If you struggle to find time for a calendar based book club, the new Scottish Wanderlust Book Forum might be for you.
For most people, life is busier than ever. So, for the relaunch of my book club, which has been languishing away as a Facebook group (my fault!) I’ve decided to try a forum style approach and I could use your help to get it off the ground by:
Posting books you like (or don’t like…)
Letting me know if you would like to be a moderator (no particular time requirement - just what you get around to)
Giving feedback on how to make the forum better
Sharing your own books (in the dedicated promotions category only please)
Read on for more information, and to peruse the forum. It is JUST getting started so theres not much discussion going on yet. So be sure to check back regularly, and please do jump in and start talking books!
Menu
Discussion Formats
Written discussion: Instead of choosing a date for discussion, each book will have an open thread on my website’s forum that folks can jump into at any time. You can join the discussion at any time regardless of your reading speed or schedule.
Spoilers: Due to this model, you should all approach this thread expecting spoilers - so don't read comments if you want to avoid spoilers, and don't complain about them.
Video discussion: Choosing a time that works for everyone in a global book club is challenging. So I will not be organizing regular video discussions (thats not to say I never will!) but you are all welcome to initiate your own by commenting in the thread.
Sign up to participate: To keep out bots and scammers, I do need to make this members only. But its free and painless, I promise! When you click the "Comment" button, you will be prompted to login or signup, and this is the only information needed:
Discussion Guidelines
Topics: Pretty much anything goes as long as it is relevant to Scotland or Scottish authors.
You can follow posts and categories to help you stay notified of new discussions about books you are interested in.
Use the filter option to filter new posts or most current discussions. People will be reading on different formats and versions, so avoid referencing page numbers as there are multiple versions of some books. Say things like " towards the end of chapter 2" etc
Be kind. I’m not going to over regulate these discussions - if something comes up organically in the discussion of book themes and characters, let it play out and move on if you don’t agree. But I won’t tolerate hate speech, discrimination, insults etc. If you have a concern with a thread or person, please contact me directly.
Be aware that authors may join discussions of their books. If you are affiliated with a book and comment, please identify yourself as the author, publisher etc.
If you would like to start a new book thread, you can! Just click "Create a new post" and choose the appropriate category when prompted. Please include the following in your new book posts:
* The book title and author in the title of your post
* An image of the book cover in the body
* Hashtags to help others find your posts and comment
* Contact me to suggest a new category if there are none that suit your book
There's a "Non-literary Discussions" category if you just want to chat with other members about non reading topics.
Finding Books
Before you go to the big sellers, be sure to start with alternative options such as these to support smaller sellers and sustainability when possible:
Libraries (many have audio and ebooks)
Independent bookstores
AbeBooks (Owned by Amazon, but maybe still good for independent sellers?)
There are most certainly lots of other resources that vary by country. Feel free to let me know if I have missed any and I will add them to the list.
Self Promotion
There is a separate category for self promotion. Authors, publishers, bookstores and anyone else in the trade is welcome to use that category for topics such as:
Self promotion
Networking
Calls for beta readers
Discount codes
Review copies - please contact me directly
However, please do not spam the forum or you will be blocked. One post per book is permissible, and all subsequent promotions related to that book, store, etc should be kept to that thread.
If you join a discussion of a book you are affiliated with, please identify yourself as the author, publisher etc.
Where to Find the Book Club
The main discussion forum is free and easy to join here:
Other platforms:
Bookshops in Scotland
I have created a bookshop directory here: Scottish Bookshop Directory
Please bear with me as this is a work in progress (in content and formatting). Feel free to get in touch to suggest changes and additions.
I hope you enjoy the forum, and don't hesitate to suggest ways to improve it by getting in touch!
Lilly
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