Quirky Reading Habits

My reading habits take on a quirky approach depending on what I’m reading. Curling up with a thriller novel is not the same as studying a book on prayer. Nor should it be.

Reading is more than opening the pages of a book or an e-reader to internalize fiction or nonfiction. The desire to read requires different habits according to the type of book that has captured my attention.

My min —and perhaps yours too—absorbs written communication with an emphasis on asking questions: Why am I motivated to read this book? Do I seek entertainment? What do I hope to gain from the information? Answers to these three criteria take center stage to ensure my experience is successful.

Research

Biblical

• Motivation to read the Bible when I rise in the morning reflects my relationship with God has priority in my life. He shows me His love and gives me marching orders for the day. Our conversations are a balm to my soul.
• Bible reading is not entertainment but a vital part of life. A necessity. Possibly entertained when I read how the ancients rose in their relationship with God.
• Scripture reading for me varies from reading the Bible on my desk to absorbing God’s Word on my Kindle or listening to the magnificence of my Father’s guidance and love. A journal nearby allows me to record those passages that leap from the page. No matter the method, I’m able to highlight and take notes.

Storyline

• Motivation for accuracy and credibility in my writing guides me to research everything about my characters, the setting, and the plot.
• Entertainment is always a part of story research. Oh, the places I can go. Whenever possible I travel to the area and select research material that adds flavor to the story. It’s a thrill! The more information I can pack into my brain, the more confidence I have in my story. My goal is for readers to journey on an adventure and live vicariously through my characters, which means I must know and experience every detail.

Biographies

• Motivation to read biographies means learning about famous people, especially those who triumphed with faith in God to achieve great accomplishments. What did they apply to their lives that caused them to be role models for others? Entertainment is a given. A biography is real life, a real person, and how they rose to fame.
• Learning about people and cultures helps me understand the ways of the world. How can I use their life lessons to impact others for Jesus?

Poetry

• Motivation to read poetry comes from a love of words, sounds, rhythm, meanings, and imagery. Entertainment places a smile on my face when I grasp the poet’s theme or appreciate the style. I gain respect and admiration for the poem and the poet. I’m encouraged to paint better word pictures in my own writing.

Articles, Blog Posts, or Lions, Tigers, and Bears

• Motivation to devour words happened when I learned to spell. I’m curious to see how the writer strung together words to show a theme. Entertainment is a bonus to reading an article, blog post, email, text, or a cereal box. I want to treasure the words, from marketing and promotion to the best way to apply lipstick. Gaining knowledge is a part of my personality. Embedded deep in my DNA is a driving need to learn all I can about the world, its people, and God.

Fiction

Pleasure

• Motivation to read stories happened at the Dick and Jane level. I love the art of story, and every literary technique used to create a memorable read. Fiction is entertainment. Characters and their situations, no matter the genre, excite me with their adventure. I want to be the character and lose track of time. I find every story has the potential to make me a better person through a non-threatening environment. I’m entertained, inspired, encouraged, and learn.

Endorsement

• Motivation to read for endorsement is rooted in the desire for every fiction writer to attain success. Two criteria come into focus: 1) Do I know and love this author as a person? 2) Do I have the time to give the manuscript the attention it deserves?
• Entertainment is a must! And my goal is the same for every story. When I make an investment of time to read for endorsement, I must discover all the characteristics that I deem important for every story. When I am entertained, inspired, encouraged, and learn something new, then I’m ready to endorse with enthusiasm.

Maybe you don’t think my reading habits are quirky. (Thanks for the vote of confidence.) We all have reasons to drink in the thirsty words before us. What is one of your reading habits?

The Pages of My Life – DiAnn Mills Share on X