18 Comments

Lovely insights, Kate. My reading habits have definitely changed since I began Beyond Bloomsbury. Non-fiction research has taken the place of beloved fiction escapes. I need to find time in the schedule for it, though. Thank you for the reminder 🧡

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Exactly! I think when you are reading for writing or study, it takes up a lot more time and space, meaning you have to consciously find time for the fun, escapist reading that sustains you : )

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Absolutely. I once read an interview with an author who said she read for pleasure for at least one-hour every morning. It’s always stuck with me. A wonderful way to start the day.

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Definitely!

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Lovely reflection on reading! Really enjoy the idea of seasons for this as well and making structures around reading practices. As we near summer and the changes that come with it to the structure of my fat at least, there is room to think about this and slightly redirect.

Thanks so much for linking to my post as well! :)

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Thanks, Kate! Yes, I realised that about seasons a while ago when I noticed I was reaching for more comforting books during the winter. I might have to do a 'Part 2' about writing structures next...

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Yes please 🙌🏽

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These are very relatable, insightful points and I particularly relate to struggling to rebalance my reading habits after finishing my undergraduate and then now how having to re-rebalance since starting my MA. I also appreciate the advice of Less is Better and will endeavour to implement that into my own reading habits. The thing I struggle with most is attempting to take a book with me everywhere because sometimes my current read is a hefty tome which means I need to take a sturdy tote bag with me instead of the convenience of just my phone.

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Thank you for your thoughtful response, Alexandra. How exciting that you are starting your MA! The less but better concept helped me to re-think my reading post-study, and I would definitely have a listen to the linked podcast in the post for a more in depth discussion. I know what you mean re carrying around a tome! It can be tricky. I have sometimes popped something like a small collection of short stories into my bag as an alternative, or if travelling light, perhaps an audiobook app on your phone might help. Thank you for reading :)

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Such a great post and helpful to hear that other folks have feelings about their reading habits after grad school! During my MFA, reading felt like such an invigorating, meaningful thing, and talking about the ins and outs with colleagues was so powerful! In my PhD, reading felt sometimes illuminating, but shifted to feel transactional: read enough so you can perform knowledge and look good and then actually pay attention to a few things with a lot of attention so you can write a dissertation (although I did love my research topic!). Sometimes I feel like my reading energy goes up and down, where my copies of The Atlantic pile up unread, but I’m so excited to read fantasy novels (FUN) or posts here on Substack (interesting, satisfying, creative, reflective, etc.). I tent to batch my Substack reading for specific times, too. Thanks for sharing this post! I loved hearing your approaches and reflections and considering my own.

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Thanks, Kate! Great to hear you got something from the post, as well as hearing about your own experiences around reading and studies :)

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I love this reflective post! I’ve recently started reading a lot more, and I’m loving it. Taking a book with me everywhere really helps - especially as I’m spending more time outside now the weather is nicer. Putting your phone in a different room is also so beneficial if you want to spend time reading and avoid scrolling online. Thank you for sharing these ideas x

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Thank you! Yep, the phone is definitely the enemy of reading! Reading outside in the sun over summer is something I definitely need to do more of, too :)

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I really appreciate the "read less but better" concept. I have two young children who require constant attention (and I love being around them) so the idea lifts my spirits up beautifully. I do feel nostalgic for a time where I could finish a book in days, rather than weeks/months, but life changes and it's okay to change with it. Love this post.

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Thanks so much! Ah yes, having children really affected my reading habits too! I would definitely recommend checking out the full "read less but better" post on The Matterhorn (or the podcast episode where she reads it out) which I found really useful.

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Thank you! I will!

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This is a great post with some good ideas on reading. I really like the quality over quantity as we are bombarded with ‘read me’ articles daily but taking some thinking time first is a really valid thought.

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Thanks! Yes, there is literally an endless stream of content out there; I guess we have to be selective about what we choose to spend our reading time on.

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