Your reading journal is more than just a tracker—it’s a space to get creative and make your reading journey uniquely yours. Whether you’re a fan of minimal layouts or love vibrant designs filled with doodles and stickers, there are endless ways to customize your journal spreads.
In this post, we’ll explore creative spread ideas that will inspire you to transform your reading journal into a masterpiece.
Why Create Custom Spreads?
1. Add Personal Touches
Custom spreads make your journal a true reflection of your personality and reading style.
2. Stay Motivated
Fun and engaging layouts encourage you to keep updating your journal.
3. Organize Your Reading Journey
Well-designed spreads help you stay on top of your TBR, track your goals, and reflect on your reads.
10 Creative Reading Journal Spreads
1. Book Log Spread
Keep track of all the books you’ve read with a simple yet elegant log. Include columns for:
- Title and author
- Start and finish dates
- Genre
2. Monthly Wrap-Up Spread
At the end of each month, summarize your reading achievements:
- Number of books read
- Favorite book of the month
- Overall thoughts
3. Favorite Quotes Spread
Dedicate a page to your favorite quotes. Use calligraphy, stickers, or digital tools to make it visually appealing.
4. TBR List Spread
Organize your “To Be Read” list with categories like:
- Must-read next
- New releases
- Recommendations
5. Genre Tracker Spread
Create a pie chart, bar graph, or color-coded table to track the genres you’ve read.
6. Series Tracker Spread
Keep tabs on series you’re reading. Include sections for completed books, upcoming releases, and your overall rating.
7. Reading Challenge Spread
Design a spread for monthly or yearly reading challenges. Add checkboxes or trackers to show your progress.
8. Book Review Spread
Reflect on each book with prompts like:
- What did you enjoy most?
- What themes stood out?
- Would you recommend it?
9. Mood Tracker Spread
Use colors, icons, or emojis to represent how each book made you feel.
10. Bookshelf Spread
Draw or use printable templates of bookshelves. Write the title of each book on the spines as you read them.
How to Get Started with Your Spreads
Step 1: Choose Your Format
Decide whether you’ll create spreads in a:
- Digital Journal: Use GoodNotes or Notability for clean, interactive layouts.
- Printable Journal: Customize and print your pages for a physical touch.
- Hardcover Journal: Add stickers, washi tape, and sketches to create artistic spreads.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
- For digital journals: Explore ready-made templates with hyperlinks and interactive features.
- For printable or hardcover journals: Use colorful pens, markers, and stickers to bring your pages to life.
Step 3: Plan Ahead
Sketch out your ideas before finalizing your spreads to ensure everything fits seamlessly.
Make It Fun and Unique
- Use Themes: Create spreads inspired by seasons, holidays, or favorite authors.
- Add Visuals: Incorporate doodles, images, or book covers to make your spreads pop.
- Track Your Journey: Use creative layouts to visualize your reading progress and accomplishments.
Ready to Design Your Spreads?
Our Bibliophile’s Bliss Reading Journal includes templates for book logs, reading challenges, and more to help you get started. Download your free sample here and unleash your creativity today!
Creative spreads make your reading journal both functional and fun. With these ideas, you’ll not only stay organized but also create a keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.
Happy journaling!
