I’m no avid (or any other level) book reader by any means, so I admit I might get some information in this post incorrect. I have never “snuggled up with a good book” at any time in my life. But I do know that it’s a popular pastime for many people. So, what I want to do in this post is figure out what makes a book “snuggle-worthy” and how we can apply that snuggle-worthiness to our ebooks.
When I snuggle up with anything, I’m probably trying fall asleep most of the time, but I’m sure that isn’t what a reader’s intentions are. So, here are a few things that I can see that might make a reader want to snuggle up with some written words:
1. Interesting. Now, to snuggle up with a GOOD book, I’m assuming it’s interesting, something to keep you excited and eager to read. If I’m snuggling up with a boring book, then I’m assuming it’s going to make one sleepy. I can see either one of these being beneficial, but let’s go with good meaning the reader wants to stay awake to read the book.
2. Comforting. I’m relaxed at home, in a cozy chair, wrapped in a blankie. I wouldn’t want to feel tense or stressed or confu
sed. I’d probably want to experience some laughs or “ah-ha” moments if I’m learning something. Or perhaps I’d just want to feel comfortable enough with the content and the way it’s presented.
3. Inviting. If I’m snuggled up with something, I want to feel safe and secure. I don’t want to feel like every page will tell me everything I’ve done is wrong or even insults my intelligence by using words and jargon that I don’t understand (I’m comfortable, I don’t want to have to get up to get a dictionary!). I want to feel invited into the world of the content is explaining to me.
I think that regardless of your content (be it a story, a training manual or just an informational guide), by adding these three qualities you can add to make your ebook that “good book” that someone grabs to relax with at the end of the day.
Am I missing anything? What else would make an book (or ebook) snuggle-worthy? And do you think it’s possible that your ebook can become a good snuggle partner?
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Aloha,
I have come to tell you that books make very good bed partners!
LOL
Love the idea of my ebooks being snuggle partners!
Thanks for the uplifting post.
Many blessings,
Carrie
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Here’s a thought. Make sure you compose your book so that it can be printed as a booklet, as well. That way, for those folks who don’t read longer items on a computer (a slew of lawyers come to mind, as well as some docs), they can print it- with the formatting (and advertising
) you select.
Just a thought. (It is $0.02 Tuesday, after all.)
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In response to Roy’s comment:
Hi Roy,
Excellent idea Roy! I would probably snuggle with something much shorter and quick to read.
Thanks for visiting,
Gwen
Follow me on Twitter: gwenatanner
In response to Carrie’s comment:
Hi Carrie,
Well, I totally respect your opinion. Perhaps one day I will try. I do have a few books, but they seem to be quite large for snuggling though
Thanks for visiting,
Gwen
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I LOVE to read. And if a book is good enough, I WILL stay awake all night to finish it. Never have done that with an ebook
So, good food for thought here. I would love to challenge SOMEONE to write an ebook well enough that it keeps me up. 
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Gwen,
I LOVE books and am an avid reader! I purchase paperback and I own a Nook and LOVE both.
You hit three great points on snuggle ebooks. My snuggle ebooks have to be of interest and wrapped up in a blank with a nice cup of tea. This excludes business related books…can’t seem to snuggle up with those books…too much thinking going on.
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Hey Gwen
Interesting slant on ebooks.
I love snuggling up with a book and it is usually in bed, my favourite place for reading.
I dont read many ebooks, but the 3 qualities you mention would certainly hold true for any type of book.
For an ebook, I would have to say graphics, fonts, spacing etc would come into it and heighten my experience of the snuggle factor
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Love the word pictures here, Gwen, and now I’m anxious to try my hand at writing a “snuggle-worthy” e-book.
Continuing on with Maureen’s thoughts …
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved books with lots of pictures. Not that I’m lazy or don’t like to read the words – I just find that text broken up with wonderful visuals helps me to get through a book much easier and faster and definitely makes for a book I’d want to snuggle up with.
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Hi Gwen,I am an expert book-snuggler. I never go to bed without one in my hand! You have hit on the main points that make books interesting and snuggle-worthy. Great post, as usual!
ohh there’s nothing like a good snuggle with a Cosmo magazine
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I love reading books. Especially ebooks..Thanks a lot for sharing this nice post!Very great post..
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I love to read books, but I never been trying to write books ever. It’s nice to read books while lying down ’till I fall to sleep. You have your points about ebook. I hope writers will take this as a tip.
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