Reading Goals for 2020

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Reading is as vital to my career as writing. Establishing reading goals for 2020 along with my personal, professional, and spiritual objectives means scheduling a plan.

I like what Stephen King says: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

I’ll add my own quote: “How can a writer compose meaningful projects without reading about the world we live in and the people who make things happen?”

Not to be quoted, but reading keeps me sane or as close to normal as a creative person can venture.

Reading Goals for 2020

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Here is a list of my reading categories and why I value each.

  1. Blog posts that instruct me in the craft of writing, social media, and the publishing industry keep me abreast of the happenings and updates in my career. If I were a doctor, I’d be reading medical journals.
  2. Blog posts on the topics of health, beauty, fashion, and exercise help me look and feel my best. My body is meant to last only one lifetime, so I want to make wise choices.
  3. Bestselling novels are a mix of entertainment and a workbook. I love to get lost in a character’s life and problem while admiring the techniques used to keep me glued to the page. Word of mouth recommendations is a clue the story will be amazing. My writing genre is romantic suspense, but I love a solid story outside of my genre. Reading the books my granddaughter (age 13) enjoys gives me deeper insights about her likes and plenty we can discuss together.
  4. Nonfiction books range from craft, Bible, cookbooks, travel, adventure, gardening, history, marketing, and spiritual growth and development.

I believe books open our minds to journeys we might never take.

  • We learn.
  • We form opinions.
  • We laugh.
  • We cry.
  • We’re angry.
  • We’re appalled.
  • We’re entertained.
  • We establish our morals.
  • We become well-informed people.
  • We learn about world history and culture.
  • We build relationships through discussions about what we’re
    reading.

Include reading in your daily routine. What are your reading goals for 2020?