In A Reading Rut? What to do?

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

There is nothing worse,then being in a reading rut.
I now feel for those authors who get "writer's block"
How does this all of a sudden take hold of you? You pick up a book..yes looks good..your getting into it..this is good,then when you go to pick it up to read again, you not only cant remember what you read (so you backtrack here)but you just cant get into it now..what happened? Ok,so you check out a few reviews(thinking cant just be me) but lo and behold rave reviews 4 & 5 stars! Iv'e even tried to cover my eyes and just grab the first book off the shelf,nope that dosent work..I get into a "ahh..I dont feel like this one *sigh* What to do? what works for you when you hit that "slump"? Read something way off your normal read? Love to hear what works for you or some good tips.Being "disconnected" from the thing I love the most to do..is like going threw some sort of withdrawal :(

[Misfit]

Sandi, we all have them on occasion. The worst rut for me was a few years ago when I was housebound for three weeks. Books were starting to fly left and right. I finally picked up old favorites and did some rereading. That did the trick for me.

[Mermarie]

I'm with Misfit there, sometimes re-reading a beloved book can set the tempo for you, and also--I think sometimes we go reading sprees, and we may not entirely enjoy the work, as it should be --in a certain relaxed pace to soak up the message/loveliness itself. I haven't read much this entire week, because I was afraid of being busy RL would cause me to not appreciate the message it conveys, and I'd scramble blindly through it. I even picked up an oldie too, just to scan through some familiar story and content myself that way. Infact, I'm not always open to new things--at times, I want familiarity, and can't be bothered with being introduced to something new. It's like your best slippers, or jeans. :) Comfortable, appeasing and fits just right.

You'll come out of it soon, don't frustrate yourself with rushing through anything-- it's your pleasure you're after! ;D

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Misfit wrote: "Sandi, we all have them on occasion. The worst rut for me was a few years ago when I was housebound for three weeks. Books were starting to fly left and right. I finally picked up old favorites and..."

Im trying that Misfit,and that seems to be worse! Im trying to get into the Outlander series (re-read) and the "love" is not happening, so Im trying others and they dont work..I feel like my books have abandoned me :( Is my taste changing? Have I read too much of one thing?

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Mermarie wrote: "I'm with Misfit there, sometimes re-reading a beloved book can set the tempo for you, and also--I think sometimes we go reading sprees, and we may not entirely enjoy the work, as it should be --in ..."

It's VERY frustrating! :( and disappointing

[Rebecca]

One trick I've found to break the rut is to switch genres -- if I've been reading too much HF, I'll switch to a mystery or some nonfiction, to give an example. And as Misfit suggested, old favourites work well too. I have to keep reminding myself that I read for fun, not to make a number for the year of books read.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Rebecca wrote: "One trick I've found to break the rut is to switch genres -- if I've been reading too much HF, I'll switch to a mystery or some nonfiction, to give an example. And as Misfit suggested, old favourit..."

Thanks Rebecca,didnt think of a mystery...maybe a humourous romance? To lift the spirits?

[Rebecca]

Exactly. Terry Pratchett works really well too. His Discworld novels can give quite a few bellylaughs. But do something to make yourself laugh, you'll certainly feel better.

[Mermarie]

Last week I finished reading a book on Chopin, so yes--switching genres can misdirect a certain temperament a specific genre has you in. Reading can be an emotional experience(If it's good enough), and sometimes those bad vibes can leak over, even when you've closed the book!

[Carolyn F.]

Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "Misfit wrote: "Sandi, we all have them on occasion. The worst rut for me was a few years ago when I was housebound for three weeks. Books were starting to fly left and right. I finally picked up ol..."

Oh my gosh, I read what Sandi wrote, then responded then went back up to read more and someone wrote the exact same thing! Like minds!
I'll switch genres to something totally different. I'm reading a HR, getting bored, turn to sci-fi, even a short story so you can break it up. Sometimes just reading something you normally wouldn't does the trick.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Kerrie wrote: "If I pick up 3-4 books and just can't get into any of them, I simply stop and not read. I have enough hobbies (knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting) so I'll work on one of those for 1-2 weeks and..."

Hmmm..maybe that's what did it Kerrie,Im a "one" person book reader and I have been trying to read at least 3 at once..brain overload? :/

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Carolyn F. wrote: "Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "Misfit wrote: "Sandi, we all have them on occasion. The worst rut for me was a few years ago when I was housebound for three weeks. Books were starting to fly lef..."

@ Carolyn Maybe the "short story" AND a different genre would help,as Ive been doing "big" books and they start out great but a 1/3 in it's lost me or Iv'e lost interest and I dont think its the book just my lack of holding the story in. Fantasy/Sci-fi..havent been there for awhile maybe III try that.

[[deleted user]]

Sandi, grab the skeeviest-looking plantation porn you have. Maybe it'll shock you out of your reading slump. :D

[Misfit]

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "Sandi, grab the skeeviest-looking plantation porn you have. Maybe it'll shock you out of your reading slump. :D"

Can we find her one of those Alan Savage ones?

Kerrie wrote: "If I pick up 3-4 books and just can't get into any of them, I simply stop and not read. I have enough hobbies (knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting) so I'll work on one of those for 1-2 weeks and..."

There's always housework :D

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

I have tried 5 books this weekend and cant get into ANY of them! I just dont get it,its never been this bad...housework? I live alone..not much to mess up..where is my messy pick up after..clean up dishes ect.. daughter when I need her? *sigh*

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "Sandi, grab the skeeviest-looking plantation porn you have. Maybe it'll shock you out of your reading slump. :D"

I sure need something to shock me..maybe after FSOG Im still in shock..you think? I need more entertainment perhaps? Alas..no Alan Savage books :(

[[deleted user]]

Sit and stare at a blank wall for an hour with no interruption. You'll be dying to read something - anything - after that. LOL

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "Sit and stare at a blank wall for an hour with no interruption. You'll be dying to read something - anything - after that. LOL"

Tried that,but as I sat there I was thinking about what to read. :(

[[deleted user]]

I vote for "Lost Cause." :P You're going to have to sweat it out and get rid of that bad book fever, I'm afraid.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "I vote for "Lost Cause." :P You're going to have to sweat it out and get rid of that bad book fever, I'm afraid."

I even went out to the UBS today,to find some old "Harleys" thought if I went back in time it might help to get back into "today's" read..heck no one has them anymore..shot that idea to hell.

[Mermarie]

We should make emergency stashes, for extremely bored times, and care-packages for fellow BR who need a pick-me-up. :O Like a secret book we don't discuss on the board(too controversial or overly sugary), and use it for a trump card. ;D

Also, maybe you need a quick fix, instead of a full novel. We should make a list of the very best novellas available.

[Willow]

You should go pick up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I see it on your list. The book takes a couple of chapters to get into, but then once you do, you can't set the stupid book down. I really enjoyed reading it too, because it was so different from my usual books. I never read contempary mysteries.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Willowfaerie wrote: "You should go pick up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I see it on your list. The book takes a couple of chapters to get into, but then once you do, you can't set the stupid book down. I really ..."

I tried a few times just couldnt get into it,found too much going on and was confusing..will try later :(

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

I even bought 2 books today,just dont feel like reading them..loved the covers,at least that hasnt gone :)

[Willow]

Well, yeah, it does start out pretty dry. When I read that first chapter and they were talking about financal fraud, I was like, OMG, I don't want to read that. *yawn* LOL
It does get much better though, if you decide to try again. :(

You might want to pick up an easy read like YA. :D

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Willowfaerie wrote: "Well, yeah, it does start out pretty dry. When I read that first chapter and they were talking about financal fraud, I was like, OMG, I don't want to read that. *yawn* LOL
It does get much bette..."

You know..that's not a bad idea..easy on the brain,and III need something "adult" after that:D

[Mermarie]

I even resort to reading old regencies, like Barbara Cartland. :D One of my favorites!

The Wicked Marquis

[[deleted user]]

I have an idea. Give that "Fifty Shades" another try. ;)

[Mermarie]

I haven't found anywhere to steal it yet, but I will soon. XD LOL

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "I have an idea. Give that "Fifty Shades" another try. ;)"

Ummm..I think not,Im not quite THAT desperate for reading material..III read Archie comic books before I do that.

[Vivian]

Eavesdropping for clues, 'cause I'm in the same boat. I just can't get into my books. Tried the old favorite and cleaning--I wiped down the entire bathroom from ceiling to floors with bleach. When I go Lady Macbeth it is not good.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Vivian wrote: "Eavesdropping for clues, 'cause I'm in the same boat. I just can't get into my books. Tried the old favorite and cleaning--I wiped down the entire bathroom from ceiling to floors with bleach. When ..."

Im still in it,just cant get into anything, so if you figure out something let me know Vivian :(

[Mermarie]

The day I get tired of reading romance, I suppose I'll work on my own romantic life. LOLOL

[[deleted user]]

Start writing your own. Then you'll get bored with it or tired of the hard work and want something easy like reading someone else's labor. :D