@Mythical_Phoenix's post on Artfol
Anybody know how to get back into reading books. I’ve been in a reading slump for two years or more. I barely read anymore. I haven’t even read my favorite book series Nevermoor.
What should I do?
And how do I get back into writing too. I’ll make a separate text about that.Apr 24, 2022
What should I do?
And how do I get back into writing too. I’ll make a separate text about that.Apr 24, 2022
#help
#tips
#readingbooks
#pleasehelp
Comments
I'd like to know this too. I've also not read in close to the same amount of time. And I can't remember the last time I wrote anything. Like you, I've felt like I haven't had time to read and have trouble reading when anyone's home and they're home a lot. And I also have a favorite series that has a second trilogy waiting in a tbr pile that I haven't touched. I think being under a lot of stress has made it hard to concentrate as well. It's nice to meet a fellow writer on here btw. And you'll be glad to know that I recommended to the devs that they include the ability to post stories and poems on here and they said they'd consider it. One thing I can recommend that helped me a little to start writing again is fanfiction. You already have a jumping off point. Of course I never finished writing them, so I don't know quite how well it worked. lol But maybe it'll work better for you. The person who said read short stories for now had good advice and I'm going to add that to what someone said about reading before bed. Short stories are better before bed because you won't wind up staying up all night saying: "one more chapter and then I'll go to sleep" and then it's morning. Maybe you don't have that problem. But that's what happens to me if the book is good. 
So if you do it too, short stories is the way to go. Reading books that were made into movies or TV shows you like if you haven't read them already could work since you already know you like the stories and characters. I like the person's suggestion about comic books or manga, but only if you can afford to keep buying them. If you happen to already watch the movies, cartoons, or anime they are based on, it'd probably be easier to get into them. Bedtime is a good time to read so you have quiet and privacy. Also any time you don't have to get up at a certain time, before you get out of bed in the morning is good too. Try some non-fiction on a subject that doesn't take much concentration. Also if you have a private backyard or a nice park with any areas where you won't be bothered, reading outside on a nice day can be really pleasurable. You could also try watching movies made from books you haven't read and always wanted to see and maybe that would make you want to read the book afterwards. How about drawing some fan art of your favorite characters? That might help spark your desire to read about them again. You could try audiobooks like someone else suggested. You could use headphones so other's noise won't disturb you. Or have them playing in the car if you drive. Or have it on when no one's home and you can do other things while you listen, so you don't feel the need to sit down with the book and give it your undivided attention and worry about all the other things you should be doing. Just make sure you like the narrator's voice. You can also find videos on YouTube called sleep stories. It's not quite like reading, but maybe listening to stories before bed will program your subconscious to want more stories and prompt you to read. Think about your favorite children's books and pick them up again. Can't say I've tried all of these suggestions, so I can't guarantee they'll work, but it's worth a try.
So if you do it too, short stories is the way to go. Reading books that were made into movies or TV shows you like if you haven't read them already could work since you already know you like the stories and characters. I like the person's suggestion about comic books or manga, but only if you can afford to keep buying them. If you happen to already watch the movies, cartoons, or anime they are based on, it'd probably be easier to get into them. Bedtime is a good time to read so you have quiet and privacy. Also any time you don't have to get up at a certain time, before you get out of bed in the morning is good too. Try some non-fiction on a subject that doesn't take much concentration. Also if you have a private backyard or a nice park with any areas where you won't be bothered, reading outside on a nice day can be really pleasurable. You could also try watching movies made from books you haven't read and always wanted to see and maybe that would make you want to read the book afterwards. How about drawing some fan art of your favorite characters? That might help spark your desire to read about them again. You could try audiobooks like someone else suggested. You could use headphones so other's noise won't disturb you. Or have them playing in the car if you drive. Or have it on when no one's home and you can do other things while you listen, so you don't feel the need to sit down with the book and give it your undivided attention and worry about all the other things you should be doing. Just make sure you like the narrator's voice. You can also find videos on YouTube called sleep stories. It's not quite like reading, but maybe listening to stories before bed will program your subconscious to want more stories and prompt you to read. Think about your favorite children's books and pick them up again. Can't say I've tried all of these suggestions, so I can't guarantee they'll work, but it's worth a try.•
•Honestly my last reading slump just kinda required me to push through it, and yet also wait for it to pass. I got burned out horribly by a terrrrible book that took me some 6 months to read. And it took me years to get back to full speed.
Don't force yourself to sit and read if it's just Not Happening, but also try and find places where you can read a few pages at a time. I also recommend ebooks on your phone for that - as they're easier to read with 1 hand. I like to read while eating lunch.
If you're reading physical books, try a chapter each night just before you go to sleep. Reading in low light can help you fall asleep, far better than looking at your phone anyway.
If a specific book seems to be a slog that you aren't enjoying, put it down for now. Try something else. Forcing yourself to read something that isn't working is going to make it worse.
Try a different genre, or reading grade. Ain't nothing wrong with reading something aimed at pre-teens if it feels low pressure enough to get you back into the habit. And maybe you just need to broaden your horizons genre-wise to find the joy again. Or maybe short stories would work better right now.
Or maybe... You should try graphic novels/ manga if you aren't already? It's still reading, and you can start to build a habit.
Or - audiobooks. I personally can't focus on them, but it might work for you!
Also, just generally, start to retrain your attention span. Social media has made us real bad at keeping our attention on one thing for a long period of time, tiktok being the worst for it. But also give yourself outside stimulation. I have TV reruns on in the background while reading, and it gives me a lot more audio stimulation. And better focus.
But really, don't force it. For me, it just kinda clicked one day and I could read waayy more again.
Don't force yourself to sit and read if it's just Not Happening, but also try and find places where you can read a few pages at a time. I also recommend ebooks on your phone for that - as they're easier to read with 1 hand. I like to read while eating lunch.
If you're reading physical books, try a chapter each night just before you go to sleep. Reading in low light can help you fall asleep, far better than looking at your phone anyway.
If a specific book seems to be a slog that you aren't enjoying, put it down for now. Try something else. Forcing yourself to read something that isn't working is going to make it worse.
Try a different genre, or reading grade. Ain't nothing wrong with reading something aimed at pre-teens if it feels low pressure enough to get you back into the habit. And maybe you just need to broaden your horizons genre-wise to find the joy again. Or maybe short stories would work better right now.
Or maybe... You should try graphic novels/ manga if you aren't already? It's still reading, and you can start to build a habit.
Or - audiobooks. I personally can't focus on them, but it might work for you!
Also, just generally, start to retrain your attention span. Social media has made us real bad at keeping our attention on one thing for a long period of time, tiktok being the worst for it. But also give yourself outside stimulation. I have TV reruns on in the background while reading, and it gives me a lot more audio stimulation. And better focus.
But really, don't force it. For me, it just kinda clicked one day and I could read waayy more again.
•
•I’ve been in a reading slump for some years, and what helped me was to reread a series I really love!
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