Devon Book Club discussion
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Also Exeter Book Club have continued to meet virtually throughout this year on a monthly basis and welcome new people. Diverse book choices, chosen by the group . Might be of interest?
Hello IanDevon born but now live just over the border in Somerset. I work too many hours as a 'civil servant'. I read to get away from all the sad, bad aspects of work. What is best about book reading is the community. I like to start lectures/teaching by saying, 'Don't judge me by my age or what I am wearing, judge me by the books I read' which isn't me being clever, but books say a lot about people if only we all had that intrigue to find out.
Looking forward to being in the group and meeting lots of interesting book-reading folk. H
Mod
I love that idea for a lecture or conference opening remark. Inspired. But how do you avoid the time getting swallowed up in book talk? It would be very tempting but I shall have to give that a try. I frequently speak to large audiences in my job too and those first opening minutes are important to set the tone.
If there are threads that are missing feel free to star a new one or let me know.
Once again, delighted to have you with us.
Hi everyone, I'm Ash, I'm origianlly from Torquay, but after a long stint in London I've moved back to Devon, now along the coast in Teignmouth. I used to read quite widely but my reading for pleasure dropped off over the last few years as I was studying alongside work and couldnt find time (or headspace) for it all.
Really looking forward to getting back into reading for fun, and hoping a bookclub will help me read more widely again - and have people to chat to about books :)
Cheers, Ash
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I'm Ash, I'm origianlly from Torquay, but after a long stint in London I've moved back to Devon, now along the coast in Teignmouth. I used to read quite widely but my reading for plea..."
You are most welcome Ash and lots of book ideas in this community - what are you reading at present?
Hello Ian,I'm a newcomer to Devon, having previously lived 21 years in France. I'm an avid reader, but don't get to read as many as you, because I spend a lot of time writing my own books. Whilst in France, I had three illustrated cookbooks published in French. I'm currently fairly busy submitting my second crime novel to literary agents.
During the lockdown periods, it's been my writing that keeps me sane. I'm an active member of the Ottery Writers' Group and organised a national creative competition for them last summer. I'm always eager to hear talks and discussions about any aspect of writing, so would love to hear about any on-line talks etc.
I started entering all the novels I've read on the Goodreads web-site last year.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Cynthea Gregory
Hi Cynthia, Welcome to Devon. As a writer I can relate - writing is something I also find to be grounding.Your message made me think of novel nights, a local writing initiative where writers can meet at online events, such as the Novel Nights Virtual Cafe held on Saturday mornings. The next one is 6th February. You can find them at:
www.novelnights.co.uk
They also organise other events including open mics, and writing masterclasses with successful, well-established writers. I sometimes join in with the Virtual cafes, and the open mics, All events are currently held on Zoom, so express an interest and they will email the links.
Good luck with your submissions.
Susie wrote: "Hi Cynthia, Welcome to Devon. As a writer I can relate - writing is something I also find to be grounding.Your message made me think of novel nights, a local writing initiative where writers can m..."
Thank you for the Novel Nights info - just been onto their website and signed up. :)
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I'm a newcomer to Devon, having previously lived 21 years in France. I'm an avid reader, but don't get to read as many as you, because I spend a lot of time writing my own books. Whilst..."
Hi Cynthea - lovely to have you with us. A very warm welcome to you. There is a thread for writers to talk about their work too so feel free to share yours. You obviously have a wide interest. I look forward to getting to know you - if you have them you'll also find us on FB and Twitter
Hi, everyone!I'm Josh, and I've lived in Devon for most of my life. I'm now an informal carer for Mum, so I devote my time to family and keep myself busy with various pursuits during lockdown, such as fiction writing, journalism, proofreading and drawing. Right now, I'm mentoring with a publisher in Penguin, so I'm trying to keep up to date with the market and what books are being widely discussed at the moment.
Since I also read for enjoyment, I want to make a habit of finishing more books this year (especially since I have a Kindle now) as well as reviewing them, since I like sharing my thoughts and picking apart why a story does or doesn't work. While I like getting my fantasy fix, I also like reading any sort of book that interests me in general, since themes are a big draw for me.
While my favourite writers tend to change depending on what mood I'm in, my favourite books are Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, and Hard Boiled Wonderland & The End of the World by Haruki Murakami.
I look forward to getting more involved with this group,
Joshua Copus - Oxland
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I'm Josh, and I've lived in Devon for most of my life. I'm now an informal carer for Mum, so I devote my time to family and keep myself busy with various pursuits during lockdown, su..."
Hi Joshua - wonderful to hear from you. Those are great writers and books - I love Haruki Murakami too - I think The Wind Up Bird Chronicle is among my favourites.
Wonderful that you are an informal carer for your mum - I hope you have all the support you need. In my day job I am responsible for the commissioning of services to unpaid/informal carers across Devon and so if you need any support drop me a private message and I'll put you in touch with our services.
Once again, a very warm welcome and look forward to getting to know you
Hello, Thanks for welcoming me into the group. I'm a writer based in South Hams. You can check out my page here for my (self)-published books and anthologies I was accepted into. I'd love to be included on the Devon Writers List. I'm currently reading a lot of Urban Fantasy. I also love Steam Punk and Sci-Fi. My tastes are reflected in my bookshelves. Nice to meet you all.
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Hello Ian and all! I'm delighted to join this group! I'm new to Devon, I'm just in the process of moving to near Ivybridge, and I really want to get back into reading and find some good books and make the time for them. How does this group work? Do you agree a list and meet to discuss them ? Who and how is the list decided? How often do you meet and where? Would love to hear from you and am also open to recommendations. I usually veer towards non fiction but now i;d love to find some riveting great escapes. My lasting top title is Shantaram. I look forward to hear from you!
Hello everyone! I have lived in Plymouth all my life, just recently found out about this group - So really wanted to join! ^_^ I work for the NHS - As a Support Secretary (Super busy all the time - Especially with the pandemic. Hope everyone is staying safe! ^_^), been enjoying my reading in my spare time :-) Been getting into a lot of fantasy novels lately :D Looking forward to meeting everyone here!
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I'm delighted to join this group! I'm new to Devon, I'm just in the process of moving to near Ivybridge, and I really want to get back into reading and find some good books and..."
Hi Bella - sorry for the delay in responding - I've just got back from holiday and am catching up with myself. Great to have you with us - and you can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
We don't operate like a standard reading group - there are over 5,000 of us across our platforms so reading books in common is not really practical. What we do is talk about books, reading, writing, festivals, bookshops, libraries etc and link them all up - in Devon and beyond.
I feature Devon (and occasionally other) writers and very often do giveaways of their books.
We have themed weeks - this Autumn we will be looking at books relating to sci-fi, climate change and (maybe) violence against women. Fiction and non-fiction.
We meet from time to time in a variety of settings - most recently in a walking book club event on Dartmoor (another may follow soon).
I'd love to hear more about what you love to read - fiction or/and non-fiction
Best Wishes and welcome once again
Ian
Mod
Hi Dylvi - you are very welcome. I work in adult social care so we are in the same family in this time of increasing integration. We had a fantasy theme week earlier this year (check of the folder to find lots of recommendations and discussion )
Any great reads this year you'd recommend? Also, if you use them please look for us on Twitter and Facebook.
Welcome once again
Ian
Hi, I'm not sure if I ever introduced myself before. I'm Shona, I live in Plymouth with my kids, partner and dog. I love reading. my main interests are fantasy, mystery, horror or crime but I will read absolutely everything with the exception of erotica, I just find it cringy. I work in mental health NHS services so I definitely read a lot of psychology/self-help/intervention type books too. I have aspirations to one day write my own book but so far that's where I am with it, just an aspiration.
Hi Shona, Good to meet you. What fantasy books have you read that you enjoyed? Oh! and what type of fantasy? I am not exactly into vampires and werewolves. I love fantasy that challenges one's prejudices and sense of what is possible.
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I'm Shona, I live in Plymouth with my kids, partner and dog. I love reading. my main interests are fantasy, mystery, horror or crime but I will..."
Hi Shona and thanks for saying hello. Great to have you with us. Any stand-out reads that you'd recommend?
Just to say that across the border there's a crime book festival this weekend if nobody else has mentioned it: Lyme Crime starts on 23 June. https://www.lymecrime.co.uk
Hi! i just made my account yesterday! im Mimi and im 12. i love books though. mostly children's chapter books (because of my age.) but i hope to have fun here!
Mod
Hi Mimi - sorry to take so long to reply. I have been busy. Great to have you with us - what writers do you like to read?
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Devon Book Club
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I am sure Ian is better placed to help you, but if you are on Twitter, I may be able to harness our writing community to help you. I am part of the @virtwriting online writers group #VWG,..."
That's a great source too - thanks M.S.