If you haven’t heard of Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon it’s a readathon hosted two days a year (in April and October) when readers across the world come together to stick up their noses at adulting and spend the day reading. While many readers choose to read for most of the 24 hour period it’s not required to participate.
For the last few years my writing/publishing schedule has kept me away from readathons, but this year I’m determined to reach my goal of 75 books read and participating in a few readathons is just the fun motivation I need to catch up. Yep, I’m giving up a day of Camp Nano writing to read! *Laughs Manically* The lost writing day is a problem for the future me of April 7th to deal with.
Basic Information
When: April 6th, 2019
Where: Your favorite reading spot and the interwebs. Volunteers host mini-challenges throughout the day and you can update your social media with your progress too. There are a lot of fun bookish things going on when you need to take a break from reading.
How: Sign up here.
Now that you’ve signed up here are 4 ways to make the most of your readathon experience.
1.Pick a Reading Strategy
While there is no right or wrong way to participate in a readathon if you’re planning to read for most of the day you’ll want to ensure you have enough books and enough variety (and some back ups) to ensure you’re not bored or burnt out.
Strategy One: One of my closest friends always saves a really big novel she’s put off reading for Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon. It takes her all day to read it, but it’s become her twice yearly ritual.
Strategy Two: Other readers enjoy a variety of short or medium length books or graphic novels. This strategy is advantageous to those who don’t enjoy longer novels or just want a varied readathon experience.
Strategy Three: Decide on the fly. Some readers don’t enjoy planning ahead at all. They choose their books as they read and enjoy the excitement and freedom of choosing books as they go.
2.Balance Reading & Online Participation
Every reader has their own reasons for participating. Some enjoy a full day of relaxing reading, some want to beat their high record of pages or books, others want the shared experience, and some readers want a bit of everything. I tend to fall between enjoying a day of reading and sharing the experience with other readers. For the first few hours I just read until I reach the place I’d naturally take a break. After that, I set an alarm on my phone to check in every hour online to see what’s going on. Sometimes I check in sooner. Other times I’m so engrossed in my book that I turn off the alarm.
If this is your first readathon experience try out different reading stretches, but ensure you take breaks to move around and get your blood flowing. Little breaks like this ensure your brain stays working throughout the day and you won’t find yourself drifting off as the day wears on!
3. Figure Out How Much Time You Can Devote to Reading and Plan Accordingly
In a perfect world, everything would slow down and we’d all sit down and read for the day. Reality isn’t so perfect. So, plan ahead for how much time you can actually read. I’m hoping for 6-10 hours depending on my mood and what’s going on that day. I don’t have plans, but life pops up without notice. Some of that time will be devoted to participating in online discussion, posting, and maybe some mini challenges. Mostly, I’m just looking forward to reading without distraction.
4. Have Fun!
At the end of the day, Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon is about having fun and coming together to enjoy a day of reading. There are many ways to enjoy it and challenges along the way, but whatever way you participate make sure you’re enjoying yourself! If you’re not into a book or you’re bored. Switch books. Get up and walk around the block. Listen to an audio book or read some short stories! Don’t be afraid to mix it up!
Are you looking for books to read for the readathon? Check out my books from the Hemlock Mpreg Universe.
Have fun and I’ll see you at the readathon!
Maggie Hemlock Books 