You may remember from a previous post, 10 Ways to Get Ideas for Your Book, that I mentioned how many authors always give the advice to read, read, read and read some more. I also mentioned that the sooner you start, the more time you will have on your side to read.
However, whilst I think this is true, the rest of us need other ways to find time to read. Life inevitably gets in the way of precious reading time. But I have a few tips for you on how you can read more books in these busy times, utilising your time and the technology available to you, as well a few more tips to help you along the way.
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1 | How to read more books by utilising the technology available to you.
Everyone loves a good physical book, be that a hardback or a paperback, but you also have the option of using a tablet, eBook reader or even your phone to access and download eBooks. Not only are eBooks a great alternative to physical books, because you can basically carry a whole library around with you in once device, but they make for a cheaper option than a physical copy.
I’ve used my Kindle at work on my lunch breaks – using the case to prop it up, which meant I had both hands free to eat my food and just tapped the screen when I wanted to move to the next page.
I use a kindle but there are other readers out there and don’t forget, if you have an iPhone, you can buy eBooks through the iTunes app or if you are an Amazon user, download the FREE Kindle readers app to your smartphone or tablet.
If you don’t already have an eBook, I would highly recommend the Kindle. That’s what I use, I think they are great, especially when you are travelling or on holiday. However, I would definitely recommend one of the paperwhite versions over any of the others, mainly due to the anti-glare properties so you can actually see what you are reading whilst lying in the sun!
2 | How to read more books with audiobooks
The first time I listened to an audiobook was about three years ago, one of my friends recommended Audible to me. My sister was expecting her second child and I wanted to knit a baby blanket for her but I also wanted to listen to something besides music whilst I was doing that. I’ll admit I was a bit dubious, because what if the narrator’s voice was off-putting? But I gave it a go and I haven’t looked back since.
I think audiobooks, above all other forms of reading, have without a doubt made me digest more books every month. And this is mainly due to utilising both the tech and the time I have, no matter how short – which means I can multi-task. I like to listen to books when I’m running, or carrying out all the boring household tasks like cleaning and cooking; whilst I am on my bike trainer or when taking a walk.
Personally, I use Audible, but there are other apps out there including Scribd. The latter is really good for older books, classics and the bonus with Scribd is that you can also access eBooks for £9.99 a month.
Audible has different price plans, depending on how many books you want, or think you can get through each month. However, I do have a nifty little trick for the audible app if you want to keep your costs low – see below for Tip 5 How to Read More Books When You Are on a Tight Budget.
3 | How to read more books by utilising your time
Back to utilising your time – try reading a physical book as well as listening to an audiobook and see how many you can get through. Don’t set your expectations too high, as this will only put pressure on you and then you won’t want to read at all. Reading should be for pleasure, so pick a book you want to read and then pick an audiobook you can listen to for those times you can’t sit down and read – like cleaning, exercising, doing errands. If you don’t already listen to audiobooks, or you haven’t listened to them in this way, you will be surprised how quickly you will get through them.
I tend to get through 2-3 audiobooks a month, alongside a similar amount of physical books/ebooks just using this method.
4 | How to read more books by mixing up your TBR list
I also mix up the types of psychical books I am reading; i.e., a history book versus a fiction book, but also by varying the length or types of books I choose. For example, as I’ve mentioned, I love a history book, but I don’t tend to sit and read that all in one go. Instead, I try and read one chapter at a time with a history book then take a break and read several chapters of a fiction book.
But I also like to mix up my To Be Read List. I’ll have some short stories in there, some small and larger volumes. Depending on my mood, I’ll decide which one I want to get stuck into, and which ones I may leave for when I have more time on my hands, especially if the size of the book is a little daunting!
5 | How to read more books when you are on a budget
Reading can be an expensive habit! But don’t despair if your budget doesn’t stretch to complete your reading list. Check out my post, 8 Ways to Read More Books on a Small Budget.
How to Read More Books
Utilising the technology available to you, like eBook readers or phone apps, as well as reading physical books will improve how many books you consume.
Also utilise your time by listening to audiobooks as you carry out mundane chores, errands or exercise. And mix up the size and types of books you read. Add in some short stories as well as those large volumes to your reading list.
Can you think of more ways on How to Read More Books? If so, let me know!
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