I posted this pic on Facebook some weeks ago. It’s actually a plaque I got for Christmas this year and thought it was kind of neat. But the truth comes out when I say I can’t remember ever taking a book to bed with me. While, I sometimes stay up late to read I don’t do it from beneath the covers. Not even once!
I know a lot of people read in bed almost every night. It’s part of their bedtime ritual. After a long day it’s a great way for them to unwind as they curl up in bed with one of their favourite authors. For some, it’s the only quiet time in the day when they can enter an imaginary world and become a part of it. And we all know how important it is to lose ourselves into the world of imagination, right?
These days I tend to read while using the treadmill. In fact, some days it’s the only time I find to read.(Ah the busy, busy life of an author!) Let’s face it, a treadmill can be pretty darn boring, aimlessly walking until you work up a sweat with no true destination in mind, not even a change in scenery. So, I decided to combine the two. I thought, why not? I’ve got such a list of books waiting for me I try to cram in reading time anywhere I can.
I’m also one of those lucky people who can read while driving in a car and not lose their lunch in the process. FYI, I’m not the one doing the driving. (Wouldn’t want to scare any of you readers out there. ) Living 45 minutes out of town does sometimes have its advantages, and on shopping day I can squeeze in some reading as well. I’m also known to take reading material with me to work, and read on breaks or at lunch time. Hey, who says you can’t find time to read?
Reading is important to writers. It’s not an option, it’s a must. I know many people don’t get that, and that’s alright. I’ve been accused by some of “always” reading or writing, like it’s a bad thing. But the truth is, if you’re serious about being a writer, you’ve also got to read. Writers are often inspired by reading the words of others. I can’t begin to say how many times a particular book has inspired me with my own writing even if that book doesn’t resemble what I’m writing at all. It’s kind of a strange and wonderfully weird thing that happens to many writers when we read a book we really love. It makes us want to rush out and write our own story. We are sometimes struck by a moment of clarity that brings everything into focus for us, and we have other writers to thank for that.
Okay, so I got a little side-tracked from my original post. I was talking about reading in bed, which I mentioned I don’t do. But how many of you read in bed— once in awhile, never, or almost always?
Linda Cassidy Lewis
/ March 5, 2013I’m so glad you said this, Laura. I’ve felt like the odd one because so many people I know talk about reading in bed. As a child I did, but as an adult rarely … and even then it’s usually because I’m too sick to get out of bed.
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Darlene Foster
/ March 5, 2013Sometimes I wish I would get sick so I would have an excuse to read in bed. I guess I should be careful what I wish for!
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013Recently, my mother mentoned that she reads ever night before bedtime which got me thinking about those who do. I’m more apt to lie awake writing scenes in my head. It’s not an easy way to fall asleep. Maybe I should try reading. 🙂
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Darlene Foster
/ March 5, 2013I love to read in bed but usually by the time I hit the sack, I am too tired. Occassionaly I treat myself to reading bed with a cup of tea on a Saturday morning. Heaven!!
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013That does sound like a treat, Darlene. And you should bite your tongue for your comment above. Wishes do sometimes come true.
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Angela Wilson
/ March 5, 2013I have read on my bed, but not IN my bed, with covers tucked over me. It seems to be the quietest place to read. And while we are on the subject of reading, I hate it when people read when they are in the bathroom. It wouldn’t be so bad if there were other bathrooms in the house or you were alone. Just had to get that one out there. haha
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013Reading in the bathroom? Maybe they need to eat more fiber. 😉 Thanks for the chuckle, Angela!
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lissa
/ March 5, 2013I used to read in bed during the winter but somehow I got the habit of reading on the train on the way to work or home. my bedside table has a pile of unread books but I don’t seem to want to read them when I’m home. I think there’s a great comfort reading in bed but sometimes you just had to read somewhere else.
like you, I think reading in between buying grocery or doing some chores is best. at least your brain is still working instead of wandering.
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013I’m all for using my time wisely, and sometimes all that travel feels like such a waste of time.
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jenniferneri
/ March 5, 2013Always.
the only place I read. Except for rare stolen moments here and there.
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013I’m sure it’s challenging for you to find quiet time, Jennifer, with the little ones. We find what moments we can. That’s the important part.
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ramblingsfromtheleft
/ March 6, 2013Laura, everywhere else but. It puts me to sleep and then I get annoyed that I missed the turning point, or a great chapter. No, I sit up and focus. Writers read. It’s what we do. What we must. I think I am such a clutz I’d break my neck if I read on a treadmill 🙂
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013It’s a bit challenging to read while on the treadmill, but I’m getting better at it. I’ve learned not to choose books with small printing a softcover over hard. I’m still learning, but I’m getting through my reading pile. 🙂
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Diane Tibert
/ March 6, 2013I never read in bed either. These days I seldom get to read at all…yet I’m reading most of my day, just not fiction. My main reading times are while I’m waiting for the kids at some event: swimming, riding, dentist appointment…the list goes on, but the past month, things have been slow. My favourite place to read is outside while I’m tanning, on a rock by the ocean or on a log next to a fire (during the day time).
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013I remember those days, with three kids at home. Reading often falls to the background. Hopefully, when the nice weather comes you’ll be able to slip in some reading time. 🙂
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Heather Wright
/ March 6, 2013I read in bed every night. I’m not a good sleeper, and I find that reading until I can’t keep my eyes open is the best way for me to fall asleep. I find it very hard to switch off my brain at bedtime. I can stay awake for an hour or more after going to bed, even after a busy day when I feel like I’m ready to drop because I’m so tired. I choose to read ‘old friends’ – Agatha Christie, Ngiao Marsh, Rex Stout, etc. at bedtime. If there is something special that I want to read and enjoy, like a new Louise Penny or Susanna Kearsley, I read those in daylight hours.
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013Switching off the brain at bedtime is sometimes a problem for me as well, although I try and avoid caffeine during the day and that seems to be helping. Interesting that your tastes change between bedtime reading and daytime reading.
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Heather Wright
/ March 6, 2013Gosh, I wish it were caffeine. I haven’t had any for over 20 years. My mornings would really appreciate it! 🙂
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Judi
/ March 6, 2013The last book I got through was “Bitter, Sweet”, and that’s because a good friend of mine wrote it..LOL So therefore, I don’t read in bed, because I don’t read unless it’s a pattern for a quilt, afghan, or some other project that I am working on. But I use to read alot when I was growning up, and sometimes in bed. I, also, find it hard to shut down my brain, it’s also got some pattern running through or a new design for a card, so I find it hard to go to sleep. Just a different kind of cafferine…..LOL
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013Gee Judi, are you saying it’s a good thing I only have a book published every three or four years? 😉 I actually feel honoured that you read my book even if you did feel pressured. lol!
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Leah Saylor-Abney
/ March 6, 2013I read ON the bed (I have this cool pillow shaped like the top of a chair) and IN the bed (with the covers pulled up to my chin), but I also read just about everywhere else I can sit or stand without motion. Reading on/in bed only makes me drowsy if I’ve had a particularly challenging day. Otherwise, it’s the same as reading in a chair.
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013The important part is reading, right, Leah? It sounds as though you’re a pretty versatile reader..Now I’m curious about that cool pillow of yours. 🙂
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C.B. Wentworth
/ March 6, 2013I read in bed almost every night! Most of the time it helps me relax, but last night I was up waaaay too late because I couldn’t put the book down! 🙂
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013I guess reading doesn’t put you to sleep, C.B. I think that might be my problem if I did. 🙂
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cluculzwriter
/ March 6, 2013I don’t read in bed either. It puts me to sleep. I can’t read on the treadmill because I get dizzy. Haha, I know, I’m weird. But I do read on the way to town (one hour) while my DH drives. Okay, honestly now–I also play video games on my phone! But, I do love reading, and have been known to have a book on my second monitor while I’m suppose to be working. I love my Cloud Reader for that reason.
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013Hey, I’m no one to think anyone is wierd. Those long drives, however, are great for reading, but only if our driver isn’t in a talkative move, lol!
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Lynn A. Davidson
/ March 6, 2013Sometimes when I’m on my week at Dad’s and he’s late going to bed I read to stay awake. At home I usually don’t read in bed because I CAN’T stay awake, or I don’t want to disturb my husband’s sleep. I know, weird!
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013As I said to Joylene, I’m no one to call someone else’s habits wierd. We do what works, Lynn. It’s as simple as that, 🙂
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pattisj
/ March 6, 2013I’m one of those who loses their lunch when reading in the car. How I wish I could use that time! I’m glad you read as a PASSENGER. 😉 I try to read a bit in bed, but usually am so sleepy, I don’t know what I’ve read. It’s not that comfortable, either.
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Laura Best
/ March 6, 2013I agree, it seems to me that reading in bed would be uncomfortable. Maybe that’s because the old joints aren’t what they used to be. 😉
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storyteller5
/ March 7, 2013Unfortunately, reading is the way I procrastinate when I should be writing…
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Laura Best
/ March 7, 2013Oh dear, although there are worse ways to procrastinate. 🙂
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Carol
/ March 8, 2013The only time I read in bed is during summer vacation in the RV. Both DH and I like to snuggle down with a book for a while before turning out the light. I admit it isn’t the comfiest place to read, but it’s cosy. I’m not sure why the habit hasn’t found its way back home. We regularly read during the day and/or during the evening here, but never in bed.
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Laura Best
/ March 11, 2013I guess we do things differently when away from home. The important thing is to keep reading, and we readers will find whatever place we can regardless of the circumstances.
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Kathryn Lily Nichols Rose
/ March 11, 2013Reading a good book is so wonderful that I want to do it in private and have my book all to myself with no interruptions : ) I love to read in bed by myself. A great way to gear down before sleep as well. That said, I will always take my book with me to appts. if there is any chance I will have to wait.
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Laura Best
/ March 11, 2013I’m always disappointed when I forget to take a book to an appointment. I’m not the most patient person when it comes to long waits. It feels like such a waste of time to not be doing something..
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