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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Reading Slump of the Century!

I have never experienced a reading slump quite like the one that I'm currently in. It doesn't help that the last two review books I've read have been disappointing. I was really looking forward to one of the review book because I read the author's work a few years ago and loved it. I tried to get into this book but it just wasn't working for me. I spent days with it and couldn't get past page one hundred. Finally after a bit of soul searching I just emailed the publicist and stated that the book was not for me and that I would NOT be reviewing it, nor would I be spotlighting it on my blog. I apologized profusely and then clicked send. I never received a response. Oh well. The other book was one that many have loved on Goodreads and many of my blogging friends loved the author's debut work. As for me, I ended up feeling ambivalent about it. Not looking forward to that review!! I have read two books over the course of twenty-four days. Obviously something is off with me and with the books that I spent time reading.

It doesn't help that I'm starting to experience 'empty nest syndrome' and I don't like it one damn bit. This is my youngest son's Senior year and I'm honestly having a hard time with all of it. It's hard for me to accept that come this time next year Marc will be away at college and I will be home alone most of the time. No more football games, no more school plays, no more Prom or school dances, no more morning hugs goodbye and words of 'love you, Mom. Have a good day.' I recognize that I may be a "bit" depressed and I'm sure that is contributing to my overall slump in the reading area. I'm working hard on focusing on all the great things that do come with Senior Year and staying positive. I'm proud of the young man that Marc has become so I need to buck up and look forward to the next phase in both of our lives.

But there has been one positive out of all of this, and that is I've finally realized that I am tired of doing review books. I'm seriously burnt out with having to read on a schedule and have decided to throw the schedule out the window.....for real this time!! I have a few reviews left for the year and I'm okay with those. I even enjoy the TLC tours and the occasional author requests. So I'm going to continue to participate when opportunity arises, but with limitations. I have a TON of books on my Kindle to read, not to mention the crazy amount upstairs in my book room. I'm embracing the new freedom that comes with no expectations of my time,nor the fear of upsetting someone when I find that their book was just a 'meh' read. I'm in the beginning stages of planning 2013 and what I want that to look like in regards to my reading. I'm pretty sure that alone will get me excited about reading again and will draw me out of my slump.


If you've made it this far, I want to THANK YOU!
This will be the end of my pity party!!

Happy Reading,
Staci





31 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry you're going through all of this. I was excited about everything Vance's senior year - it wasn't until he left that I suffered from empty nest syndrome. I quickly adjusted, though, and came to like it and suspect you will too. Don't stress over the reading slump. Things will pick up.

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  2. Staci, you post about "empty nest" made me think back and reflect. Some of my friends or coworkers struggled with this, but I was one who "couldn't wait for the empty nest". Maybe because as a single parent for many years, I finally saw it as time for me and new pursuits. I still saw my kids and talked on the phone etc, but it was no longer the constant running, meal preps, and whining...yes whining that sometimes fried my brain.

    Try a list of things you've been wanting to try and try to see it as a new phase of "the year of Staci":)

    I am sick of doing reviews as well and am behind by about 6. I'm also quitting the IT--along as I'm just not in the mood:)

    Take care

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  3. Oh, Staci, I feel your pain! I'm sorry that you've been in a reading slump - hate those - makes me no myself at all. :-)

    I know this time of life is exciting in many ways, but also so upsetting. I remember thinking that I wasn't sure who I would be if my girl wasn't at home anymore. You'll get through it, but I applaud your idea of a more unstructured reading life. Each of us have our own ways of dealing with such things and it sounds like you're well on your way. Hugs to you. It'll be OK - it's not easy at first to be an empty-nester or to anticipate such or have a massive reading slump - but, you'll be OK. Just the turning of life's wheel as you move on to the next stage. There are a lot of nice things about being an empty nester and you'll discover them. However, truly enjoy this senior year with your son. It's priceless.

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  4. I'm amazed that a publicist wouldn't at least acknowledge your e mail. I have no respect for companies like that. Not worth a moment of your concern. You made your position perfectly clear and apologized.

    We've already discussed "empty nest" via e mail so I won't get into that here but one other thing - you may be surprised at how much you and hubby will like the freedom to do what you want spur of the moment. If you feel like going out for dinner or just cooking waffles, you can. Of course you will miss Marc but when he comes home on break, it will be an occasion. Look forward to the next stage, Sweetie, there's good things coming your way. {{{{mega hugs}}}}

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  5. Staci, I think you'll find many of us can relate to your current situation - empty nest as well as reading slump/blog burnout. I know I can! I've pulled back on accepting review books. I have a small number of authors I'd never say no to but, that aside, the review books I do read are mostly from netgalley and edelweiss these days. I'm sure you'll find a comfortable way out of the slump. Also, I don't feel the pressure to blog every day. I'm kind of back to where I was when I began my blog almost five years ago. And I like it ;-)

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  6. I'm sorry you are struggling, but I'm happy to see you have decided to give yourself freedom in what and when you review books. Remember that blogging isn't your job, so you can do whatever you want with it. :)

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  7. Staci I'm sorry you're feeling so down lately! I totally get the need to free yourself from review copies and commitments. I did the same thing earlier this year - in fact I actually put on my review policy that I'm NOT accepting review copies - but I still give myself the freedom to accept a few here and there (like from TLC - love them!). It's been very nice not to feel like I HAVE to read certain books and I highly recommend it. I hope you get out of your slump soon. :)

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  8. Sorry you have been in a slump :( But good for you for not doing certain reviews anymore ... hopefully that will help :)

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  9. Hugs, Staci! Senior year, especially senior year of your youngest, is an emotional rollercoaster... so much excitement, and so many 'lasts'. As you know, my nest turned out to be not entirely empty since one of the twins commutes to college, but we did strive to develop a new normal, and I'm sure you will, too. Embrace all the joy of your son's senior year and congratulations on throwing the reading schedule out the window!

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  10. Wait, did I write this or did you? That's MY third paragraph, right? So confusing!

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  11. my vote--do everything you can with Marc this year and enjoy!!! there will always be time to read.

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  12. Hugs, Staci! Enjoy your time with Marc! Your reading slump will end when you are ready.

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  13. There are just times that change is needed, and I think of blogging as something that is ever-changing in nature to reflect the changes in our lives. It sounds like you could really use a break - just reading when you feel like it and what looks good to you - or not reading at all. I can't even imagine the empty nest thing. I have a hard enough time the first week of school each year. I hope that things don't keep you down for long though!

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  14. Boy, your slump is even worse than mine! Although, you've probably hit the nail on the head in that you're just mentally focused else where. Don't think about next year (I know, I know, I'm the person that keeps asking if you're crying as you're doing that last of each thing! I swear I'll stop!) and focus on all of the wonderful things that are a part of senior year. Like, won't you get to go down on the field soon for Senior Night?

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  15. :/
    That is one bad slump! And as for empty nest syndrome, do not think of it, instead enjoy this last year to the fullest

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  16. My life has revolved around my boys and I've struggled with the changes that came from them finishing school and moving on. I'm lucky Callum is still living at home while he's at university (this year anyway) but Anthony's visits are rare and I do miss him and family times. Things are very different now but one thing I did learn is worrying about what's coming and how I'll cope takes enjoyment from right now so you're doing the right thing staying positive and enjoying all the wonderful things this year. It's amazing what opportunities present when you open the door to the changes coming. I don't mean to sound so umm corny but you'll get yourselves a new 'normal' Staci, and you might find you like it ... a lot LOL. Hugs my friend and congrats on your reviewing decision ... how liberating lol

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  17. While I'm not a book blogger (and my hat is off to those of you who are because I can't imagine how you do it), I do know what it's like to be totally fried. It's a tough place to be. After I toured with CeeCee, I was so exhausted that it was impossible to even think of writing another novel.

    Brava to you for taking a break and re-prioritizing. It's so empowering when we give ourselves permission!

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  18. I think Empty nesting is far away for me at this point. LOL I'm sorry about the reading slump, but I think we all go through that occasionally. I know I've slowed down my reading and changed my review policy for the rest of the year....

    I'm sure you'll find something to fill your time...and with him in senior year now, it's time to enjoy every minute of it. And like a good son, he may not call everyday and say he loves you, but he will call!

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  19. I am in a writing slump. I read like crazy, but don't feel like writing about them. I am toying with the idea of doing some videos but that sounds like work to me ;)

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  20. So sorry you're feeling this way. I know I have many years until the empty nest, but they go by so fast. I'm a wreck just thinking about how she's going to graduate from junior high next year...don't even want to think about high school. ((HUGS))

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  21. Just think - empty nest = more time to read!!!

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  22. I am sorry about the reading slump you are experiencing at the moment! I hope it will pass soon. Glad you are setting new goals that will bring back the pure enjoyment of reading.

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  23. I agree with alot of your commentators in that your reading slump will end one day. I think you might be on the right track, in recognizing that you don't want to read what other people send you any more, that you want to read what you want to, now. I've found that's really important when I am in a slump, is to let go of all the I have to's, and read what I want to, whatever it is.

    Have fun this senior year with your son, whatever he will let you do with him!

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  24. It isn't a pity party. I think it must be just horrible to 'have' to read something you don't want to read. There are so many 'musts' in this life. Reading is one of the only pure pleasures. No one can tell us what to read, when to read, or if to read. It is a gift of the universe that should never, ever be a chore. It should lighten us, not be a load upon our shoulders.
    As for the empty nest, well, mine has been empty a lot of years now, but I've found I am closer to my kids than ever. I think you may grow to appreciate your own time, your own direction, your own books!

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  25. Staci, I have all but stopped blogging too! I think I have about ten posts in 2012, maybe less. What I have decided works for me is a monthly recap with my review/opinion. I have also noticed that the people I want to remain in contact with have stayed in contact, commenting on my blog, emailing, goodreads comments.

    I have noticed that several of my blog friends have slowed, almost to a halt, this year. Follow your heart, it's okay to take a break. It's actually a good thing in my humble opinion... balancing screen time with life. I have taken to adding a morning walk to my day this year, this hour has replaced my screen time. I'm outside, moving, listening to a book, or talking with a friend vs the blog. Find was works, embrace it!

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  26. You are so hearfelt and honest, I love reading your posts Staci! I will have mixed feelings when I hit the empty nest so I can understand you must be going through a myriad of emotions. I bet once you settle in you will love the freedom! I think all of us book bloggers can relate to the reading slump, tiring of fixed reviews and deadlines. As you know, I have scaled back and it's helped to take a break. I'm struggling with a writing slump and just don't know what to write some days. Loved the C&H comic strip!!!

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  27. It sounds like Marc is keeping you busy this year so just make sure to store it all up to bring out for a rainy day next year. I'm sure your anxiousness about this is contributing to your reading slump. Throw out review books and read whatever tickles your fancy on a given day! I don't get enough time to read to have a slump so you can be thankful that's not your problem :)

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  28. If it makes you feel any better, I've been in a pretty nasty reading slump as well. Not fun at all! Don't let it get you down though! We will all be here when you get back to reading...and until then I'm always willing to listen :) And commiserate as I was going through the same thing!

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  29. Oh, what wonderful comments have been posted here! This is what I love about blogging! The community of friends to help one another through life's rough spots. I understand and sympathize how you're feeling this fall as Marc wraps up his last year of school. But as others have said, you'll find your way and wind up enjoying your "empty nest." I truly believe this. Your relationship will evolve into something different, but in a good way. Try not to fight those feelings of sadness, as they're perfectly natural. You will be ok! I know my first year was a bit off-kilter, but then I found my passion working in a bookstore and while I miss my girl (and would like her to call or email just a little more often), I know she is well and happy and managing her life, which is really all one can hope for as a mother, isn't it? Don't worry about the reading slump. Your days are full, helping guide your son toward his future. The books will always be there. And, quite honestly, as much as I love to read book reviews, just a quick "I loved this book" is enough for me. I know who shares my taste in books and if I'm looking for a recommendation, I don't need a lot of filler. I'm behind with my reviews, too. Yikes! I think I have 6 to write. If only I weren't quite so anal about "finishing" a project... it'd be so easy to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. :)

    Sending you lots of hugs, Staci!

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