This evening I’m speaking to a local book club. I know writers who do quite a few book club appearances, but I’ve only spoken to a few.
Galen Kindley wrote a great blog post with some really useful book club tips which I’m linking to. The link is a cached page since Galen’s original post was accidentally erased.
His tips included having a prize drawing for the members (bookstore gift card, e.g.), bringing prepared topics and questions as conversation-starters, and watching for signs the book club members’ attention might be drifting.
I’m going to use Galen’s suggestions tonight, and I’ve also made a list of observations from my last book club appearance and how I’ve tweaked my preparation, in response, for this one:
The members had read the book more recently than I had. I’ve read my book again. Otherwise, it’s too easy to get confused with the two books I’m writing now.
The members were interested in the books that I’ve read and who inspires me. I have a handout that lists my favorite books and authors.
Book club meetings can become really lively. We might not always be in on the members’ jokes. It’s okay to just smile. I won’t be in any hurry to break into their conversations.
The questions I get from book clubs are different from the questions I get from writers. (I receive more questions about the book’s characters—are they based on real people? What do those people think of my books? etc). I’m prepared to talk more in depth about my characters and their motivations. I’m also prepared to talk about small plot points in the book.
Some of the book club questions are not different from questions I get from writers. (How many hours a day do you write? How long did it take for you to get published? How long does it take you to write a book?) Luckily, I’m very accustomed to getting writing process questions. I’m ready for them!
Book clubs are fun for me. I enjoy being around other readers and love the fact they’ve selected my book for their club. In fact, Pretty is as Pretty Dies even features a book club in the novel. I’m looking forward to my appearance this evening…and feel that this time I’m better prepared than my previous appearance.
I have a wacky, er creative, idea. Why don’t you go in character? Maybe don a gray wig and go as Myrtle?
I’ve only done one book club, myself. It was fun, but it was a couple years ago and was my first engagement of any kind. I imagine I was quite lame. I’d like to do one again, just to see how little I’ve improved.
I’m sure you’ll have a great time!
I’ve done a few as well. They are tough to locate, as few have websites or listings though.
L. Diane Wolfe “Spunk On A Stick”
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
Diane–You’re right about that. And we would all love to find them! They have no idea…
Alan–I have a feeling I’d look like Norman Bates in Psycho…. :)
Ooh, this sounds like a blast. Wish I knew how to find book clubs–I think it’s a better bet than book signings, for sure. Have a blast!
Karen
It sounds like a lot of fun! And it sounds like you are going in well-prepared, which puts you ahead of the game.
It’s been years since I’ve belonged to a book club, but from what I can remember and what I’ve read from other club members, one of the things that separates a successful author appearance from a disappointing one is when the author seems genuinely pleased to be there. So as long as you go in ready to enjoy spending time with them, they will enjoy having you!
Sounds like you’re well prepared. Go get ’em!
Marvin D Wilson
It sounds like you are very well-prepared. I understand your need to reread your book, I have the same problem when I get asked questions to mystery games that I wrote several years ago! Have a wonderful time and listen closely – you never know what gem you may hear that could send you off with a new idea!
Have a wonderful time!
Thanks, Marvin!
Nothing wrong with a cheat-sheet, it’s not recognising the need that’s awful.
Thanks, Jack! I’m sure you were just fine a couple of years ago.
Thanks Elizabeth. I want to read more about your book club speaking experiences – successes, things you’ve learned, etc.
I’m guessing you are a fun speaker at book club events. It sounds like you’re prepared for just about any question. Have fun!
Helen
Straight From Hel
Thanks Helen. Let’s hope so, anyway! :)
I think this sounds like a fairly cool experience, depending on the kind of book club (hopefully not to critical a lone, but it seems to me your main character is pretty likeable). I hope you really enjoy it!
So… did they find you? This opens a line of thought I hadn’t really considered. I only know one REALLY famous author name where I live, but there are probably dozens… I just don’t know they’re here…
Your comment about looking like Normal Bates’ mother is hysterical.
It does sound like you’re very prepared, and they sound fun! Have a good time and be sure to let us know how it went!
Hart–Every time I’ve done a club (and I haven’t done them much), it was a friend-of-a-friend connection. This club makes me a little nervous, actually–they usually read Literature (capital l intended.) We’ll see how their foray into genre fiction goes!
Wasn’t Hitch a genius? I could do a whole post on his stuff.
Crystal–Thanks so much. I think it’s going to be fun.
Karen–Most definitely. They’ve already bought and read my book, so that’s the best part. Galen mentioned a site that might help find groups: http://www.readerscircle.org/
Nicole–That’s a good thing, because I’m happy about doing a different type of appearance. I’m sure I’ll be beaming! :)
Elspeth–I also have a cheat-sheet! Isn’t that awful? But I’ve spent so much time recently on my other projects that I’m worried I’ll forget something!
You, are gonna have a great time because you’re prepared and have a wonderful book with intriguing quirky characters to discuss. Please consider doing a follow-up post about how it went, what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised you. Enjoy.
Best Regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Elspeth–True!
Galen and Warren–I’ll be sure to do a follow-up post soon.
Good luck tonight! Coincidentally, I just posted on my blog about a great book club experience I had on Sunday. I sold more books than ever before at any event. I was invited by a friend, and after this experience, I too would like to find more book clubs!
In terms of prep, I made a general outline of topics I wanted to include (a Word document, double spaced in 14 pt type so I could refer to it easily without glasses). Then I just referred to it as needed. Actually, I just did a “save as” from a talk I gave last year, and modified and updated it a bit.
Elizabeth, I bought Pretty Is As Pretty Dies at Barnes & Noble last night. I was psyched to find it there! Not far into it yet, but I’m enjoying it immensely.
Julie Lomoe’s Musings Mysterioso
http://julielomoe.wordpress.com
Julie–Good idea with the larger type. I’m starting to have an astigmatism and that would help.
And thanks so much for picking up “Pretty”! I really appreciate it and hope you enjoy it.
I was only in one book club in my life and it was way fun. Just a group of girl friends who wanted to get together and read. Very casual. It was before I jumped full force into my writing. I’d like to join another one, only I hardly have any time!
I haven’t appeared at a book club yet, but I spoke at a writer’s group Christmas Party one time and that was excellent fun. Writers are very cool about buying their guests’ books, too.
Sounds like a lot of fun – wish I could be there! Have a lot of fun, hope to hear all about it tomorrow.
Nancy, from Realms of Thought…
Katie–Oddly, I’ve never been in a book club! I love the idea of being in one, but can never make the time commitment.
Nancy–I just got back and it’s 10:45 p.m.! I’ll have to blog about it on Thursday. It was fun and challenging.
I think speaking at a writers’ group (especially for a party) would be fun. Was it a critique group?