At one time I did a lot of reading. I wasn't someone who read 50 books a year or anything like that. I would read about 25 books a year.
When I first retired a read many of the books I had been missing. I read Clan of the Cave Bears. I read most of Rutherfurd's books. I liked historical fiction but not mysteries.
Then I found I was reading less and the last few years ...reading close to nothing.
I had an idea what was causing the decline in reading.
Blogging was taking my reading time.
In the couple of months around my surgery I had time to think of a few things. I was off blogging for about three weeks. I thought about closing the blog. I decided to keep blogging but at a lesser amount. I cut out the replies I made to comments. That gave me much more time, However, responding to comments was a very positive part of blogging. I miss it.
But guess what? I found myself reading much more right away! Well, I wouldn't give up blogging because it's very interesting. I might even start back with replies to comments. I might find I have time.
One thing I have to do is change a few things on the blog. I tried to add a reader and found out that I had forgotten how.
Print your blogs up into a book, then you'll have another book to read! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading mysteries and blogs. Take care, have a great day.
Blogging certainly takes up a chunk of time I could spend reading but I do like learning what other people think and muse about so I think it worthwhile. I don't comment all the time on every blog and generally only do so when I think I can contribute to the conversation in some way. If all I find myself doing is nodding my head at the end of the post, I generally don't comment so I am saving you time to do something else other than respond to my agreement. So just know if I don't respond to a post, I am nodding in agreement!
ReplyDeleteyes, blogging can be time consuming..but it can be a vital interaction with other writers, which you don't get after reading a book. Unless you reach out to the author...and then a response is not guaranteed.
ReplyDeleteAs a blogger, a response to one's writing isn't guaranteed either, but us mire likely!!
Me too. They’re is some good podcast material out there too, which is a close cousin to reading, I think.
ReplyDeleteI read books less too but reading blogs does take time. I still love a good mystery though.
ReplyDeleteBlogging does take a fair bit of time. I'm glad you're able to get back to reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you continue to blog, Red, because I always enjoy your posts. I do like when a blogger replies to my comment but I can understand about the amount of time involved so do what is best and easiest for you. I love to read but I am a mystery lover, although, I will read other types of books especially if they have been recommended or reviewed on a blog I like.
ReplyDeleteMost of my book reading is done in bed, so if I try to read during the day I find myself falling asleep!
ReplyDeletePlease continue to blog and yes I think reading blogs is like reading books a little at a time.
ReplyDeleteI like blogging -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThose books you mentioned are ones I read and really enjoyed. I used to read only during summer vacation, so being retired provides more time for reading, but other things take up my time. I am trying to find more time for reading. I just finished a book you might like, "Crow Mary". Google it and see what you think.
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue blogging. It does good things for the mind.
ReplyDeleteReading more is a must here as well.
May
You need to make time for what brings you joy and fulfillment!
ReplyDeleteRed, I’ve got to agree completely with Alexandra. As you will know, I’ve been on a “blog break” for the last 5 months or so. It’s gone on longer than I originally anticipated, mostly because of what I’ve learned during the break. People who blog regularly, and have done so for years, probably don’t fully realize how much blogging is affecting their life. When you stop for a while, you begin to realize how much effort and time goes into putting it all together. I’ve blogged for14 years and that may well be enough. However, I haven’t made the final decision to put up a “Closed” sign on John’s Island. 😊 I hope you keep going as long as you’re enjoying it. John
DeleteI don't find blogging interferes with my reading. I read daily... usually in the afternoon and at bedtime. I loved the "Clan of the Cave Bear" books. It's been years since I read those. But I do like historical fiction (my favorites "Galway Bay" and "Lady of Hay"). The Outlander Series was good too. But I do like mysteries... as long as they aren't too gorey...
ReplyDeleteI love reading a good mystery and biographies of people.
ReplyDeleteSo geht es mir auch. Seit ich Kind war habe ich ständig gelesen. Gekaufte Bücher oder aus der Bücherei. Biografien, Geschichtliche Romane, Science-Fiction. Dann kam das Internet und das Lesen wurde weniger. Jetzt lese ich kaum noch. Ich denke, so geht es vielen Menschen.
ReplyDeleteI have a reading list, is that what you call the reader? It just appears on the list when I am looking for the post, comments and so on. I don't have to do anything, apart from clicking on 'reading list'. Sorry if this is a silly question. My reading has lessened, I used to love having a good book to read in bed. Now it's the iPad but I really love to get one of the old books off the shelf and settle down to it. I need to push myself in that direction.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it’s true for me as well that all my free chunks of time go to blogging,visiting blog friends and commenting mostly on, since I write spontaneous posts without any particular content or preparation I write my posts within an hour or little more.
ReplyDeleteI genuinely want to read more books because I miss reading but it stays below other priorities sadly until now ☹️
I feel happy you restarted reading dear Red . I am more happy you will continue to blog too 🤗