I read multiple books at a time. Some of my friends think this is a fascinating trait and wonder how I keep all the details straight. I'm ridiculously organized in this endeavor (my husband would say obsessive).

I have rules that I follow when reading. For instance, I cannot read characters with the same or similar names at the same time (For instance Katsa in Graceling and Katniss in the Hunger Games).

I won't read similar storylines at the same time (so I wouldn't ready Vampire Academy and Twilight at the same time).

Reading different stories at the same time is a way that I keep myself from becoming obsessed with a story. I've been know to read into the wee hours of the morning because I cannot make myself stop.

Every now and then, I'll abandon my shielding techniques and crazily devour a book. I'll read until my eyes grow heavy and then dream about the characters for the rest of the night.

As a reader, I try to keep myself from these addictions but I hope as a writer I become the dealer.