When developing a reading list for the year you must ask yourself, "what do you want to gain from this year worth of reading?" Is there something you want to learn, or is there a series you want to complete? Consider your interests when deciding your goal. If you read as a means of relaxation then you probably want to stick with fiction. If you have an interest you would like to learn more about choosing informative books is a good idea. These questions are important when developing a reading list because they will make sure you utilize your time reading well.
Once you have determined what your goals you would like to achieve, it is time to start exploring your options. There are so many types of books and authors it may seem intimidating, but if you start with your original topic the process will be simple. If this is your first reading plan, start with 3 or 4 books a month. You do not have to read all of the books, but it will give you options to choose from each month.
If you are interested in fiction you should start by thinking about a fiction book that you have recently enjoyed. Check out other books in the same genre and other books by the same author. This is an excellent starting ground. If there are some series associated with the genre or author, add the first book to your list to see if you like. Remember you can always choose other books on your list because you have given yourself options. It is good to start with a broad genre like fantasy or horror in the beginning. Later on you can work into subgenres to suit your interests such as magic realism or psycho- thriller.
If you are interested in learning something, start with the basics for the first month of your reading list. Then try more detailed guides in the later months. For example, someone who wants to learn about knitting should start with a beginner's knitting guide in the first months, and the following months can focus on other categories such as knitting sweaters, scarves, or socks.
When looking for books to add to your reading list try Google Books. It has a wonderful search feature that will make finding books that interest you easy; so utilize it when completing your list. Remember to start simple and keep your mind open. You can always add or subtract from your list later on. If you find that you are board with instructional books, try adding some fiction. If you find that you have completed your goal early add a new goal.
Creating a reading list for the new year can be fun and easy as long as you keep your mind open.
