Prompt: Make a Reading Plan

This week we’ve talked about reading with purpose and the three steps crucial to making it happen.  Now this weekend, I challenge you to put it all into action.

Prompt: Make a Reading Plan

First, you need to make yourself a reading list.  Use the Reading List Worksheet to put your list together.  You can check each book off the list as you finish it.

Also, as you work your way through these books, try to practice reading like a writer.  Sure,  you can read casually just taking the story in, but try to pause now and again and focus on reading like a writer.  Jot down your impressions or notes and consider how the author is using different elements of craft.  Read with vigilance.

Come up with a way to log what you read when you finish each book.  Start a file or notebook, where you store your thoughts on each book.  If you’re into gadgets, use the Evernote app to make notes on each book.  (You can even synch your notes between your computer and various devices.)  Open a profile on Goodreads.  Choose a method that works for you.

Finally, decide on a chunk of time (the next month, three months, until the end of 2012) and commit to following your reading plan for that period of time.  My reading plan is to read 50 books in 2012 and log them on Goodreads as I go along.  What’s YOUR Reading Plan?