what counts as reading?

on expanding our horizons

It’s that time of year again: we’re all setting reading goals. But I’m going to make an argument for why you maybe shouldn’t. Or at least, expand what you’re counting toward that goal.

But before we start: audiobooks count as reading, ebooks are reading, as long as you’re consuming a book, it’s reading, okay?

my reading in 2024

I’ve been saying I hit a reading slump last year. A big one. Even books I’d been excited about, I didn’t read. This is the plight of a mood reader. If I’m not in the mood, it’s just not happening.

I had so little energy for reading, I didn’t set a goal to meet at all. I’m not going to force myself to read just for the sake of saying I did. And if you tell me to do something, it’s the fastest way to make sure I don’t do it.

I read maybe 10 audiobooks and a few ebooks. I beta read for a few close author friends. I hate read a couple of books (no, I won’t give you titles). And I started and stopped so many books I can’t remember even a ballpark number for you.

All in all, not the most “successful” reading year.

That is, until I remembered something.

reframing the question

Somewhere around November, as I was tidying my son’s room, I collected all of his books. They were scattered everywhere. Some in the living room, some on the dresser, some on the floor, even some in his bed. (He likes to read in bed; definitely my kid.)

Point is: I picked up a lot of books.

I placed them all back on the shelf. Or rather, I put as many of them as I could fit on the shelf. We’ll have to get him another one soon.

But here’s the kicker: I’ve read all of these books. Multiple times. There’s easily 100 of them. (More than what’s pictured here, for sure.)

Aside from the time well spent with my son reading and encouraging him to enjoy stories, I did some learning of my own.

There’s a Winnie the Pooh book that is notable for its perfect story structure. There’s a whole series of Pete the Cat books that are a great reminder to let my creativity go wild because who cares about story structure? One of my favorites, Little Owl’s Night, is filled with carefully chosen words that evoke such a sense of wonder for the world, I hope one day I can match it in its richness. There’s even some choose your own adventure types that remind me stories can pivot at any time; I just have to enjoy the ride.

okay, ingrid, get to the point

My point is: even if you had a less than perfect reading year, maybe it was better than you thought.

Mine was.

Story is everywhere, and as a writer, I can’t help but pause to analyze it. Even those really good, emotional commercials on TV that tell a story in 15 seconds.

I’ve made it a point to learn from all the stories I consume. I hope in 2025, you will too.

what’s coming in 2025

You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?

Until then, if you haven’t read Not You Again, I’d love if you did! And I’ll keep you updated as more news happens, okay?

As always, stick around for more fun things—writing tips and tricks, updates on what I’m working on, and publishing news.

What are some writing issues you struggle with? Leave a comment or send me a message; I’d love to help you solve them!