Happy Tuesday! Happy Veterans Day! Before I continue with the post, I want to take a moment to thank all of the brave women and men that have served our country. I am so grateful for everything our military members give to keep our country free and protect the rights guaranteed to all Americans. Thank you to each and every person that has put on an American uniform and served! ❤️

I am joining the Share Our Lives ladies, Jen, Joanne, Sarah, Dara, and Adrienne, a day late, but I couldn’t skip the November prompt. This month we are sharing habits to make time for reading. Well, well, well, where should I begin?

I have always been a reader, always! I was the kid that would hide a book in my desk while I was supposed to be listening, working, or doing something else. In fact, that is my number one tip for making time for reading.

Always have a book with you!

It’s easier to find time to read when you have a book with you. I got an Nook for my first Mother’s Day 16 years ago because it was easier to read on that when I was nursing or holding a sleeping baby. I switched to the Kindle about 7 years ago and I always have it with me! Always! I don’t like to use the Kindle app on my phone because phone notifications distract me.

Read everywhere!

With my Kindle always in my purse, I can read everywhere. I read while I am waiting for an appointment. I read while I am waiting in a long line. I read when I am waiting in the car to pick my kids up. I read when I am waiting for the kids’ activities to start. I love reading at swim meets! I read on the beach and at the pool. I read in the car. I know that is the most controversial one and I feel so lucky to be able to read in a car. I get a lot of reading in while we are in the car. I read in bed every single morning and night. I read at work. I read while I am walking (hooray audiobooks!). I will read everywhere!

Have a TBR list!

Every book isn’t for everyone. Having a robust TBR (to be read) list helps to keep you out of a reading slump. When there are books you are excited to read, you keep reading. Feel free to join me on Goodreads if you are looking for some books to add to your TBR. I add to my TBR in a few ways. I follow people on bookstagram (Instagram for books) – Tanya The Bookish Texan, The Exclusive, Booked with Glitz, Reading with Remy, Potter Book Picks, Steph, and others. I add books from their accounts all the time!

Notice what you like in a book!

There are a few things I know I will love in a book. I like realistic fiction. I do not like scary books or many suspenseful books. I love southern fiction. I love family stories. I do not need a lot of spice in romance books. I love everything my “girls of summer” write. My tried and true girls of summer are Elin, Mary Kay, Kristy, Mary Alice, Nancy, and Dorothea (miss her!!). When you know what you like, it’s easier to keep your reading habit going. When my students say they don’t like reading, I always tell them you just haven’t found the right book yet. Always YET, the right book is out there!

Find or create reader friends!

If you have friends that are readers, you are going to want to keep reading so you can share what you’re reading with them. Those same wonderful friends are going to share great books with you, too. For example, as I write this Monday night I am anxious to listen to my audiobook because my friend at work will not discuss the book until I finish. I am 65% of the way through and I will be listening any time I have available. How about that motivation?? You might be wondering how to create reader friends. You could ask a friend to read a book with you and then BOOM – you have a reader friend!

Try different formats!

I am a visual learner and resisted audiobooks for a long time. I started listening on a long solo car ride and found that memoirs read by the author were my audio favorite! Luke and I have listened to dozens of books while we drive to and from soccer practices over the past few years. It has helped him stay a reader during this busy time with school, swimming, soccer, and other commitments. I like to listen to nonfiction/self-help type books too, but find that I prefer to read them in physical book format so I can go back to things and even write in the book (GASP!).

When you have a book you like, in a format you like, a person to talk books with, and another book waiting for you, you will find time to make reading a habit. Like any other habit, you have to work on it. Set aside 5 or 10 minutes a day to read. I like to read when my alarm goes off in the morning and as I fall asleep each night. Once you get into the habit or into a good book, I bet you will find more time in your day to read. I sure hope you do!

I write a reading recap every month. Check out October! I also create a list of Summer Beach Reads and Christmas Books each year. I also have annual lists of the books I’ve read. Feel free to check out any of those for a book to kick off your reading habit. With that, I am off to read a bit more today. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!