Supernatural Fiction Readers discussion
Common reads
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What are we going to read in this group?
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Werner
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Aug 19, 2009 01:03PM
Yes, Derek Schneider, the author of The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane, is not only on Goodreads, but a member of this group!
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Since Always is reading The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane, and our currently-reading shelf was bare as Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard, I posted that book there this afternoon. When I did, the computer listed "Written by group members" as a "discussion," and named Derek as the discussion leader. I'm not sure what caused that --I'm not the world's most tech-savvy person. :-) So, don't anybody panic; nobody's imposing a common read by decree! (But if any of you want to read it together, I'm sure Always would appreciate your company.)
I added At Grave's End, which I'm reading right now. This is the 3d book in her series. Kind of an interesting take on vampires, but pretty much candy books. Fun, though.
Okay, just to make sure we take the pulse of the group properly on this issue of group-sponsored, official common reads --"to do, or not to do, that is the question!" :-)-- I put a new yes/no poll up on our polls section. It'll run until Monday, Sept. 7, and I'll announce the results sometime on that day -- probably a little after noon, Eastern time. If the no votes outnumber the yes ones, or if hardly anyone votes, we'll consider common reads a dead issue for now. But if there's a healthy and winning "yes" response, I'll put up a poll on how often to do them.By way of clarification, a "yes" vote doesn't commit you to participate every time, or at all. You can vote yes if you just enjoy reading the group's discussion.
Okay, I voted "yes", and I'm sorry for being so silent. I would have voted for Hell House if the poll hadn't already closed. I do wonder how Derek would feel about a group read of his book. When my own book is published, I wouldn't mind it being a group read as long as everyone swore to pull no punches and give me their most frank comments.
So far, the votes are running 8 yes, 0 no. (I voted "yes," too. :-)) That's already more than twice the participation we had on the last poll, and it's all on the favorable side. If that result isn't changed by Sept. 7, we'll definitely continue to do common reads!Sandra, sorry you didn't get to vote on the earlier poll! Jim and I thought that maybe limiting it to no more than two weekends (as I did with the current one, too) would encourage people to vote quickly, rather than put it off and maybe forget. But maybe we outsmarted ourselves there. :-)
You've got the right attitude about wanting frank comments about your book; that's how I'd feel, too. My book isn't in print right now, but if it were, I'd probably welcome the publicity of a common read, and had sort of assumed that all authors would. But on reflection, you're right that some might not. The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane was on the last poll, so I was planning to put it on the one for the October read as well; and had intended to nominate Haunted Lily on that poll as well. So, Derek and Sydney, how about it: are you both game to have your book in the hot seat, if the group chooses it?
Absolutely. I'd love to know what you all think.
The results of the common reads yes/no poll are now officially in: 10 yes votes, 0 no votes. "Yes" is the clear winner, so we'll continue to do our common reads!Since we determined that question scientifically and democratically, I thought we might as well do the same for the question of how often to have a read. So, that poll is now up, and the four options are: monthly; every other month; 4x a year; and 3x a year. Voting is open through Friday, Sept. 18, and I'll announce the group's decision around noon on that day. Once these basic "housekeeping" decisions are made, we'll only need polls to pick the books to read --the first one of those being for October.
Since the nominees on the last poll didn't really get a fair shot in August, with a lot of people on vacation, I thought we'd give them a chance again. So at this point, the slate of possibilities for October is: The Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill; The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane by Derek A. Schneider; Gone South by Robert McCammon; Hell House by Richard Matheson; and Duma Key by Stephen King. To these, I'm planning to add Haunted Lilly by Sydney Fox. Before that poll goes up on Sept. 18, does anybody else have any additions --or deletions-- to propose?
I would like to propose a Halloween themed or someting where the story is set around Halloween for October. Since a lot of October is Halloween why not have a book for the month based during then...
I haven't found one yet, so if anyone knows a good one just chime in!
I haven't found one yet, so if anyone knows a good one just chime in!
There's actually a big connection to Halloween in 9 Ghosts. Plus, it has ghosts.
I don't know if it has any direct Halloween connection, but is there any sentiment in this group for doing Water Witch by Deborah Leblanc as a group read for October? Deborah's one of my Goodreads friends, and I promised her a review of that book sometime this fall. On the other hand, my copy of Haunted Lily was a gift from another friend, who's probably going to mistakenly think I don't appreciate it if I don't soon get on the ball and read it! So, I'm torn over which one to nominate. Alas --so many books, so little time! :-)
I'll put it on the list when I set up the poll, Levi!
Okay, the poll results are in for how often to do our common reads! Interestingly, nobody voted for the old schedule (3x a year); everybody who voted wants something more frequent. One person voted for 4x a year; 3 people voted for every other month; and the winning option, with 5 votes, was every month. So, the group has spoken, and we'll be doing monthly (voluntary) common reads, starting in October.The poll is up on what to read for that month; it will run until the beginning of the day (midnight) on Monday, Sept. 28 (so, through Sunday, Sept. 27), so be sure to vote! Again, the seven nominees are the same ones from the August poll, plus Haunted Lily and Blood Red. That's the TOP poll, number 1, the first one you see when you click on "polls." (You may notice a virtually identical poll below it, but ignore that one --I messed up the ending date, but had already saved it, and Goodreads software won't let me edit a poll once it's saved. Sorry to clutter up the polls page that way!)
I just noticed that I wrote Robert McCammon's name twice on the poll --and I noticed earlier that I misspelled Sidney's first name. Mea culpa! I was typing in a hurry --the computer didn't post the poll the first time I typed it, and I was doing it on my lunch break, so had limited time. :-) Next time, I'll do a better job; but at least we can read it and tell what we're voting for!
It looks like Sydney has it right now. I haven't seen her around lately, though.
I think the poll did post twice, at least I had two to choose from. I voted in both polls, because I was torn between two books, but I may read all of the books on the list that I haven't read already. They're excellent coices.
Sandra, it did post twice --but I messed up the end date on the first one (that's now listed as poll #2), and re-did it; the first time I re-did it was when the computer didn't save it. (By then, I wasn't a happy camper! :-)) I hate the fact that the creator of a poll can't edit it to correct errors and typos, and if I ever rejoin the Goodreads Feedback group, that's the first issue I'll raise!Only the votes on the top poll (poll #1, as currently listed) will count toward the results (but you can change your vote through midnight on Sept. 27). You're right, though --I'm sure all the books listed would make worthy reads sometime, no matter which one happens to win the poll.
The poll results for the October common read are in! (Drum roll. :-)) Five of the nominated books received votes. The most votes (four) went to Haunted Lily by Sidney Fox. The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane, Hell House, and Blood Red each got two votes, with one vote for The Heart-Shaped Box. So, Haunted Lily will be our common read for October, and anyone who wants to is invited to join in. I'll try to start a discussion thread on it in a couple of days, unless someone else wants to beat me to it. :-)
It probably seems like only yesterday that we were choosing a common read. Actually, it was almost yesterday! :-) Since we decided to do one every month, selection has to be an almost continuous process. It'll be November before we know it, and I hope to post the poll for that month's read a week from today.So far, we have one nomination, Storm of Magick by L. A. Burton. The floor's open for other nominees!
I'll nominate "Hell House" again. It's still in my TBR pile.
Okay, Jim, I jotted that one down for the list!
The poll for November's common read is up, with two choices this time: L. A. Burton's Storm of Magick and Richard Matheson's Hell House. It'll run until Monday, Oct. 26 --but the sooner you vote, the less chance there is that you'll forget to! :-)
Coffee Time Book Reviews gave a great review of the paranormal mystery novel: A Ghost Of A Chance for Halloween reading. Read the review:http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeTh...
Elizabeth, did you want me to add A Ghost of a Chance to the current poll, since we don't have many options there? My editing possibilities are very limited, but I think I can add a book.
Werner... only if members are truly interested, otherwise, really no need to fit it in. A Ghost of a Chance is book 1 in the series. Book 2: A Ghost From the Shadows is in paperback and book 3: A Ghost Meets an Angel will be out in e-book in December and then follow in paperback. I just wanted the Review known to readers of this genre, since it wasn't known to me until a Titter pal brought it to my attention. My publisher had mentioned that Coffee Time was going to put it on their Halloween reading list... but as is the case with professional book review sites, "if and when" is up to the book reviewer. But THANKS for the offer ;-)Elizabeth
You're welcome, Elizabeth. And thanks for letting us know about the review! (Since we'll be doing a common read every month, you or someone else can always nominate a book from this series on a later poll, too.)
Hmm I'll add A Ghost of a Chance to my TR list Elizabeth thanks! :)
Thanks Levi... I think you might would like book 2: A Ghost From the Shadows better than book 1. Book 2 might be a little more in your vein (as a guy). At least that's what the guys say who read my books.
And although it is a series, it is not necessary to have read each one because each book is a stand-alone mystery.
I just put book 3: A Ghost Meets an Angel on my editor's desk. It was inspired by a trip to the haunted cemetery at Natchez, Mississippi. The goal is to have it ready for e-book in December and then it will follow in paperback about 5 months after that.
Happy Halloween!
www.ElizabethEaganCox.net
Jim, so far the poll votes are running five to one in favor of Hell House.
Sorry I'm a little late in announcing the poll results! Storm of Magick received two votes; but the winner, and our common read for November, is Hell House by Richard Matheson, with six votes. I'll put a discussion thread up for it around the beginning of next month, unless someone starts one earlier.
For those new to the group --and several people are; a warm welcome to all of you!-- our optional common read for this month is Hell House, by Richard Matheson. We try to offer a common read every month.That raises a question for everybody. Do we want an intermission from common reads in December? That's a month when many people don't read as much or spend as much time online, what with holiday preparations, gift shopping, etc.; and then too, some folks will be traveling, or hosting company. (On the other hand, what with time off from some jobs, some of us may read more in December!) Personally, I make time for reading no matter what month it is. :-) But I'll be glad to accommodate the group's preference!
I'll look forward to hearing what the book will be for December :) (if there is one)
Debbie, if the group appears to be game for a common read in December, I'll open the floor for suggestions later this week. (Of course, people can always make suggestions earlier as well.) Around the middle of this month, I'll put the books you all have suggested in a poll; so you'll get a chance to vote on what we pick. The voice of the majority rules! :-)
So far, nobody's indicated that he/she is opposed to a common read in December; and we've got at least two people (Debbie and I) who are game for one. So, I'd say we're ready to entertain suggestions as to what book it'll be! (If any of us tells a few jokes or does a jig, I guess that would "entertain" the suggestions; but with my voice, I'd better not sing. :-) Okay, sorry, couldn't resist the pun; I'm under control now.)
I probably will be able to...
Since we don't have any nominations yet, I'll throw one into the ring: Water Witch (Leisure Books, 2008) by Goodreads author Deborah LeBlanc. (Deborah's one of my Goodreads friends, and I've promised to review her book, so I need --and want!-- to not put off reading it any longer.) Quoting from the back cover: "Dunny knew from an early age what it meant to be an outsider. Her special abilities earned her many names, like freak and water witch. So she vowed to keep her powers a secret. But now her talents may be the only hope of two missing children. A young boy and girl have vanished, feared lost in the mysterious bayous of Louisiana. But they didn't just disappear; they were taken. And amid the ghosts and spirits of the swamp, there is a danger worse than any other, one with very special plans for the children --and for anyone who dares to interfere."
I'll toss in Never Ceese A vampire . . . a werewolf . . . Can Two Who Were Wronged Make It Right? by group member Sue Dent. I have it & her next book on my TBR pile & really want to get to it.
Jim, good suggestion! In fact, I'll withdraw mine, and vote for yours. (I'm going to read Water Witch in December anyway, but I've already read Never Ceese, so I won't have any problem joining in the discussion if the group votes for it. (Next month, I'll put Water Witch in the poll for the January read --assuming that I like it as much as I expect to :-))
Oh! Good I want to read Never Ceese!
Time certainly flies --November's more than half gone! Usually, I've been posting the polls for our common reads so that they're up for the last two weekends of the month. If I keep to that schedule, I'll need to set up the poll tomorrow. As yet, though, we only have one nomination --which would make a poll something like a Soviet "election!" :-) If nobody has a second suggestion by tomorrow morning, I'll propose just declaring Never Ceese the winner by default.
It's nearly nine o'clock (Eastern time), and no other books have been nominated yet! That being the case, I'd say we can skip a poll this time. If nobody objects, then, our common read in December (for anyone who wants to join in) will be Sue Dent's Never Ceese.
Not wanting to interfere with the December read but what about something by Ramsey Cambell for a future read? I've not read any of his work myself but I have heard good things...
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