Our Masterpieces...Err, Our Novels

Thursday, October 6, 2011

A Read Here, A Read There


Reading Song of the Day: "Soul to Squeeze" by Red Hot Chili Peppers


If only we could have more than twenty-four hours in a day, right?? Especially for those of us who just want to sit around and keep our noses buried in a book. And yes, me and Pam belong to that nerdy club. If we had our way we'd spend the day (an extended day, of course) reading, writing, watching TV, eating everything that's delicious without gaining a pound, and listening to perfect music. Alas, the world's not perfect, so our lives consist of work, a deranged puppy (seriously, he's possessed), more work, reading minimally, and planning to participate in NaNoWriMo just so we can squeeze some writing into our lives. WHEW!


But as everyone knows, you have to keep learning for any career that you want. So, as a writer, you must read. The issue comes with...yep, you guessed it: TIME!


How do we find the time to read: 1.) The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, and Shut Out by Kody Keplinger 2.) Beta WIPs 3.) The six books we just purchased from Barnes & Noble, PLUS 4.) The twenty or so books that remain on our bookshelves unopened and begging to be read???


Easy. You come up with, drum roll please....



Creative Ways to Squeeze in Reading



*Read at work: During lunch (or for me on lunch duty--hey, I peek up every now and then and make sure the kids aren't killing each other). Read during a lull in time. If the boss catches you, tell him it's research for dealing with your unruly kid at home.



*Read on commercial breaks: If you have cut down your TV watching schedule, but there are still some shows you will NEVER give up (Supernatural, we're talking to you!), then reading while the commercials roll is a smart idea.



*Read on the treadmill, on the exercise bike etc.: Duh, read while you do stationary exercise. It makes the workout go a lot faster, too.



*Read via audio books: We're not huge fans of book on tape, but this is a good way to get some reading in. Especially if you're like us and you drive for close to thirty minutes to and from work.



*Read in the bathroom: Yeah...you know what we mean. In the tub or while you're taking care of other business ;)


Okay, your turn! Did we leave another way to squeeze some reading in off the list?

7 comments:

Alicia Gregoire said...

If you take the train/bus anywhere, this is another awesome opportunity for reading. You have to wait for the bus. Then you have to get on the bus. I get so much reading done when I take public transportation!

Jamie Manning said...

I do the read at lunch thing, too! And I DVR everything, but maybe I should start watching it live and read during commercials--excellent idea! And since I have an hour commute to and from work, I seriously need to start buying audio books...thanks for the great advice!

Rebecca B said...

Love this! I read EVERYWHERE. I was reading on the Stairmaster at the gym last night, and it happened to be a particularly moving passage, and I started weeping. Into my gym towel. :)

Karen Strong said...

Thanks for my beloved Kindle I can read while I'm on the elliptical. Great multi-tasking.

Lisa-Marie Jordan said...

The only time I have to read is on the bus to and from work. God forbid I ever have to drive!

AmieSalmon said...

I do read in the bathroom, during tv ad breaks, and on the bus/train/tube/car. Anywhere I get a chance to really.
I also try to read for at least 10 mins before going to sleep, it helps me unwind.
Unless of course I become addicted to the book - then I'm never going to sleep!

Racquel Henry said...

I read at work and on the commercials too! I did a post similar to this, only it was for writing. One of the things I listed and can also be applied here: Get out of driving. If you're the passenger you can sneak in reading or writing time. LOL. :)