One of the goals I set for 2018 was to read more. Specifically, I wanted to read 50 books. 

Where did that number come from? I couldn’t tell you. When I set that goal, I didn’t spend any time thinking about how exactly I would go about achieving it. In fact, I half suspected this goal would end up like most of the others on my overly ambitious 2018 to-do list: incomplete, despite initial gusto to make it happen.

So I was surprised to not only reach this goal, but surpassed it. In 2018, I read 70 books. 

I used to be a huge reader.  Growing up, we spent a lot of time at our local library, browsing the shelves and taking home stacks of books every week. If I wasn’t reading a library book, I had my nose buried in one of the dirt cheap paperbacks my grandparents found at yard sales and flea markets (which were gold mines for Babysitter’s Club and Sweet Valley High books). 

What changed? I started writing more. I still read often, but my preference shifted toward creating my own stories.  

This year, I wanted to find more balance between reading and writing. I firmly believe the best way to become a better writer is to read – so that’s what I set out to do in 2018.

Is reading more on your goal list for 2019? Here are some tips on how to reach your reading goals – without breaking the bank.