Hi and happy June! It hasn’t completely hit me that it’s JUNE already. Crazy! Today I wanted to write about something that’s been on my mind for weeks but honestly for awhile I felt like a total fraud posting on the importance of reading: Time has gotten away from me over the past few months. Couple that with being kind of uninspired by a lot of the things going around blogs for some reason or another, and I don’t read blogs as much as I used to when I wasn’t blogging for my job. I do not read them every day, and I really don’t read as much as I write. (In my defense, I. Write. A. Lot.) It’s kinda crazy to think I should spend that much time reading (it’d be about 30 hours a week – eeek!), but I know deep down that it would help my writing if I did.
Ever since this thought first entered my mind I’ve made an effort to read more, and it has already improved my work. So, what would happen if I were to set aside time to catch up on blogs, lifestyle websites, industry news, and other publications in my niche (added complication – since I work for several people, I have a lot to keep up with)?
Reading puts you in the know. That’s the biggest thing. For a blogger, it confirms that the posts you’ve been dreaming up are needed. Or it tells you your blog topics are overdone and need a new angle. Visually, it shows that maybe even your blog design isn’t keeping up with the fast paced internet. It makes you feel connected even if you’re not commenting. If I’m being honest, I have all sorts of reactions, good and bad, after an hour spent catching up with blog, websites, news, etc. Sometimes I feel like it’s all been done. Other times I feel inspired. But I can’t say that any of it’s not necessary. It’s how I grow as a writer and creative individual. I think the biggest problem we have with reading – it often feels like a HUGE task – is that we’re always inundated with information. These days, it’s like, when are we not reading?! But taking in information isn’t quite the same – actually reflecting on it and being mindful of that info is an important part of the puzzle.
Further, as much as reading is vital, it’s also essential to read from a variety of sources. Just like you should never, ever get your news from one place, you shouldn’t only read one design blog or lifestyle site or fashion magazine or whatever. Personally, I have a list of bookmarked sites to go to check in every now and then. Then I go on my bloglovin’ reader and browse the feed and posts I’ve saved. Then I hit ‘explore’ and see what new posts there are to discover (tip – if you’ve tired of seeing the same popular blogs at the top over and over again, quickly scroll down a bit first – you’ll get more variety). I also comb through twitter to get more news of different types, not just blogs. I personally sign up for very few newsletters but those that I do are my go-to for quick reads while checking my email (too many and I’m overwhelmed). The rest happens weekly, but like I said, I still don’t think it’s often enough. In June, my goal is to spend more time venturing out and discovering, rather than reading the same ol’ things. Once I find more I can connect with, I’ll make a point to keep going back (and share here!).
What have you guys been reading lately? If you’ve been uninspired too, maybe peruse our old school ways to find inspiration? Magazines are always good starts for me.
Gina says
This is SO important! I have been slacking on my blog reading for a little bit, but I’m excited to read my favorites today! I think reading other blogs and commenting also helps to build interaction and community in the blogosphere, something I’ve found has helped my blog! Thanks for sharing this tip!
Alyssa J Freitas says
You are right that commenting is a HUGE way to not only build community, but also to help you find other great blogs to read and lead people to your own
Angela says
I absolutely love when I finally have an hour or two to just read and comment. It always reminds me that I need to do it more often.
Alyssa J Freitas says
I totally agree that reading a variety of sources can help to broaden your perspective and make you a better writer! I am always excited to read The Blog Market and can’t wait to see what else you have in store :)
Alyssa J Freitas
Angela says
Thanks Alyssa!!!
Laila says
I agree, it’s so important to read blogs. I’ve been making a big effort to find new blogs (or at least, blogs that are new to me) and really enjoying it these last couple of weeks. Yours is one of them! :) X
Julie says
So true. Ive made a concerted effort over the past 12 months to expand my reading and you are totally right about either feeling like it’s all been done and learning ‘what not to do’ or inspired.
I love Bloglovin for this but must do your ‘explore’ trick from time to time too
Emmy says
You make such a good point. I don’t think looking at stats and stuff every five minutes is a good idea, but having some kind of idea of where you fall in line with like blogs is important to baseline every once in a while. I’m totally guilty of just keeping up with the same old blogs/resources. I read way more than I write, but I could definitely stand to branch out a little more. Especially outside of my niche. You never know when you’ll find a tidbit or fact or random source of inspiration that can be applied to your content [=
♡Em
Ashley L says
Yes! This is so important! I try to take time to read at least 5 posts every day and I try to seek out at least 2-3 new blogs to browse. It helps keep me inspired and motivated.
Angela says
Sounds like a good formula for staying in the now. I’m going to try that!
Kathryn J says
I’ve found this to be so true, and I particularly like to read a variety of blog genres. Initially I just stuck to blogs in the same niche but since I started to include different niche blogs in my reading, I’ve felt a lot more inspired. I think it helps to think outside the box and have a different perspective your own primary interest.
Laurel Musical says
Great post and there is a lot of truth to it! How do we expect people to read our posts, when we read so few of others?!?! You made this click in my brain today!
Would you mind if I shared it as my favourite post of the week in my And The Award Goes To… Weekly Round Up?
Angela says
That’d be wonderful! So true — if no one is reading than we’re all just writing for an empty crowd– kind of interesting when you think of it!
Pearl says
Honestly, I don’t read other blogs as much as I write and that’s why I haven’t been a solid part of an internet community of bloggers yet. This post hits me. I really need to start reading other blogs more, explore other blogs, and follow other interesting websites.
Reading shouldn’t be a heavy task :D *reminds myself the same thing*
Sam @ Love & Wonderful says
Im with you. I don’t stick to one-and-only source because often times I don’t have the variety of reading materials. Instead, I use Bloglovin, Twitter, and Ointerest to find new and inspired and related blog posts to read. Those are ones I often comment (one thing I make sure I visit the blog and read the post, a nice way to keep track of!!). I gather different writing styles and stick with them each week for the latest blog post update.
Angela says
I really like using twitter for updates!
Sam @ Love and Wonderful says
Reading has been important to me because that’s how I learn from others. Reading has given me opportunies to find out more about varieties topics. I like blog commenting, and it’s how I keep track of my reading and connect with other bloggers.