MoscoeLucilfer t1_j6fpfz4 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 12:27 AM

Reply to I'm trying to read more. But it's almost like I'm forcing myself to and not because I do it for the enjoyment by Mad_Season_1994

The easiest way to kill your love of reading is setting an expectation on yourself based on what you perceive other people think a reader should be (something I learned the hard way).

I may not read 500 page novels often, but I know I'm a reader because I enjoy the urge to read books I genuinely care about based on my personal tastes.

For example, I finished reading the visual novels Higurashi and Umineko last year. They're not traditional novels in hand, but I'm sitting and reading, immersed in the story and pictures. As a school teacher, I also tell my students that graphic novels (a book type that typically holds the attention for ADHD children) ARE real reading!

Plus, both visual novels are 100 hours+ long. I couldn't read it through one sitting. Both novels took me 2 and a half months to read. That's fine by me. It made me look forward to read every day in those months.

Right now, I suddenly have the urge to read "The Kybalion" because I'm attracted to occult knowledge, and one of my favorite childhood singers, Omarion, wrote a book titled "Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy" thats themed around spirituality. Kybalion is a very hard read, but my interest in it keeps me going. Omarion's book is an easy read, and I don't feel bad. It's about the content, not other people's perceptions.

To sum it up, pick a book that matches your tastes, interest, and style. Read for fun and pleasure. If reading YA or middle grade books will be easier, go for it! I enjoy the Dragon Masters and Magic Bunny series my 3rd graders love.❤

MoscoeLucilfer t1_j29sjcy wrote on December 30, 2022 at 6:02 PM

Reply to I just can’t with the forced romances in mysteries and thrillers! They are so ridiculous by ginnygrakie

Speaking as a writer who likes romance, I think the author is either doing a self-insert into the novel, or just trying to appeal to an audience who needs the stimulation of romance to maintain interest in a story.

I agree that the romance has to make sense in the story. Often times, I never see that and get confused as to why lips are locked and clothes are ripped while a monster is on the loose. I would make a bold presumption that about 60% of the love stories that appear in genres outside romance novels, are never executed correctly. Always forced and clash with the plot.