|
…best learned by osmosis… …picked up
valuable historical data… …dedicated
discussion notes… …whatever the
decision… read, read, READ! |
Linda Acaster WRITER, TUTOR,
COACH
Belonging to a Reading Group ©
Should writers read? To ask this
question of a writers’ group is to receive a resounding “of course”. Ask if they
should belong to a reading group, and the answer is more hesitant. The idea
of being force-fed unknown titles on a regular basis doesn’t immediately
appeal, and besides these people are primarily readers and we are
primarily writers. This is flawed
thinking. Voracious readers are simply writers who don’t choose to write. Attending a
literature event is to understand the phenomenal amount of reading published
novelists undertake outside of research purposes, and it’s not just within
their chosen genre to keep a weathered eye on the competition, or on
publishing trends. “Just because
I’ve a few books on the shelves doesn’t mean that I’ve cracked the skills
code,” one novelist confided. “I want my writing to be better, for my words
to sing on the page, and the deft use of symbolism, even sentence structure,
is best learned by osmosis.” Another author
was less tactful. “Only an amateur writes more than he reads.” Marrying these
two writers with others who do belong to reading groups, is the adamant need
to remain incognito. “Mention that
you write and you’re inspected for a second head,” said one. “Worse, members
either defer to your opinion or take up arms to condemn it.” Taking on a
username and joining an internet reading group solves the problem, or perhaps
creates another. The key phrase ‘reading groups’ tapped into www.google.co.uk brought a response of 2,500,000
links in less than a minute, so it’s a case of surf and see what suits your
needs. The internet, though, provides scope for reading groups dedicated to a
single subject or genre, and the spin-offs can be fruitful for a writer. “I came upon the
Regency List following a link. Regency Historicals might be a quiet sub-genre
in Britain, but it is big business in the USA, and in Australia. Forthcoming
books are posted each month and we vote for two to discuss. Members are very
knowledgeable about the era. As well as being introduced to writers I’d never
heard of, I’ve picked up valuable historical data, and the discussions have
sparked plot ideas.” Whereas
internet reading groups can run to a membership of several hundred, those
which meet in the flesh more usually number between five and twenty. “Ours follows
an outside suggested reading list, so there’s never an argument about the
choice, and the books can be quite diverse. What I prize, though, is the
interaction between members. No one is allowed to say they merely liked it or
didn’t. They have to give reasons why, and this leads into discussions on
character motivation and theme. All grist to the mill.” Following a
list of books not chosen by members can have the added benefits of
promotion-priced paperbacks and/or dedicated discussion notes: try Virago and
Bloomsbury. It is not necessary to be a member of a recognised reading group
either, ideal for the housebound or those living in remote areas. If you want to
go it alone and live in the UK you can do worse than look to the weekend newspapers.
On the first Sunday of the month YOU magazine, accompanying The
Mail on Sunday, carries its own reading group choice, supported by author
interviews. The Guardian and some monthly magazines, including Woman
and Home, run similar schemes. The only dedicated hard-print journal for
readers is newBOOKS.mag, which, despite its title has no web presence
but offers free books and plenty of extracts as tasters among its plethora of
articles, interviews and readers’ reviews. For those
wanting to meet others for a live group discussion, a bit of footwork will be
required. Bigger libraries and some of the bookshop chains host their own
reading groups, while branch libraries and smaller independent bookshops may
hold lists of groups in the locale. Try pinning a message to the notice board
asking groups with vacancies, or like-minded readers, to get in touch. Starting your own group
isn’t difficult, and there is plenty of advice on the internet. Bloomsbury,
Penguin, Virago, the YOU reading group, and the BBC, are a scattering
of the better known web-based sources suggesting start-up strategies and
hosting discussion forums. Follow their, and other, links. You never know
which doors might open, or where it will lead your own writing. Links: www.channel4.com (and follow links to ‘Richard
& Judy’) newBOOKS.mag – (UK single issue £1.80
inc p&p) Info from guypringle@waitrose.com UK’s BBC Radio 4 “Book
Club” programme – see listings magazines for transmission day/time © Linda D Acaster A version of this article
appeared in the e-zine Ezee-Writer | Home | FAQ
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