This is something I’ve been thinking about, for a couple of weeks now.
I love reading. And whenever I get the opportunity to arc read for an author, I’m so excited about it. Every time an author reaches out to me, and ask me to review their work, I’m over the moon. But the fact of the matter is, that its very time consuming.
If we look at pages like Booksprout and Netgalley, you’re not guaranteed a certain amount of time to read and review the book, before its released. To someone like me, who doesn’t like to let anyone down, this can be quite stressful. I have on numerous occasions put a book I was reading aside, in order to respect the arc date. But that’s not always what I want to do. Frankly, if I’m in the middle of a really interesting book, its annoying. Annoying to know that I requested the book weeks ago, but then suddenly get accepted a few days before the book is released
Disorganised as I might be, I like to maintain a certain amount of organisation. So I know what upcoming deadlines I have. That makes it easier for me to plan my time. As of right now, I have about 15 books I’ve received, with no due date. Plus whatever I want to read from my TBR list. So, I think that keeps me more than busy for the rest of the year.
Another fact in my decision making is, the authors I steadily work with. Yes, I’ve been lucky enough to find some authors, that steadily keep me on their beta and arc lists. For some of them, its been for over 6 months, for others its still relatively new. But what we share, is the wish to keep it going. To me these authors take priority. Because I love how they value my opinion, input and think about me, every time they have a new book coming out. And most importantly, because I love their words and feel honoured to be part of their journey.
The above is the logic reasons I need to do this. But honestly, I also think I really need to do it for the sake of my own sanity. As it is right now, I at times feel like I’m drowning in reading. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading. And I’m so flattered every time an author reaches out to me. Probably that’s part of why it’s so hard for me to say no. But I really feel like I need to. Lately, I’ve only had 2 chilled evenings with my boyfriend, because the rest is spent reading and writing reviews.
When I started my blog, I was studying full time, which allowed me so much time to read. And I could comfortably finish 1-2 books per day. Which made it really easy to request all these books, and say yes to a lot of authors. I’m no longer in that place and yet, I kept accepting and requesting like I was. So this is all on me. It might have taken me some time to get it, but now I finally realise that I need to take a step back from the obligations. That way I’ll read what I can, but without feeling guilty for not getting books and reviews finished in time.
Enough about me! How do you manage your reading load? How do you juggle your personal, social and working life with your blog? Do you ever find that you don’t have enough time to finish all the arc’s you’ve requested? Let’s talk in the comments!
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I have been thinking about doing the same thing. As of right now, I have 3 ARC’s behind schedule. It’s only for 2 days but I’m still stressed over it. It was my fault but still…
I also have some author that I have promised to review their books this month and my schedule is a mess now. I just need to stop for a while but every time I say I will stop, some new book that really calls me it’s up on BookSprout, Hidden Gems or Netgalley.
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In all honesty, it wasn’t an easy decision. And I still have to control myself, when I see a new book popping up, that is usually request. Though, I still have books I promised to read, I’m so happy I did this. At least for October I think everything will be under control 😉
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Totally agree with this post. I’m struggling with the weight of ARCs as well. Finding it’s taking away the joy of reading for me. I think you’re wise to stop for the year… think I might too x
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If it gets to you, I think that’s the way to go. Reading is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful.
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I completely understand. I don’t actually get any ARC’s straight from authors but I’ve stopped requesting them. I’m just about caught up and I’m looking forward to just reading what I want when I want. It can become a chore and take the fun out of reading. I think it’s a smart decision!
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I think, and hope, I’ll get happy with my decision. So far so good. Especially since I have my “steady” authors too. You’re absolutely right, it quickly becomes a chore. Which is the exact opposite of what it should be 🙂
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Yeah, when something becomes a chore, you wont want to do it. So, take that break and don’t stress! ❤
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😍💕
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I completely understand. I have decided to do a similar thing.
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I hope it works out for you 💕 reading is meant to be fun and relaxing. At least for me 👍
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Same here
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I completely understand this ❤ I tend to force organization onto myself (because I am THE MOST UNORGANIZED) I tend to request books that I am highly anticipating and that I know I'm going to read really soon.
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Haha that sounds like me, the most unorganized organized person 😂 that’s a good way of doing it. I think I tend to just request whatever looks interesting lol
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Bibi, I completely understand. You have reached your limit and it’s wonderful to recognize that. For me, I stay tightly scheduled on reads, life happens, and sometimes I fall behind, and I have to play catch up over and over. I’m ok with it, but I have tried not to request as many books. Still working on that. 😂 I am happy you’ll still be here chatting with us, even if you cut back on your ARCs because that’s all that matters to me. ♥️
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Awww thanks, Jen 😘 of course I’ll still be here, to throw tags at you, and see what everyone is up to. Plus I’ll still be reading and writing reviews 😀 just less.
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