Debra Sennefelder, author of How the Murder Crumbles, a Cookie Shop mystery, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us how to conquer your TBR pile.

Welcome, Debra. I’ll turn the floor over to you –

How big is your TBR stack? Mine? I can’t even begin counting how many books are waiting for me to open. Since you’re here visiting with me today, I’m guessing you understand my predicament.

As a book lover, it’s not uncommon to have a stack of books waiting to be read. While having a TBR pile is exciting, it can also become overwhelming, especially if the pile grows too large. Organizing and tackling a big to-be-read stack is a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Today, I’ll share some of my tips on how to work through a towering TBR.

1. Prioritize your reading list. The first step in organizing a big TBR stack is to prioritize the books you want to read. Start by choosing books that you are most excited about or those that have been recommended to you by someone you trust. You can also prioritize by genre or author. Once you have a prioritized list, it’s easier to focus on the books that matter the most.
2. Create a reading schedule. With a long list of books to read, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. To avoid this, create a reading schedule. Set aside a certain amount of time each day or week to read and stick to it. You can even create a reading calendar and mark off the books as you read them. A reading schedule helps you stay on track and prevents you from getting sidetracked by other things.
3. Mix up genres. While it’s good to prioritize your reading list, don’t forget to mix up the genres. Reading the same type of book can get monotonous and boring. Switching between genres can keep things interesting and prevent burnout. You can also alternate between fiction and non-fiction books to give your brain a break.
4. Read multiple books at once. It may seem counterintuitive, but reading multiple books at once can actually help you get through your TBR stack faster. Reading one book can become tedious after a while, but switching between multiple books can keep things fresh and exciting. Just make sure to choose books from different genres or authors to avoid getting confused.
5. Take breaks. Reading can be tiring, especially if you’re trying to get through a big TBR stack. It’s important to take breaks and give yourself time to relax and recharge. Take a walk, watch a movie, or do something else you enjoy. When you come back to your reading, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next book.
6. Keep track of your progress. Keeping track of your progress can help motivate you to keep reading. You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or an app to keep track of the books you’ve read and the ones you still need to read. Seeing your progress can give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated to keep going.

Organizing and reading through a big to-be-read stack can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By prioritizing your list, creating a reading schedule, mixing up genres, reading multiple books at once, taking breaks, and tracking your progress, you’ll make a dent in your book collection.

What’s your best tip for working through a big stack of books?

Thank you for sharing your tips with us, Debra, and good luck with How the Murder Crumbles, a Cookie Shop mystery.

Readers can learn more about Debra Sennefelder by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub and Instagram pages.

The book is available online at the following retailers:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble    Other retailers

About Debra Sennefelder: Debra the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series, the Resale Boutique Mystery series, and the Cookie Shop mystery series, is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.

Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companions are her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzus, Susie, and Billy.