This week’s
discussion centres on reading slumps. Just to pander to my logical side, I’m
going to start with a definition: a reading slump is when you look at your TBR
pile… and instead of feeling like Belle in a library, you just can't be bothered.
This either means that you 1) read less, or that 2) the reading you do is a
chore.
Now at
times, I do read less – but that’s usually because I’m binge-watching a TV
show, incredibly involved a roleplaying game, or watching a lot of
theatre. I worked out a long time ago that I need stories to function, and I
don’t really mind where I get them from. Occasionally I’ll forgo reading
because I’m busy hiking/ travelling/ board gaming/ hanging out with friends,
but that never lasts very long; I always need to recharge with a book
eventually. But that’s not a slump. I’m still excited about reading – I just
happen to be waiting a little longer between books.
I think
slumps happen when you’re trying to read on schedule. You feel like you have to
read, but nothing really appeals. This is partly about the books you have in
your TBR pile, of course, but also about relaxation – maybe you’ve just been
reading too much and want to take a break. I'm guessing this can be stressful if you’re a
book blogger with a regular posting schedule. (Especially if you’re one of
those machines that plough through 3+ books a week! Honestly, guys, I don’t
know how you do it.) Personally, I try to switch genres first – fantasy for
historical fiction, historical fiction for sci-fi, sci-fi for contemporary,
contemporary for whatever. But if that doesn’t work, I take a break until I
feel excited again... because ultimately, I know who I'm reading for.
What about
you?
