It’s January, which means the internet is once again filled with people vowing to become Better Versions of Themselves.
More exercise.
Fewer carbs.
A spiritual awakening achieved through color-coded planners.
As an author, I feel it is my civic duty to offer an alternative set of New Year’s resolutions—specifically for readers. These are resolutions you can feel good about and abandon guilt-free by February.
1. I will stop apologizing for what I like to read.
You do not need to justify loving romance, thrillers, fantasy, science fiction, or books with dragons, guns, or feelings.
You are allowed to read for joy.
Anyone who tells you otherwise has too much time on their hands.
2. I will finish fewer books I’m not enjoying.
Life is short.
Your TBR pile is long.
If a book isn’t working for you, it is not a moral failing to quietly put it down and move on.
(Authors do this too. We just whisper about it.)
3. I will reread at least one comfort book without shame.
That book you’ve read three, five, or ten times?
The one that feels like slipping into a favorite jacket?
That’s not “wasted reading time.” That’s maintenance.
4. I will buy books with optimism and read them with honesty.
Buying books and reading books are two entirely separate hobbies.
Both are valid.
No further questions.
5. I will allow myself reading moods.
Some days you want epic stakes.
Some days you want banter and kissing.
Some days you want something that explodes in chapter two.
Your mood is not a character flaw.
6. I will remember that reading is not homework.
There will be no spreadsheets.
No required page counts.
No productivity metrics.
Just stories. On your terms.
If you choose to make resolutions this year, I hope they make your life softer, not stricter. More curious, not more disciplined. And if one of your resolutions is simply “read more things that make me happy,” I am fully on board with that plan.
I’ll be right here, doing my part to keep you supplied.
— Mark