HOW TO PREVENT A BOOK SLUMP
CHECK OUT MY POST ABOUT THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A BOOK SLUMP
Do you struggle with reading slumps?
Over the last few years I found great ways to prevent book slumps. I’ve not had a major one in years. And the few short ones didn’t last longer than a week or two. Overall there are a couple things I do.
I figured things out when I realized that if I read only one genre exclusively, I eventually get tired of it. And the result is either me starting to DNF books, or that I lose interest in reading altogether.
And since getting into a reading slump is never fun, I try to do everything in my power to prevent it. Below are the ways that have helped me so far.
HOW TO PREVENT A BOOK SLUMP
Here is what I do when I feel a book slump coming….
SWITCH UP FORMATS
One of the things that works like a charm when it coms to book slumps, is switching up formats. From audiobooks, to graphic novels, or a webtoon (everyone is talking about Lore Olympus), reading a different format actually works. Anything that changes the way you read, makes the actual form of reading interesting again.
And if you have never picked up an audiobook before, I have a list of the best audiobook experiences ever, and the best young adult audiobooks of 2020.
TAKE A BREAK
Taking a break is always a good idea.
Sometimes taking a break is all you need to do, either by watching a show, or binging a new show. Playing video games, a puzzle crafting or maybe even a DIY. Anything that will give you a break and help you reset.
Give your reading brain a rest.
READ OLD FAVORITE BOOKS
This is actually the one thing that helps me all the time. Whenever I feel like I’m in a reading slump, I re-read favorite books. I start with one, and continue on until something new and exciting comes along. Here are some of my most favorite re-reads of all time.
SWITH UP GENRES
Switching up genres has actually helped in keeping a major book slump away over the last couple years.
I’m still very much a heavy romance reader, but I’ve noticed how they all started to sound the same. So I decided to mix it up by reading a handful of thrillers and memoirs each year, and I’ll add fiction, fantasy, and even non-fiction to my tbr. I don’t go overboard with either genre, but even one different genre a month was enough to keep my tbr interesting.
This is how my monthly tbr usually looks like:
A couple YA contemporary books
Some fiction novels
One or two fantasy books
And every now and then a thriller, memoir and non-fiction book
And the rest is often romance books
And it WORKS!!!
I’m never bored with my tbr. I read up to 20 books a month, and they are all usually great books! This year I read a ton of new authors, many were debut authors. And thanks to a diverse tbr it has probably been my most interesting reading year so far.
I hope this guide gives some ideas, and hopefully your next reading slump won’t be a long one. Happy and slump free reading to all of you!!!
HOW TO PREVENT A BOOK SLUMP
20 books a month is amazing!
I must say I have had more time to read these last few years than usual. And that definitely shows in how many books I can read each month.
Great post! I agree with all the advice that you give. Switching up genres has always been the biggest help for me but this year I’ve really been on board with taking as many breaks as I need (and not feeling guilty about it) ๐
Thank you ๐ I’m all for breaks!! Why forcing something that usually comes naturally. Glad it works for you too. ๐
My monthly TBR also like this. I keep switching genre and that helped from the beginning. Great post!
It’s amazing how a diverse tbr can make such a difference. And thank you ๐
I donโt think Iโve ever been in a slump. I have had times though when I canโt focus (because of stuff going on, like a holiday) and switching up what genre Iโm reading helps with that too.
Lucky you!!! And I know what you mean when RL gets into the way of reading, in whatever way! And honestly, switching up genres keeps it interesting – so itโs a win-win ๐
These ideas are helpful. If I feel a slump coming on, I jump genres. Usually it’s from romance to thriller and then back or something.
I think we all have been in a slump before, but I still hear so many readers ask what they should do to get out of one, so I thought Iโll do a post. You never know who could use a tip or two. ๐
Exactly!
Rereading a favorite is what always seems to work for me. I was struggling with a book last week that I finally DNF’d and it got me feeling a bit slumpish. I decided to listen to a favorite series (for about the 4th time LOL) and it’s done wonders.
There you go!!! Iโm glad you got out of your slump!! May I ask which series you read for the 4th time? ๐
I LOVE THIS POST SO MUCH ๐คฉ 2020 has been one random reading slump, Iโm definitely gonna be using these tips when I am in a slump