at the moment I'm having a look at the tasks and working out what stands out as t..."Hi Robin! *waves back* I missed out on the Summer one because of my dissertation but I'm back again for the Fall one :)
that's why I took a session off...it was interferring with my reading!
Mod
that's why it's called a "challenge," Dee, instead of "Read a bunch of books that you planned to read anyway."
lol ;) i'm just joking - actually i'm going to have your task done in the next week or so - had to do a switch and ended up listening to a book for yours that I hadn't planned on
Dee wrote: "lol ;) i'm just joking - actually i'm going to have your task done in the next week or so - had to do a switch and ended up listening to a book for yours that I hadn't planned on"LOL at least you get the harder/less liked ones done early instead of procrastinating like me :( I always skip the tasks I don't like UNTIL a book comes along that just happens to fit. But I plan all the other books ahead of time. Sometimes I play switch-a-roo if something better than what I have planned comes along.
Claire wrote: "♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Claire wrote: "This is the first challenge I've been in from the start so I'm still working out what works best but at the moment I'm having a look at the tasks and working out wha..."Yes you worked long and hard on that dissertation and I am surprised at how much you read with us in the other group :)
I used to do the harder tasks/ ones I didn't like first, but that just made me procrastinate and then I wasn't reading. So now I am trying to read in whatever order I want and not care about the point values or if it is a two book task, etc.
♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Claire wrote: "♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Claire wrote: "This is the first challenge I've been in from the start so I'm still working out what works best but at the moment I'm having a look at the tasks and ..."Thanks :) Reading fiction books kept me sane!
oh last season's,Sandy's task for as much as it interested me = was like one of the last ones I finished...because I kept changing my mind
Kathryn CA wrote: "I used to do the harder tasks/ ones I didn't like first, but that just made me procrastinate and then I wasn't reading. So now I am trying to read in whatever order I want and not care about the po..."That's why I avoid the tasks I don't like. I am approaching it like that too Kathryn. I love to read and I don't want to procrastinate and stop reading. I do all these challenges for fun so I basically just read what I like and see how many of those I can get done in a season :) Too many good books to read the ones I know I won't like LOL Don't have enough time now to read the ones I want to read much less waste time on the ones I don't want to read.
Claire wrote: "♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Claire wrote: "♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Claire wrote: "This is the first challenge I've been in from the start so I'm still working out what works best but at the moment I'm having a look ..."LOL I can only imagine as you were a busy little bee...in the lab,writing up reports and all that other good stuff you told us about :)Although I remember you saying you would rather be in the lab than doing all the other dreaded stuff :)
Dee wrote: "oh last season's,Sandy's task for as much as it interested me = was like one of the last ones I finished...because I kept changing my mind"We are female and we have the right to be indecisive and change our minds as much as we want too!!!!
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Seven Perfect Things (other topics)State of the Union (other topics)
All Fall Down (other topics)
Terminal City (other topics)
A Christmas Carol (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Catherine Ryan Hyde (other topics)Brad Thor (other topics)
Erica Spindler (other topics)
Linda Fairstein (other topics)
Charles Dickens (other topics)
More...
