Dear Tina,

 I have been an avid reader since I was young, but in these modern times of screens, social media, and two jobs, finding the time and motivation to read has not been easy. How important would you say reading books and the work of others is to the writing process? How do you find the time to both read and write while working? I want to be a successful writer, and I know I should be reading, but I could use your advice on how to juggle it all!

Sincerely, Busy Bee

Dear Busy Bee,

I’m so glad you asked this question. You’ve fired up one of my pet peeves! Is it just me, or does it feel like social media marketing has succeeded in creating a long, guilt-inducing list of “shoulds?” You must drink water like you’ve been stranded in a desert for a month; avoid sugar, gluten, and all things delicious; replace coffee with a mushroom concoction; learn how to tend to your sourdough starter; keep your BMI under 25; and take probiotics mixed with microdoses of Ozempic. Maybe that’s just my algorithm, but I’m guessing yours is filled with all kinds of “shoulds,” too. Meanwhile, we writers are all trying to read, read, read in every genre while learning how to create and maintain a weekly Substack, write an attention-grabbing query letter, attract more followers, and keep a positive ratio of acceptance vs rejections on Submittable.

To be fair, the “you-must-read-to-be-a-good-writer” rule predates social media, and there’s good logic behind it, of course. Reading the work of other authors not only expands our worldview and inspires creativity, it helps writers of all levels learn (or brush up on) structure and craft. Reading also helps develop vocabulary and the way we use language. It can help cure writer’s block, too. There’s nothing like a good book by a favorite author to get our own writing back on track.

That’s why famous writers, such as William Faulkner, insisted we must “Read, read, read. Read everything — trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it.” Faulker, however, may have had the luxury of time (and publishing advances!) that we don’t have today. I know for certain he had fewer distractions and fewer ways to consume content than we do in 2025.

If it makes you feel any better, Busy Bee, you’re not alone in your struggle to fit in more reading time. According to a study published in iScience, daily leisure reading among US adults declined by 40% between 2004 and 2023. Like most everyone else on the planet, I rely on soundbites and scrolling more than snuggling up with War and Peace these days. The struggle is real, as they say. Maybe the problem is that we view our decline in reading time as a personal failure rather than as a societal trend.

Instead of berating ourselves, we might consider that there are other legitimate ways of “reading” that don’t involve picking up a book. For example, maybe you can find time to listen to audiobooks while taking a walk, driving or commuting. While the research on audiobook vs reading is not conclusive, there is some good evidence to support the idea that listening to an audiobook is not cheating; comprehension is relatively equivalent, and bonus – if the book is read by the author, you may gain even a better understanding by noting their inflections and emphasis. 

There’s also the idea that reading may be more important for younger, emerging writers, so if you are working two jobs and writing, Busy Bee, I’m guessing you are an adult and are likely already considered “well-read.” Keep in mind that even accomplished authors usually have other jobs, too, such as teaching and running workshops. Their reading habits likely wax and wane. When a writer is in the throes of their craft, I can’t imagine they have the capacity to read much until they are done with a solid first draft. Good thing books are always there when we have the time and inclination.

So, Busy Bee, maybe give yourself a well-deserved break and take the nagging “must read more” off your 2026 resolutions. After all, nothing takes the joy out of something more than making it mandatory. In fact, I would like to make a motion to eradicate the word “should” altogether! Who’s with me?

Send Ask Tina Your Writing Questions

Do you have a writing-related dilemma? Send your questions to asktina@projectwritenow.org. Selected questions will be featured in upcoming columns, and Tina will ensure her answers offer valuable insights for writers facing similar challenges.