2026 Reading Goals: Why I’m Doing Less to Achieve More

When did reading – the thing we do for pleasure – become another item on our productivity checklist?

📚 TL;DR

After an introspective 2025, I’m done with hustle culture in my reading life. My goals: read just 24 books (my lowest ever), complete Bookopoly for fun, read more Irish authors (especially Sally Rooney and Catherine Ryan Howard), ignore the hype, create healthier boundaries with online book culture, and finally annotate Pride and Prejudice. Bottom line: no more grinding. Just plain old living and loving books again.

Why I’m Done Chasing Reading Goals

Hello, my friends! Happy 2026! I am absolutely buzzing for this year – I have such a good feeling about it.

I had a very introspective 2025. I put serious work into my mental health through journaling and made many discoveries about myself, which will be reflected in this year’s goals.

2026 is all about enjoyment and giving myself space to just be. Not every moment has to be productive – and they shouldn’t be! Reading and other hobbies don’t have to be about grinding to reach targets or to be the best YOU you can be. They do this naturally anyway. We don’t need to force it!

So, on that note, my first goal for 2026 is to read less!

My 2026 Reading Goals

📖 Lower Reading Goal: 24 Books

Reading is my favourite hobby, but it’s not my only hobby, and I don’t want the guilt of that reading goal number hanging over me when I don’t feel like reading.

I know audiobooks are always an option. I could easily listen while I’m colouring or scrapbooking, but to be honest, I prefer listening to the sounds around me. I like the gentle sounds of my house – the clocks ticking, the floors creaking, the cats stretching and playing. It’s so soothing to just be in the moment and not try to fill the silence.

Plus, I’m a firm believer that we need variety in our lives and multiple ways to reduce stress. Different activities give us different perspectives and help us grow creatively. You might be surprised how one hobby can affect your thinking about something completely unrelated.

I’m not saying I won’t listen to audiobooks or that I’m going to stop myself reading – just that I’m not going to chase a quantity of books. You might be wondering why I don’t scrap the reading goal altogether and that’s because I don’t like all or nothing thinking. There’s room for nuance and enjoyable targets.

🎲 Complete Bookopoly (For Fun!)

Now, I realise I just said I wasn’t going to chase a number of books, but I do want to complete a reading challenge this year.

I made Bookopoly a few years ago (templates are free here on my blog) and mostly finished it in 2023, but this year I actually want to play it. My plan is to do one circuit of the board, so pretty low stakes.

I’m going to play the digital version I made with my Book Tracker Spreadsheet that you can get [here] if you want. It has the new and improved version of the tracker with Bookopoly added to make everything nice and cohesive.

☘️ Read More Irish Books

I had this goal in my head for 2025 as well, but of my 37 books read, only 6 were by Irish authors. That is way too low!

Top of my list are Sally Rooney (because everyone seems to be mad about her) and Catherine Ryan Howard (because I want to read more thrillers).

This goal kind of leads into my next one, which is…

🚫 Ignore the Hype

The majority of books I’ve read have been by American authors—specifically white lady American authors. The romance genre seems to be saturated by them, and since that’s what I read most, they’re who I’ve read.

Their books get hyped so freaking much on social media it’s insane, and they do not always deserve the hype. With some of these books, it feels like it’s just marketing.

Whatever is going on with the hype train, I am almost always disappointed. And when I say ignore the hype, I mean ignoring books that people gush over in general. I recently picked up a book because several people were gushing over it on Discord, and then it turned out to be so terribly written I suspected these people were plants trying some sort of guerrilla marketing.

So yeah, I’m going to be more careful with the books I pick now.

🛡️ Creating Boundaries

On the subject of ignoring online chatter, one thing I really need in 2026 is boundaries.

Thanks to the great and powerful algorithm, I am bombarded with opinions all the time. I know the algorithm learns from my behavior, but geez, could it chill out a bit?

I have so much depressing news and opinions flying at me all the time I feel like I need to police myself and everyone else constantly! Which isn’t realistic for day-to-day life. I can’t attack my dentist for his opinions on a situation in a country we don’t live in. I do not want to debate my uncle for his beliefs despite how offensive I find them.

I want to make my world smaller, more intimate – at least online. I can’t fight everyone else’s battles, and I can’t carry the weight of them in my head. It stresses me the feck out!

✍️ Annotate Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

And finally, my last goal is a fun one!

I have a cheap edition of Pride and Prejudice that I bought specifically for annotating, but I’ve only gotten as far as tabbing it. I have a little annotation kit I put together especially for this project, but I’ve barely used it.

It’s been sitting in my hobby basket, watching me tackle other projects all the time. I have a collection of ephemera to add to the book as well (similar to what I did with my edition of Emma) but I want to do so much more with Pride and Prejudice because I love it so much.

Just Plain Old Living

So, those are my goals for 2026. To be honest, all I really want is to enjoy what I read.

This is just a list of things I’d like to achieve, but if it’s December 10th and I’ve only read 16 books, you’re not going to see me sprinting toward my reading goal with short books and novellas. Whatever will be, will be. That’s the vibe I’m taking into 2026.

No more grinding, no more hustle, no more aesthetics!

It might sound like I’m embracing slow living or something, but nope. Just plain old living.

Over to You

Thank you so much for joining me today! I hope you have a wonderful start to the year and wish you all the luck with your goals, whatever they may be.

Are you scaling back your reading goals this year, or going full steam ahead? What books are on your radar? Drop a comment below—I’d especially love to hear your Irish author recommendations!

📰 Posts Mentioned:

I Love This Magazine, But I’m Done Pretending Daphne Is Real

When Your Favourite Magazine’s Persona Isn’t Real: My Complicated Relationship with Daphne’s Diary

TL;DR

Daphne’s Diary is a beautiful craft and lifestyle magazine, but its fictional mascot persona makes me uncomfortable in our AI-saturated world. While brand personas like Betty Crocker have existed for decades, the rise of AI-generated content has changed how I feel about fake people being presented as real. I still love the magazine’s authentic content—I’m just choosing to skip the fictional narrative bits.

The Magic That First Drew Me In

I’ve always been captivated by Daphne’s Diary magazine. The aesthetic is beautiful—those gorgeous craft projects, the pretty pastel papers, the thoughtfully curated articles about artists and beautiful destinations. Everything about it speaks to my creative heart.

It didn’t take long to realise that Daphne isn’t a real person—she’s an invented persona for the magazine. And honestly? I understood the strategy. They’re targeting a specific audience: creative people seeking community and connection, folks who want to feel like they’re on a creative journey with someone, not just consuming content alone.

For years, this didn’t bother me at all.

When AI Changed Everything

But something shifted recently.

With the rise of AI chatbots and fake personas flooding every corner of the internet—pretending to be everything from children to therapists, all in the name of corporate profit—I’ve become disillusioned with the idea of Daphne.

Now when I come across her diary entries talking about her pets, her husband, and her children’s antics, I feel unsettled. None of these people exist. None of these moments happened.

“Why doesn’t this person exist when a real person could fill this role?”

Real Creators Are Everywhere—So Why the Facade?

Here’s what really gets me: there are countless amazing creators on YouTube (and other platforms) producing content exactly like what’s in Daphne’s Diary. They share craft tutorials, lifestyle content, printables, and products through their online shops—just like Daphne does.

But they’re real people. With real lives, real stories, real creative journeys.

So why is Daphne fake? Her style isn’t unique. Her stories aren’t groundbreaking. Why wasn’t an actual person hired for this role?

I suppose most lifestyle magazines don’t typically feature a single person at the forefront. It’s the only lifestyle publication I regularly read, so I don’t have much comparison.

The Magazine Mascot Precedent

My husband pointed out that White Dwarf magazine features a persona—a creature from the Warhammer universe—as their “white dwarf” mascot. So maybe this isn’t unusual in niche magazine publishing. My previous magazine experience (cooking publications, music magazines, Cosmopolitan) never included this kind of brand personification, so it’s unfamiliar territory for me.

The Stock Photo Incident That Broke My Trust

What triggered this reflection was a piece in the recent Christmas edition of Daphne’s Diary about the “hardworking ladies of Christmas.”

The feature included photos of women in uniforms or with other obvious job markers, along with their names and quotes about working during the Christmas season. The problem? These photos were so obviously stock images it felt ridiculous.

Surely it would be easy—and more meaningful—to actually interview real women about their Christmas work experiences. It would create authentic human connection and give voice to real people’s stories.

Maybe I’m judging too harshly. Perhaps the photos weren’t real, but the quotes were. Maybe the women they interviewed wanted their identities protected. Maybe their actual photos didn’t meet Daphne’s aesthetic standards, so they opted for stock images instead.

But it raises the question: Why are there so many fake people in this magazine?

And Now: AI-Generated Artwork That Looks… Bad

Here’s where things get worse. I just noticed that the same Christmas edition includes a page of Christmas gift tags—and they’re very obviously generated by AI.

Let me be clear: I use generative AI myself. I create clipart and assets with AI tools for my own projects. I have zero problem with AI-generated content when it’s done well. AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can produce beautiful results when used thoughtfully.

But what I’m not okay with is a business expecting paying customers to accept artwork that looks this poorly executed. This isn’t about the technology—it’s about the effort (or lack thereof).

Several of these Christmas tag images don’t even make sense—they’re just a mesh of wintery colours with possibly a Santa-shaped blob. Some of them are fine, sure, but the ones that aren’t make the magazine seem like it has minimal quality control or, worse, that they simply don’t care about what they’re publishing or whether their readers deserve better.

This is a magazine known for its beautiful aesthetic. They feature real artists in their pages. They showcase gorgeous photography and carefully curated design. So why are they publishing AI-generated gift tags that look like they were created with a free generator, zero refinement, and absolutely no quality review?

It feels lazy. It feels like they thought, “AI is fast and cheap (sometimes free), our readers probably won’t notice or care.” But we do notice. And we do care.

When I use AI to create clipart, I refine it, I regenerate until it’s right. I make sure it actually looks good and makes visual sense and if it doesn’t, I thrash it. I also only use it to create clipart and assets. Never a finished piece. That’s the bare minimum when you’re asking people to use something you’ve created—especially when they’ve paid for it.

This isn’t about AI versus human artists. That’s a whole other and very valid argument. It’s about standards. If you’re going to use AI-generated content in a premium craft magazine, at least make sure it meets the quality bar you’ve set everywhere else. The disconnect between the beautiful, thoughtful content and these rushed AI images is jarring and honestly feels disrespectful to readers who expect better.

What’s Real vs. What’s Fabricated

To be fair, much of Daphne’s Diary content appears to be authentic:

The artist profiles feature real people
The recipes are genuine
The craft projects are real and replicable
The travel destinations actually exist
The artwork is mostly from real artists (as far as I can tell)

The magazine isn’t bad by any means. It’s real at its core. But the cracks are showing. Between the fictional personas, stock photo “interviews,” and now low-quality AI-generated printables, I’m seeing a pattern of choosing convenient shortcuts over authentic quality.

I just feel uncomfortable with fake people being presented as real, especially with the introduction in our world of artificial personas like Tilly Norwood.

Brand Personas in the Age of AI

Creating a brand persona isn’t new—think Betty Crocker, Mr. Muscle, or countless other mascot marketing examples. But we’re living in a time when companies can use technology to make fictional people seem incredibly real and relatable, all to monetize our desire for human connection.

I don’t want to see photos and videos of Daphne, Rob, Anne, Barney, Mr. Bear, and Aunty Cat pop up on my screen knowing none of them exist. They didn’t do any of the things or say any of the words attributed to them in their anecdotes.

“The real issue? The magazine isn’t transparent about these characters being narrative devices.”

This lack of transparency feels particularly problematic in our current landscape, where distinguishing real from artificial is increasingly difficult.

My Fear: The Loss of Human Connection and Quality Standards

Here’s my deeper concern: I’m afraid of losing real human connection in a world where it’s increasingly easy to create and profit from fake personas.

It’s not fun if we’re all interacting with robots designed solely to funnel our money to their human owners. The authentic relationships that make life meaningful can’t be replicated by fabricated personalities, no matter how charming.

But there’s another issue emerging: the acceptance of low-quality AI content as “good enough.” When a magazine known for its beautiful aesthetic starts including menial AI-generated images that don’t even make visual sense, it signals something troubling.

Are we lowering our standards because AI makes it easy to fill pages? Are publishers banking on readers not noticing—or not caring—that they’ve skipped the refinement process entirely?

I care. If I’m paying for a premium craft magazine, I expect premium content throughout. Not a mix of gorgeous real artwork and half-baked AI outputs thrown in because they were quick, cheap, and “good enough.” It’s not that they used AI—it’s that they clearly didn’t care enough to make sure what they used was actually good. That lack of care for their readers is what stings.

So… Am I Overthinking This?

Am I being nihilistic over a cosy, fun magazine? Probably a little.

I still genuinely love Daphne’s Diary. It remains the only craft and lifestyle magazine that truly suits my interests. At its heart, I’m fine with a magazine having a persona that tells a story—that’s part of the charm.

I’m just not sure why those “working ladies” needed to be fake too. And why are we getting AI-generated gift tags that look unfinished? In this era when creating and profiting from fictional personas and low-effort AI content has never been easier, I’d like to keep real people real and quality standards high.

My Solution: Love the Magazine, Skip the Mascot (and the AI Tags)

Moving forward, I’ll continue enjoying Daphne’s Diary—I’ll just be ignoring Daphne herself and those AI-generated pages. I’ll appreciate the authentic content: the real artists, the tested recipes, the genuine travel recommendations, and the beautiful craft projects.

But the fictional diary entries? The obviously fake interviews? The rushed AI artwork? I’ll be skipping those from now on.

What Do You Think?

Have you noticed similar fictional personas in your magazines? Do AI and fake online personas change how you feel about traditional brand mascots? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Thank you so much for joining me today 🩷

Elaine

When Hobbies Become Hustle: How I Lost (and Found) the Joy in My Creative Projects

You Can Monetize Your Hobbies Without Destroying Them—Here’s How

“You should sell that!” If you’ve heard this phrase even once, you know the trap I’m about to describe. After years of letting hustle culture drain every ounce of joy from my creative hobbies, I finally learned the boundaries I wish I’d followed from day one. Here’s what I’ve learned: you can enjoy your hobbies without monetizing them—they don’t need validation. But you can monetize them too—just don’t let it destroy them.

Sadly, it took me years to figure this out. Let me save you the burnout.

TL;DR

Started with joyful hobbies: blogging, BookTube, junk journaling
Opened an Etsy shop after all the “you should sell this!” comments
Hustle culture consumed everything—every post, photo, and video became a sales pitch
Lost all joy, went silent on platforms, stopped creating entirely
Hit breaking point, closed shop for a month, and rebranded
Now I have clear boundaries that let me create AND earn without burnout
Key lesson: You can monetize hobbies—just don’t let monetization become your why
Practical boundaries: no checking stats, create when inspired, “so what?” to content pressure

How It Started: When Creating Was Still Fun

I started blogging about 10 years ago when blogs were in their heyday. I chatted about food, all the paper flowers I was making for our wedding, and then I started to lean more into books. I eventually started a Bookstagram and a BookTube and was having so much fun creating and exploring.

It was a creatively vibrant world full of people who were passionate about the same things as me. It was fun and felt full of possibilities.

Then Everything Changed

And with those possibilities came influencers and content creators. The online world started to change. Everything was SEO, followers, views, algorithm, yadda yadda yadda. Hustle culture took over.

I’m a big fan of hobbies. I think they’re great for your mind. Blogging was a hobby that led to BookTube, which led to junk journaling, which led me to creating an Etsy shop. When I start something new, the first thing I do is learn about it. I look up tutorials, I read blogs, I follow creators who talk about it.

But that was where everything went wrong for me.

The “You Should Sell This” Trap

I started my Etsy shop because I really enjoyed making digital downloads to use in my journals. It wasn’t exactly that I wanted to share them with people—it was more that people always tell me I should sell the things I make.

At our wedding, when people saw all of the paper flowers I made, the first thing they said was “you should sell these!”

And I’m sure you’ve heard this yourself if you’re a crafter. If you knit socks or crochet bags, it’s likely been suggested to you that you set up a stall at a craft fair or an Etsy shop.

The Dream That Becomes a Nightmare

And it sounds so lovely, doesn’t it? I mean, why not sell your crafts? They’re lovely and they’re so much fun to make! Wouldn’t it be amazing if this was your job? You could:

Work from home on your own schedule
Only make the things you want to make
Work part-time until you’re able to call this your full-time job

Doesn’t it just sound lovely?

So that’s the trap I fell into. The dream of running my Etsy shop full-time, spending my days creatively, making pretty journaling supplies and engaging with other journaling enthusiasts. It sounds so pleasant and easy. So why not give it a shot?

When Everything Became Content (And Nothing Was Fun)

Well, I did give it a shot. I have an Etsy shop that sells digital downloads of junk journal and planner kits. Creating the kits was fun, but to run a shop you can’t just create, pop it on the site, and carry on your merry way.

The Hustle Culture Reality

You have to do the keyword research, the SEO stuff, have listing titles that make sense but are also stuffed with search terms. You have to hustle.

When I started my shop, I got so caught up in hustle culture I honestly did not have a clue what I was doing. Everything became about my shop:

If I wanted to write a blog post, I had to make sure it was relevant to what I’m selling so I could plug my shop
If I wanted to post on Instagram, I had to make sure something from my shop was somewhere in the photo
If I wanted to make a YouTube video, I might as well make it a Journal with Me using my products

I was spending my time looking up search terms and keywords and making content based on anything relevant to my products. Everything had to be productive and on-brand.

“And it sucked the joy out of everything. My hobbies were no longer my hobbies. The things I used to do for fun and my mental health became side hustles. I couldn’t even read a book without thinking about how it could become content.”

The Breaking Point: When I Went Silent

My hobbies no longer served the purpose of what a hobby is supposed to. The things I used to do for fun and my mental health became side hustles.

My Etsy shop was profitable back in my hustle culture days before my brain got completely fried and I had to stop everything. In fact, I got so caught up in the idea that everything had to lead to my Etsy shop that I stopped creating altogether.

I went silent on all platforms for quite a while.

It just wasn’t fun anymore.

The Rebrand: Separating My Shop from My Identity

This past summer, I made the decision to close my Etsy shop for a month and rebrand it completely. I didn’t want to fully close because I truly do enjoy creating the kits and running a shop. I rebranded it because I needed to separate it from my identity.

It isn’t a part of me—it’s just something I like to do, and it’s just one thing that I like to do. Closing it and changing the name is part of me trying to find the joy in my hobbies again.

The Truth About Hobbies and Money

Hobbies do not need to be monetized. There is joy in them just as they are. Even in unfinished projects, because the process—the work we do to create—is what’s really important.

I fully believe the value of having a hobby like crafting or blogging lies in the creating more than the completed piece. But I also do sell items on Etsy. I make money from advertising and affiliates on my blog. None of these things make much money, but they are monetized.

Living with the Paradox

I’m trying now to separate everything, but it’s really hard because I love my Etsy shop. It’s difficult for me to reconcile my belief that hobbies don’t need to be monetized when I’m monetizing myself!

It almost feels like I’m telling people not to try—not to reach for their dreams—because I’m trying to limit my competition! I’m not! I guess it’s kind of like an author or an artist wanting to earn money for their work. I’m not saying I’m that creative or talented, but is it wrong to want to earn a living this way?

“I’m not anti-monetization. I’m anti-letting monetization hijack your why.”

What Changed: The Boundaries That Saved My Creativity

When I first started all of this, I got bombarded by hustle culture while trying to learn. Maybe I should have just learned by doing, but I looked for help and I got content trees, growth hacks, algorithm strategies that just sucked the creativity out of me.

I still want to create content, but I don’t want to grind. I want to make things I enjoy for the joy of making them—not for the end result or for a reward.

But this doesn’t mean I’m turning off my affiliates or closing my Etsy shop (these things only make about €20 a month, to be honest), and this is where I still struggle with myself. It feels disingenuous to create for the joy of creating and write about it online and have my content monetized. But I’m learning the balance between them.

I’m not actually charging you for access to anything here. Anything I earn is just a bonus. Like a tip. And if you decide you want to create a similar project to me, well, the kit is in my Etsy shop to buy or available for free on my Ko-fi. The emphasis is still on the joy of creating.

My Boundaries Now

Here’s what actually works for me:

1. I do not check stats or analytics. This is harder than it sounds because all of these websites push your stats in your face. It’s hard not to glance at them, but I make sure not to click on the stats or analytics tabs.

2. I create what I feel like when I feel like it because that was the entire reason I started any of this!

3. I’ve learned to reply “so what?” to content pressure. I do still get the little nagging voice in my head telling me I don’t have a post for this week, but I’ve learned to reply “so what?” and just carry on with my life.

These boundaries let me keep earning passively while creating primarily for joy. That’s the difference—joy first, income second instead of the other way around.

Where I Am Now: Creating Simply and Joyfully

I don’t know if I have this all figured out. This isn’t my career. I’m making only a small amount of money from this, but I’ve come a long way from where I started.

I’m no longer being pulled by the content train.

Right now, I’m creating for the joy of creating. It may be messy, it may be pointless, it may interest no one other than me—but it will be real and it will just be. Simply and joyfully.

Where Are You in Your Creative Journey?

I wish I had some profound advice to give you about leaving hustle culture behind, but I have none. I didn’t even realise I was being influenced by it until the stress got too much.

I’m learning to find joy in how I spend my time again. I hope that’s something you already have, and if not, I hope you can find your way to it. We all deserve our little moments of joy.

Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear where you are and what boundaries have (or haven’t) worked for you.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need validation for your hobbies. You don’t need to monetize them. You don’t need to turn every beautiful thing you make into a business. You don’t even need to complete your projects!

But if you do want to earn from your creativity, you can—just set boundaries first.

This week, create one thing with zero thought about posting, selling, or optimizing it. Make it messy. Make it just for you. Remember what it feels like to create for the pure joy of it.

That’s where the magic lives.

Thank you so much for joining me today 🩷

Elaine

Planning a Cosy Winter: Projects, Gothic Reads & New Planner

My Winter Plans (And Why I Created a Seasonal Planner)

Hello, my friends!

It might still be autumn, but I’ve already started thinking about my plans for winter. Autumn is my favourite season, but winter has its moments as well. All the joyful cosy moments are still there—I’m just not a fan of how cold it gets and how short the days become. Simply because our bills go up! We use so much more electricity during winter, but that’s life.

I still enjoy those cosy nights in, getting to wrap up in blankets and drink extra cups of tea. Maybe a hot chocolate or two.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte ELaine Howlin Literary Blog — *One of my OG Bookstagram photos (before people starting saying OG!) This was during a time when I wasn’t confident at all in my abilities to take a decent photo and I actaully quite like it now.*

Winter is a great time for resetting. The new year is just around the corner, so I start thinking about what I want that year to be like. December is for wrapping up the year, celebrating the ending with festive gatherings and delicious hearty meals. January has always felt like a bit of a lull to me—like I’m winding up for the year ahead. February is when I start to get some momentum again. Spring is on the horizon, and everything feels brighter.

Winter Projects I’m Excited About

This winter I have a few projects I’d like to get stuck into.

First up: our cats need a new, prettier space for their litter trays. We’ve been keeping them inside this tent thing in the living room, and it desperately needs some beautification. I have my eye on these cat litter cabinets on Amazon that would really suit the room and make the place so much tidier.

This is Frosty sleeping on the top of their climbing tree. Just look at those beans!!!! She has an ouch on her forehead from scratching. This was taken after we took the cone off but her fur hadn’t grown back yet. I say we took the cone off but she managed to escape it. Twice. She outright refused to let it go back on then.

My creative projects for the season will be a new design for my planner and creating my reading journal for 2026. I have a few ideas buzzing around at the moment that I need to refine.

Books, Movies & All Things Gothic

I really want to read more this winter. Winter is a great time for reading with how long the evenings are. There are so many books I want to read, but I would really love to explore more gothic literature this season.

Gothic and winter go so well together. I can just picture windy ruined castles, dark forests, and wandering ghosts already!

Those vibes, please!

Elaine Howlin Blogger Photo — *This is me pre curly girl method. My hair has more coils now but I actually miss these little waves.*

Gothic Books on My TBR

This list contains affiliate links for Libo.fm. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support! With Libro.fm you can purchase audiobooks online and still support your local independent bookshop.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – Libro.fm describes this book as “folk horror meets dark academia in this thrilling supernatural mystery” I mean, enough said!
Anathema by Keri Lake – Not gonna lie, the cover has me sold on this one, but it also sounds like an alluring dark fairytale that has all the vibes I want this winter.

I would also love some movies with those vibes, but I’ll likely continue rewatching Supernatural. I started rewatching it in September to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary. It’s crazy that the show is that old! I was seriously obsessed with it in college.

I’m really enjoying rewatching it, but it’s also making me a little sad. Two of my best friends at the time were watching it with me, and sadly, we’re no longer friends. They both moved away and we drifted apart. It’s sad, but it tends to happen after college. Everyone starts their big adult lives, and the things that brought us together don’t exist anymore.

Exploring Gothic Ireland

On a lighter (maybe?) note, wanting to read gothic books makes me want to visit gothic places, and we have plenty of those in Ireland. I’m surrounded by ruined castles, ancient graveyards, and creepy forests. Well, the forests aren’t all that creepy really, but the castles are ruins and the graveyards have ancient graves.

There’s a graveyard down the road from me that’s so old and overgrown, no one knows who the graves belong to anymore.

*Adrian Moran on Unsplash* *Very cool image but it is also giving me Homer Simpson fading into the bushes vibes…*

Top of my list for visiting is Tintern Abbey in Wexford (no connection to the Wordsworth poem). There’s a beautiful abbey ruin, an old graveyard, gorgeous grounds, and forest walks. Perfect for a gothic stroll.

Keeping Track: My New Winter Planner

And with all of these plans—and I’m sure I’ll come up with more as the season progresses—I’m keeping track with my new winter planner. This is part of the Winter Wonder Collection in my Etsy shop, which has a more romantic aesthetic than gothic, but I love the blue, grey, and pink colour scheme of it. It gives me warm, happy winter vibes, which is what I want when planning. I want to be happy and excited about what’s ahead (as much as possible).

I decided to make seasonal planners in autumn because I can’t stick to an annual or monthly planner. I needed something longer than a month because I lose interest if I have to create something new that often, and shorter than a year because then I forget about it.

Working seasonally gives me a refreshing feeling every three months. I have a sense of renewal with the season and embrace the changes it brings so much more.

Creating three months together under one theme means I have something pretty and relevant, and it means I can focus on my plans instead of on decorating the planner. No shade to anyone who loves making spreads in their bullet journal every month! I just don’t have the patience for it.

The Winter Wonder Collection has a Mini-Journal Kit and an Ephemera Kit, and now a Planner Kit as well. I used the ephemera kit in the winter section of my reading journal. That’s actually the reason I made the kits. To be honest, I make all of my kits for myself first and then pop them on Etsy… I’m not very business-minded! But I just love them and love to share them with the world! Even if they never sold, I’m just happy to have created them.

I would love to create a winter memories journal with the collection this year. Part planner, part journal.

Coming Soon: Vlogs Are Back!

As well as all of that, I would really love to start vlogging again. It’s been several years, but I used to really enjoy making cosy reading vlogs. Now, I would make more of a home vlog style with reading, journaling, home life, and of course my two cats… maybe my husband too!

If you’d like to follow along, you can check out my YouTube here. It’s mostly Journal with Me videos at the moment and could really use some housekeeping. There are a few old videos up there that don’t really represent who I am anymore. This blog could probably do with a tidy too, actually!

Your Turn!

So, those are my winter plans. What are your plans for this season? Is it winter where you are? I’d love to hear from you—especially what books or movies you’re planning for the season. Drop a comment below!

Thank you so much for joining me today!

Elaine

Taking a Creative Pause

Hey beautiful friends,

As July unfolds, I’m stepping into a season of intentional rest and creative exploration. This month, I’m taking a gentle break from my Etsy shop (Wayfarer’s Journal Co.), this blog, and Ko-fi to create space for renewal and rediscovery.

What this means:

Etsy shop: Closed for the month of July
Blog: No new posts until August
Ko-fi: Taking a step back from new content (though all existing freebies remain available!)
YouTube: Still here, but at a slower, softer pace

This pause isn’t about stepping away—it’s about stepping deeper. Deeper into joy, into breath, into those creative threads that whisper rather than shout. It’s about following curiosity without the weight of deadlines or the pressure of productivity.

I’ve been feeling called to this rhythm of rest, to remember what it feels like to create purely for the sake of creating. To let ideas marinate. To wander without destination.

**What my time off will hopefully look like 🙂*

You’ll still find me on YouTube, sharing the journey of playful discovery and gentle exploration. Expect a different energy—one of pure creative joy and freedom to explore whatever sparks curiosity.

Thank you for being such an incredible community. Your support, patience, and presence mean more than you know. I’m excited to see what emerges from this creative cocoon and can’t wait to share new inspiration and fresh energy when I return in August.

This is a season of playful discovery and gentle rest. I hope you find moments of the same in your own creative journey.

With so much love and gratitude, Elaine ✨

P.S. – If you’re feeling called to your own creative pause, I encourage you to listen to that whisper. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is rest.

Elaine Howlin

Hi, I’m Elaine! I’m lucky enough to call the lush green countryside of Ireland my home, where I live with my wonderful husband and our adorable cats. When I’m not out enjoying the beauty of nature, you’ll most likely find me tucked away with a good book or working on my latest journal creation. Reading and journaling are my absolute passions, and I can easily spend hours getting lost in stories or crafting something special. Whether I’m immersed in a great book or bringing new ideas to life in my journals, these simple pleasures are what make my days truly joyful.

Can’t Find the Words? 65 Prompts to Review Your Latest Book

Hello, my friends, are you struggling to Review Books? Let’s Make It Easier!

If you’ve ever finished a book and felt completely overwhelmed about how to put your thoughts into words, you’re not alone. As a fellow book lover, I get it—sometimes, it’s hard to describe exactly what you felt, why it made an impact, or what stood out. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 65 book review prompts to help you reflect on your reading experience and articulate those thoughts with ease.

Unlock exclusive content, snag freebies, and keep the blog thriving! Support me on Ko-fi today and join the inner circle of creativity.

These prompts aren’t just for formal reviews; they’re also perfect for jotting down your thoughts in your reading journal. Whether you’re writing a quick summary, documenting your favourite quotes, or diving into a detailed analysis, this list has something to spark your creativity and organise your reflections.

Whether you’re reviewing a cosy mystery, a heart-fluttering romance, a chilling horror, or a beautifully written piece of literary fiction, these prompts will guide you in breaking down what worked (and what didn’t) so you can share your true thoughts with confidence—or simply capture them for your own records. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

General Reading Review Prompts

Let’s start with the basics! These prompts are perfect for reflecting on any book, no matter the genre or style. They’re like a warm-up for your thoughts, helping you focus on what stood out the most. Whether it’s a gripping thriller, an inspiring memoir, or an immersive fantasy, these questions will help you uncover what made the book special—or not so special.

How did the book make me feel? Was I happy, tense, inspired, or maybe even annoyed?
Which moment or scene stayed with me the most—and why?
Was there a character I really connected with, and what made them feel relatable?
Did the story surprise me in any way—plot twists, unexpected themes, or even just the way it ended?
What’s the one thing I’ll remember about this book in a year’s time?
Did the book remind me of another story, song, or piece of art?
What do I think was the central theme or message of the book?
How would I describe the book’s “vibe” or atmosphere in a few words?
Were the characters’ motivations believable?
Did the relationships between characters feel authentic?
Was the pacing of the story too slow, too fast, or just right?
Did the book raise any questions or spark curiosity about a new topic?
What is one thing I’ll take away from this book?

Prompts for Cosy Books

Cosy books are the ultimate comfort reads, aren’t they? They’re like curling up under a blanket on a rainy day, with a cup of tea in hand and the world slowing down for just a little while. These books don’t just tell a story; they create a whole mood, wrapping you up in warmth, charm, and sometimes even a bit of mystery. If you’ve just finished one of those heartwarming reads, here’s how you can capture the essence of that feel-good journey.

What made the setting so inviting? Was it a charming village, a bookshop, or maybe a cosy cottage?
Did the book have those little details that make everything feel warm and snug—like steaming mugs of tea, a crackling fire, or the smell of fresh-baked bread?
Which character felt like someone you’d want as a friend, neighbour, or even partner-in-crime-solving?
Did the story’s relationships (romantic or platonic) give you that warm, fuzzy feeling?
If this book was a perfect companion for a specific moment, what would it be? A rainy day? A lazy Sunday morning?
Was there a particular element of the story (like a charming pet, quirky shop, or friendly neighbourhood) that added to its cosiness?
What sensory details (sights, sounds, smells) made the world of the book feel comforting or inviting?
Did the book leave me with a sense of calm, happiness, or satisfaction?
What’s one small, delightful detail from the book that I keep thinking about?
Which moments or scenes made me smile, laugh, or feel a warm sense of joy?

Prompts for Romance and Fantasy Romance Books

Romance books have a way of tugging at your heartstrings, don’t they? Whether it’s a swoony contemporary love story or a high-stakes fantasy romance with magical kingdoms and star-crossed lovers, these books are all about connection, chemistry, and a good dose of drama. If you’ve just finished a heart-fluttering romance or a fantastical love story, these prompts will help you break down the emotional highs and lows.

Did the chemistry between the romantic leads make my heart flutter? Was it sweet, fiery, or full of delicious tension?
Was there a particular scene or gesture that captured the romance perfectly?
How did the fantasy elements shape the romance? Did magic or quests add depth, tension, or even obstacles to the relationship?
Were the characters’ motivations and feelings believable, or did the love story feel too rushed?
Did the book use any classic romance tropes (enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, friends-to-lovers)? And how well were they executed?
Did the setting (e.g., an enchanted forest, castle, or magical kingdom) contribute to the romantic vibe?
How did the conflicts or obstacles in the romance add tension to the story?
Were there any memorable or swoon-worthy lines or gestures in the romance?
If the story had a destined lovers or enemies-to-lovers trope, how was it executed?
Did the balance between the romance and the fantasy elements feel satisfying? Why or why not?
Did the book leave me daydreaming about the romance or imagining myself in the story?
Were there any supporting characters (friends, rivals, or family) who added depth to the romance?

Prompts for Horror Books

Horror books have a completely different kind of thrill, don’t they? Whether it’s psychological horror, supernatural elements, or old-fashioned jump scares, these stories are designed to keep you on the edge of your seat (and sometimes leave you sleeping with the lights on). If you’ve just finished a spine-tingling horror novel, these prompts will help you unpack the fear, atmosphere, and deeper meaning behind the chills.

How did the book create a sense of fear or unease? Was it through the atmosphere, pacing, or something else?
Did the story rely more on psychological horror, supernatural elements, or good old-fashioned jump scares?
Which moment or scene gave me the biggest chills or made me feel genuinely scared?
Was there a character whose fear or reaction felt particularly relatable or realistic?
How did the setting contribute to the sense of dread? (e.g., a haunted house, dark forest, or eerie small town.)
Did the book have any unexpected twists or reveals that shocked me?
Were the antagonists or monsters (if any) well-crafted and memorable? What made them terrifying?
Did the book explore any deeper themes about human nature, society, or morality through its horror?
How did the tension build throughout the story? Was the pacing effective?
Did the ending leave me feeling unsettled, relieved, or still looking over my shoulder?
How did the author use sensory details (sounds, smells, sights) to make the horror feel vivid and real?
Was there a balance between the horror and the emotional depth of the characters?
Did the book have a “creepy vibe” that lingered after I’d finished reading?
Were there any moments of levity or humour to break the tension, and did they work?
Would I recommend this book to a fellow horror fan—or is it best read with the lights on and a friend nearby?

Prompts for Literary Fiction

Literary fiction often goes beyond just telling a story—it dives deep into themes, character studies, and the human condition. These books often have beautiful prose, rich symbolism, and complex plots that leave you thinking long after you’ve closed the book. If you’ve just finished a thought-provoking piece of literary fiction, these prompts will help you reflect on the deeper layers of the story.

What themes or ideas stood out the most, and how were they explored throughout the story?
Did the writing style feel lyrical, experimental, or particularly beautiful? Were there any lines or passages that stayed with me?
How did the characters evolve over the course of the book, and were their journeys satisfying or thought-provoking?
Did the book challenge me to see the world, myself, or others in a different way?
Were there moments of emotional intensity that resonated deeply with me?
How did the setting shape the story? Was it symbolic, atmospheric, or an active force in the narrative?
Were there layers of meaning, symbolism, or subtext that added depth to the story?
Did the book explore any social, cultural, or political issues, and how effectively were they woven into the narrative?
Did the characters feel fully realised, with strengths, flaws, and complexities that made them human?
Was the story’s structure or pacing unconventional? Did it add to or detract from my experience of the book?
How did the book handle ambiguity or unanswered questions? Did it feel intentional or frustrating?
Was there a single moment or scene that captured the essence of the book’s message or themes?
Did the book leave me with a lingering sense of wonder, sadness, or curiosity?
Were there contrasts or parallels between characters, themes, or events that added richness to the story?
How did the book’s ending resonate with me? Did it provide closure, provoke thought, or challenge my expectations?

I hope these prompts help make your book reviews a little easier (and more fun)! You don’t have to use them all, but hopefully, they’ve sparked some inspiration for how to dive deeper into your reading experiences.

Which genre do you think you’ll review next? And if you’ve used any of these prompts in your own reviews, I’d love to hear how they’ve worked for you. Leave me a comment below and share your thoughts!

Oh, and if you enjoyed this post, feel free to support me on Ko-fi. Every little bit helps me keep bringing you more bookish content, so thank you in advance.

Happy reading! 📚✨

Elaine Howlin

Connect with Me

35 Blog Post Ideas to Celebrate Winter

Hello, lovely readers!

Ah, winter! There’s something truly magical about this time of year, isn’t there? The chilly air, the cosy nights in, the steaming mugs of tea (or maybe mulled wine!), and of course, all those excuses to curl up with a good book or get creative in our journals. If you’re anything like me, the winter months are an absolute dream for book lovers, journal keepers, and anyone who’s into a bit of crafty scrapbooking. It’s a time to slow down, reflect on the year, and capture memories – all while we’re tucked up nice and warm indoors.

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In this post, I’ve pulled together 35 wonderful blog post ideas to help you celebrate winter in all its cosy, creative glory. From seasonal book recommendations to heartwarming journaling prompts, and even a few DIY scrapbooking ideas, there’s something here for everyone who loves to capture memories or simply wants to sink into the joy of winter.

So, grab your favourite blanket, make yourself a hot drink, and let’s dive into these ideas. Whether you’re planning to read more, document your days, or maybe start a little winter scrapbook, I hope you’ll find something here that sparks your creativity and brings a bit of winter magic to your blog!

Section 1: Winter Book Recommendations

Top 10 Cozy Winter Reads
Curate a list of books with themes of warmth, resilience, or wintery landscapes—perfect for a snowy afternoon.
Books to Read by the Fire: Literary Escapes for Cold Days
Suggest novels set in snowy, rustic settings that transport readers to cosy or adventure-filled winter wonderlands.
The Best Books to Gift for the Holidays
Recommend books that make ideal holiday gifts, whether for friends, family, or even book club exchanges.
Favourite Winter Poetry Collections
Compile poetry that captures the magic and mood of winter, from classic to contemporary poets.
Winter-Themed Children’s Books for Family Reading Time
List heartwarming children’s stories centred around winter or holiday themes for family bonding.
Top Winter Mysteries and Thrillers
Explore suspenseful reads with wintry settings to add intrigue to a cold night in.
Inspirational Winter Memoirs
Suggest autobiographies or memoirs about overcoming adversity in harsh climates to inspire readers.
Books with Beautiful Winter Settings
Recommend books where winter landscapes play a prominent role in creating a magical or suspenseful ambience.
Winter Short Story Collections
Curate collections of short stories ideal for a quick, satisfying read when time is short.
The Ultimate Winter Bucket List for Book Lovers
A list of activities, books, and reading goals to help readers fully embrace winter through literature.

Section 2: Journaling Inspiration

Winter Journal Prompts to Reflect on the Year
Share thought-provoking prompts for readers to look back on their year and find closure or growth.
Creating a Winter Gratitude Journal
Offer ideas for starting a gratitude journal focused on the beauty and comforts of winter.
A Guide to Setting Up Your 2025 Journal
Walk readers through organising a new journal for the upcoming year, including calendar layouts and goal trackers.
Daily Mindfulness Prompts for Winter
List mindfulness prompts centred around appreciating the small joys and peacefulness of winter.
Capturing Cosy Moments: How to Start a Winter Memory Journal
Encourage readers to record their winter experiences, from holiday traditions to quiet moments by the fire.
Goal-Setting in Your Journal for the New Year
Offer a guide on using journals to set achievable goals and intentions for 2025.
Winter Self-Care Journal Ideas
Suggest prompts and layout ideas focused on winter-specific self-care routines and reflections.
Using Art Journaling to Express Winter Moods
Show readers how to incorporate winter colours, themes, and symbols into their art journaling.
Creating a Winter Bucket List in Your Journal
Inspire readers to brainstorm winter activities and goals and document them in their journal.
Reflecting on 2024: Year-End Journal Prompts
Provide prompts that guide readers through a thoughtful reflection on their highs, lows, and lessons of 2024.

Section 3: Scrapbooking and DIY

How to Make a Winter-Themed Scrapbook
Offer tips and layout ideas for scrapbooking winter memories, such as holiday gatherings, winter travels, or snow days.
Favourite Winter Photography Tips for Scrapbooks
Share photography advice for capturing snowy landscapes, cosy scenes, or holiday decorations for scrapbooking.
DIY Winter Memory Board
Guide readers on creating a winter-inspired memory board with photos, ticket stubs, postcards, or other seasonal mementos.
Winter Scrapbook Colour Palettes
List suggested colour schemes that capture the essence of winter, from cool blues to holiday reds and greens.
Crafting a Holiday Card Scrapbook Page
Show how to incorporate holiday cards into a scrapbook, turning them into lasting keepsakes.
Creating a Family Recipe Scrapbook for the Holidays
Inspire readers to scrapbook their family’s favourite winter or holiday recipes for future generations to enjoy.
Winter Travel Scrapbook Ideas
Share layout ideas for scrapbooking winter getaways, whether a cosy cabin weekend or a skiing adventure.
Snow Day Scrapbooking Tips
Offer fun ideas for capturing and preserving snow day memories with kids or friends.
How to Incorporate Nature Elements into Winter Scrapbooks
Guide readers on adding nature-inspired items like pressed pine needles, dried berries, or bark to winter scrapbooks.
Holiday Scrapbooking Party Ideas
Suggest ways to host a festive scrapbooking get-together, complete with themes, materials, and holiday treats.

Section 4: Embracing Winter with Creative and Lifestyle Ideas

Winter Reading Challenge for Book Lovers
Design a reading challenge with categories like “Set in Winter,” “Cozy Mystery,” or “Classic Romance.”
10 Winter Decor Ideas for Book Lovers
Share DIY decor tips for creating a cosy reading nook or book-themed winter decorations.
Create a Winter Book Swap Party
Guide readers on hosting a winter-themed book swap, complete with hot cocoa and cosy blankets.
Journaling and Book-Themed Gifts for Winter Lovers
Recommend thoughtful gift ideas for those who love books, journaling, or crafting during the winter season.
Reflect and Recharge: Winter Self-Care Tips for Creative Souls
Offer self-care advice for readers looking to recharge through winter, focusing on reading, journaling, and creative pursuits.

And there you have it – 35 ways to embrace winter through books, journaling, and scrapbooking! I hope these ideas have given you a nudge towards a cosy, creative winter season. Personally, I can’t wait to dive into a few of these myself (the winter book swap party is calling my name!). Winter’s such a lovely time to reflect, create, and capture memories, and I truly believe these activities can make the season that much more special.

I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments which ideas you’re excited to try or any of your own winter traditions that keep you inspired. And if you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi – every little bit helps me to keep bringing you cosy, creative content like this.

Here’s to a winter full of books, memories, and heartwarming moments!

🤎

Elaine Howlin

Connect with Me

Falling for Books: 35 Blog Post Ideas to Celebrate Autumn

As the chilly air and golden leaves of autumn start to take over, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book and let the season spark some blog inspiration. Whether you’re an experienced book blogger or just dipping your toes in, autumn is full of cosy vibes to bring to your posts—from the changing colours of the trees to those evenings spent curled up with a blanket and a cuppa.

In this post, I’ve rounded up 35 blog post ideas to help you celebrate everything autumnal and bookish. From seasonal reading lists to cosy crafting projects, these ideas will help you embrace the season and connect with your readers. So grab your favourite hot drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into some autumn book blog inspiration!

35 Book Blog Ideas to Embrace the Season

Your Recent Reads & Upcoming Reads
Top 10 Cozy Mysteries
Books with Autumn Settings
Must-Read New Releases
Heartwarming Family Sagas
Autumnal Poetry Collections
Historical Fiction Novels Set in Autumn
Nature Books to Enjoy During an Autumn Hike
Spooky Stories and Thrillers for Halloween
Non-Fiction Books for Learning Something New
Fantasy Books with Autumn Vibes
Books with Beautiful Autumnal Cover Art
Cozy Cookbooks for Autumn
Autumn Reading Challenge
Best Audiobooks to Listen to While Raking Leaves
Literary Fiction That Pairs Perfectly with Fall
Books on Autumn Gardening
Anthologies of Short Stories Perfect for Fall Evenings
Books to Inspire Your Autumn Crafting
Favourite Witchy Reads
Mysteries and Crime Novels by a Cozy Fire
Heartwarming Tales of Friendship
Exploring Haunted Houses
Autumn-Inspired Bookish Crafts
Dark Academia Reads
Top 10 Horror Novels
Favourite Ghost Stories
Epic Fantasy Series to Start This Autumn
Gothic Literature Reading List
All the Orange Books from Your Shelf
Literary Quotes That Capture the Essence of Autumn
Books with Cats
Review a Celebrity Book Club Pick
Books to Transition from Summer to Autumn
Your Autumnal Reading Journal Spread

I hope these autumn-inspired blog post ideas have sparked your creativity and got you excited to dive into the cosy side of book blogging this season. Whether you’re sharing your favourite reads, creating autumn-themed content, or just adding a bit of seasonal flair, there’s so much you can do to celebrate the magic of autumn. Now, it’s time to grab that book you’ve been meaning to read, settle into your favourite reading spot, and enjoy the season to its fullest. Happy blogging, and here’s to an autumn filled with great stories and even better blog posts!

written by

Elaine Howlin

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Mega List of Book Blog Post Ideas for 2022

Something that has helped me immensely during my blogging journey is planning out my content. Having a list of blog post ideas on hand is an amazing resource and saves so much time. Even if I never write all of those posts, having a cache of post ideas on hand majorly reduces any anxiety or stress I may feel about creating content.

To make things a bit easier for you, I’ve compiled this mega list of Book Blog Post Ideas and a list of resources for creating beautiful content. I’ve also included some of the sites I use to help me refine my ideas and do keyword research.

If you use any of these ideas, I would absolutely love to read your post so please link it in the comments 🧡

Blogging Resources

A really useful website for post ideas that relate to current holidays or celebrations is Days of Note. Here you will find all daily, weekly and monthly celebrations no matter how small or wacky. For post ideas specific to your niche, Pinterest is an amazing site to search. Just type your topic into the search bar and you will get a wealth of posts people have created inspired by this topic that you can put your own spin on. You can also use Soovle to search your topic or niche and it will give you a list of searches people have been making related to that term on several search engine sites including Google and YouTube. Bloglovin’ is another amazing site to browse for blog posts. You can create a feed on Bloglovin’ of blogs or topics you love and explore what people are saying about whatever it is you are researching.

Free Images and Videos for your Blog

There are several fantastic sites for free stock photography that you can use on your blog. WordPress has Pexels built-in so you can easily use their images but I find their library a bit lacking. My favourite place to get images is Unsplash followed closely by Rawpixel. Pixabay is another great resource and Freepik is a great place for graphics. Rawpixel has amazing graphics as well many with the white background removed to make it easier to use them. Canva also has a library of images, graphics, video and music that you can use for free to create all kinds of things for your blog. I’m not a big fan of the photos they have on Canva but the graphics library is really good.

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Mega List of Book Blog Post Ideas for 2022

And here is the list of Blog Post Ideas to help you create the best content for your blog. Many of these ideas would work across platforms so you could use them to create some social media posts or videos for YouTube.

Authors You’d Invite to Dinner
A Literary Dinner Menu
Create a Reading Journal
Your Bookish Wishlist
Reading Wrap Ups
Books You Want to Read
Reading Goals for 2022
Books Hauls
Bookish Merch Hauls
Stationery Hauls
Recipes Inspired by Books
Make Up Looks Inspired by Book Covers
Cocktails Inspired by Book covers
Things You Learnind in Lockdown
Read and review the lowest rated book on your TBR
Write about the books on your shelf you haven’t read yet
Discuss the benefits of rereading
Host a readathon or reading challenge
Do a Book Tag
Write about why you started your blog
Discuss your favourite books as a child
Compare a retelling with its inspiration
Host a book themed party
Share your favourite audiobook narrators
Do a tour of your bookshelves
Chat about your favourite bookish websites
Share your favourite reading spot
Do a virtual tour of places mentioned in books
Host a Guest Blogger
Do a Q&A with your Readers
Discuss books you read because of the hype
Write a bookish gift guide
Your favourite Coffee Table books
Host a Cosy Reading Night
Discuss books set in places you’d love to visit

React to 1-star reviews of a book you rated 5-stars
DIY Bookmarks
DIY Book Protector/Cover
Create cupcakes inspired by book covers
Top 5 authors from your country
Write a Meet-the-Blogger post
Write about your favourite book blogs
Write about your favourite BookTube channels
Write about your favourite Bookstagram accounts
Take part in a Readathon/ Reading Challenge
Write about book adaptations releasing this year
Write an reading guide to your favourite genre
Share your favourite bookish fanart
Write about your bookish pet peeves
Write about your favourite tropes in books
Share how you plan and write your posts
Discuss the books you DNF’d (did not finish)
What books would you take with you to a desert island
Compare a book with its adaptation
Interview an author
Interview another blogger
Write about your favourite book shop
Share the books you didn’t read from your past TBR’s
Share a behind-the-scenes look at your blog/vlog
Write about books set in your home town/city/country
Write book reviews
Talk about your bookish or blogging fails
Share your 5 favourite fictional worlds
Discuss a book you read because of another book
Compare Print, Audio and eBooks
Compare Your Posts from this Time Last Year to Now
Make some book page flowers
Create outfits inspired by book covers
Review Bookish Gadgets
Discuss shows coming to/ on Netflix based on books

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28 Blog Post Ideas & Planning Calendars | June

One of the things that has helped me immensely during my blogging journey is planning out my content. Having a list of blog post ideas on hand is an amazing resource. Even if I never write all of those posts, having a cache of post ideas on hand majorly reduces any anxiety or stress I may feel about getting content out.

To make things a bit easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of 28 blog post ideas, printable calendar templates and a list of resources that may help you come up with some blog post ideas as well.

If you use any of these ideas, I would absolutely love to read your post so please link it in the comments 🧡

Click the templates for larger versions.

More Templates in the Template Gallery

Blog Post Resources

Weekly Planner Calendar Template

This template is great for planning daily posts for your blog or social media where you may be posting more often than your blog.

Monthly Planner Calendar Template

This template will help you plan out your posts for the whole month and has a space to jot down any month long events or ideas as well.

Instagram Story, Facebook Story, Phone Wallpaper Calendar for Planning and Tracking

These templates are most commonly used to track daily reading totals but some people use them to track their daily steps, word count or to announce upcoming posts or events on their blog.

Visit the Template Gallery for More

Instagram Post Calendar for Tracking and Planning

28 Book Blog Post Ideas for June

And here is the list of 28 Blog Post Ideas to help you create the best content for your blog. Many of these ideas would work across platforms as well so you can use them to create some social media posts or videos for YouTube. Micro-blogging on social media is a great way to generate engagement on those platforms.

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