This is a discussion started on crimespace but I couldn't resist adding it here--since I'm very sure the answer will be a resounding NO! But even I, as a writer, have noticed author-domination of certain reading discussion groups. Tell me--are there any people out there who are amateurs anymore? Do any of you just read?
I've been addicted to books since--well since I could read and I can't believe only writers feel that way. Tell me what you think!

I haven't read your original post on Crimespace, so I am not sure about what you are saying here. However, I do not write books, but I have been reading books my whole life. I carry books from room to room and I even read during commercials!

I read CONSTANTLY...my mother used to tease me about reading the cereal box at breakfast. I did write one murder mystery...it was really fun...I never sent it anywhere...it's almost as fun to write as it is to read...but it's waaaay harder!

The most writing I have done is 1 page long for a writing class that was aimed at writing personal experiences basically related to genealogy or family memoirs. I am a reader and although I would love to be able to write I don't seem to have a story in me. So yes, I am a reader. I think where the confusion lies is that most authors are also readers, not the other way around. But if you were a writer, wouldn't you want to have exposure and feedback while offering tips to potential writers? That is what a lot of the authors in these groups do.

Elaine wrote: "I haven't read your original post on Crimespace, so I am not sure about what you are saying here. However, I do not write books, but I have been reading books my whole life. I carry books from room..."
Elaine, you sound like me. I panic when I've set my book down and can't find it right away. It goes up and down the stairs with me (our TV is downstairs, so yes, I do read in commercials), and also have it with me everytime I go out, whether I expect to get an opportunity to read while I'm out or not. You never know when you might be held up with roadwork, but mostly I'm not driving only I can't read while moving unless it's on a plane. Recently in our town a literacy group went around taking photos of people reading so it's a popular pastime here.

Christine wrote: "This is a discussion started on crimespace but I couldn't resist adding it here--since I'm very sure the answer will be a resounding NO! But even I, as a writer, have noticed author-domination of ..."
Sorry Christine, I hadn't taken in that you were a writer when I wrote my comments about writers at the end of my first comment above. ("If you were a writer...")

I just read. Yes, I write for a living, but as a technical writer of software manuals. It's a completely different way of writing and thinking. I have "work" reading and "pleasure" reading.

No offense taken, Betty. I don't object to writers adding comments (obviously) what I hate--even as a writer--is incessant promo.
I love books. I am one of those people like you, and Mary and Elaine who always has a book in hand and yes, I read during commercials (and during the scary parts of some movies and T.V. shows--I know my husband will give me the gist and I won't have the image in my head. LOL.) The only way I can be sure I'll get my exercise in, is to keep a book on tape ONLY for workouts. I do not allow myself to listen to it except for then (or when I have to do really boring chores.) So I really can't imagine a world where people don't read. Yet, I keep hearing that fewer and fewer do. And I was hoping here at least I'd get that confirmation. Thank you.

I'm mostly a reader - a compulsive one, at that. Have bookshelves (bulging) in every room but the bathrooms (fear of water damage), and piles of books on top of the bookshelves. Piles of books on the floor, too. A towering twin-headed Mt. TBR dominates the landscape next to my bed.

I do some writing and editing, but also hate incessant writer-promo. (Especially in totally unrelated book groups.) Writers commenting and joining in conversation with the rest of us? Absolutely fine with me. And if a subject comes up where their book naturally fits, I certainly don't mind a mention of it. It just shouldn't be the only thing the author talks about.

I'm definitely just a reader! I did write when I was in school and enjoyed it, but reading is more fun.

I'm definitely a reader more than a writer. Any writing I do is of the random, blogging kind, or the scientific technical kind (like for my thesis a while back). I have a rather unfocused brain though sometimes and tend to go from book to book, depending on my mood. It can take me weeks to finish one simply because I decided to start another one instead. I'm currently in the middle of about half a dozen actual books, and another 3-4 audiobooks, if that gives you an idea of what I mean. :)

I agree - I also don't read non-fiction just for that reason - you don't need to think as much when reading fiction. LOL

In defense of my fellow authors (and keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not one of the offending parties)-all of us are readers and fans as well as writers. We love discussing other people's books, usually even more than we like talking about our own.

That being said, I'm guessing that what you're referring to is authors going a little overboard on the blatant self-promotion on these groups. I know that for me, there are some authors who so inundate the lists during the month of their book release, it's a little off-putting. But it's an extremely tough balance to strike. Very few authors get the level of promotional support that, say, Josh Bazell did for Beat the Reaper. Many of the books discussed by these groups are the books that publishers throw their weight behind- so people hear about them, buy them, read them.
The authors who don't get that support are thrown on to their own resources, with little or no guidance. The sense is that the only way people will hear about your book is if you pound them over the head with the title. Even though occasionally I want to scream, "Enough!" when I see yet another blog post for the same book that's been hurled at me for weeks, I understand the motivation behind it. That author is working his/her butt off to try to get their book out there.

Sorry, somewhere along the line it appears I was complaining. I wasn't, I appreciate the authors on here. It's a great place to learn what they have written, how they came to write, whether they are doing a series or not, plus the fact that the authors I've noticed have all been very helpful and encouraging. I guess somehow I didn't word it right? I like learning what people are writing! And particularly independent writers should feel absolutely free to tell us about their books. :-)

Interesting discussion! I'm an author but I always say I started out as a reader. I still am. There's nothing like a good story, and I love to read other peoples' ... it's as simple as that. At the same time, I'm still somewhat incredulous that I've written a few stories that other people actually like to read. So thanks for your clarification, Betty. Bless you. But I also agree with Michelle.. there are some authors who do cross the line.

Susanna, I have to comment back at you--because the only reason I don't have bookcases in the bathroom is that my husband won't let me. (I'm sure there is room to put at least a few shelves on top of the door.) Never thought of the damage problem--thanks! Maybe he was right after all. I still may not tell him that tho!
As for promo crossing the line thing--I've done it, and I still hate it. It's no one fault. I too want to hear about everyone's latest books and I know that if we authors from small press, don't tell about our books, no one will know. Still it has ruined a couple of reading discussion groups I know and like because that's all you hear. On Twitter, I figure, it's all fair game tho.
I like it especially when authors participate in group discussions about their books. I wish goodreads would organize some groups around the various genres like that. I read a bunch of authors because they did that.

Christine-

I agree, the reading groups are great- for some reason Shelfari seems to be more active in that regard.
Betty, you definitely weren't complaining, it's just that what you said struck a chord with me since it's a really interesting point and one that has come up frequently on Crimespace and Dorothy L.

I am a library student who reads a great deal when I get the chance. I read in every genre, but mysteries is a favorite genre.

Shomeret