Readers often ask me what I like to read. What do you think? I read what I write! Any serious author who does not have a love for the genre in which she is writing will lack passion for it. Usually we are readers before we become writers. We fall in love with storytelling, with word play, with imagining worlds of our own creation. But first we may read about those types of worlds in books by other authors. This gets us started and familiarizes us with the conventions of that particular genre. Keeping up with recent releases is important. We need to see what is being published today and try to guess what might be on the shelves tomorrow. Besides this homework, we read other books for pure enjoyment, or because we’ve met the author, or maybe we’re captured by the premise.

At any one time, we may be reading more than one book. Counting all the books in which I currently have a bookmark, that would make five novels I’m reading right now. Three are mysteries, one is a paranormal romance, and one is the second book in a fantasy series. The latter volume is over 900 pages alone. I’d love to keep reading all the other ten or so titles in this series but I need variety and other books on my shelf are calling out for attention. The ones by my writer friends and colleagues, for example. I try to buy at least one book each from my writer pals so I can get a flavor for their style. Also on my shelf are subsequent books in series by my favorite authors. New books that look intriguing. Free books I’ve collected at conferences.

Books overflow throughout my house. If you’re like me, how do you prioritize?

1. Keep a different book in each location where you might have a few spare minutes to read: Bedroom, Family Room, Bathroom, Car, Handbag.

2. Read a selection of current titles in your chosen genre. It’s important to keep up with what’s being published.

3. Add a book by your favorite author into the mix for pure reading pleasure.

4. Buy a signed copy of a new release by a colleague and put it on your TBR (To Be Read) pile.

5. Try something totally different to freshen your viewpoint.

6. Determine a method to keep track of titles you’ve read. I put a little penciled checkmark inside the first page at the corner. Use your initials. Keep a computer record. Find some means to remember if you’ve already read the book.

Reading is part-research, part-pleasure when you’re a writer. When time is so precious, we need to snatch whatever moments we have to indulge our addiction to books.

I normally have one book going at a time. I like to immerse myself in it without distractions (I get those while I'm writing and have to immerse myself in my characters). I can't work on two different writing projects at a time.

Recently, however, I was reading a highly rated, strongly recommended book that was far too "literary" for my taste. The voice made it a very tedious read. But I was determined to finish (scuttlebutt said, "it gets good later on"--which is an entirely different topic for discussion." During that time, I did have a second read, a new genre for me, which I could read at the Y amid the noise and other distractions, or mid-day, when I only had a short break.

I often have two books going at one time, usually one fiction and one non-fiction/history. I'll keep them in different rooms, read them at different times of the day. My tastes vary pretty widely and I don't stick to any particular author, although I do have my favorites.

I can only work on one book project at a time but reading is a different matter.

Great topic, thanks Nancy. I read all kinds of things, from action adventure to my ongoing project -- reading the history of literature.

I usually read one book at a time. I can decide from the first chapter if I am going to like the author's voice (essential for me to like a book). Okay if I like chapter one I sit in a cozy corner and read the whole book, or I wait till I make time to read it in one sitting. If I don't like chapter one and the author's voice, I scan the book in half an hour just to know what it is about.

I usually buy books from the authors I know, regardless of the genre. I feel it's a courtesy authors owe each other. I have four shelves of autographed books.

I don't know how many times I have gone and bought the same book again. I read so much!
So I read it again/

Do you feel compelled to finish a book once you're started it, even if you don't like it?

I may read one book after the other for several months and then go several months without reading anyting. It all depends upon my mood and what is going on in my life. If I don't like the book, I won't finish it. But I may skip to the end and read the last chapter to see if the story improved. Interesting questions.

Great topic Nancy. I usually read one book at a time but I read fast so I can read quite a few books in a week. I know what you mean Mary - I've done that so many times! I do my best to read a book through to the end since I paid for the title - but there are some that I can't finish for various reasons.

I may skim through also if it isn't to my taste, but I can usually tell when I pick up a book that I'll like it. For this reason, I won't join book clubs where they tell you what to read.

Nancy, it's a great question and the responses so far have been faxcinating.

I read several books at once, all for different reasons. Two to three are in my genre and count as research. One is almost a CD audio book that I listen to in my car. (Does anyone else like audiobooks? There is something about being read to that I love.)

Then I have several magazines around the house at any given moment. Those are perfect for a few minutes at a time.

And last, but defintely not least, I have a book I'm writing for pure pleasure. This again could be any type of literature from self-help to biography to fiction of any kind.

And I do not finish books I'm not loving.
So little time, so much to read!

Suzanne

Suzanne, I've listened to audiobooks in the past but not recently. I'd rather read the book. I cannot listen to one while driving because my mind visualizes the story.

I cannot listen to audiobooks while driving; my mind visualizes the story.

This is a Bravenet Suppor test.

I can't listen to audiobooks when I'm driving because my mind visualizes the story.

This is a test of my own.

I cannot listen to audiotapes because my mind visualizes the story.

Great topic. I, too, always have at least four books that I am reading at any given time. When I'm working on a novel, however, I usually read only non-fiction or short stories.

Again, great post. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Peace and blessings.

Thanks, Phoenix, for your comments. What genre fiction do you read for pleasure?

I'm always switching back from different books. interesting to hear this. browser toolbars

I am a reading junkie . . . and was quite upset with myself today when I wound up at the doctor's with a long wait and no book. Wound up reading my daughter's economics text (ahem, can you say BORING?) while waiting!

I often have several books in process at one time and always have spares hidden away -- except today!

Mary

Mary, I know that feeling. We reading addicts aren't happy unless there's always something to read. Doctor's offices have outdated magazines and you don't know whose hands have touched them.