London — don’t be too hard on yourself. Reading is reading and whether you’re reading with your “writing hat” on or are just reading for fun, what’s important is that you’re reading. I would just advise changing things up a bit if you find yourself in a reading rut. If you’re always a reading on the web, look for something thats longer form to inspire you.

Great point! I love reading on my commutes (though living in the city means more commutes via public transit). I’m a big fan of the Kindle for reading in public. Not only do people not see the cover of what you’re reading (useful if the book you’re reading has a cheesy cover) but you can turn pages at the touch of a button so even in crowded rush hour subways you can read. Audiobooks are great for car trips and I always like to invest in a few good ones for family road trips!

As a writer, I get a lot more out of books than I used to. I’m more alert to how their worlds are being crafted, what techniques are being used, and all the other writerly things. I think that makes me a better writer, but it may not make me a better reader. I wonder if I look too much at the writerly aspects of the novels I read when I should be looking for something readerly.