For a reader, there are few things as frustrating as when you get in a reading slump. Surely, you know what I mean? When nothing grabs your attention enough to start reading it. Or, if you do start, everything falls a little flat and doesn’t keep you engaged. When you put it down, they aren’t pulling you back in after the interruption.
Right now, I’m in a major dry spell. I haven’t finished a book in nearly 4 months… and the ones I’ve started remain half-finished on my kindle or my nightstand. I don’t actually think it is anything with the books themselves. They’ve been ones with my favorite storylines, or from my favorite authors.
In the words of a recent Taylor Swift song — “It’s me! Hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.”
As an author, it’s more important ever to fill my creative well by reading good books. When I’m not, I know it is even harder to write my own stories!
But, I’ve been here before, so let me share some tips for walking through a reading slump that I’ve used, or my friends recommend.
- Set the mood. Reading doesn’t just have to be about the book. If you’re having trouble enjoying a book, try changing up the ambience. I know that reading in the bathtub is one of my favorite ways to relax. Last fall we bought a hot tub, so I haven’t been taking bubble baths to relax – I’ve been heading out to the hot tub with my husband. First on my list to break this slump is to escape to the bathtub with a book I’m looking forward to! You might try your favorite chair with a new candle and some rainstorm white noise playing in the background.
- Try audio. Sometimes a great narrator can suck you into a story in ways you don’t have the energy to yourself! You can listen in the car, doing housework, or laying in bed (or the bathtub!) I don’t listen to many audiobooks, but you can listen to many Contemporary Christian Romances for free on Youtube, include Hannah Jo Abbott, Liwen Ho, Catelyn Meadows, Jessie Gussman, or me!
- Reread an old favorite. Sometimes, reading something new takes energy we don’t have, and it’s a gamble whether the payoff will be
there in a truly enjoyable read. But, just like watching reruns of old sitcoms we’ve seen a dozen times is still fun — so is re-reading a book we absolutely loved the first–or fifth–time. Fellow IR author Elizabeth Maddrey recommends picking up a book you loved before and re-reading it, something I definitely need to do more often. - Find “a sure thing.” Whether it is an unread backlist title from an author who has never let you down, or a trope that always sucks you in — do a little digging to find something that you’re truly excited to dive into.
- Take a recommendation. My friend, Mandi Blake, recommended browsing your friends Goodreads shelves or a bookstagrammer in the genre and see what they loved and if it is enticing to you! Or — go old-school and ask your friends for their recent reads.
- Go genre-hopping. Sometimes, we just need a new flavor. So, if you usually read contemporary romances – maybe try a light historical. Or, maybe it’s time to pick up a suspense that gets your heart racing. While this blog is all about CCR, we can’t ignore that there are amazing books in tons of genres! I love to pick up political/CIA thrillers when I need a change of pace!
- Watch a movie. It might sound crazy, but watching a good movie can be a great way to kick your “Story Vacuum” back into gear. I recently had a girls’ night with a dear friend and watched Pride and Prejudice. It gave me all the romantic feels and reminded me why I love a good happy-ending. Even if I’d rather get it through a book than a movie.
- Take a break. While it probably seems strange for many of us who read voraciously, sometimes you just need permission to not read for a while. Especially if reading ever becomes something you “have to” do because you are a blogger, reviewer, author, or critique partner. Sometimes, you just need to step away so that the next time you dive into a fictional world, it is an exciting, fresh experience. The stress of knowing that you “should” be reading can sometimes be the biggest obstacle in actually doing it!
So – what do you think? Have you ever been in a reading slump? Any great advice for digging your way out? I’m still in the thick of it, so if you want to recommend your last AMAZING read, maybe it will be just the thing I need to break my slump…if I read it in the bathtub ;)
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
A reading slump – never!! But yes, sometimes none of the books I try to read ‘ feel right’. That’s when I go to Georgette Heyer’s regency novels or Jamie Langston Turner’ s books , because she is a craftsman of English language and her knowledge of literature and art is amazing. Start with ‘Some wildflower in my heart’s – you’ll be hooked!
A good bathe in those books and I am ready to enjoy the lighter genres.
Hi Tara! For this retired Oma there are times I am read out. Usually after binge reading or during the holidays. Nothing suits my fancy. Taking a break or changing genre usually helps. Starting the year strong. Last month I read 20 books. Happy Groundhog Day! We have sunshine in SW Michigan.
I have to honestly say, I’ve never had a reading slump. I will admit, too, that sometimes I want a book that I don’t HAVE to read. I need a break from the ones I’m proofing/editing and the ARC’s. So, I’ll grab something just for fun. Or, I’ll go to a few old friend books and re-read one of them, just to get my mind off the proofing/editing or ARC ones, and then I’m fine to go back. It’s only happened on a couple of rare occasions, but I have plenty of books in my TBR stack that would help out!
Yes I have been in reading slumps. Usually when this happens I just put the book down and concentrate on other things. For me it is making greeting cards and/or sewing/quilting. My niece got me a book for christmas. The first Hercule Poirot Mystery – by Agatha Christie – The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I had trouble getting through the first chapter many times starting, until I realized not only was it coming from a british point of view, but also giving some back ground information. Once I hit chapter two it picked up and I read the book in two sittings back to back. Hope your slump imporoves
I agree about the slump. I tend to either reread an old favourite, or find a movie to watch. (I’m not big on movies normally). But watching a movie reminds me how much better it is to read, all the details that a movie misses out on. The thoughts, the nuances….
So then that reminds me how wonderful a book is!!
I fear I have been in a reading slump for years, at least a reading slump of novels. These days my life is filled with so many things that I don’t find the time to read novels. I read news articles and information articles and Bible studies, but novels, not so much. I know I should read more fiction. I usually find time when I’m traveling, either in a car or an airplane. We have a trip coming up, so I’m looking forward to some novel time.
I am so sorry you are in a slump. I have been enjoying a lot of romantic suspense novels. I am an ARC reader for the new series by Elizabeth Goddard. I am also an ARC reader for Darlene L. Turner, Sami A. Abrams and Lynm H. Blackburn. They all have amazing books that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
good tips
Not a reading slump – but definitely have many unfinished books. Reading is my pleasure, so if a book doesn’t grab me, I don’t finish it :)
It is true, however, that after you finish an outstanding book, it takes a while to find a new one.
Next time you find yourself in a slump, please try one of my books;)
… write a story you would want to read! Lol. Even if it never sees the light of day, just pick up a pen and jot some stuff down. Or step into the 21st center (almost a 1/4 of the way through people, might be about time) and open up your computer/word docs and have at it. Sometimes that’s all you need to figure out out what you’re missing in those other books
Can’t do the bath thing everything would get wet.
I do have times when I don’t read. like now I am so tired so reading isn’t happening. Also due to the stress of having to find a new home to live in and finding out most agents think I earn to little for most rents (if there is even a rental on their lists.) So reading isn’t going to happen. but I know when I am not as exhausted I will get back into it.
It often has to be a book that grabs my attention or an author I trust. (or a cosy mystery). forcing it doesn’t work cos if I do get a book I don’t connect with it often means its even longer til I read again.
Thank you for the recommendations! It’s nice to have those “favorite” authors we can count on!
Changing genre can be a good trick!
Wow, 20 books! I’m not sure I read 20 in the last year.
My kids were asking what Groundhog Day was celebrating… it was a tricky one to explain, haha
I’m so glad you’ve not experienced it. It’s no fun at all!
Making cards is such a fun hobby! I would love to do it more, but it’s “not in the cards” for me right now (pun intended!)
I’ve never read Agatha Christie, but there has to be a reason she’s so popular!
That’s exactly what movies do for me too! I always think I want to know what’s going on in their head!
Oooh, traveling is a great time to break a slump! I hope you have some good books lined up for your trip. I totally relate to reading everything but novels!
I love romantic suspense, although reading it gives me a lot of insecurity about my own limited writing experience in the genre. I have two rom suspense books I’ve written, and when I read really good ones, I feel a bit intimidated!
Thanks Rachael! Writing is coming more difficult these days without the flow of creative input in my brain, but it’s always a good practice to “write what you’d like to read!”
Energy has to a lot to do with it, I think. I’m sorry you are in a stressful season. I said a prayer over your housing situation. Thanks for popping in.