As a writer, I go to many book events, bookstore signings, and book festivals. They’re all fun. I enjoy meeting readers and other writers. But the best events are book clubs. Here’s why:
1. Food!! Wine! Most book clubs have great food and wine. My friend, writer and humorist Lorna Landvik, says she judges all book clubs by the quality of the food they serve. There’s something special about the combination of books, food, and wine. It’s always great to gather with friends, but when the underlying purpose is to discuss books—it’s even better.
2. Flattery!! Unlike a bookstore or book festival where few people have read my books, in a book club people (most of them anyway) have read the book. That makes me feel great. It’s very flattering when I sit with a book club and I see 20 people holding a copy of my book—and some even say they liked it!!
3. Good talk!! There is a focus to the discussion because everyone’s read the book. Book club people are critical readers and they consume a lot of books. For me, the discussions are particularly good and lively. The questions are tough—which I like. I get a chance to talk in depth about plot, characters, and the writing process. I always learn something that imporves my writing.
4. Minnesota Nice!! Here in Minnesota, we’re all nice to each other. At least face-to-face. Critics and reviewers can be cruel. But we Minnesotans have a difficult time saying anything critical or mean to one another. In a book club I hear almost only compliments. If people don’t like something, they usually remain silent.
5. Book sales!! Once a book club picks one of my books to read, the members buy it. And after a talk, many of the club members buy more copies of other books.
6. Wonderful people!! I’ve never been to a bad book club. The members are friends and are friendly to me. Since I’ve been invited to talk, they want me there. I’ve always been treated like royalty. Who could ask for more?
Colin,
Remember me, the probation officer, I am still with the county but do not do much real work anymore; I go to meetings. I read the Strib article about your Author’s Studio and looked up your web site. It was interesting to see your reference to Lorna Lanvdick. She is a close friend of my brother Peter Staloch and his wife Judy Henneghan, so I see her regularly at social occasions, as recently as last week.
My wife and I are in a book club that likes to meet and eat and drink wine in the western suburbs. You have given us an idea about future events. I may have to come to one of your interview gigs, the article describes it as quite well done.
Congratulations on getting recognition,
John Staloch