Years ago, I went on a fiction fast. For half a decade (maybe longer), I took a break from reading fiction and didn’t pick up a single novel.
Sounds crazy, right? Especially considering my current career path. Authors need to read. It’s part of how we study our craft and hone our skills. But at the time, writing and publishing a book wasn’t even on my bucket list.
To be honest, I’m not sure this fiction fast was a conscious choice. I simply began noticing how I felt after an hour or two spent in a made-up character’s world. So I stopped.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
I Love Fiction . . .
This is the point where some bloggers might declare fiction a waste of time, but I disagree. Fiction has its benefits and purposes. (See my post 5 Terrific Reasons Why Christian Teens Should Read.) Most of us read to escape our own reality and, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s nice to step out of your own life for a while right? To forget your worries and responsibilities and journey with someone else?
Nothing wrong with that.
Fiction—especially Christian fiction—can also boost your courage. When I feel like the only Christian left on earth, I can pick up a novel and be reminded—as I watch characters of faith battle the evils of the world—that I’m not alone. That’s an amazing feeling!
So what’s the problem?
But Sometimes a Break is Necessary.
Fiction becomes a problem when you fall into a hole with it, and that’s what I struggled with. I read to escape my life but then I had a hard time re-entering reality when I set the book down. I felt depressed and frustrated.
If I read about a girl being pursued by a boy who would clearly die for her, I started thinking the boy in my life wasn’t devoted enough. If a character had a big family with lots of chaos and adventures, my quiet home suddenly seemed dull. A character who made an outstanding achievement after a long struggle made me scrutinize my own achievements—or lack thereof.
Fiction sometimes makes you want things you can’t have.
Fiction sometimes makes you want things you can’t have.
So I took a break from fiction and limited my reading to nonfiction DIYs, memoirs, and accounts of real events. For some reason, the envy I felt toward fictional characters never surfaced when I read about real people.
Do You Need a Break From Reading Fiction Too?
Does this sound like you? Do you find yourself diving deeper into fantasy, speculatives, or even realistic fiction, then struggling to surface when it’s time to put the book down? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry when you compare your life or yourself to the characters in your book?
Set the novel down.
Maybe you don’t need to go years without reading a novel like I did. But taking an occasional breather from fiction might be necessary for well-balanced mental health.
Reach for the Bible.
God’s amazing word is the way to keep you grounded in reality—his reality, the one he created for you. Immerse yourself in his promises until they’re at the forefront of your mind. Then when you reach for a novel, you will be reminded that your life and your future are amazing too.
Remember, fiction, even Christian fiction, is no replacement for the Bible. (See my post Is YA Christian Fiction Ever Christian Enough?)
Check out the nonfiction section of your library.
Pick up a good memoir or nonfiction book on a topic you are interested in. Ever wished you could visit Africa? Curious about the use of forensic evidence in pinpointing serial killers? Wondering what it’s like to climb Everest? You can find a nonfiction book on just about any topic. Alternate fiction with nonfiction as needed.
I offer a few suggestions in 6 Must-Read Nonfiction Books For Christian Teens. Not Consumed has a longer list (with a bit of overlap).
Try a new hobby.
If you normally read right before bed as a way to wind down, other hobbies can fulfill this purpose. Arts and crafts like knitting, scrapbooking, or painting make great stress relievers. Play a musical instrument, go for a walk, or listen to inspirational podcasts.
Just don’t replace fiction reading with social media or you’ll have the same problem!
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Call Me Crazy
Hearing a fiction author tell you to take a break from reading fiction probably has you scratching your head. But I want books to be a healthy release for you and a way to encourage your faith, not tear it apart. There is such a reality as too much of a good thing.
I’m glad I took the time off. I’m also glad I came back because that’s when I got the idea to funnel my imagination into writing my own fiction. And it’s become a reality for me.