There are so many great events for lovers of words to participate in. So many that I will never get to enjoy them all, but I wish I could, and I am still going to try. Just so you know, I receive nothing for endorsement or event dropping, just the pleasure of knowing you might try it and enjoy it too. It also supports writers and the writing community.
A couple of weeks before one such event, I was introduced to Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon. Unfortunately, I did not have time to clear my schedule to participate, so I really did not get the full experience, but I am preparing to give it a go this year.
In the spring of 2007, Dewey, the founder of the 24 Hour Readathon participated in a reading challenge. This challenge and the 24 Hour Comics Day her son and husband attend every year inspired her to hold her own readathon. So in October 2007, while her son and husband were off creating comics, Dewey held her first 24 Hour Readathon, a biannual event that continues today.
In the first event, 37 people participated. In June of 2008, it jumped to 69 people, and by the October 2008 readathon, she had 119. She was “blown away” by the interest in the event. Unfortunately, this was to be Dewey’s last event before her death the following month. It was in 2009 that they renamed the readathon Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon to honor her.
On December 2, 2008, Florinda Pendley Vasquez wrote on The 3 R’s Blog, “Dewey was a valued member of the book-blogging community not only because of her insightful reviews and generous book giveaways (I won a couple of those myself), but because she did so much to help build and strengthen that very community.” On the same site, her husband said she was “a prolific reader” and had “piles and piles of books sitting around the house that she read but never reviewed.”
She was very much a lover of words and a big part of the writing community.
Obviously, the main thing during a readathon is to read, but throughout the 24-hour period, they not only read, but also post to social media, blog, and participate in mini-challenges. Because of life commitments, not everyone can read the entire 24 hours, so they encourage people to “read as much as you can.”
Just like anything in life, start where you are with what you have.
You can check out the FAQ page here for answers and tips from those who have already been there. While you are there, look around the site as I am sure I did not cover everything. If you are interested in joining the readathon, which begins 8:00 a.m. EST on October 23rd, you can sign up while you are there as well.
I have not participated in a readathon since I was a child so I am looking forward to Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon. So, if you will excuse me, I am going to collect me some books to read. Watch for more from me on this topic on social media and future blog posts.
I need to read more. One day challenge might be a good way to start.
I know I need to read more. I am looking forward to this because now I will have a legit reason for dirty dishes in the sink 😉 I hope you give it a try.