Book Clubs with Pizzazz

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Book Clubs with Pizzazz
 
Forming a fiction book club within your library may seem a bit daunting, but the enthusiasm and new friendships that form are well worth the effort. It’s not difficult because I’ve done it, and I believe the following information will persuade you to take the initial steps.

This is your opportunity to sponsor an outreach event that shows the women of the community that your library is there for all of them.

Consider this:

• Women were created with the idea of relationships. If in doubt, read the first few chapters of Genesis.
• Women look to each other for support and encouragement. We’re compassionate, empathetic, and sympathetic.
• Women seek out relationships by using their life experiences and faith to mirror their beliefs to others.
• Women love to get together and socialize.

Sounds like a book club to me.

Take the jitters and fears out of forming a book club by following these ten easy tips to building a dynamic and fun organization. I’ve covered the who, what, where, when, why, and how. After all this is a party!

1. Where do I begin?
    A. Make inquiries - show excitement - generate interest.
    B. Talk to library director to enlist her support
    C. Word of mouth
    D. Article in library newsletter
    E. Notice in library
    F. Community social media announcements
 
2.  Where do I find participants?
     A. Library patrons
     B. Friends
     C. Neighbors
     D. Among the community

3.  Where do we meet?
    A. What area in the library works best for the meeting?
    B. Have seating arranged in a circular fashion to encourage book           
        discussion. Suggest cell phones be turned to vibrate so not to                 interrupt the discussion.

4.  How and when do members receive their books?
     A. Books are purchased the month before the discussion
     B. Contact a local book store to see if books can be purchased                      in bulk at a reduced price?
     C. Consider some readers prefer an e-copy.
     D. If an author is participating, she may offer the books at a                 
         discounted price and will personally autograph each copy.
     E. Designate one person to be the book buyer.
     F. Arrange for how members pick up their books.
     G. Some members may already have purchased the book
     H. Make sure a copy of the book is retained in the library
 
5. How are books chosen?
    A. The first book is always the hardest: consider a bestseller or popular
        author.
    B. Other ways to choose books
        1. Take a poll of book choices from the members at the first                         meeting.
        2. Find out if there are published writers within your community                     and surrounding area.
        3. Search online book clubs and read reviews from other                     readers.

6. How can I make my club 
    interesting and unique?
    A. Invite local authors for    
        discussion. Make sure their   
        books are read the month  
        before the meeting. Writers  
        love book clubs!
    B. Use the discussion questions
        in the back of the book or  
        posted online.
    C. Contact authors who do not live in your area and schedule a call or             Skype meeting.
    D. Celebrate holidays, birthdays, seasons, and special events as part             of the meeting.
    E. Ask for volunteers for refreshments.
    F. Have a contest to see who can invite the most new members.
    G. Have someone write a short report about each meeting and post it              in the library and library newsletter.
     H.  Add contests, a party atmosphere, and fun!

7. Feed them, and they will return.

8. Evaluate your club by having formal feedback
    A. Verbal or written

Establish an e-mail loop to remind others of upcoming meetings.
    A. If book club is Christian, establish a prayer and praise leader.
   
Are you a member of a book club? What tips can you offer? We want to hear them.


DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Book Club Talk with Jamie Carie

About the Author 

JAMIE CARIE'S BIO:Jamie writes novels about fierce, passionate women; their dreams; their  fears; their triumphs. Her deepest desire is to see her readers find that same  passion as they follow their destiny and discover deeper intimacy with  Jesus.

She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and three sons.

What have been the benefits to you in having relationships with reading groups?

Reading groups are awesome because I can get feedback (very honest feedback :o) ) on the story which helps me grow as an author. I love hearing what parts of the book people were touched by or if something confused or annoyed them. And the best part is when they gush about one of the characters. That’s fun!

Where would you like to see your relationship with reading groups grow? How do you think your goals can be met?

I would like to participate in more of them. There are so many great books to choose from out there that it is a challenge to get chosen. I need to be more proactive in contacting reading groups and asking that they consider my books.

Do you have a set size a reading group has to be before you'll talk to them on the phone or in person? What do you feel most comfortable doing?

No size limit! I’ll talk to one person and have if they are interested. I love visiting personally but that isn’t always possible so phone calls are fine too. I’m very flexible.

Which type of book club meeting do you prefer? Why?

I love the ones where the members have known each other for a while and are friends. It really feels like a privilege to be included in those tightknit groups.

What have you learned about your book and yourself from book club meetings?

I guess the most important lesson is the vast differences in perspective that people bring to a book. What one person “gets” and loves another wasn’t impacted at all or saw something entirely different. That’s where being led by the Holy Spirit comes in for me as an author. I pray God will speak through the story to each reader exactly where she is at.

Did you learn more about your characters than what you had originally intended? If so what?

Since this was my first continuous series I was able to explore my characters at greater depth (over three books instead of one). I feel like I really know Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton. His struggles came from a place deep within me and I hope ring true and inspiring.

Have you been surprised by readers’ reactions to one of your books? One of your characters? If so, which ones or what surprised you?

I have been blown away many times when receiving an email or letter telling me how my characters have made a difference in a reader’s life. Elizabeth from Snow Angel really connected with many readers. She had so many obstacles to overcome before she could love and accept love. A lot of women wrote me about her and how they could relate. (God gets all the glory for that!)

Has your book club experience - getting feed back from reading groups - helped you in writing future books? If so, how has it helped you?

I think it has helped me keep the reader in mind more while I’m writing. I appreciate all the different perspectives and try to craft a story that has themes most people can relate to.

What would you like to experience in reading groups that you haven’t experienced so far?

Just do more of them! :o)

What was your most memorable reading group experience? What made it so special?

Attending a library group meeting where the ladies were so kind and fun, smart and curious about what being an author was like. The food was great too!

Can you give us a sneak peek at what you are working on now? Do tell!!

I am currently working on my memoirs (it’s a slow process) and beginning some research on another three book series. It will be historical but with a fairytale feel. Three sisters who each has a special gift. I’m excited to get started on it!

FUN QUESTIONS I JUST HAD TO ASK . . . 

Name three books you adored as a child?

Heidi, Little House on the Prairie and Jane Eyre.

A movie that most affected you when you were young. If you didn't watch movies what book affected you most in your youth?

The Star Wars movies! My dad, brother and I were crazy about them and saw them at the theatre three times each.

A friend of yours has a time travel machine and will let you have it for a couple of days. What would you do with it? Any events you’d like to experience? If so which ones?

I would love to see many of the Biblical events in person! Can you imagine seeing David slay Goliath? Or Jesus’ birth? It would be difficult to narrow down the choices.

You find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited tropical island with a group of Christians - all friends and relatives of yours. You all have to work as a team to survive. Many roles have to be filled. Which role do you think you'd play?

 (Examples: Care for those with physical pain, comfort the frightened, start developing a plan to get off the island, lead the group in song, Organize the group to make best use of resources, Praise God for the beauty of the surroundings, Pray diligently for rescue, Stand guard, watch for a plan or boat - or a role I haven't mentioned) Do Tell!! Grin!

I’m an organizer and encourager. I’m also the eldest of five kids so I’m good at being bossy! :o)

I would be appointing tasks to the appropriate people, helping plan the rescue attempts and best use of the resources – hopefully without stepping on too many toes.
Jamie

Thanks for stopping by Jamie and talking to us about book clubs. It was exciting to work with you at The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org 


















I love the two questions you've picked for readers to answer. We are going to have fun!! I'm also looking forward to talking to you at our book club meeting.

Blessings to you and on your writing! Love the cover for the next book in your new series! If you are an author with book club experience and would like to be featured here please contact me norafindinghope@yahoo.com

Nora :o)
The Book Club Network
www.bookfun.org

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BOOK CLUB TALK WITH ROBIN CAROLL

ABOUT AUTHOR: Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her three beautiful daughters, two precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else? She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. 

Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as RT Reviewer's Choice, Bookseller's Best, Holt Medallion, Carol Awards, and Book of the Year. An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals!

Book#2 JUSTICE SERIES Sept 2012

What have been the benefits to you in having relationships with reading groups?

 I LOVE connecting with other readers. For me, the biggest benefit is hearing how readers connected with my characters and the story. Sometimes, their perceptions surprise and truly move me.

Where would you like to see your relationship with reading groups grow? How do you think your goals can be met? 

I would like to encourage groups to understand how accessible I want to be to them. I call in to book clubs, will Skype with them, try to visit them when possible. If I can't, I try to send some bookmarks and items beforehand.

Do you have a set size a reading group has to be before you'll talk to them on the phone or in person? What do you feel most comfortable doing?

I don't have a set size because I like to chat with reader’s period. Sometimes because of my location or schedule, visiting in person is impossible, but I've called in, Skyped, even online chatted.

Which type of book club meeting do you prefer? Why? 

The book club I most enjoy meeting are ones who truly enjoy reading inspirational fiction, although, I've had several fun connections from groups where I was their first inspirational selection.

What have you learned about your book and yourself from book club meetings? If so, what?

I've learned to be more relaxed with book club members as a whole. I much prefer the casual setting where we are literally visiting than a "classroom" style bookclub.

Did you learn more about your characters than what you had originally intended? If so what? 

My characters are constantly surprising me. I do very in-depth interviews prior to writing, but even then, I've been surprised.

Have you been surprised by readers’ reactions to one of your books? Characters? If so, which ones?

 I've actually had a reader tell me that one of my characters who became saved despite the past I'd created, helped her accept God's forgiveness. THAT's the best part of writing to me.

Has your book club experience - getting feed back from reading groups - helped you in writing future books? If so, how has it helped you? 

I've had a lot of suggestions of what they'd like to see in a "sequel" come up. LOL

Nora: It was a blast talking to you at Finding Hope Book Club. You spoke to both groups separately – what different conversations we had about your book Deliver Us From Evil. Grin! I know that a few of the Monday night book club had plans for a whole series you could write! Grin!

It was also great fun learning about your and how you know so much about guns and things. Seems a few ladies in my group like to go shooting with their husbands too! As a book club member having the author speak to the group brings richness to the story and a depth to the writing that always pleasantly surprises me! Grin! Thanks for doing what you do!! 

 What would you like to see in reading groups that you haven’t experienced yet?    

One thing I'm working on implementing in the future are video discussions of my books available for download off my website. We're working to get that in place before the end of 2012.

Nora: Oh, Robin let us know when that is available. I’d love for you to post a few of those at The Book Club Network so the books club members and leaders could tape into how much fun you are at book club and how suspenseful and fun your books are.TBCN www.bookfun.org  Grin!

What was your most memorable reading group experience? What made it so fun?

 One group planned a "theme" meeting for the night I was scheduled. They had finger foods and decorations and all sorts of really cool things of Louisiana, where my story was set. We had a blast!

Why write Christian Fiction? What is the draw for you?

ALL the books in this series were suspenseful

 The hope. I want to write stories that fill people with hope again. Hope that comes with eternal salvation that only comes through Jesus Christ.

Nora: I have enjoyed reading your books for many reasons but one of the main reasons is how you naturally weave a spiritual thread into the stories. It’s not preachy but very natural. I Like that so did the ladies in my book club. We also liked your well timed humor in the middle of suspenseful situations.

What do you hope readers take away from your new book?

 

 I hope they realize that everyone is human and sinners, even the ones we hold in higher esteem.

Can you give us a peek at what you are working on now? When will it be out? 

I just turned in the last book in the Justice Seekers series. It's about Maddie Baxter...and Nick Hagar. The second book in the series, TO WRITE A WRONG, releases in September and STRAND OF DECEPTION releases in February 2013.


Robin

Nora: Oh, Robin. I really enjoyed  INJUSTICE FOR ALL.. It’s suspenseful, fun, I care about your charters from the first paragraph and I like your writing style. It’s not like your others but I like it. I can’t wait until the rest of the books come out in this series. They sound just as good as this one.

THANKS ROBIN for stopping by and letting us know about your new series JUSTICE SEEKERS and about your book club experience!! Thanks for writing Christian Fiction have enjoyed your writing journey! Hope you can stop by again soon!!

This is the FIRST book in this series. Wow, what a start!! I highly recommend Injustice for All!  I do like suspense and Robin keeps you on the edge of your seat and up late reading! Grin!

Until later

Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

http://www.bookfun.org/

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BOOK CLUB TALK WITH FRANCINE RIVERS

ABOUT AUTHOR: New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include A Voice in the Wind, Redeeming Love, and A Lineage of Grace. Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers.

Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books, and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Francine’s novels have been translated into over twenty different languages and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Visit http://francinerivers.com/  http://www.tyndale.com/Francine-Rivers/b...


What benefits have you received in having relationships with reading groups? 

The greatest benefit is connecting with readers, getting to actually hear what they think about the characters and story on which I’ve worked for months. Writing is often lonely. I’m in my office from early morning until midafternoon. I work alone and live inside my head for hours on end. It’s wonderful to find out what worked and what didn’t, what encouraged or convicted. It’s nice to know if I’ve done my job (giving God glory through story).

Where would you like to see your relationship with reading groups grow? How do you think your goals can be met?

I've only done a few book club meetings and I’d love to do more. Hopefully, by getting the word out, I can schedule more. The only problem is I seldom reread my work once it’s gone to press. Sometimes I forget elements of the story or characters. My mind tends to erase files so I can concentrate on the work-in-progress. It takes time to jog my memory. What I need to do is have an outline and character list for each book so I can prepare beforehand. Thankfully, readers have been very helpful in reminding me of what I’ve forgotten.

Is there a set size a reading group should be before you’ll talk to them on the phone or in person? What do you feel most comfortable doing? 

As long as I can hear them and they can hear me, numbers don’t matter. It’s always more fun to be with each other—face to face—but that’s usually not possible because of distance and my schedule. What I need to do is invest in a computer with a camera and learn how to use Skype. I’ll also need a knowledgeable instructor who is patient training a dinosaur to do new tricks.

Which type of book club meeting do you prefer? Why? I have no idea how to answer this question. The only book club meetings I’ve attended (in person or via telephone) have been casual, friendly, open. That’s why they’ve been so much fun. I would probably avoid a club meeting that was looking for a formal presentation. I far prefer the open-forum style.

What have you learned about your books and yourself from book club meetings?

Finding Hope Book Club March 2012 And the Shofar Blew

I learn that readers always put themselves into the story and learn things writers didn't include. I find that interesting and exciting. God can use anything to reach into the hearts of His children, even a work of fiction. When readers share what they’ve pulled out of one of my stories (something I didn’t put in), I’m learning how God speaks to each of us in unique and very personal ways. I find that exciting.

Nora: Finding Hope Book Club was excited to talk to you about your book And the Shofar Blew. We wanted to read a book that no one had heard of that you'd written. This was a book with a powerful message. It was interesting to hear from you how this book came about and that because of the title it's gotten into Jewish book stores. We learn a great deal as a club talking to the author too!

Did you learn more about your characters than what you had originally intended? If so, what?

I can’t give specific examples, but I believe readers add to characters and flesh them out in ways the writer can’t. They read themselves into the story and draw out what they need. I know this is true of myself when I’m reading. I always have a pen in hand and often underline things that have special meaning to me, things I want to remember, things that encourage and convict.

Have you been surprised by readers’ reactions to one of your books? One of your characters? If so, which ones or what surprised you? 

Sometimes the reactions are expected. When I wrote about Leota and the orderly who cared for her, I hoped for a reaction from readers. You will understand what I’m saying if you’ve read the book. There was one shocking and disturbing scene that left a big question hanging. I left it hanging for a reason. I wanted to make a point and have readers think about what’s happening right now and may happen even more in the future if we keep silent. I wanted to challenge readers to be aware and watchful. Book clubs are always kind and encouraging. I don’t hear criticism. Of course, I’ve received letters that have hurt me terribly. At the same time, those letters make me take a closer look at my work. I may gather my thoughts and present a story, but it is the Lord who gives the right answer. Criticism isn’t always harmful. It can be constructive.

 Has your book club experience—getting feedback from reading groups—helped you in writing future books? If so, how has it helped you?

I remember one reader who wrote to me because she was very upset that every Christian novel had to pair people up at the end. She was single. She raised a valid question, and I thought a lot about what she had to say. Paul wrote inspired admonishments and instructions regarding whether to marry or not. When I wrote Leota’s Garden, I decided the main character was going to face that question. Annie remained single at the end. She was very happy and fulfilled with her life centered on Jesus. She didn’t need a husband. She had one: the Lord. Although I was very happy with the ending, (and hopefully, so was the reader who first inspired me to have the story end in that way), there were lots of readers who wanted a sequel in which Annie would find true love and get married. I felt I had somehow missed the mark of presenting singleness as a blessed state, too. It brought me right back to that reader’s question. Why do we think people have to be married in order to be fulfilled and happy? It’s a question I may have to address in a different way in a future book—and do a better job of it.

What would you like to experience in reading groups that you haven’t experienced so far? 

More time to chat and hear about other books the group has read or is reading and what they’re learning from them. Many of the books on my to-be-read stack are recommendations from friends who love to read.


What was your most memorable reading group experience? What made it so special? 

My most memorable reading group was local. They contacted me through the Internet. I had never met them, though they met barely two miles from my home. It was a small group of ten women and they met in a private home. They asked lots of questions. We laughed a lot, shared testimonies. We drank coffee and ate cookies and chatted for two or more hours. It was great fun getting to know each of them. I felt like a member of their group, not a guest speaker.

Can you give us a sneak peek at what you are working on now? I heard it will be out in 2014. I’m curious as to what it’s about! Do tell! 

You’ll have to read Ezekiel 16. That will give you a hint of the plotline and theme. It will be a love story. Of course, it will have a happy ending. Here is the First Part of that Chaptaer.

Nora: I knew you'd want to get a peek at it. Ezekiel 16 (New International Version (NIV) verses 1-8 - Wow, this book sounds like it will impact lives, be very moving and intense to read, but we won't expect anything less Francine.

Jerusalem as an Adulterous Wife

 ¹ The word of the LORD came to me: ² “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices ³ and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says to Jerusalem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. ⁴ On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. ⁵ No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.  ⁶ “‘Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, “Live!”^{[a] 7} I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew and developed and entered puberty. Your breasts had formed and your hair had grown, yet you were stark naked.  ⁸ “‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.

FUN QUESTIONS I JUST HAD TO ASK 

Name three books you adored as a child. 

Since I didn’t like to read, I can’t think of any. I was more interested in being outside, hiking and biking, swimming in the community pool, and invading forts built by my brother. I did love to look at the pictures in the first volume of the Childcraft book on poetry. My mother was very upset with me when I tore out my favorite pages and kept it under my pillow. The tape has yellowed with the years. My daughter, Shannon, now has custody of the book.

 Nora: I loved to be outside too. Building forts, exploring nature and swimming were the highlights of our days up north. Dora the Explorer has nothing on me. I didn't read as a child too but for a very different reason. I'm dyslexic and reading wasn't fun. Great to hear I'm in good company about not being a reader!! Grin!

What movie most affected you when you were young? If you didn’t watch movies, what book affected you most in your youth?

The first movie that popped into my mind was The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, which I probably saw from the backseat of my parents’ station wagon parked at a drive-in. I’m sure they didn’t want me to watch it. It scared me half to death. It gave me nightmares! What did I learn? Stories can make an impact. Stories feel real.


Nora: I would get freaked out by movies and have nightmares too. My parents would say it wasn't real. It's just actors. My thought was it must have happened somewhere to give them the idea to act it out. Also after my parents watch the Exorcist and slept with the light on for a week. I saw how movies could affect even the ones that watched scary movies all the time. Grin. You are so right when you say "Stories impact us"



 What is the most special thing anyone has ever done for you?

Rick married me. We’ve grown up together, literally, emotionally and spiritually. I’m blessed to have a wonderful husband who has encouraged me to do what God has called me to do. The truth is I wouldn’t have turned in my first manuscript without Rick’s prodding. It would still be sitting on a closet shelf gathering dust.

What three things would you rather not live without? Faith, family, friends. A friend of yours has a time travel machine and will let you have it for a couple of days. What would you do with it? Any events you’d like to experience? If so, which ones?

I have no tech ability and would probably push the wrong buttons and end up in a time and place I wouldn’t want to go and wouldn’t know how to come back through the time portal (or whatever). If offered a time travel machine, I would say, “Thank you very much for the thought, but you can have it back.” If they wouldn’t take it, I would put a canvas cover over it and have it moved to a storage locker. God planted me in the here and now. I think I’ll stay put.
Francine

http://francinerivers.com/
http://www.tyndale.com/Francine-Rivers/b...

Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your book club experience and writing career. It was a thrill and an honor to talk to you on the phone about And the Shofar Blew with Finding Hope Book Club. The picture we took of our group was taken first thing so I wouldn't forget, so some are not in it and some were out sick)

What an impact this book made on all of us. Sad to say that several members have gone through the very experience in their personal lives with their Pastors. It was exciting to hear how the Lord has used your book to be a tool for future Pastors to help them be aware of what they are getting into. Your publisher told us that the repackaging of two of your back list titles The Scarlet Thread and The Atonement Child. will be out in June of this year.Glad to hear they are being re-published. These were powerful books! I highly recommend them.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY - CLICK HERE to Enter to win a copy of UNASHAMED by Francine Rivers the story of Rahab!
Praying the Lord continues to inspire your writing.


Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network CEO
www.bookfun.org 


GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY - CLICK THIS LINK to Enter to win a copy of 

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BOOK CLUB TALK WITH BRANDILYN COLLINS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Brandilyn Collins is known for her Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. www.brandilyncollins.com

What have been the benefits to you in having relationships with reading groups?

 I love talking to readers about my books and hearing how they related to the characters and story. Each reader reacts to a story depending on his or her past experiences. So you’ll get a wide range of reactions. Also I enjoy being able to tell readers some of the background that went into writing the story, e.g., how the story came to be in the first place, and why I wrote it the way I did.

Where would you like to see your relationship with reading groups grow? How do you think your goals can be met?

 I’d love to see more reading groups take a chance on reading one of my suspense novels. The problem is, there are folks out there who just won’t read a suspense, saying they’ll be too scared, have nightmares, whatever. It seems there’s one in every reading group, so that keeps the group from venturing into suspense. Of course I’m biased, but I tend to think they don’t know what they’re missing!

Do you have a set size a reading group has to be before you'll talk to them on the phone or in person? What do you feel most comfortable doing?

 Me and the real Cherrie Mae.

Not really. Phoning is easy. I can’t do a personal appearance unless the group is very local to me. That is fun, and I enjoy it.

Which type of book club meeting do you prefer? Why?

No set format for me. In general I enjoy a meeting in which people are honest and open about their reactions to the book, and are also willing to hear and absorb my reasons for writing the story the way I did. Also—for any book clubs reading my latest release, Gone to Ground: I’d love to tell the full story of my researching the book, and how I met a wonderful woman named Cherrie Mae, whose name was perfect for my character. The real Cherrie Mae gave me permission to use her name, and later played the part of my character Cherrie Mae in the book trailer. (Have you seen that trailer? It’s great! See it here http://brandilyncollins.com/books/gtg.html )

What have you learned about your book and yourself from book club meetings? If so, what?

Just how vastly different readers’ reactions are! Again, the reason for that lies in personal experience, so there’s nothing I can do about that. No matter my story, even if almost everyone loves it, someone won’t. That’s life.

Did you learn more about your characters than what you had originally intended? If so what?

Terri Blackstock & Bradilyn passing time @book signing - Fun

Sometimes I do—not necessarily just from book club meetings, but from all the emails I receive. Sometimes—again due to personal experience—a reader might read something into a character that I didn’t consciously consider when writing the book. That’s always very enlightening.

Have you been surprised by readers’ reactions to one of your books? Characters? If so, which ones?

I can’t say reactions to any one book have greatly surprised me. In my latest release, Gone to Ground, which features three protagonists each telling her story in first person, overwhelmingly readers choose Cherrie Mae as their favorite character. I’m no longer surprised by that. And really, I can see why. She’s a great gal.

Has your book club experience - getting feed back from reading groups - helped you in writing future books? If so, how has it helped you?

Only in the sense that feedback from readers in general keep me keepin’ on—writing my Seatbelt Suspense®. That trademark carries a four-point brand promise: fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. Every novel I write must live up to that four-point promise, because readers are expecting that from me.

Why write Christian Fiction? What is the draw for you?

There’s the whole ministry side of it, but I’ll focus on just the writing side here. I find my suspense is far deeper, the characters more three-dimensional, when I can interweave a Christian-themed thread into the story. In suspense characters are pushed to the utmost in conflict—typically a protagonist’s very life is at stake. You’ve heard that saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” We understand that. When people are pushed into high trauma, even those who haven’t thought much about God in the past end up praying. End up realizing there may be more to life than just what’s in front of their face. In Christian fiction, I can show that. The human condition is three-fold: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Secular suspense deals with only the first two. But that’s only two layers of our humanity. When all three levels are portrayed, the characterization deepens.

What do you hope readers take away from your new book? Gone to Ground is a Southern mystery-suspense.

If someone has been afraid to read one of my suspense novels, this would be the one to try. It’s very character-driven and not scary. The story in a nutshell: In small-town Mississippi, six murders have occurred. Now to their horror, three women of three different generations realize they know who the killer is—someone dear to them. Independently, not talking to anyone, each woman must make the terrifying decision to bring the man down. But each woman suspects a different man. That’s the story on the surface. The (subtle) interwoven thread of faith has to do with hypocrisy, and how it can creep into anyone’s life. I’d love for some book clubs to read Gone to Ground and discuss how this element of the story affects each character. Other things to discuss in Gone to Ground: (1) The use of dialect for characterization. Did it work for the reader? Most readers say yes. To those who say no—how would the characterization have been affected if it hadn’t been used? (2) Cherrie Mae tends to quote classical literature, using a quote that speaks to the issue at hand. What is each reader’s favorite classical quote? In the back of Gone to Ground is a list of many other discussion questions that probe the story, characters, writing technique, and faith element.

Can you give us a peek at what you are working on now? When will it be out?

Double Blind, another stand-alone suspense, releases October 15. Story in a nutshell: When severely depressed Lisa Newberry hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that can heal her, she knows it’s her last hope. But what if she receives only the placebo? What if something far worse goes wrong …?



 FUN QUESTIONS I JUST HAD TO ASK!! 

What are three things you wouldn’t want to live without? – (Besides family and your Bible that’s a given)

My morning latte, made my moi on my handy-dandy espresso machine,Jogging,My Select Comfort bed

Your friend has a time machine and their going to let you use it for a while. Where would you go and what would you do?

To the future in the year 3000 to see what the world and technology looks like. (If it’s still here.)

What are two places you’d like to visit if you had a chance? Why?

I’ve been to quite a few countries, but not to Australia. That’s the first. Second, I’d like to go back to Fiji. Both beautiful, tropical places.

What three movies could you watch over and over again?

The Blues Brothers. (Makes me laugh.) Scent of a Woman. (Wonderful movie, wonderful acting.) Witness. (Superb screenwriting. Almost every major turning point in the movie has no dialogue. Just brilliant.)

Name three favorite books you read as a child?

I read the Hardy Boys series. And the Bobbsy Twins books. Can’t remember any titles today, but there were plenty of books in both series to keep me busy for awhile.

~ Brandilyn

www.facebook.com/brandilyncollinsseatbeltsuspense

 Nora: Loved all your pictures Brandilyn. Looks like you and Terri Blackstock had way too much fun (or time on your hands) in Jackson, MS book signing!! Wish I could have been there. Grin! This book and your next one really look good.

I'm Thrilled to announce 
B & H is sponsoring a GIVEAWAY contest for FIVE copies of Gone to Ground.


 Contest starts MAY 19th - 21st @ The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org


MARK YOUR CALENDARS 
See you there! 

Nora :o)
The Book Club Network CEO
www.bookfun.org

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BOOK CLUB TALK WITH JULIE KLASSEN

ABOUT AUTHOR: Julie Klassen I worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now write full time. Two of my books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

What have been the benefits to you in having relationships with reading groups?

I have enjoyed talking with book clubs on the phone and in person. It’s been a strange and wonderful experience to hear people talk about my characters almost as if they were real people. I thought I was the only one who did that!


Where would you like to see your relationship with reading groups grow? How do you think your goals can be met?

 The marketing folks and I have been dreaming up ways to make group discussions about my books more fun and interesting. To accomplish this, we’ve provided group games, recipes, and of course, discussion questions. I’d love to hear ideas of other things book clubs would like to see.

Do you have a set size a reading group has to be before you'll talk to them on the phone or in person? What do you feel most comfortable doing? 

No set number. And as far as by phone or in-person, it really depends on the distance. Anything over, say 40 miles from St. Paul, MN and phone is the way to go.

Which type of book club meeting do you prefer? Why?

 I’ve attended meetings in churches, coffee shops, and homes. Whatever the location, I prefer informal meetings where the groups proceed with their usual agenda of treats, chatting, and discussion. I like to take part in the conversation and answer questions to give a “behind the scenes” look at my books. But I prefer not to give a formal presentation or dominate the meeting.

Julie researching servant life in old England (May 2011)

What have you learned about your book and yourself from book club meetings? If so, what?

I’ve learned it makes me feel oddly self-conscious to listen in as people talk about what they liked or wished had been different in one of my books--something I have created in quiet solitude. Don’t get me wrong--people are always kind. But it is still a strange experience sitting there on the “hot seat,” awaiting the group’s “verdict.” :)

Something I have learned about books, is that everyone sees the characters differently, even though they’ve all read the same description. I once took a “quiz” of the actors I had in mind when describing each of five romantic possibilities in one of my books (The Apothecary’s Daughter). The women loved taking the quiz and several exclaimed how easy it was. They were sure they’d gotten them all right, only to be completely “wrong.” (The images in their minds weren’t “wrong,” just not the same as the author’s.) It was fun and eye-opening to hear all the different comments. I think of the group of about 10-12 people, only two matched the characters the same as I would.

Did you learn more about your characters than what you had originally intended? If so what?

Julie researching servant life in old England (May 2011) 

Beyond my answer above, I can’t think of a specific example, but I love it when people fall in love with my characters--just like I do!

Have you been surprised by readers’ eactions to one of your books? Characters? If so, which ones?

 A small percentage of readers were pulling for a different romantic interest than the man my heroine ends up with in The Apothecary’s Daughter. It’s the book for which I probably receive the most requests for a sequel.

Has your book club experience - getting feed back from reading groups - helped you in writing future books? If so, how has it helped you?

Yes. I think it helps any author to have a clear picture of his or her readers--whom they are writing for and what kinds of characters, situations, twists, and endings will please them.

What would you like to see in reading groups that you haven’t experienced yet?

Maybe a “murder mystery” featuring characters from one of my books? Maybe everyone coming in period costumes? Ok, either of those would be way above and beyond the call of duty! Or, maybe some intrepid hostess might try preparing one of the meals or baked items mentioned in the book. That could be fun and delicious. I hope!

What was your most memorable reading group experience? What made it so fun?

Julie visiting a church’s book club (June 2011)

I’ve been to several really enjoyable reading groups, so it’s hard to choose. I’ve enjoyed those where the hosts have put on an “English tea,” and others that were super casual but the group was obviously comfortable with each other and enjoyed laughing and talking together--and included me in their fun.

What is it that draws you to writing in the Regency time period?

It’s all Mr. Darcy’s fault. I fell in love with Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen’s other novels and the costume dramas based on them. It was a romantic time (at least if you had money!) and I’m drawn to the chivalry of the period, the courtly behavior at a ball, the dresses and up-dos, and the gallant gentlemen in those tall Hessian boots. On a deeper level, it was a time when being a true “lady” or “gentleman” was something people aspired to. A time when many in society followed polite rules of conduct and a high moral code. Things not always as evident today.

Why write Christian Fiction? What is the draw for you?

I write Christian fiction because my goals in writing are to delight readers and to glorify God. I hope to include Christian content in a way that is natural and seamless to the story.

What do you hope readers take away from your new book?

In The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, I hope readers learn as Margaret does not to judge (people or situations) by appearances alone. I hope they are reminded that though we all make mistakes, we have a merciful Heavenly Father waiting to forgive us and offer us second chances. Readers are also really going to enjoy learning more about the Upstairs-Downstairs world of servants and those they served in a country estate--a special treat for fans of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. 13.

Can you give us a peek at what you are working on now? When will it be out?

I am writing away on my next Regency stand-alone novel with romance and mystery. It is due out December 2012. Please sign up for my email list at www.julieklassen.com  and I’ll keep you posted. Or find me on Facebook.

Julie

 Thanks Julie for stopping by and I appreciate you talking about Book Clubs. A topic near and dear to my heart. Looking forward to your next Regency!! It was great working with you for The Book Club Network 10 book giveaway.

 Blessings

Nora :o)
The Book Club Network
www.bookfun.org 

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BOOK TALK WITH MELODY CARLSON

MELODY CARLSON'S BIO: Melody has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world.

Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com

What have been the benefits to you in having relationships with reading groups?

Again, it’s about connecting with people. Being a writer can feel lonely and isolated
at times. But when I get a chance to participate in a reading group (via phone,
skype, or in person) I get the satisfaction of an immediate personal response.
And it’s fun to answer readers’ questions and tell some of the back-story to
the story.

Where would you like to see your relationship with reading group grow? How do you think your goals can be met? If so, how?

For starters I’d like to carve more time into my schedule to get involved in more reading groups. My goal is to spend less time writing and more time interfacing, but that’s hard with a writing schedule like mine. Also, I need to get more comfortable with some of the handy electronic tools like skype. And I’d like more free time to travel and visit various book groups. It’s been a goal for a few years now (and getting closer to reality) to do a cross country tour in our motorhome where we visit books stores, schools, libraries and reading groups.

Do you have a set size a reading group has to be before you'll talk to them on the phone or in person? What do you feel most comfortable doing?

I don’t have a ‘set size.’ I’ve done groups as small as four and up to around sixteen.
But I think a group around eight is probably my favorite. Enough people to get
varied opinions, but not so many that it’s overwhelming. Also, I think being
there in person is the most fun…unfortunately it’s not usually practical. Being
on the phone is always easy for me. And skype probably feels more personal to the
readers. One of the most memorable reader group meetings was arranged by a
publicist and because my book setting was a wedding, the publicist provided
wedding-like refreshments and created a bridal shower sort of atmosphere that
the readers just loved. Really fun!

What do you think about ebooks and future sales of your book? How will authors do book signings with an ebook reading crowd?

I know that many of my readers are getting hooked on eBooks and I’m glad that my books
are available electronically (I have about a 100 titles now). However, I’m not using my kindle much and I still like the feel of a “real” book in my hands. But I get it—and it’s a greener way to live. However, it would be difficult to sign an eBook. Maybe I’d take bookmarks or postcards to sign for readers.

Which type of book club meeting do you prefer? Why?

I think it’s fun to meet in a person’s home. That’s probably the writer in me—I like to
see where and how people live. Also, like I mentioned, I prefer groups with around 6-10 readers. More intimate and friendly. But I’m open to whatever setting is best. Mostly it’s nice when the members of the group are good friends—a happy sort of energy happens and I leave feeling good about the time spent.

Do you learn about your book and yourself from book club meetings? If so what?

Absolutely. One time I did a group that had read my novel Finding Alice (about
schizophrenia). It was a very interesting and intelligent group of women, and
some of their observations about the book pleasantly surprised me. As a writer,
I’m not always aware of things I’ve tucked ‘between the lines’ and sometimes it
takes a savvy reader to illuminate it for me. Metaphor is subjective and it’s
fun to see how others react to what you’ve created—and how it touches them in
totally unique ways.

Did you learn more about your characters than you original wrote about? Have you been surprised by readers reactions to one of your books? Characters? If so, which ones?

One thing that’s surprised me is when a reader personalizes the story—so much so that she perceives a character in a much different way than I wrote it. And then someone else in the group might see it completely differently. It reminds me of how our personal experience plays into the way we view the world and
others around us. It’s like the story my grandma used to tell about three blind men describing something they just felt of, but didn’t know what to call it.

One was certain it was a rope. Another felt sure it was a tree trunk. The third knew it was a giant palm leaf. It was an elephant, but they all felt different parts of it.

Has your book club experience - getting feed back from reading groups - helped you in writing future books? If so, how has it helped you?

What might help me most is being reminded that I’m writing for real readers.
People with real problems and real relationships and real lives…and that makes
me want to keep my writing as real as possible. Whether it’s for teens or
adults I like to be sure that my fiction is believable, lifelike and relevant.

You write for very different audiences, which do you prefer writing for the best? Children's, young adult or adult books?

My favorite book to write is usually what I'm presently working on. Right now It's teen nonfiction. But fiction is my first love. And I really do like writing for young adults because of the amazing response I get from the readers. Also it's a different kind of writing - like in my TrueColors series (Nav) I got to write the kind of stories that just don't do that well in the adult market. I love getting into the head of a teen character and taking her through all sorts of things that reflect real life.

**I can't wait to read your newest book The Jerk Magnet! Just saying***

THANKS for stopping by Melody. It was wonderful to catch up with you at the ICRS Conference this summer in Atlanta. I enjoyed Double Take and my book club will be reading Christmas at Harrington's this year. I enjoyed that book too.

Until Next Time

Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

www.bookfun.org

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