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Before I started blogging, I was an avid reader, reading mostly mystery/thrillers with an occasional piece of quality fiction. You probably would call me a lazy reader, because I just took my time and read as my schedule would see fit. I had been introduced to audio books, which worked well for multi-tasking.
Once I started blogging though, everything just exploded around me. Suddenly I was reading classics, short stories, non-fiction, memoirs, GRAPHIC NOVELS for Pete's sake! I was all over the place. If you truly do your time on the blogs, and open your mind, it is almost impossible not to get sucked into every genre out there, at least for a taste.
But I also noticed a new habit that I'm not 100% sure is a good thing. I became like a driven maniac, reading as if my life depended on it. I almost feel like a coke addict, looking for my next high before I finish the one I'm enjoying at this moment. I tend to turn away from chunksters because they take too long and prevent me from getting ahead on my posts. (Audios are good for chunksters actually, and is the only way I can get through most of them.) This isn't healthy, is it? Maybe as I get older, I will mellow and stop caring about having posts 6 days a week. But until then I don't see a cure.
How has your life changed since you started blogging? I'm looking forward to all of your answers!
21 comments:
I noticed that I was avoiding chunksters too. I'm really trying to reintroduce them into my life and no longer post every day, but it is hard - the speed of a short book is always appealing. I hope you manage to read a few more chunksters in the next year.
I have the same issues with driving myself to read and write reviews. Often times, blogging isn't fun for me anymore.
When I read chunksters, I usually just write more than one post about them as I go along. The longer the book, the more there probably is to talk about. So I'll read and note a topic or quote or literary effect (or whatever) and do a post on that. If I do a review, that doesn't come until I've finished the book, but who says you can only post once per book and only reviews? Basically I just like to write posts about whatever it is that has captured my imagination up to that point. Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd read too many long books either! Great post, though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I know what you mean about devouring the books and looking for the next "high" LOL. I was definitely like that for a long time and now I feel depressed when I am unable to do that because of other things taking up my time. Ugh!
I could have written this post myself, if I could write as well! :--)
I also agree that I read like an addict, and when one book is done, there is no pause before I pick up the next one. It's kind of crazy when you think about it, but I can so relate to wanting to find your next fix before the last one is even over. I think it has to do with the fact that we have access to so many books, and there is just not enough time to get them all read, which creates something of a panic. Very astute post today, Sandy. I can relate.
I can totally relate to what you're saying. We're both obviously Type A personalities. I credit blogs for getting me started with audiobooks.
I understand the "need for speed" reading and have foud audiobooks help me with that as well. I feel like I can indulge in a chunkster as long as I still have other shorter books going on audio.
I have definitely expanded my reading horizons considerably since blogging. I would never have thought to read YA or a graphic novel before I started blogging. I do find the pressure to read is a bit annoying though. And I will never get over the blogger guilt I get because I don't post enough!
Sometimes I try and remind myself to slow down and take my time reading because like you, sometimes I catch myself reading at break neck speed for the sake of my blog!
Aw yes...I still feel that drive to have something every day but came to the realization it may not always happen despite my best intentions. Life gets busy...too busy if you ask me...and I don't always have the time I want to do a new post...but when I do, watch out. ^_^ As for commenting, I try to when I can, but I'm always reading posts throughout the blogosphere. Definitely right there with you on the addict part....my to read and wish list are never hurting for new ideas. Happy reading and happy BBAW!
Poor chunksters. I hope they don't miss us too much.
I know what you mean about sampling- sometimes it's like a smorgasboard out there, all the different things people are reading. It's so fun!
I think the reading-coke addict comparison is a good one. Sometimes that's how I feel too. I'm a binge reader so there are weeks where it's all I do, and I always feel a bit obsessive during those times. :)
LOL I'm with you on the addict thing unfortunately!
I try not to worry about having a post for everyday. That makes me stressed out, and I just want to read and have fun.
Blogging has made me even more addicted to reading. When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about reading. When I'm sleeping, I dream about reading. It's pretty sad. LOL
I THINK I've stopped worrying about posting every day. I know I've stopped ACTUALLY posting every day...
I do know what you mean about the pressure to read more and read faster. I think it's actually self-inflicted pressure, but most of us seem to be inflicting it on ourselves!
I've always had issues with long books, so I know it's not just blogging.
I dip into almost every genre I could find too. I am not a big fan of chunksters although sometimes I found gems in them. Great stuff, Sandy!
Books, books, books...sometimes I feel the only real world is there, between the pages and I'm only coming back to this "other" world because it's impossible to leave with the words all the time (I wish!).
Having a bookblog is challenging. I see mine as a project, a hobby. I read faster than I write reviews, there's a hunger for words that just won't wait.
I would like to post more often but between a full time job, the gym and reading, there's not as much time as I would like for writing, at least for now, but I'm trying to put out something new at least once a week. It's probably not much - compared with other blogs - but that's life...
I too have become literary promiscuous too since I started blogging!!!! And I felt the same pressure to read tons of books all the time -- even though I still didn't write my reviews in a timely manner and all that did was make me feel more behind. I'm hoping that I'm mellowing now -- almost 3 years in -- but I do credit book blogging with elevating the quality and diversity of my reading.
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