How to read more books

All the writing advice out there mentions reading at some point. It makes sense after all, most of us start writing because we love books and want to make one of our own!

Reading is important for writers because there really is no better teacher than the books that have come before us. They help us learn our craft through observing the voice and style of others, give us an understanding of what works and what doesn't in terms of plot structure and character creation - and perhaps most importantly, they keep our well of inspiration topped up and ready to fuel our own creativity.

I've always been a bit of a bookworm, and in spite of a rocky period in which I read practically no fiction while at uni, I seem to be reading more and more these days. It's something I actively prioritise, as well as being hugely important for my writing, reading helps me switch off and get to sleep - and I also just really love it!

However, I also have a life, with work and hobbies and all the mundane adult responsibilities that come with it. As with everything we do, if you want to read more, you really have to carve out the time to do it in and make it a priority to yourself.

So, how do I read between two and five books a month (on average)?

I don't set a 'goal' for how many books I want to read

While I'm hugely goal-motivated, and rely on setting goals for making progress with my writing and getting things done in my business, I don't find it helpful for reading. Books obviously vary in length and complexity, as does our energy - and I don't like to feel like I'm behind or 'failing' at something I enjoy.

I have a pretty good reading routine

I read every night in bed before going to sleep (sitting up rather than lying down, so I don't fall asleep while reading). Usually this is until I'm feeling really tired and find myself skimming or not reading properly - around 30-40 minutes a night. Pick a time for yourself that suits your energy and lifestyle, that you can use for reading most days.

I read what I want to read

I am hugely against book snobbery (I really hate to hear particular genres being put down or viewed as somehow inferior to others), in my opinion - a story is a story, whether you're in the mood for Twilight or Great Expectations. I keep a running list in the back of my planner with interesting titles I've seen online or been recommended and I usually pick one based on what I feel like and if it's not too pricey on Kindle. I typically only buy one book at a time and read it straight away (as I don't like the pressure of a looming pile of unread books). Also - if I'm not enjoying it, I don't finish it (the Kindle sample option is very handy for this)!

I read more than one book at a time

I can sometimes manage this, but only if one of them is non-fiction. Non-fiction actively makes it harder for me to get to sleep so I find I usually squeeze in 20 minutes of this in a morning if I'm in the mood (helps keep me off my phone first thing, too)!

Lastly, remember it's not a competition

Reading regularly will benefit your writing whether you read five books a month or only five in one year, so don't feel bad if it seems like everyone else is reading more than you, especially if you can't put their achievements into context.