A year or two ago when I first found Kait Nolan she had a thing on her blog about every writer needing to read 100 books based on Heather Sellers' Chapter after Chapter.
Since reading that I made it my yearly goal to try and read 100 books. I started tracking my progress, reading 87 books in 2009 and 75 in 2010 (plus 2 I started that will get finished in 2011). Of course, I was just reading for the story not the education that Kait reflects on but that's coming. 
Then, this morning I stumbled upon Alison Kent's reading challenge (I so nicked that photo from her blog too!) and had to jump on board. Not because I necessarily need to read more but I do want to read more widely than I have the last couple years.
- 1 new-to-me author each month -- amen to that!
- 4 genres/sub-genres each month -- I'm adding to that at least one book a month must be non-fiction and/or writing related.
- 4 release years each month -- I'll double check but I don't think this will apply to me.
- 1 book from glommed author -- okay, maybe I'm living under a rock but I'm not sure what that is.
If Alison replies to my comment on her blog, or I get around to google it, I'll update this. Edit: According to Alison -- A glommed author is someone whose books you’ve bought a bunch of after reading one or two that you love. And I can't say I have any books in this category so won't apply to me. - 1 book from unfinished pile till depleted -- I only have 2, it is a rare thing indeed for me to leave a book unfinished.
- alternate male and female authors -- I'm not going to commit alternating but will say at least one male author per month.
- write a note to 1 author each month -- this is my addition via George, and while I'm not going to commit to more than 1 per month I will try for more.
12 comments:
I wasn't planning on doing any official reading challenges this year, but I'm thinking I must. Many of my blog friends are doing them, and I'm feeling like I should do something if I ever want to work on my reading list. For instance: read more banned books or classics. I tend to get stuck in a reading rut and not leave it until I find a new rut. A challenge might just be the way out...
See that's where I'm at too which is one reason why I like Alison's challenge of the 4 different genres.
I almost hate to write this. I read a book a day on average. In a whole bunch of genre's. Very few non-fiction but some writing books.
I've done this for a long time, but with no set number of each kind of book. I just try to read widely--with no prejudice to genre or literary.
Well, that's not exactly true. I am a little prejudiced about certain sub-genres I prefer not to read.
Zanna, I read a lot but I also have 4 boys to chase after, LOL. And I know I'll read more than the one book a week but anything over the challenge is bonus, free-for-all, whatever I want, because my overall aim is still for 100 books during the year.
Well, Maria, I thought I was reading fairly widely across a number of genres till I sat down and looked at what I've read over the last couple years (where I've actually recorded title, author, etc.). Sadly, not a broad as I'd like.
Some of these are met by just being in my book club. Male/Female writers, different genres. I'm hoping to add in six books this year. With the intense writing classes I'll be taking it will be a challenge. :) One of the things I've tried to do is read and review new authors. Help their careers get off the ground.
Interesting - I've never given much thought on the gender of my authors. Nor on the sub-genre, as I will read most anything, as long as it doesn't make me cry (I LOATHE clogged sinuses). I do have to admit being a bit gun shy on new authors. I don't know how many times I've been disappointed with a new person - and with money being tight, I tend to spend it on tried and true authors.
I read a lot - anywhere from 30-50+ e-books a month (depending on the size - I usually read three hours at night, so if they are novellas or shorts, I can plow through two or three in one setting)and usually around 10-15+ non-fiction (though I can't say I read them all the way through - maybe around the half way mark, as they are usually for research or improving on my craft.)
May I add to the challenge?
For each book read - WRITE to the author and let them know how much you have enjoyed their work. On the heels of that, CC a copy to their publishing company, so they know and will be more likely to publish something else by the said author.
I have done this since 2007 - and believe me, it is totally worth the time and energy spent. Nearly every author has written me back, with some good advice to me as an aspiring author...
Well, Ciara, I'm a rather emotional reader...if I'm not in the mood it just isn't gonna happen no matter how awesome the story...and previously failed miserably with book clubs. That being said I'm going to head over and check yours out. Not promising anything :)
Lovely to see you here George!
Okay, I'll admit to not writing to authors and/or publishers though whenever I've done a review I've sent the author a link. Which, when I think about it is kinda crummy of me 'cause I know I love hearing from people. So, I am going to update the challenge...at least where I'm concerned.
You made me smile, Sherri - and you have inspired me for my blog piece for tomorrow - Wednesday at www.wickedwirters.blogspot.com
Anyone reading this - just try it once. The author will respond and it makes you feel like you have just made someones day - especially if they are a newbie...
Aww...
Hopping over to The Wicked Writers
:grin:
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