Readathon Prep: 7 Steps to Ensure a (Somewhat) Successful Readathon
Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon is just around the corner (April 25th! Go here for more info and to sign up!), and I’m finding myself preparing for it. Because one does not just DO Readathon. Oh no, there is prep involved.
Admittedly, this Readathon is going to be a bit different for me, since I have a newborn in the house (along with a 5-year-old), but the prep is basically the same. I have 7 steps on my Readathon Prep To-Do List. (Checking off items on a to-do list is one of the most satisfying joys in life. I also love pro/con lists–don’t judge me!)
Step 1: Figure Out What Kinds of Books Will Be Best
This step happens very early. Like basically the day after the last Readathon. Maybe you didn’t read as much as you wanted or certain books just didn’t seem to work for Readathon, but you’ll find yourself realizing that your Readathon TBR Pile could definitely improve for next time. My books of choice: short books and graphic novels. I’m such a slow reader that short, easy reads are a must if I want to feel like I’ve accomplished anything.
Step 2: Inform the Family
Once the date of the next Readathon is announced, inform those who live with you, especially if you have kids. That way your significant other knows way ahead of time to vacate the premises or understands that you’ll be locked up in your bedroom for 24 hours. And that you’ll need the following day to recover.
Step 3: The Breakfast Long Con
For weeks ahead of time, make sure to avoid eating out and/or spending extra money. That way, when the day comes, you can bat your eyelashes at your significant other and he/she will have no excuse not to take you to the best breakfast restaurant in town. You NEED a big meal for this.
Step 4: Compile Your Readathon TBR Pile
Once you’ve signed up for Readathon (which is step 3.5), pore over your bookshelves to find the books that will create a perfect pile. Change said pile two or more times before making a final decision. (This is serious biz, folks.) Once you’ve got the Goldilocks TBR Pile, share the heck out of it. Here’s my glorious pile for this Readathon:
Step 5: Get a Good Night’s Sleep, and Have a Hearty Breakfast
See step 3.
Step 6: Forget That You Need Snacks, and Cry For the Snacks That Could Have Been
It never fails. Each time I do Readathon, I forget about the snacks. How does this happen?? Think of all those beautiful, salty or sweet snacks that are just sitting at the grocery store, disheartened by the fact that I, yet again, failed to procure them for Readathon. Now I’ll just have to eat what’s already in my kitchen. And you know it’s not the good stuff.
Step 7: Begin Reading
If you’re like me you’ll start way late (it starts at 5 am in my time zone, plus there’s the hearty breakfast at the restaurant), and maybe I should be spending those first 6 hours actually reading, but all the prep becomes a sort of tradition that’s almost as fun as the Readathon itself!
Do you have any pre-Readathon preparations? Please let me know I’m not the only one!
Related Posts
Chrystal
April 18, 2015 at 1:37 amI'm finally signing up for a readathon. And it's thanks to your post. :)
Kayla Eklund
April 18, 2015 at 2:17 amI loved The Girl Who Owned a City, and In Real Life. I haven't read the rest of the books. I really wanted to participate this year, but I'm so busy that it's probably not going to happen. Good luck!
Angie F
April 23, 2015 at 1:02 amMy only tradition is to inform my mom about 2 weeks prior and then every day leading up to, so she can cook me dinner! Last time, she cooked salmon since it's brain food! LoL
Angie @ Pinkindle