Authors at your Book Club Meeting

Is it your month to plan the book club program or evening?

Trying to think of something new and exciting to make it memorable?

Why not include an author chat?

Many authors will jump at the chance to do a conference call or Skype call with your book club, and many will even send along some swag (bookmarks, pens, fun stuff to give away) to add to the fun.

How to find an author? You could always start with the website. There is generally contact information and media information there. Finding local authors is always exciting. If you're in the south, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) has a special program that lists authors by state in their "Authors 'Round The South" program at this link --> http://stars.authorsroundthesouth.com/author 

Another website that includes authors willing to travel, or chat with your clubs is BookClubReading.com 

I'd love to hear about your book club events --- stop by and share your stories or email them to me and I'll post them here on the blog.
Hugs and happy reading.
Nancy

Book Club Babes : Suffolk VA

I've been invited to join the Book Club Babes for their September meeting. I can't wait!
Thanks for choosing Sweet Tea and Secrets for your book this month.
See you soon!
Nancy

Everybody's doing it -- or should be ;)

Had to share this post about book clubs by Kelsey Browning.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/kelsey-browning/book-clubs-books-that-bite/10150091438681500

Get started. Have fun. Make some new memories :)

Be Mine, Book Club Valentine

Hi book club friends,
My first publication is out! FOREVER IN MY HEART, is one of twelve short stories in the Valentine's Day anthology, BE MINE, VALENTINE. I've got a couple Valentine's Day events planned and this is becoming a favorite holiday all over again. As fun as when I was in the second grade and nervous to give out my very first valentine's day cards, and as sweet as the time I got not only a dozen roses for me--but a dozen rawhides for my dog for Valentine's Day. What are your fondest memories?

Back to business...Book club planning.
Fun for this month's book club gathering doesn't require much planning.
What you'll need:

• Conversation Hearts
• Box of kids Valentine's Day trading cards

Open the box of Valentine's Day cards and spread them out on the table.
Have each book club member pick out a card that they will address to their favorite character of one of the novels they've read. Then couple that with the appropriate Conversation Heart to match. Be ready to share why!?!?!

You might just be surprised at how many extra details we add to the romantic hunks in the books we read that are never on the written page. Funny how many of the guys in the books I read look like Kevin Costner.

I'd love to hear from you with ideas or comments.
Have fun!

BANNED BOOK WEEK THIS WEEK

If you have a book club meeting planned this week ... here's a topic for discussion.
It's Banned Book Week Sept 25 - Oct 2
Check out a great recap from the American Library Association at http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm all about this week meant to celebrate the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.

Happy Reading!

A fun twist for Book Club night

I don't know about you, but I always feel rattled in August. It must be a throwback reaction from school days when summer ended and August carried the burden of new school clothes, books, schedules and saying goodbye to long summer days.

If you're like me then you might not feel like an intellectual evening of banter over the latest book. How about switching things up?

Dollar Tree is your friend --- purchase a little chalkboard or white board for each member .... then in America's Got Talent or Olympics style ... have each member X or * ... or give a rating from 1-10 on the book.

Everyone show your rating at the same time :)

Have fun!

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry month.
At this months meeting why not share your favorite poem. Not into poetry, then how about doing a round robin with the group to create your own Roses are Red variety poem. You'll get a good laugh and honor National Poetry all at the same time.

For you ...
I'll give it a try.

Roses are red,
and April has arrived.
I hope you think
this poem isn't contrived.
(hahhaah)

Happy April. Have fun with your friends - it's what makes for a perfect day.
Nancy

Keep your book club alive!

We're all about at the end of our dreary winter weathered ropes. I know this for certain because on the news night before last they were covering the snow ... yes again, and use to NEVER get snow ... and they were interviewing a mother who said, "I wish someone woulda' shot that darn groundhog!" I bet more than a few of us are feeling that way about now.

I had to laugh. Nothing like a live interview in the south the catch you off guard.

So, if your friends are making excuses to not get together for book club, reel them back in. If they didn't read the book, they can still be part of the girls night out and she can catch up on the next read. Sometimes all we need is a little nudge to get us off the couch and out the door on a cold, wet night --- do your friend a favor -- NUDGE!

Have a wonderful book club meeting. I'd love to hear what you're doing at yours.
Next month I'll talk about a new little something I just heard about that some book clubs and authors are doing. Stay tuned!