Che-Michelle Tales

Can I be honest? The end of 2024 took more energy out of me than I initially expected. I did not hit as many goals as I wanted with my blog, and I even questioned whether I had the discipline to keep writing. I have the discipline because blogging has helped me share my inside thoughts about any book I read, no matter how shallow they may be. I have read and gone to other book review sites, and some people are so deep and have a way with words. I am bare, and I am okay being an introductory reader. I ask myself, “Did I enjoy reading this book? Did I learn something? Did it help me escape from daily stress? Does the book go well with wine? Fun Fact: not all books are good with wine. I told more people about my blog, but I did not keep up with posting frequently, which made me feel like a loser. I am still here typing and reading. I want to do a very general analysis of why I stalled out for the third year in a row of goals I have for this blog.

It is an old excuse, but work. I thought 2023 was busy and wild, but the year 2024 was very much, “Hold my beer” energy.

My workload exploded, and I worked long days, weekends, and even way into the night. I listen to audiobooks as I do the most basic tasks at work or while working in the hood. If you do not know, I am a lab scientist, so sometimes the work is not mentally draining, and a delightful book can keep you focused. Work demanded more time this year, and I had fewer opportunities to listen to books in my downtime.

Technology Fails was a new one. I have never downloaded all my books the night before, just for nothing to download and not play. Mind you, my audible app would randomly stop working while driving, and I was driving in silence, eyes on the road. Play Books would never download the whole book until I was in a dead space with no internet connection, and again, I had the spinning wheel stuck on my screen. Let us talk about Spotify and their 14-hour cutoff without warning that you are at least an hour to your limit. Kindle, not registering any of my reading when done through the Kindle app after reading almost two chapters and once for a whole book. Technology this year let me down and significantly cut my reading down.

Lack of Motivation is a new issue I faced. It has been a long time since getting into books was hard for me. Usually, I can have three or four books lined up, but in 2024, I begged for book recommendations. I also realize that many people I know like to read traumatic or energy-draining books. All the books people suggested when I read and listened would illicit harsh feelings. I wanted to tell people so severely that I am in my Hallmark era of light and fluffy but still quality books. I dealt with losing my grandmother in 2023, and all my closest relationships in my life changed. I could not manage to cry when someone lost a family member or lover—or dealing with the trauma response of losing parts of their life. My brain legit said, “If we are reading trauma, we are not reading.” Can I be honest? I am an African American woman, and I do not want to read Struggle Love. I lived the struggle love cycle (0 out of 10 do not recommend love. GET OUT and get a therapist if you feel like love is a struggle! It’s NOT!)  I want to read soft love stories where Black women get the guy, and he is clear about his wants and desires. I want the men or women in the story to be protective but not clowns or assholes to their love interest. I also want to read bubble gum/ cozy mysteries where they solve a crime and eat biscotti. I know I am a Dramedy girl who is heavy on comedy, and I hope you can relate to my reading preferences.

Uninspired is a feeling I have become all too familiar with; in 2024, I struggled to find the inspiration to read or write. I would have an idea and start with books, but my brain often said NO. I found a few gems and appreciated the books I read and finished, but overall, 2024 was a challenging year for inspiration and motivation.

Despite the challenges, I am determined to steer this blog towards a hopeful and inspiring future. I have learned to focus on reading, writing, and posting for my own enjoyment. I have discovered a few books that have reignited my interest, and I am considering reading a few of them. I have been following a few book blogs and Instagram accounts that have given me some great ideas for books to read this year. I am considering putting myself on a schedule for reading and writing, changing the updates to be more weekly than once I finish a book. This was more of a rant than an update, but I appreciate you reading it. Here’s to a future filled with hope and inspiration for this blog.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle