Lists

Warm Winter Reading

Nikki DeMarco

Contributor

The inimitable Nikki DeMarco is as well-traveled as she is well-read. Being an enneagram 3, Aries, high school librarian, makes her love for efficiency is unmatched. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, and is passionate about helping teens connect to books. Nikki has an MFA in creative writing, is a TBR bibliologist, and writes for Harlequin, Audible, Kobo, and MacMillan. Since that leaves her so much time, she’s currently working on writing a romance novel, too. Find her on all socials @iamnikkidemarco (Instagram, Twitter, Threads)

View All posts by Nikki DeMarco

This winter has been unseasonably warm for the south east. Rather than worry about things outside my control (looking at you greenhouse gasses and melting polar ice caps), I’m going to focus on the small victories, such as how my winter reading has improved as a result of this warm weather.

 

  • More audiobook time. Most of my audiobook listening happens when walking the dog. I’ve been able to take him for longer walks. This leads to more time with my audiobooks, more steps for my pedometer, and a calmer mind. Not only am I strengthening my bones and muscles, but I’m engaging my mind and tiring out my pup all at the same time.
  • Increase in vitamin D. Being able to get outside and soak up some rays while reading has been such a winter treat. Sitting in the sun reading does wonders for my mood, so does letting my mind escape the stresses and drudgery of day to day life with fiction. When these two are combined, I’m a happy customer.
  • Reading outdoors. Driving somewhere with the intention of doing something I could just as well do at home feels like such a treat. I especially love reading at my local park. That way, I get a little bit of nature with a little bit of people watching. Add in a book and you’ve got my perfect afternoon outing.
  • Still gets dark early. All this outdoor and sun soaking reading is great, but it still gets dark early. It still gets dark early! What better way to celebrate an early night than starting a new book? When I’m not able to go for a walk, soak up some sun, or get outside, I can read.
  • Less screen time. All this nice weather means I’m getting less screen time. Between my work computer, Netflix, and scrolling through apps on my phone in bed in the dark, I’m consciously trying to cut down on my screen time. Since it’s been warm, I’ve cut way back because I’m getting outside more and spending more time slowing down with books. After dinner, I’ve started to change my evening routine to switch off the TV, close my work laptop, and put my phone on do no disturb. Then I can usually get in a solid 30 minutes of reading time before falling asleep.