Normally, I’m a Fast Reading Witch.
But lately…I’ve been in a slump. Tried a few books, put them aside, just couldn’t get into anything. Oddly, I’ve been in a writing slump too, but I’m not going to talk about that. I’m superstitious that way.
My husband was traveling for work last week, a time when I stock up on books. But I had only one book on hand that I thought I wanted to read, Susan Andersen’s CUTTING LOOSE.
For the first few chapters I kept picking it up, and putting it down. In fact, the entire time he was gone, I only read about four chapters.
Weird.
My husband came back, and THEN I got into the book. It was fun, and I enjoyed it. So I thought my slump was over.
Then today, I made myself leave MY blasted book, and take one of my favorite authors, Susan Elizabeth Phillips out back to read. I read 20 pages of GLITTER BABY then put it down.
I. Am. In. A. Slump.
The question of the day: Does that ever happen to you?
May 19th, 2009 at 1:09 am · Link
It has happened to me before and even reading books from my favorite authors don’t work. I have to get away from books for a couple of days and instead spend my free time watching tv.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:38 am · Link
hmmmm… Yeah it happens alot to me but i think it’s just a time when you need some rest.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:44 am · Link
I get that way at times. Typically, I’m always reading a book, but there are times when I can’t get into anything. Frustrating, I must say. Especially when I love so much getting lost in another world and another life.
I’m not sure how to fix it. I usually just wait it out. Watch tv, work in the flower beds– but it always comes back.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:24 am · Link
Happens to me a lot. Like right now for instance. I’m enjoying the book that I’m listening to, but the book I’m trying to read, forget it. I’m enjoying the book I’m liking the story, but I have no interest in sitting still to read it. It’ll pass Jen, have faith!
May 19th, 2009 at 9:58 am · Link
What is it about writers and reading? When I’m excited about reading a book, I usually end up writing madly, too. Conversely, if I’m lethargic about reading (nothing in the TBR pile of 50 looks even remotely interesting), I have to force myself to get words out of my head and onto the screen.
Switching to watching TV or movie DVDs sometimes helps. So does, oddly enough, rereading any previous project of mine. Yeah, I know. Weird.
Of course, the best cure is…APPLETINIS!!!?!
May 19th, 2009 at 10:29 am · Link
Only when I’m sick am I in a reading slump or I don’t have any unread books to read.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:11 am · Link
Jane, thanks! Just knowing that I’m not the only one helps.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:12 am · Link
Christine, you’re probably right. It’s just so odd to go on more than a couple days.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:13 am · Link
Kira, see that’s it! I want to get lost in a book and stop fretting about other stuff. But now I’m trying to give myself a break. Thanks!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am · Link
Silver, it’s true! I think as writers, we have to keep our love or reading alive and burning or it all just slips away, you know? Hmm, rereading my older projects, not a bad idea!
Appletinis! Yes, that must be the answer! Bar is open, witches!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:16 am · Link
Dru, I’m like that when I’m sick and can’t concentrate too. Or occasionally, I’ll tire of reading for a few days and want to do something else. This one–it’s weird.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:17 am · Link
Erika, I missed your comment the first time–see my reading slump is affecting my brain, LOL! Good to know that you go through this too. Maybe if I just wouldn’t fight it so much.
May 19th, 2009 at 2:50 pm · Link
APPLETINIS! Yay! *shakes and pours*
May 19th, 2009 at 3:11 pm · Link
You aren’t reading the right books. Pick up one of Butcher’s Dresden books. I know you SAID you want to read his stories, but you have to get the books first. And you can pick up any of them in the series and still figure out what’s going on.
Hell, I’ll even send you one that I own–provided you send it back!
*Ducking back into lurk mode* Hit 2000 words today, but want to write 1500 more.
May 19th, 2009 at 3:44 pm · Link
Silver the appletinis rock!
May 19th, 2009 at 3:46 pm · Link
Margaret, ROTFL! You are so onto me! I mean it when I say it, but my follow through sucks. Ironically, I was reading about Dresden yesterday, maybe on the RT boards I can remember, but I did think to myself that I HAVE to get his books. I’ll pick up a couple this weekend.
AWESOME on your word count! Raising my glass of you!
May 21st, 2009 at 7:27 pm · Link
It’s only been within the last year that I’ve gotten into that slump..and for someone who reads two books a day, it’s a bewilderment….
I think its stress..so appletini, tv watching, pursuing romantic adventures…whatever flips your switch should help..:-)
May 21st, 2009 at 8:47 pm · Link
Tricia, ohhh…romantic adventure movies! I love those and I haven’t seen one in a while! Good advice.
Bewilderment is the perfect word. But wow, two books a day? You are a fast reader!
May 24th, 2009 at 8:18 pm · Link
The good part is once you watch the movie, you can act out your favorite scenes with your favorite person..perfect stress relief.
And yes, I have been cursed and blessed with fast reading…plus 80% retention…very expensive habit because I don’t have the patience to wait for great books such as yours..But hey, its a much healthier habit…LOL