Plans for 2023: Something old, something new

a woman writing numbers on sand with her hand
~ Lory

It’s always difficult to find the balance between making too many reading and blogging plans, which causes me to feel stressed out and unjoyful, and not making any plans, which robs me of the pleasure of anticipation and accomplishment. There are some challenges and projects that I want to keep long-term, while others come and go.

In the “ongoing” category, I’ll most likely celebrate Reading the Theatre in April again, and try to read some books in other languages in the summer. Then there is my Around the World project, which I somewhat neglected last year but would like to give more focus in the coming months. I’ve joined the StoryGraph Reads the World Challenge, which may help.

I decided to start my own challenge on The StoryGraph as well: a Spiritual Memoir Challenge. I’ve been mulling over this idea for a while, and now feels like the right time to do it. More details and a sign-up post will be coming tomorrow, so look for that if you’re interested.

Last year I very much enjoyed the readalongs of the Chronicles of Narnia and the Dark Is Rising series, and was sad when these came to an end. However, Chris of Calmgrove, with some encouragement from me, announced that he’s hosting a #LoveHain readalong of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Hainish novels (her major SF works). I have the Library of America set of these but I haven’t read all of them, so it’s a great opportunity for me to read from my own shelves as well as for exploring one of my favorite authors along with others. Please join us, if you’re so inclined.

Otherwise, I’ll see what comes my way as the year progresses. What plans do you have for the upcoming year?

writings in a planner
Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

Linked in Top Ten Tuesday at That Artsy Reader Girl

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41 thoughts on “Plans for 2023: Something old, something new”

  1. A Spiritual Memoir challenge sounds interesting, I have a separate page on my blog for Spiritual Wellbeing reads.
    It’s helpful I find to keep certain reviews together for easy reference. I look forward to seeing what’s in your reading plans.

  2. I agree with you about the difficulties of managing a balance between pleasure and stress in setting reading plans, Lory, it’s not easy. Weirdly, I find it better to set myself low expectations (to which I add more as the yet goes on) which makes me feel good as I see myself overtaking them. That said, you will have seen my post about reducing my TBR piles in addition to the other reading events I want to do – what am I like?!

    Thanks for highlighting the Le Guin readalong – I don’t anticipate it’ll be as popular as the Narniathon but we’ll see … and it’ll give my 2023 reading even more structure! 😁

    1. Who knows? Maybe there are some would-be Le Guin readers lurking in the woodwork. We can have fun with it anyway.

    1. Whoa, that’s a lot. I’m happy if I can stick with one post a week! Sometimes more (as now) but I try not to pressure myself. Hope you can find a good work/blog balance.

  4. I think it’s good to have plans even if you don’t keep to them, as long as you don’t beat yourself up about them! I’ve kept things reasonably simple this year, with some series I’d like to read, our Clubs, and a few challenges I’d like to join in with. If they don’t happen, that’s cool, but if they do I’ll be happy about them! 😀

  5. Good luck with all these. Rough or broad plans I think do help, making one’s reading year more fun, but I don’t like to over commit either since that feels like too much pressure.

  7. I echo the comments, a balance is hard, but plans are good, even when they’re not followed in full. These challenges reflect who I see you as a reader for what you post, and I wish they give you joy and support you through the year.

    1. Thanks, yes they are sort of what I would read anyway which makes them less challenging, but more doable.

  11. I love the idea of a spiritual memoir challenge, Lory. If only I had known about it earlier…Perhaps I can join in, but in a limited way. At my age, I am a person who believes in adapting the things of the world to fit with how I want to proceed in the world…

    1. Join in any way you like. If you only read one book, that’s fine. I also appreciate any help in spreading the word, so others can get to know about it since I am a bit late with this announcement.

  14. My plans include trying out Kindle Vella and looking into StoryGraph. I hope to finish what may be my last book this year. Famous last words!

    1. Maybe, maybe not … only time will tell. 😀 If you join StoryGraph, feel free to add me as a friend, I’m lory_enterenchanted there.

  17. Oooh, I like the idea of a spiritual memoir challenge! I already have a bunch going, but this is really tempting, especially since I’ve been really thinking about doing only spiritual/inspirational reading on Sundays instead of my usual mysteries and thrillers.

    Happy TTT!

    Susan
    http://www.blogginboutbooks.com

    1. It’s a low-key challenge, you can just read one book. The main thing is to explore some kind of spiritual memoir in whatever way is meaningful to you.

  18. You perfectly summarized how I often feel. I’m excited and ready to get things done, but I don’t. It’s a vicious circle, but I’m happy to see you making strides in managing it.

    1. Well, I never get done as much as I’d like…especially when it comes to reading. But some steps are being made, and I’m always grateful for that.

  19. I really liked how you described the ideal balance between too many plans and no plans! I can find it a bit overwhelming if I can just pick anything I want for my next read, so I do like to have some plans. Committing to too many challenges though can just be discouraging, as I’ll struggle to keep up with them all.

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