The 2008 summer Read-a-thon (hosted again by Dewey) is coming up fast -- the fun starts Saturday, June 28 at 9 am PST (that's noon on the East coast)! Click here for a time zone map and here for Dewey's Read-a-thon FAQs.
I've got a bunch of books that I'm ready to dive into (don't we all?) and so I'm trying to map out my strategy. I haven't ever done a read-a-thon before and don't know quite what to expect -- but in the interests of not burning myself out and/or getting nothing accomplished, I decided to sit down and brainstorm the best ways to approach this. (Yes, I'm a planner, I make itineraries when I travel, and I'm generally non-spontaneous, so sue me).
What I've come up with is:
1) Have several books from various challenges available -- a few fiction, a nonfiction or two, and of varying lengths and subjects so that if I get bored with something, I've got a backup right there waiting to be grabbed -- no sense in wasting precious reading time searching through the piles;
2) Mix in things other than books -- I decided to pick things off of my 101 in 1001 project that involve reading, such as the NY Times Book Review and the research I need to do for a couple of goals;
3) Check if any of my shorter challenge books are available in audio format and have them on hand -- that way, when my eyes start to cross, I can go for a walk and still "read"; and
4) Make sure to have snacks on hand and the phone turned off -- it's so rare that I have any time just for me, I want to take full advantage of this. The family is being prewarned to STAY AWAY:-)
I can't wait for next weekend!!!
I've got a bunch of books that I'm ready to dive into (don't we all?) and so I'm trying to map out my strategy. I haven't ever done a read-a-thon before and don't know quite what to expect -- but in the interests of not burning myself out and/or getting nothing accomplished, I decided to sit down and brainstorm the best ways to approach this. (Yes, I'm a planner, I make itineraries when I travel, and I'm generally non-spontaneous, so sue me).
What I've come up with is:
1) Have several books from various challenges available -- a few fiction, a nonfiction or two, and of varying lengths and subjects so that if I get bored with something, I've got a backup right there waiting to be grabbed -- no sense in wasting precious reading time searching through the piles;
2) Mix in things other than books -- I decided to pick things off of my 101 in 1001 project that involve reading, such as the NY Times Book Review and the research I need to do for a couple of goals;
3) Check if any of my shorter challenge books are available in audio format and have them on hand -- that way, when my eyes start to cross, I can go for a walk and still "read"; and
4) Make sure to have snacks on hand and the phone turned off -- it's so rare that I have any time just for me, I want to take full advantage of this. The family is being prewarned to STAY AWAY:-)
I can't wait for next weekend!!!
2 comments:
I was just posting today suggesting having an audiobook for that purpose! I have In Cold Blood, which I've been trying to finish listening to for so long that I think I have to start it over again. :)
I read that one recently, I'll be interested to read your opinions on it.
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