HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: SO I just read the BEST book! It’s sinister, and simmering, and so incredibly unexpected, and I’d so love to talk to you about it…
And that’s true, specifically—and more on that in a moment. But how many times have you thought that? It’s fun to TELL someone about a good book, but so much more fun to talk WITH someone about it, comparing notes, and expectations, and opinions.
And usually in book clubs you go to someone’s house (True! I know it sound crazy, but it used to happen all the time) and share food (Again, true, I’ve even split things with other people!) and wine (from the same bottles!)
But now many of us are home, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to talk about books.
Now. The book I was talking about above is SISTER DEAR, by the amazing Hannah Mary McKinnon. (She’s my partner in crime on First Chapter Fun—see below at * for the wonderful details! And you can check it out today!) But here on Jungle Red—for those who might be tempted to have a book club no matter what—she has some ideas for how to make that work!
And see **for a wonderful GIVEAWAY!
SO, YOU WANT TO START A VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB?
As an author, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited as a guest to a number of book clubs, in person and online. Each time has been an absolute pleasure, and what struck me the most was the camaraderie amongst the members, so much so that I decided to start my own book club earlier this year.
Enter the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, which means in-person book club meetings must be postponed, and it might seem crazy to even think of starting a new club. Except we need human connections and something to look forward to more than ever right now, and a virtual book club could add to the comfort we so desperately need. The solution? A virtual book club. Here are some tips to get you started:
1) Find members
You can’t have a book club without members but where to find them? I posted in a local Facebook mom’s group and was immediately inundated with replies. Expecting a handful of participants, I couldn’t believe it when over 60 women indicated their interest. That number settled at 17 members after people couldn’t make it because of family and/or scheduling conflicts. 17 is quite a large number for a virtual book club, and I’d suggest having around 10 members so it’s easier to chat with one another online.
2) Have an introductory meeting online
Make it a “meet-and-greet” where you introduce yourselves, chat about the genre of books you enjoy (or don’t care for), and talk about the structure of the group. To do this, use a videoconferencing tool such as Zoom (www.zoom.us). A “pro” subscription for up to 100 participants per meeting costs $20/month, but maybe one of your members has already signed up, and they can set the meetings up and share the link with the members. Participants can mute their mic when not talking to minimize background noise.
3) Figure out how to pick books
In my book club, we decided to have five rotating genres: Book Club Picks, Suspense/Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction and “Wild Card” where anything goes. We plan the books two months ahead, members make suggestions on which we vote afterward, so people have the chance to look up the books first. Having themes means we read a variety of genres, and don’t have the same one multiple months in a row. Alternatively you could have the host pick the book for the next (online) gathering, or go in alphabetical order instead. Maybe you pluck books out of a (virtual) hat. There are many different ways that allow each member to give input.
4) Create a Facebook Group
While I initially managed all communication via email, it was much easier to shift everything to a Facebook group. The group is hidden, meaning only members have access, and I scheduled all our events for the rest of the year. The group is also an easy place to share information about upcoming reads, where to find books, and to create the monthly book pick polls on which members can vote.
5) Invite authors
Admittedly, this is easier to do when you’re an author yourself and you’ve made connections with other writers, but you might be surprised by how many authors love to be a guest at a book club. The wonders of technology mean you can beam them straight into your chosen location, again by using Zoom. Whether they charge for their time depends on the author, but regardless, sharing photos and reviews of their novels on social media will no doubt be greatly appreciated. Still unsure about inviting an author? A brand new initiative called www.theauthorsbookclub.ca connects book clubs with Canadian writers who are happy to join your meeting—all you need to do is ask.
Creating a book club has been a wonderful experience and an excellent way to find like-minded friends with whom I can share my love of books. We’re living through an unprecedented crisis, and many of us in isolation, feeling disconnected from the world. A virtual book club might be another way for you to make new online connections, and have a ready-made new set of friends you can meet IRL once the pandemic is over. Are you in a book club? What other tips and tricks can you suggest?
HANK: I’m in a few! And I do enjoy them…including one on Facebook called Book Club with Style where Hannah is the featured guest next month and we’re all reading SISTER DEAR! (Although that's not publicly announced yet...) Small world!
Even if I don’t finish the whole book (wince) it’s still so much fun to hear the authors and listen to the chat. I always hear something that I hadn’t thought of before.
How about you, reds and readers? Book clubs—do you think virtual ones work? Are you part of any of them? What’s your experience? Any additional hints and tips?
**And a copy of SISTER DEAR to one lucky commenter!
Here’s the link for Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstchapterfun/
And Insta @FirstChapterFun
Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the U.K., grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. After a successful career in recruitment, she quit the corporate world in favor of writing. SISTER DEAR is Hannah Mary’s fourth novel. She lives in Oakville, ON, Canada, with her husband and three sons. For more visit www.hannahmarymckinnon.com
Beauty. Wealth. Success.
She’s got it all.
And it all should’ve been mine.
When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.
Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.
She’s got it all.
And it all should’ve been mine.
When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.
Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.
