Random Book Musings: How do you manage your time to read, blog, comment on Goodreads, etc.? #travelingsistersread #BookBloggers

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I always have these random bookish questions that I’m curious about so I ask our Traveling Sisters a weekly (sometimes more) book related question. We thought it would be fun and interesting to take some of those questions to our blog and see what you all think or do. I hope that you will also join in on the discussion with us.

Norma’s random book question:

Okay, I have a question for us all! LOL
So I have been extremely busy of late and it seems like I am not getting in much reading time or updating and commenting on Goodreads so, my question is…..

How do you manage your time to read, blog, comment on Goodreads, etc.? I get so overwhelmed at times and I feel like I am never going to get everything done. I think I might need some help! LOL

CL019-3Norma’s Answer

I have a full-time job where I am unable to use my phone or the internet during the day. I do get in about an hour reading at lunch time which I am very grateful for and very glad that I do have that time to read. When I get home I am usually on the computer all night and sometimes into the wee hours of the morning. Commenting on blog, Goodreads, our Traveling Sisters and Friends groups, as well as reviewing. I have been getting little time to read lately and I am feeling some book withdrawal symptoms. LOL

Oh, and I forgot to say that I actually quite LOVE how busy I am and I love our Traveling Sisters & Friends Groups as well as blogging! I just wish I was able to be a little more active.

CL019-1Brenda’s Answer

I love reading how everyone manages their book life.

I have no real scheduled on how I manage everything. I don’t work so I take on more of the blog posts and organizing the groups. I started taking on way too much blogging and it started to consume my day and I wasn’t reading. That was another reason I fell behind on the reads. I started to get up at 6 am to read but after a bit, I just ended back on the blog. I have now cut back on some of the blog posts. I love doing them I just can’t keep up with all the posts I would like to do.

I do try to comment on GR but this is where I have a real hard keeping up. I tell myself I really need to set a time of the day to do this and stick to it. I read everyone’s review for each group read when I do my review and the blog post. I often take parts of your reviews and add them to our blog post. That is really time-consuming and then sometimes I forget to like and comment on your reviews.

I can’t read much past 9:00 because I fall asleep I am sure you all have heard me whine about that. lol

LC66-10Lindsay’s Answer

Hi sisters! Great question Norma! 💜
I am a stay at home mom so I do have more time than most who work out of the house. I usually update GR/Wordpress in the early morning (my kids are up super early 😩) so it gives me something to do while they are playing and I am waiting for my caffeine to kick in. ☕️Reading for me happens in the afternoons if I can get the littles to nap at the same time 🤞. Love that peaceful alone time! 😍📚
My children are in bed early at night (by 7:30) which leaves me with my evenings to read and write reviews (along with doing laundry, cleaning, and all that other yucky stuff that takes away from my reading time). Since I am in “kid-land” most of my day, I take every chance I can get to update GR on my phone throughout the day just to get a mental “adult” break from singing nursery rhymes and building LEGO’s. Love my children, but reading is my escape into the “adult” world where I am not changing diapers, making snacks or cleaning up messes. Just getting that 5 minutes here and there to browse/update GR refreshes me and keeps me feeling connected to other adults.
I don’t watch any tv and am not on any other social media so reading, GR, WordPress and of course my Traveling Sisters are it for me. 😍

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Now to the best part. Your answers. Please join in our discussion and let us know your answer. We would love to hear from you!

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Published by mycoulee

87 thoughts on “Random Book Musings: How do you manage your time to read, blog, comment on Goodreads, etc.? #travelingsistersread #BookBloggers”

  1. I don’t know how anyone with a full time job manages it! I had early retirement due to ill health; blogging is the best thing I’ve done and normally I’m well on top of everything but, atm, with family issues, a broken laptop and the replacement being faulty (OH in a fight with supplier over getting a refund) it’s not been easy!!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Oh no Grace! Sounds like you have a lot going on at the moment. Hopefully everything settles and get resolved soon. You do such a fantastic job with your blog! We love it! 💜

      Liked by 4 people

    2. It’s definitely not easy with a full time job but I try to manage the best that I can though. I’m so sorry to hear that things aren’t easy right now, Grace and I hope that everything gets resolved quickly for you! A broken laptop definitely doesn’t make things easier that is for sure. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

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  2. I also don’t have a schedule. I am pretty busy though- I work two part time jobs that by the end of the week equals to 30+ hours- but I am lucky enough where if it is fairly quiet at work, I can usually read for a little or update wordpress/goodreads. I am not SUPER active on Goodreads, really I just update my shelves and progress but I do browse book twitter throughout the day as well. My main focus right now is my blog (I am in a terrible reading slump) but all in all, I don’t have any set times that I do anything. I kind of just wing it when I have the time!

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    2. I noticed you joined The Traveling Friends. We can help you out of that terrible reading slump. Reading in a group is so fun! Now I can’t seem to get through a book alone unless I am listening to it. I hope you can join in on some reads soon!

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      1. I would love that! I know that I have been looking for a Book Club for a long time that fit my reading pace (I tend to read very slowly and sporadic). I am excited to participate and to be able to finally talk with other people about what I am reading!

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    3. So happy that you liked my discussion question for this week Samantha and thanks so much for commenting! I love reading how everyone manages their time.

      Oh, I hope that your reading slump doesn’t last for too long!

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  3. I Stay at home but as I’m expecting baby my schedule is slightly out of order because of mood and health change and I guess it will be the same till my baby is 6 month old.moreover, I’ living with my mom as of now so until I’m going back to my house I’m not going to have any fixed schedule.
    Before pregnancy i managed things well. First thing in morning I do is write post (either to schedule or to publish). I check blog and comment for an hour in morning and an hour in evening. In between I do household chores and reading. I read max in noon and at night. I update Goodreads at the end of the day but I honestly don’t spend much time there.

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    1. All the best to you with baby. Baby can throw any kind of schedule and they never stop as they grow older lol . I really need to get on to a schedule. Yours sounds like a good one. Thank you for commenting I enjoyed reading your comment

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  4. Such a timely question, Norma. When I lost power for three days to do Michael last week, it threw off my schedule so bad that I still haven’t recovered.

    Normally, I start the morning with my blog post and catching up on other blogs I follow and responding to comments on my posts. Then I read my emails, including Goodreads notifications and moderator tasks, all while listening to the morning news. After that, I start reading for about the next few hours before lunch. If I’ve got tasks to do in the afternoon, I’m wearing my headphones. Hubby and I connect over lunch, dinner and TV (in the evening). We might watch a program together but often I’m reading while he’s watching something in which I have limited interest.

    I’m almost back to normal but not quite there. My reading has taken a hit but I’m slowly getting there.

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    2. Happy to hear things are getting back on track for you. Must have been so hard to be without power for 3 days. Thanks for sharing your schedule – sounds like you are very organized which is awesome! 😊💜

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    3. I really need to get more organized. I have always been all over the kind of person and life does like to throw things at us, doesn’t it? When I am home I have hubby time too where we watch TV but I am not allowed to read or look at my phone. Which is good because sometimes I need to be told to. lol

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      1. ☺️ My hubby has become quite comfortable with our arrangement. Brenda, for a long time, it was my job to come up with efficient ways of doing business and it spilled over into my personal life. I don’t know how to be otherwise. And, it’s more about my need for structure and habits. I am my mother💕

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    4. I’m glad that everything is almost back to normal for you, Jonetta! That must have been scary. I live out in the country and my internet is forever going down. We have been as long as three days without power many times and you are right it is so hard to catch up but we try as best as we can. Sometimes I just start fresh and try to forget what all I have missed or else it would bother me to no end. LOL

      I love your schedule BTW and thanks so much for sharing!

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  6. I used to do everything while traveling via my phone. Since headaches and other problems have started, I am unable to give as much time. Since my health is more important, I have cut down in the past one week. Otherwise no schedule according to my mood

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    1. Yes ! Health is much more important!! Hope you continue to feel better!! Sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way!!! 💜💕

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    2. I am sending love and positive thoughts too. I always seem to need reminding to take care of my mental health. Thank you for joining in on our discussion!

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    3. I suffer from migraines, Shalini and I too think that my health is way more important. I absolutely cannot function at all and when I feel stress coming on, I take it easy for awhile. I really listen to my body. So that makes me really happy to hear that you take care of yourself too! Sending love, hugs, and positive thoughts your way! 🙂

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      2. Taking it easy is definitely best. I hope they find answer soon and you can get back to normal. Hopefully you have lots of amazing reads to accompany you while you rest and take it easy! 😘💕

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  7. Love this question!! I am a SAHM. I have 3 kids (one in middle school, one in elementary and one in pre-k). When my youngest heads to pre-k, I do all my morning mom stuff (laundry, dishes, dusting, vacuuming…etc). Then I hop on my computer and go to town. I normally don’t comment on Goodreads (I use it more of a way to track my books). But I try to comment on blogs I follow. When I am done with that, I usually set up to write a review. But, by that time, it is time to pick my 5-year-old up from school. Then I am in Mom mode until 6ish. Which means motivating to do homework (my 11 and 13-year-old), cooking dinner, baths and playing referee between the three kids. I will try to finish my blog post and comment on more blogs (more often than not I just hit like). My computer is off by the time my youngest goes to bed (around 730) and I hang out with my SO until we go to bed.

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    1. Wow! Your schedule is wonderful! Sounds like you have everything very well organized which is amazing with 3 children. I’m impressed!! Thanks for sharing! 😊

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      2. Oh, I know all about that! Once one gets sick, the rest are bound to get it. 😩
        Hope you’re having a great day today (with lots of extra reading time! 😉)

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    2. I think that’s what I need to do is my house task first before I start my book stuff. I do try to not go on the computer or do anything blog after dinner. Thank you so much for sharing what your day is like with us.

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    3. Wow! I’m with Lindsay as I’m totally impressed with how organized you are as well! That is totally awesome with three kids. I used to be a lot more organized when my kids were young but now that they are all older and two are out of the house – I just go with my moods mostly! LOL

      Thank you so much for sharing your normal day with us! It was extremely comforting to read!

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  8. Hello ladies 🙋 I don’t plan anything when it comes to reading (only group reads 😉)or reviewing because I work full time for myself so when I have two minutes I whip out my phone because I do everything on it or i get my book out.
    when I get home after the annoying pottering we have to do I’m PJ’s cup a tea (wine/gin depending on what day it’s 😌)feet up phone and book out and I’m set, I only do Goodreads I’m not a social media addict at all because I have to be a people person all day and speak enough all day.😀

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    2. I am so glad the group reads are what you plan and you read with us. I love discussing books with you! That so wonderful you make that time it sounds like you need it. I can only imagine being a people person is exhausting at times. lol Thank you so much for joining in on our discussion

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    3. I sort of don’t plan what I’m reading either and go by what Brenda tells me I should read next. She is my planner in so many ways when it comes to my reading. LOL I wish that I liked using my phone more but for some reason I don’t like using it all that much for certain things. I have a job too that I chat with people all day but I work alone in my office though. Thanks so much for sharing, Jess! 🙂

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      1. So true Norma! I depend on Brenda to be my reading planner too! We’d be lost without her! 💕

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  9. Love this! Really I have a routine I guess that came from when my son was a toddler….I read on an evening when he is in bed, I try to get in at least an hour and a half everyday…more if I can!

    I gaze through FB when I get up and look on WordPress every evening after tea and I try and schedule in some posts on a Wednesday which is my day off work…..

    Wow I really am a creature of habit!!!

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    1. Nothing wrong with being a creature of habit! That’s awesome! Sounds like you are well organized which is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!! 😊💕

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    2. I think a creature of habit is great. I am the all over the place kind of person. I really need a routine! Thank you so much for commenting! I enjoyed reading your comment!

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    3. So glad that you loved my question for this week! I used to be a stickler for routines but as my kids have gotten older and out of the house that all changed. I definitely go by moods. LOL

      I need to get back into a routine as I do think it is a much more positive way to do things! I think being a creature of habit even when it always doesn’t go to plan is still awesome and the best way to be! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Like

  10. Sounds like Norma and I have the same type of schedule. I am out of luck on my work days but thankfully I only work a couple days a week. So I catch up on my days off and I end up staying up way too late. Like 3 or 4 am catching up. I feel out of the loop on my days I am forced to work. LOL

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    1. My day is over pretty much at 9:00. I hardly ever know that 3 or 4 am really exists but I can be awake at 5:00 am. For me, it’s the mornings I can’t sleep. Thank you for joining in on the discussion

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    2. Oh, Kim it does sound like we are so much alike! I work every weekday and weekends is usually the best time for me to get caught up because I stay up way too late as well during the week. I actually slept in until 11:00 this morning because I was right knackered. I think I’m closing down my computer at 9:00 and just going to read again. That for me works the best! Thanks so much for sharing because what you said really made me think and helped tremendously!!!! You really did! LOL

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  11. I work full-time, but am fortunate to be able to use the internet and read at my desk when it’s slow. I tend to read at night when my kids are asleep. Otherwise, life can be busy and thus, I am ALWAYS behind in my reading. Lol.

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    1. It’s so great when you can have that flexibility to use the internet! Reading once those sweeties are asleep it’s the best time to read! Thank you so much for joining in on our discussion!!!

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    2. I too am fortunate enough to read at my desk too when things are slow at work but I don’t have access to internet though and our phones were recently banned from our workday so no more for me! LOL

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  12. If I ever get a schedule that works where I am not leaving something undone then I could answer this question. LOL As it is I am “reading” all the time because I do it on audio the majority of the time so even driving somewhere I can listen etc. But keeping up online is a bit tougher to find me time to sit and concentrate on the PC without family interrupting.

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      2. I am an early rising so I can be awake at 5 am. I like the morning quite but I struggled with staying awake past 9:00pm. Lol I forget sometimes listening is a great way to get through some of those books quickly! Thank you so much for joining on our discussion!

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    2. Well if you ever come up with a schedule that works….LOL, please share! My memory is not like it used to be and I actually have a planner that I jot things down so I don’t forget, but I still forget. So, I just forgive myself and keep on plugging away the best that I can and know how! I really wish I could do audiobooks, Carrie. Are you an early riser? Some days I’m just getting to sleep at 5:00 a.m.

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  14. Oh girls, blogging is such a busy life isn’t it?! 😕😆 I do as much as I can when I can as I have a full-time job. I get reading in on my lunch break which is when I also do blog admin like replying to comments, saying thank you for re-tweets and blog hopping and doing some re-tweeting of my own! When I get home at night I write a post if I’m not too tired (as I struggle with chronic illness too) but if I can’t weekends are really my friends to try and get as much as I possibly can written and scheduled for the week ahead! Still love every minute of it though, even if it is hectic sometimes! 😅

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    1. Wow Beth! Sounds like you have a super busy but super fun and productive reading/blogging schedule. Love it!! Thanks for sharing!! 💜💕🌸

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    3. Weekends are my friends too since hubby works every other weekend, on those weekends is usually when I get most things done. Otherwise, I do what I can when I can. Thanks so much for sharing, Beth and your comment was definitely useful to me! 🙂

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  15. It really depends on where I’m at in my life at the moment. I’m a SAHM, but also a college student (three classes until I’m done with my BA, finally!!!). This latest class was a killer and not only ate up a lot of my time, but also stressed me out, and this time of year just feels overwhelming, so I’m behind on EVERYTHING. There are times when I’m really on top of everything, using a planner and sticking to a schedule, and there are times like now where I feel like my head is underwater and I’m breathing through a straw. For me, it’s all about going with the flow. 😉

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    1. I can only imagine how stressful that all that is. I had to look up SAHM. I am old. lol . With all that going on it’s great it’s all about going with the flow for you. I hope can find some relaxing time!

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      2. Ha! It’s all about relevance, I think. There are acronyms for so many things these days, I don’t know half of them! But I’m in an FB group with a bunch of other triplet mama’s (how we all stay sane!), and many of us are SAHM’s. 😉

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    2. Your life sounds extremely busy and I really like that you are going with the flow. We do what we can when we can. I hope that you have some less stressful and relaxing days ahead of you! 🙂

      I am a planner girl and love it but I don’t necessarily use it all the time for my reading though. I have to start incorporated my reads into it a lot more.

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      1. In many ways, a planner just helps me keep my priorities front of mind. Sometimes I get a little crazy with it, and then I stress myself out (which obviously isn’t that difficult to do!), but getting back into using a planner has been helpful the past few weeks. And now I’m onto a less intense class and getting a handle on things again. And I’m just terrible at coping with stress, honestly.

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    3. Oh I am so happy to hear that you are on a less intense class schedule right now, Myndi!

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