This month, part of our challenge is to discuss our book buying budget. Yes, this is a No Book Buying Challenge but for those of us who wouldn't survive not being able to buy a book for an entire year, we were allowed to budget some money in whatever way we wanted. In my case, I not only budgeted some money, but I also created ways in which I could earn a book. :)
Y'all, I have never put myself on a book budget. NEVER. If I wanted a book, I got it. That explains why my shelves are so out of control, huh? But I really wanted to participate in this challenge - not only to read books I already own but also to practice some self-restraint where book buying is concerned. So here's my system:
- I budgeted $10 a month for books. It's not much for a person who's used to one-clicking or picking up a book whenever I want one. If I don't use all of my $10, it rolls into the next month. (gift cards and audible credits don't count towards my allotted spending) I can also earn books by fulfilling certain criteria. I originally had said for every 3 books I remove from my shelves, I earn a book; for every week I exercise 5 days, I earn a book; for every 5000 words I write on my WIP, I earn a book. But I'm modifying the first part...instead of earning a book for every 3 I read, I'm changing it to for every 5 books I read (remove from my shelves), I earn $0.50. I think this is more of a challenge. We'll see how it goes. :)
- I created a spreadsheet - which I'm quite proud of. ;) In it, I put all the books that I would have one-clicked under normal circumstances. I also include the author and where I heard about the book. (yes, which blog tempted me to one-click - I'm keeping track of you all!) Oh, and the price.
- At the end of the month, I review the list to see which books I still want to one-click, if any. I've found that after my initial emotional response is cooled, which was elicited by YOUR reviews, there are some books that will stay on the list to be purchased at a later date.
For January, I did well. I only purchased 1 book using my budgeted money. Also, I earned 6 books. But I haven't purchased them yet. In fact, I'm thinking about re-doing my earning criteria...I'm thinking I should require that I read at least 5 books, if not more.
Do y'all have a book buying budget? If so, how do you go about deciding which books you're going to use your money on? If you don't have a budget, do you one-click at your heart's desire or exercise self-restraint?
