Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Happy New Year!
I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store, especially in the book department. But I’m also dreading the new year because I have an unusual reading challenge for 2023. As in the past, it’s a two part challenge.
1. I will only read 36 novels for pleasure this year.*
2. I will only read books I already own.
*Because of my job in publishing, I have to stay on top of trends and it’s always important to continually develop your skills, so I read writing and editing books, as well as books to help me in my speaking/teaching gigs. I also judge contests and help authors promote books, so there are times when I read novels for other reasons. That’s why the challenge only relates to the for pleasure reading, as that’s really the time sucker.
I won’t lie–I’m panicking about only reading books that I already own. I don’t want to stop buying books, but I also need to exercise some self-control and work through what I already have. Maybe after I read my 36 books I’ll let myself buy some new ones. We’ll see.
I’m limiting my reading this year for two reasons.
- I need to watch my spending.
- I need to spend more time writing.
Did you know that I have three unfinished manuscripts on my computer? It’s not that I’m not writing, it’s that I’m not finishing what I start, and you can’t publish what you don’t finish. And a BIG reason why I haven’t finished anything is because I’m always reading (or playing Candy Crush Saga, but that’s for another day).
There you have it–my reading goals/limits for the year.
What are your reading plans for 2023?
I am planning to do a few small reading challenges, but I am also focusing on reading what I own or reading what is already on my backlist (by checking books out of the library). I also need to cut down on spending money on books, but I also need to cut down on ARCs, which is hard. It will be good to practice shelf-control, LOL! Good luck with your goals!!!
I’m doing the same thing with ARCs. It’s so much harder than I thought it would be!