Indie Book Club discussion

Had an idea or two regarding getting the group going, as well as being of use to readers and writers [nothing against writers being active here, quite the reverse, but I hope the Club can also return to being more helpful for readers too].

How about an Indie Calendar? The basis would be a listing of approximate release dates for future work. Only authors who are active now or have been active here in the last two years would be eligible for inclusion.

On a similar note, an Index of authors categorised by genre could be something handy for readers (again, you actually have to turn up and contribute beyond "Hello, can my name/book be included").

Thoughts on this and other ideas to help get things going for readers/writers would be very welcome. [NB I don't want to bring back Book of the Month until we get things a little busier].

Even though I'm pretty new to the group, I think this that both of these are solid ideas. I've seen this same idea being executed pretty well in a number of local book clubs, and I think it helps on multiple levels. It helps readers to track the releases on their "to be read" list better, and it helps Indie authors to establish an interact with a potential reader base. I say go for it.

I like both ideas. One question regarding the index though: what if I have books in multiple genres? Do I pick a genre or can I be listed in all that are applicable?

Well, assuming an author's nice and active [so anyone reading this should feel free to start reading/writing discussions about independent books here] I reckon it'd be fine to put them up, provided they're self-published/independently published.

Worth pointing out fantasy's probably the biggest genre by a distance, and that novellas or suchlike will need a note to that effect.

Anyway, it'd be good to get the club going a bit more. That's a prerequisite. So, if anyone has questions, ideas, reviews or other talking points, do feel free to start a thread.

Sure, seems like a good plan.

Both sound like good ideas. What I want to know is how would you gauge someone as inactive? I will go weeks or months without making a peep here and then read through the threads and comment (like I'm doing tonight. ^^;;)

Ha, that's a good question. Groups can enter virtuous or vicious circles of activity/inactivity.

Posting, especially new threads that get people talking, is a good way to go. Speaking of which...