Before I go into today’s post, I want to say a massive thank you for all the good wishes and support I received on Friday and over the weekend following my post on having agent representation. It was overwhelming. I was absolutely blown away by the sheer volume of responses, here, on Twitter, Facebook and blog posts other bloggers had mentioned me in. Pamreader congratulated me on her blog,ย Mel Sherratt on her blogย and my post was reblogged at Born in the Change.
Sincere thanks to each and every one of you for those good wishes.
Today’s post was prompted by my book club attendance last week. Thursday evening.
I have been a member of Pamreaders Broadway book club in Nottingham since October last year. I joined because I wanted to widen my reading selections and I liked the idea of going somewhere to talk with people who shared the same love of books that I have, even if we all like different genres, our love of books still exists.ย
Reading is massively important to a writer. How can you write if you don’t read books?
So, as a writer, what will you gain from attending a book club?
Well, since attending Broadway book club, I have heard so many conversations about books and these conversations are not from other writers and they’re not from industry professionals, they’re from readers. The people who spend their money on books and who love doing so.
The conversations are wonderful, the readers intelligent. Depth of character and plotlines are discussed. Irrelevant plot tools are spotted and fantastic twists applauded. I hear what readers hate, and they mostly hate being taken as stupid, but I also hear what they love, so when I’m writing my second novel and revising the first, I will definitely be bearing it all in mind.
I get so much from going once a month to our book club. My reading selection is now more varied. I have a place I can be enthusiastic about books and reading and I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find a hidden treasure for my writing.
I think a book club offers so much to a writer. An insight to those who actually pick up the books through choice and for joy, hearing the things they spot, and love and hate.
If you love books, as a reader or a writer, I’d highly recommend you try to find out where your nearest book club is.
Do you attend a book club? Would you consider looking one up?
D.A.Cairns says
No and yes, Rebecca. I actually thought I could do it ‘virtually’ on Goodreads but it hasn’t quite worked out. The probelm with book clubs is that I would have to read what the group is reading and presumably do it in a certain period of time.That just wouldn’t suit me, but you make a good point about connecting with the heartbeat of readers.
Rebecca Bradley says
The period of time to read a book is generally a month. At least that’s the regularity of our meetings. Another thing is, because you may not like that months book or for whatever reason, library’s are used by lots of members. The difference between Goodreads and book clubs is in club, you get some really passionate live discussions going. It’s wonderful to be a part of. Goodreads is great and I advocate that as an online place for book lovers, but real life just can’t compare, it’s superior.
jadereyner says
I’m not in a book club – I did join for a while but the books really weren’t to my taste and I just couldn’t read them in the time limit. I agree that you need to read different genre and broaden your horizons and so I am sort of looking for another club to go along to. Just not quite got around to it yet….
Rebecca Bradley says
The first book that was being read when I joined, I hated. I wasn’t thrilled with the second either. I’m not sure I liked the third, but I’ve kept going. Now I feel a part of the club and last week I even suggested a theme for one of the months. I might not like all months choices, but I’m enjoying the variety of books I’m now reading and the real life connection with fellow book lovers ๐
jadereyner says
That’s brilliant and I think you are absolutely right. I just need to commit to something similar I think! ๐
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – I’m so glad that you find your book club to be valuable and helpful. I’ve always thought book clubs are terrific sources of inspiration and input for writers. And for members of book clubs, it gives them the opportunity to connect with the writer. What’s not to like?
Rebecca Bradley says
It really is a wonderful place Margot and a passionate group. Maybe I’ve just fallen lucky with my group, but I’d imagine most groups share the same passion when meeting and discussing books. I’m so glad I joined them.
Glynis Smy says
I don’t belong to one because of the restrictions of living in the hills of Cyprus. However, in a few weeks that might change. The must be several in the area of the UK where I will be living.
Rebecca Bradley says
I imagine there will be Glynis and once you’re settled and done the million and one other things you need to do, it might be worth looking one up. I think you’d really enjoy it.
Glynis Smy says
I might even start one in my mother’s little road. The ladies are all friends, and love reading. She is soon going to be incapable of moving too far without oxygen, so will be something we can host in her home. I have been thinking about it since your post.
Rebecca Bradley says
I think that sounds perfect Glynis. A wonderful idea indeed. I look forward to hearing how that goes.
Linda King says
I’d like to join a book club but I don’t seem to have enough time to find one, let alone go along! I hadn’t thought of it as a good place to gauge what readers like, but actually it would be very useful! Another interesting post, Rebecca. Thanks!
Rebecca Bradley says
I go to mine straight from work one evening a month. It’s not something that is a massive time drive. They only expect you to read one book a month as well. I just think writers could get so much out of going.
Jane Isaac says
Hi Rebecca. Your experiences sound wonderful. I’d love to join a book club, but like Linda, struggle for time. Maybe one day… Thanks for sharing x
Rebecca Bradley says
I know time is difficult for many. I go to my book club once a month and go straight from work. And I only have to read one book a month for them as well. It’s something I’ve found I love doing and to be honest, it’s the only thing I do out of the house without the rest of the family so it’s a bit of me time. Two hours a month ๐
Jodi says
As a writer I enjoyed our neighborhood ladies book club to a point, I always felt a little pressured to be able to explain what the writer might have been doing and discuss different story making techniques that might have been used.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’d have probably tried to explain that we all write differently and you can’t be inside all their heads. It does seem a little pressured for you. The group I go to are brilliant, they’re focused on the book and don’t get distracted. I’m lucky to have found such a great group really.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I’ve never attended one, but I can see how it would give a writer a fresh perspective from the other side of the book.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s definitely a bonus to attending something I love doing anyway!
Elle Turner says
I’m not in a book club, but have thought about asking some friends if they would like to form one. Like you say, it’s a good way of reading books we might not otherwise have read. ๐ xx
Rebecca Bradley says
It definitely is! I’d do it Elle! I’m sure you’d be surprised how it takes off. Book readers suddenly start appearing out of the woodwork ๐
Pamreader says
Thanks for the book club mention, Rebecca. Like you I’ve learned a lot from listening to how people read. I love the variety of opinions we get in our club, and how those opinions can often open minds to new ways of thinking about novels. I’m so glad you enjoy the meetings and are finding them useful. Start your book club, Elle, you won’t regret it ๐
Rebecca Bradley says
I love the club Pam, the passion is infectious. You have a great group there!
Annalisa Crawford says
I love the idea of a book club, but I’m not sure there’s one locally. My friend was a member of one, but they didn’t seem to place too much importance on the ‘book’ part.
Rebecca Bradley says
More wine drinking and biscuits? It may be that another one had started up or one nearer work than home. The one I go to is nearer work and further away from home but I love going so its worth it ๐
diannegray says
I belonged to a book club a long time ago, but it wasn’t really my ‘thing’ because I just didn’t have the time to read books that I wasn’t really interested in. You’ve inspired me now to go find another club that may suit me better ๐
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s great. Let me know how you get on!
Misha Gericke (@MishaMFB) says
I’d love to join one, but can’t seem to find any in my area…
Vikki Thompson says
I would LOVE to join a book club but I’ve been finding it hard to find one in my area ๐
Now ive read your post im going to add it to my To Do list for next week!
xx
DJ Kirkby says
What I like best about the Broadway Bookclub is that we accept long distance members (of which I am one). This fits in perfectly with my ultra busy lifestyle and still allows me to share in the camaraderie and forces me to read books I wouldn’t normally chose to read.