Reading Challenges to Grow Your Writing

All good craftsmen study their craft to learn to do it to the best of their ability. Writing is no different. To grow in writing it means reading and reading all types of books.

I will admit I’m still growing in my repertoire as I tend to stick to the same general books, which is why I have looked up several reading challenges to grow my reading list this year. I also want to read all of the books on my shelf, so hoping that the challenges aid in that process as well.

  1. Back to the Classics Challenge2021– This challenge I have participated in to some level since 2017. I absolutely LOVE the classics and her categories always push me outside of my box to look for finds that I might not otherwise check out. Her list also teaches me about books I’ve often never heard of. I highly recommend checking out this challenge to grow your book list!
  2. Tim Challies 2021 Reading Challenge– I have used his categories for the past three years or so to stretch my list. Thus far I have found ways to fit what I’m reading into categories, but I appreciate that he pushes others to think outside of their comfort zone with his categories. In this challenge there are up to 104 categories listed and so much potential.
  3. The 2021 MMD Reading Challenge– This challenge is through Modern Mrs. Darcy and this year she has taken a unique approach to the challenge. Instead of simply giving you twelve categories as she has in years past, when you sign up for the challenge she provides you with a packet to help you build a reading life! I have never seen such a thing and it is really neat and a bit refreshing. I enjoyed answering the questions and building my categories based on what my reading desires and needs were for the year. I know I will read far more than those twelve, but it helped me see where I need to focus my reading time. I highly recommend this one if you’re wanting to build more regular reading into your life.
  4. 2021 Christian Reading Challenge– This challenge is through Young Wife’s Guide with Jason and Jami Balmet. In previous years they have had this challenge separated out into men and women with suggested books for each category, but this year they combined to general categories and have recommended books listed with the challenge on their page. They have two levels with either 13 or 26 books for the year. They have some amazing looking books that I hope to check out this year. This is also the first time they have included Christian Fiction as a category per their readers’ request. Together or Apart would be a great option for this category!
  5. 2021 Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge– I learned about this challenge from Jami Balmet and I am so thankful she listed it on her site. When you sign up for this challenge you get a fun workbook with up to 52 categories of books as well as beautiful note pages to make reviews and write down quotes you love. This challenge has some amazing categories that will definitely push me to think outside of the box!
  6. The Anchored Women Book Club– This one with Kayce is a little different. It is an online book club where a book for each month has been selected and you read and discuss it in their Facebook Group. Since I only found out about it a few days ago, I’m not likely to read what they are at the same time, but I’m excited to have some more book recommendations to put in my to read stack. If you like having books chosen for you, jump on this one and join the conversation. I hope to jump in with one of the books this year but not sure yet when that might be.

These are six amazing choices or if you’re like me, dip your toe in each of them to find the one that’s the best fit for you. No matter where you are in your writing journey, reading challenges will help you to grow your reading diversity and in doing so help you grow your writing skill.

Which reading challenge will you join? What will you be reading?

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  1. Pingback: Back to the Classics – Emmie Beth Manor

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