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Tracy Shawn
Tracy Shawn at her first book club meeting
Several years ago, I ran into an old friend who had read my second novel, Floating Underwater. She kindly picked it for her next book club read and asked if I’d like to be a guest author at that meeting. Of course, I jumped at the chance. She then mentioned that I might also want to join. This time, I did not jump at the chance but, rather, hesitated at the thought. Like so many other writers, I’m not a group person. Also, I need to carve out as much time as I can in order to write. But when I visited, I was pleasantly surprised by how respectful everyone was of other people’s opinions—and how much insight the members had gleaned from reading my work. So finally, I joined a book club. And all these meetings later, I’m beyond grateful, both as a reader and a writer, that I did. Listed below are the three main reasons why I believe joining a book club can inspire your own reading and writing life.
Hearing How Readers React: Whether it’s a mystery, contemporary fiction, or even a memoir, everyone, it seems, has a different take on an author’s writing style, characterization, and storyline. After hearing so many different views, I’m more aware of how readers may react to my own writing. For example, a member mentioned how dated an autobiography was because the author went on and on about body insecurities. After our discussion, I decided to edit the novel I was working on so that the protagonist didn’t lament about her perceived body “issues.” Even though it’d had just been a few lines within an 80,000-word manuscript, I was glad to have revised what I believe would have been an otherwise tired cliché. Also, after listening to how so many members enjoy multi-layered characters, it reinforced the writing advice that no matter how horrible an antagonist acts, it makes for a better story if readers get a glimpse into the “bad guy’s” positive aspects, vulnerabilities, and motivations.
Expanding Your Reading Repertoire: As an author, I love to read novels in the same or similar genres as my own. Because each member in my club, though, picks a different book each month, I’m exposed to new authors and different genres that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Not only does this offer a break from my usual reading pattern—it also enriches my writing, as it presents a larger smorgasbord of styles and voices I can learn from. And even when I don’t necessarily like a certain book, I’ll still speed-read through to the end. Interestingly, I’ve discovered that this process gives me a birds-eye view of the plotline, which makes me more aware of what is or isn’t working in my own writing. Whatever the case, being a member of a book club has both strengthened my writing style and increased my reading repertoire.
Deepening Connections: There’s family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, acquaintances; no matter how big or small, our connections help us grow, let us see the world through other people’s eyes, gives us more meaning in our life and work. Yet, most writers work alone—and sometimes it’s a lonely business. Being a member of a book club helps further our connection to the world. Especially, the world of words. Not only can you rely on a consistent circle of people who share your passion for stories, you’re also deepening your connection to the power of stories. And, along with your fellow book lovers, to the pure enjoyment of reading.
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Author Tracy Shawn lives on the coast of California. Her novels Floating Underwater (2021) and The Grace of Crows (2024 as a second edition) have won various indie book awards. Tracy aims to write relatable stories that both resonant and entertain. Her poems and short stories have appeared in several small presses, and she’s published numerous articles for print and online publications.
