The joy of reading and writing! It's wonderful that Kristen has taken the time to address some of these questions with her usual wit and wisdom.

Let's break down each question and offer our thoughts on whether you're a literary asshole or not (don't worry, it's just for fun!).

**Question 1: Reading with a writer's hat on**

While it's natural to develop a critical eye when reading, it's also okay to take a step back and relax. If you find yourself constantly nitpicking every aspect of the writing, you might be coming from a place of exhaustion or frustration.

Kristen suggests taking a break, shifting to a different mode of reading (like listening to an audiobook), or doing something else that brings you joy. These suggestions are excellent ways to regain your passion for reading without ruining it for yourself.

If you find that you're perpetually caught up in analyzing every detail, ask yourself: "Is this criticism helping me enjoy the book more, or is it holding me back?" If it's the former, then keep on critiquing! But if it's the latter, try to take a deep breath and let go of some of that analytical energy.

**Question 2: Losing enjoyment in reading**

Kristen acknowledges that life fatigue can be a major factor here. It's normal for our brains to feel overwhelmed, especially when we're passionate about something (like writing).

Take Kristen's suggestions with a grain of salt – literally! Sometimes, it's essential to acknowledge that we need a break or a change of pace. Listen to an audiobook, watch a movie, or take a walk outside to clear your mind.

If you still find yourself drawn back to reading, try setting some boundaries for yourself:

* Set aside dedicated time for reading without any expectations (e.g., "I'll read for 10 minutes without analyzing anything"). * Choose books that genuinely excite you, even if they're not "perfect" in every way. * Allow yourself to enjoy the story and characters without overthinking every sentence.

You got this!

**Question 3: Websites requiring membership or payment**

Kristen's answer might be a bit nuanced – capitalism is indeed a driving force behind many websites' financial realities. However, if you're genuinely concerned about supporting the creators of content you love, it's not necessarily an asshole thing to do.

In fact, paying for content can help support writers and artists in their work. If you value the quality and importance of their craft, consider becoming a member or contributing financially in some way.

However, if your main concern is simply that it "sucks" and you'd rather not pay, well... well, maybe that's a different story.

Ultimately, if you do decide to support these websites, ask yourself: "Will this help the creators continue producing content I love?"

If the answer is yes, then go for it! You might even find that your contributions make a positive impact on the community.

And hey, if not, well... there are always alternatives and ways to engage with writers and artists without supporting their financial endeavors.