This slump lasted 4 months this time last year and I will not let that happen again. Am I really going to write myself a post to coax myself out of a reading slump? Why, yes. Yes I am.
1. HIDE ALL TBRs.
Let's be honest. When you're in a reading slump, there is nothing worse than staring at the mountain of books you have to get through. The longer I stare at the them, the deeper I get into my slump. Put them away, they'll still be there if, and when you need them.
2. DO NOT FORCE YOURSELF.
As blogging and YouTubing is my job now, it's very tempting to force myself into reading books to ensure I have new books to talk and type about. Another honest moment. If you're not into reading a book, your writing about it probably won't be the best. I usually force myself to read in a slump and not only is the experience awful for me, but my reviews aren't anyway near up to scratch as they usually are.
3. GO TO LIBRARIES.
You do not have to read. Just wander around. Looking at books that you have no obligation to read is really refreshing. Your TBR pile seems insignificant next to the thousands of books you've not read in a library. I usually find myself steering towards a few books during this time, and newfound motivation to read them.
4. REREAD.
I haven't been able to read any books I've not read, but throw me an old favourite and I'll devour it in a few hours. The familiarity of the words, the characters, the world, will hopefully spark your love of reading again. And if it doesn't, who cares? You just got to read your favourite book again.
5. TALK TO BLOGGERS.
Now this seems like an obvious one, but I can not tell you how much it helps. A fellow bookworm may suggest a book they're loving. They may tell you they're in a reading slump too and suggest buddy reading. They could just offer you advice, like this blog post. Either way, talking makes you feel less alone, in anything.
Never feel bad for not being able to finish, or even start a book. Sometimes your brain needs a break and that's okay. If you're struggling with content for your blog due to lack of reading, try doing some book tags, advice/tips, interviews, or lists of your favourite books - I know I'll be doing this until I can get myself out of this slump.
You know what they say. A new year, a new reading slump...right?
Rereading is the sure fire way for me to get out of a reading slump... Reading a tried & true favourite is such a comfort; you can't help but enjoy yourself and the experience of reading.
ReplyDelete