Fall Read-a-Thon: Start Getting Ready

Oh boy, we're just 20 days from the fall Read-a-Thon! What's a read-a-thon? Twice a year (spring and fall) book bloggers all over the world take one full day to do nothing but read and then blog and tweet about it. Sound like fun? It really is.

There are many ways to get involved, as you'll see on the Read-a-Thon blog. The first choice to make is whether you want to read or cheerlead or do both. Last spring I was a cheerleader, and I had a blast (read my story). In fact, I tied with Eva from A Striped Armchair for most enthusiastic cheerleader (read her story). This year, I am thinking of being a reader, or maybe I'll do both. Argh, decisions, decisions! Whatever you decide, sign up with Mr. Linky on the Read-a-Thon blog.

Now's also a good time to start gathering your books. Be sure to include some light, fun novels to read when you start to feel tired. And don't forget audiobooks--they are a great way to rest your eyes but still keep reading. Okay, you might be thinking that you couldn't possibly read for 24 hours straight. That's okay, there is no need. You can take a break, you can take a nap, you can even sleep for a few hours. Not everyone commits to the full day.

Take a moment to read about mini-challenges in the Read-a-Thon FAQ. Then put on your thinking cap and come up with your very own mini-challenge to give the readers a break. Mini-challenges ask the readers to complete a short survey, answer a question, or visit a blog or website. This is a great way to participate if you don't think you can take the time to read or otherwise cheer.

What else can you do to get ready? Inform your family and friends that you are taking a whole day for yourself and you want as few distractions as possible. Better yet, get them involved; maybe your kids will commit to 2 hours of reading and then to writing a small blog post to summarize the experience. All of you who home school could take advantage of the Read-a-Thon and give the kids extra-credit or an hour off of school for every hour they read. Use your imagination to make the Read-a-Thon work for you.

Finally, have I mentioned prizes yet? Yes, there will be prizes. Check out the list from spring 2009 at the Read-a-Thon blog. Notice that many prizes are donated by people just like you. Look around your bookshelves and donate a book or two, consider making something (I'm making another handmade lace bookmark), or buy some cool book-related items or a gift card.

And just in case you didn't guess, I'm one of the people in charge of organizing the prizes, so I'm encouraging you to donate a prize. As soon as you figure out what you want to give, just email deweyreadathon (at) gmail (dot) com and your prize will be added to the list.

Don't be shy, don't miss out. You do not need to have a blog to be part of this event; just sign up and read! (Oh, and donate a prize!)