January 04, 2022

Read With Fey: Challenge For Writers + 10 Years Blogging!!!


Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. For the next couple of months, I’ll be caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I'm even behind on December's and November's comments. So sorry! I will work on those today and ones that come in for this post when I'm able. Thanks for your understanding! And prayers and healing vibes for positive results to the treatments would be much appreciated. ❤️


READ WITH FEY: CHALLENGE FOR  WRITERS


Created by me (Chrys Fey), the Read With Fey challenge is for writers at all levels. The goal is to read *10 non-fiction books for writers during 2022.


Challenge Starts: January 1, 2022

Challenge Ends: December 31, 2022

Goal: Read *10 books for writers by the end of the year.


*Are 10 books too many? Set your own goal!

Just because I’ll be aiming to read 10 books doesn’t mean you have to!

However many books you read is an accomplishment.


Why Should You Join?

Every book you read could inspire you, educate you, and give you SPARKS. And you can read at your own pace.


Why Else Should You Join?

Every book you read for the Read With Fey challenge can count toward your personal reading goals.


Which Books?

Any books for writers! The books can be about marketing, publishing, the craft of writing, basically any non-fiction book that’d be useful to you as a writer. All formats (eBook, print, audio), re-reads, library borrows. It all counts!

For ideas on what to read, check out my Books for Writers list on Bookshop.org by clicking here.


How To Join:

There is no formal sign-up form, so ANYONE, ANYWHERE, and at ANYTIME can join in WHATEVER way they choose.

You can, however, join the Read With Fey challenge on The StoryGraph here to track your progress.

Or you can make a Goodreads shelf for the challenge, a spreadsheet on your computer, a checklist in your journal, a blog post(s), or whatever you want to do. This challenge is flexible for YOU. 

However you decide to do this challenge, please consider announcing your participation on social media as a post or story, tweet, blog post, YouTube video, etc. If you do, a link back to this post would be much appreciated.


Hashtags for social media: #ReadWithFey #ReadWithFey2022


The StoryGraph: Because reading challenges on The StoryGraph only work right now with prompts and not a set number, I created three optional bonus challenge prompts. These bonus prompts DO NOT have to be completed, but to help you add any and all books you read to the challenge on The StoryGraph, I made a bonus prompt called “Use This Bonus Prompt For ANY Book For Writers.” You can use it multiple times, even to add all of your reads if you have to. By reading one book per bonus prompt (three books total), you will technically have the challenge on The StoryGraph completed. lol

To add a book to your challenge, first mark the book as read with a date for 2022. Then on the book’s page on The StoryGraph, scroll down until you see “Add to Reading Challenges” on the left sidebar. If you joined Read With Fey, you’ll see it listed there. Click on it and then select the bonus prompt that qualifies. Only select one.

I’ve never hosted a reading challenge on The StoryGraph before. There was a bit of a learning curve, and I hope they’ll make a set number goal as an option in the future, so I’ll see how I like it. 🙂


Click here to join the Read With Fey challenge on The StoryGraph.


Click here to check out my Books For Writers list on BookShop.org.


Social Media Graphics:






 

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10 YEARS BLOGGING


January 2022 marks ten years that I've been blogging.

Blogging for a decade has been quite the experience. I've participated in many challenges, including two A TO Z challenges (2014 and 2015). That last one in fact exhausted me so much that I could never do another A TO Z, but I loved that challenge (my theme was Disasters).

I have published over 700 posts (this post is #733). I've hosted many great people as guests and have also hosted blog hops and have had many blogging features (such as my Writer's Burnout feature). I'll be resurrecting an old feature from my blog this year. So stay tuned!

However, it wasn't always easy. I went through a blogging lull from lack of motivation as well as burnout and depression that lasted from 2016 to mid-2021. Each year, my energy for blogging waned more and more. I went from posting three times a week to once a week to a couple of times a month to once a month. Last year, I also experienced anxiety attacks related to blogging. At the same time, my motivation to blog was reinvigorated with a purpose.

While it's a fact that blogging is not as popular these days (many bloggers have left and not as many people leave comments on blogs anymore), blogs still serve many purposes and can be useful.

And I am nowhere near done blogging. I have a lot more I want to share.

This year, I'm going to be going back to posting on Tuesdays, as I did my very first year of blogging (before I started posting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).

I am really excited for what this year holds with my blog.

Here's to another ten years!


QUESTION: Interested in my reading challenge for writers? Are there any books for writers you’ve been wanting to read? What are your 2022 reading goals?




40 comments:

  1. Congrats on 10 years. That's a very long time, especially in the blogging world.

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  2. I went, "Hmmm. Read 10 books. In the same year?" So yeah. I might have to get my own goal. :)

    Glad to hear you're not done blogging. I always enjoy seeing what you have to say.

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    1. I figured ten may be tough for some people, which is why the goal is flexible. :)

      Thanks, MJ! I appreciate the support you've given me and my blog. <3

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  3. What a fantastic idea! I easily read 10 a year. Just signed up and need to update Goodreads now. Thank you for the excuse. My own books aren't even on there. ha. I'll be using those #'s. Happy New Year, Chrys!

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    1. Yay! Thank you for signing up! I will be interested to see which books you read this year (and probably taking note to add them to my TBR list). :)

      Happy New Year, Adrienne!

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  4. Congrats on 10 years of blogging. Glad you're focusing on caring for someone who needs your help right now.

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  5. Grats on 10 years! Sorry to hear blogged caused anxiety. That's never good. I know I cut back to one post a month because I couldn't keep up with that and all the other demands life throws at me. I'm sure caretaking is demanding on you. I hope things improve this year!

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  6. Congrats on ten years! That's awesome! I really like reading your posts and you're wonderfully encouraging sparks. I'm curious as to what you think of Storygraph? I hear it is much more user friendly than Goodreads. I'm reading 100 books this year. I've been managing to keep that up for almost ten years now.

    Sending positive thoughts your way for the treatments, and take care of yourself too.

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    1. I actually really love The StoryGraph. I did a post last year titled "A Better Alternative to Goodreads: The StoryGraph." :)

      https://www.writewithfey.com/2021/10/a-better-alternative-to-goodreads.html

      Thank you, Christine!

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  7. Ten books for writers is a lot, but I appreciate the reminder that I should include time to read about the craft, and the business, of writing.

    Wishing you and your loved one the best in this hard time. Be sure to take care of yourself along the way.

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    1. Yes, reading 10 books for writers can be a lot for some people, but that's why I added that everyone can set their own goal. You don't have to read ten books. Any number of books you read is good. Like, for example, if someone joins the challenge on Storygraph, only three reads are needed to complete the challenge there. So, it is very manageable for everyone, based on everyone's needs and time.

      Thank you, Rebecca! I appreciate that. :)

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  8. What a fun challenge.

    Yes, blogging has changed. I noticed a huge change last year too. I will keep doing it too but maybe a little differently.

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    1. I started to do things a little different last year, too, and added new topics to blog about. I’ve been enjoying the changes so far.

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  9. Hi Chrys - I'm joining ... whether they'll be about writing is another matter - they will be non-fiction on various subjects.

    I've been blogging for 14 years now ... going into my 15th ... it has taken me by surprise, but I wouldn't be doing it if I wasn't in this wonderful IWSG group ... and just do what I want ... seems to work: thankfully.

    I do hope all things this year go well with you ... all the best - sent with peace and thoughts - Hilary

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    1. I’m glad you’re joining the challenge, and maybe the nonfiction books you read will inadvertently inspire you as a writer.

      15 years blogging. That’s great!

      Thank you, Hilary!

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  10. I love the idea. I can't wait to see what non-fic writerly books readers spotlight.

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  11. Definitely sending prayers and healing vibes your way! I love what you did with your hair, BTW.

    You've set some great goals! I read all the time, but I'm inspired by the specific goal of books for writers. Blogging, especially with IWSG, is what has kept me going the last couple of years. I don't care if it's "popular" or not. I really don't connect that much with other social media.

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    1. Thank you so much, Liz!

      Blogging is also my favorite platform and the one social media that I connect with.

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  12. Praying for good health during these treatments, Chrys, for whoever it is you're caring for.
    I usually read about 100+ books a year and keep track on GR. Mainly fiction. All inspiring. Probably have read 10 already in January. Go me.

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    1. Thank you so much, Denise!

      That's great that you're able to read so much and have already read a bunch of books this month. :)

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  13. Praying <3
    Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! This is a great way to celebrate! I just started reading Bird by Bird for the first time (I know!), so that'll be my first one :-) No wait -- second; I just finished Somerset Maugham's A Writer's Notebook.

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    1. Thank you, Deniz!

      Bird by Bird is an excellent book. I read it once and have been wanting to read it again. Maybe I'll do that this year. :)

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  14. Good reminder to keep sharp with the how-to write manual. I need to dive back in. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  15. This aligns with a goal I already have, so I'm in! Also, I listed you as a resource for authors in my new book. Wanted to give you a heads up.

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    1. Yay! And thank you so much for listing me as a resource for writers in your ne book. That is an honor.

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  16. Congratulations on 10 years of blogging. I have had my Sage blog since 2004 and well over 1000 posts, but I only post a few times there a year now. I am very sorry to learn that you will be tied up giving care the next few months, but am also glad you are able to be there for the one in need. Be sure to take care of yourself.

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  17. God bless you, Chrys, for caring for someone who needs treatment. They are very lucky to have you. Stay well, dear friend. And I'll be praying for you both. All best in 2022.

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  18. Thanks for stopping by my blog with all that you have going on. I will definitely keep you and your loved one in my prayers. I saw your reading challenge on Instagram and love it. I hope to get posting about it and my other challenges soon. I like the idea of making a Goodreads bookshelf. Congratulations on 10 years blogging. I think I missed my 10 year anniversary, but at least I'm still here and trucking. I wish the best for you and everyone in 2022.

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    1. Of course. I tried to stop by several blogs hen I had the moment.

      Thank you, Toi! And thank you for join the challenge. I can't wait to hear about the books you read. :)

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  19. Sending prayers your way, Chrys! Best of luck to you and your loved ones.

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  20. What a milestone! The reading challenge sounds like fun and works with my goal to tackle my TBR this year.

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    1. That's wonderful! Thank you for joining it. I can't wait to see which books you read. :)

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