Do you finish every book you start?

I've heard excellent cases for both sides of this one. To be honest, I was conditioned not to read every word during my time at Uni when I was studying English, and we were given way more books in the syllabus than we could possibly read. It seemed impossible to cram in one per week, when we were talking about novels the size of Little Dorrit, Bleak House or Middlemarch. The staff surely knew we'd focus on our essay topics and skim through the rest, but was it a good habit they were molding us into? Here are some pros and cons for both sides.


I Finish Every Book

These are the people who grit their teeth and plow through no matter what. They believe being faithful in small commitments proves them more likely to be faithful in larger ones. Quitting in small matters, such as reading a book, makes them more likely to be quitters in life.

One lady wrote that she can't count the numbers of times she was bored at the beginning of a novel and wowed by the end. Sticking to a book, in her opinion, is its own reward. She reminded me of times I've loaned books to people who I'm sure would have enjoyed the story if they'd only persevered.

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, "I've only abandoned three books that I can remember, preferring to soldier on through unmemorable chapters than to let an unfinished plot clutter my thoughts." He'd probably be aghast by this superficial skimming era we find ourselves in, and perhaps he'd have a point. What can be more shallow than making snap judgments about any given book based on first impressions?

I Don't Bother Finishing Every Book

These people may be aware of statistics. Google says there are nearly 130 million books in circulation in the world, and 4500 are published in the USA alone, daily. A person who commits to completing 50 books in a Goodreads challenge each year, would have to read for a century to tap into 0.00004% of them.

As the years are short and fly by so fast, and there are many books we'd enjoy far more just waiting to be discovered, what is the point of slogging on with a book which isn't engaging us? It simply wastes the precious time we could be spending on those which could be a far better fit.

My Point of View

I probably side more with the non-finishers. I believe in giving books a fair, fifty page trial, but by then, you've probably developed a fair idea of whether you should keep going. I've stuck to books I've been forced to study. In more recent years, I also try to stick to books I've committed to review for blogging programmes such as Net Galley. This has been enough to show me that the first third of any given book is usually enough to help form an accurate, overall impression.

If it's a novel, and the characters are flat and the plot creeps along like a tortoise, it probably won't get much better. I've read a lot of books in my lifetime, and generally find that if I'm going to like them, I'll be engaged from the start ninety percent of the time.

Many of us used to complain about having to read books we hate at school, just so we can churn out boring essays about them. Some of these school novels left us with bad after-tastes about perfectly good authors for years. Well, the good news is that in most cases, nobody is forcing us stick with unenjoyable books any more. I'd encourage more people to appreciate and use the freedom of no longer being in school.

If you need somebody to give you permission to quit a book you're finding tedious, maybe I can be that person. Although the books may feel like people, they are only books. It's not as hard as breaking up with somebody you're dating. If it's not making you look forward to your next spare moment when you can pick it up, then drop it. If you don't daydream about it and want to rave about it and shout about it from the rooftops, it probably doesn't matter if you don't finish it. I don't agree with Tolkien about letting unfinished plots clutter my thoughts. If I'm finding them hard going, I'm more than happy to let them disappear from my thoughts completely.

So take it back to the library, donate it to a Goodwill shop, delete it from your kindle and get on with something good.

Paula Vince is a South Australian author of contemporary, inspirational fiction. She lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, with its four distinct seasons, and loves to use her environment as settings for her stories. Her novel, 'Picking up the Pieces' won the religious fiction section of the International Book Awards in 2011, and 'Best Forgotten' was winner of the CALEB prize the same year. She is also one of the four authors of 'The Greenfield Legacy', Australia's first and only collaborated Christian novel. Her most recent novel, 'Imogen's Chance' was published April 2014. For more of Paula's reflections, you may like to visit her book review blog, The Vince Review.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

By Rel Mollet

Cover art is always a big talking point on my blog. I do regular cover reveals as new books hit Amazon and there's always plenty of discussion on covers that work and ones that don't. Of course, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is a subjective exercise with many differing opinions.

As authors, being aware of the importance readers place on an appealing cover is crucial. Most readers are unlikely to purchase a book with a cover they dislike. Many readers base their decisions to purchase a novel by an author they don't know on their love of the cover alone. Readers want to get a glimpse of the story from the a glance at the cover, be aware of the genre immediately, and know if it is a second or third book of a series, by their consistency with the first book. And pity help the author/publisher who has a character on the cover that doesn't match their description in the story! Or series that fail to place a number on the spine and cover.

Traditionally published authors may not get a great deal of say when it comes to their book's cover art, but indie authors really need to pay attention - and be willing to bear the cost - to every aspect of cover design from the artwork, to the title font, and a consistent and recognisable author name font. Your cover is your shopfront and it needs to look attractive and fit the story line to work best in your favour.

Christian Fiction covers, especially in the historical romance genre, are easily identifiable with tried and true (some may say cookie cutter!) designs still prevalent. Authors wanting to tap into the traditional Christian demographic need to note what works for that audience, and equally, those writers hoping to reach a broader audience should look for stylistic and unique cover designs.

There's a mountain of other things to consider but I'm simply addressing cover design from a reader's perspective.

Here's some recent covers (both traditionally published and indie) that reflect both styles, and some of the comments I have made about genre and the like. It's not too hard to pick the reader audience these authors and their publishers hope to connect with, is it?

PS. After you have looked at the many covers, there's a question I'd love you to respond to below!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on which covers catch your eye! And, if you don't already know, whether you can distinguish the indie covers from their traditional counterparts.

*******

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. 

Rel is a contributing writer at NovelCrossing.com and FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

A Reader's Q & A

By Rel Mollet

There have been a lot of great writerly posts here at ACW in the past weeks, so I thought I'd change things up a little by doing a reader Q & A. I'm sure it is easy as a writer to get caught up in the pressures of putting pen to paper and losing sight, on occasion, of the joy of reading. Hope I don't bore you with my responses! 

I'd love for you to pick a question you fancy and answer it for yourself in the comments.

1. Favourite childhood book?

A Little Bush Maid by Mary Grant Bruce. Terribly politically incorrect these days, but I adored the entire series. They had everything - adventure, danger, WWI, horses, the bush,

misunderstandings, sacrifice, and what was probably my first introduction to a romance! Norah and Wally...swoon!

2. What are you reading right now?

I've just finished Jody Hedlund's Hearts Made Whole ~ a lovely story of hope and forgiveness set in the aftermath of the Civil War dealing with alcoholism, opium dependence, and a woman's right to work!

3. Bad book habit?

Hmmm...probably reading every book I pick up to the end. Even the bad ones! I live in hope that things will improve :)

4. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Nothing! I rarely visit our local library - I have my own 'library' at home and I'm not making enough headway as it is ;-)

5. Do you have an e-reader?

I do! A sworn hard copy devotee, I was gifted a Kindle and I love it. I take it with me everywhere. While I adore books on my shelves (and as I loan my books out - see library mention above!), now I've become so comfortable with the e-reader, I prefer it! Shh...don't tell anyone.

6. Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?

One book at a time for me. Although, I will listen to a different audiobook when I'm out and about in the car.

7. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

Yes, reading for my own pleasure rarely happens. My reviewing commitments keep me busy reading with a more critical eye. That's not to say I don't enjoy review reading - I do - it is just different.

8. Favourite book you've read so far this year?

This is too hard! Here's a few I've really loved - Ronie Kendig's FALCON, Tamara Leigh's LADY OF CONQUEST, and a few unpublished manuscripts. Can't say anything more than that I can't wait for them to be published!

9. How often do you read outside your reading comfort zone?

Rarely. Having to read the occasional Amish novel or one too many of the same genre for my blog would be where it's stretched the most.

10. Can you read in the car?

Yep. Don't often get the chance, though. My husband is a communicator so apparently car trips are for talking!

11. Favourite place to read?

Anywhere I can!

12. What is your policy on book lending?

I do have a policy. And software to record the borrowings. Seriously. I like to keep track of where my books have gone (for obvious reasons!), but I also maintain records so I can choose the right books for those who borrow from me.

13. Do you ever dog-ear books?

I do not understand that question ;-) NEVER. EVER.

14. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

Not since University textbooks.

15. What is your favourite language to read in?

One I can understand. And that means one - English!

16. What makes you love a book?

Characters that engage my emotions.

17. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

Characters that engage my emotions! And knowing a reader's likes and dislikes, I'll tailor my recommendations to their tastes.

18. Favourite genre? 

Romantic suspense. Heavy on the suspense, and a deft, natural feel to the romance.

19. Genre you rarely read but wish you did?

Biographies, but I don't have the time.

20. Favourite biography?

Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom

21. Have you ever read a self-help book?

Umm...if I have I've never finished it!

22. Favourite cookbook?

The internet :)

*******

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. 

Rel is a contributing writer at NovelCrossing.com and FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

Creating Genuine Reader Engagement: The Basics

by Rel Mollet

Growing up reading everything I could get my hands on, I never imagined that one day authors, those brilliantly talented folk that had their names on books in pretty font, would be accessible to me the reader. The writers among you know more than most that it is a brave new world we live in - one where authors have a website dedicated to a great headshot and hopefully eye-catching book covers. A world where writers feel pressured to have a profile for every social media application known to mankind, and where freebies and giveaways and gifts for readers seem commonplace, and even expected. The pressure to engage with readers is immense, a reality, and one that can be done well.

Now, let's be clear, I'm no marketing guru - I'm sharing my thoughts as a reader, as to what the basics are when it comes to reader engagement.

A Quality Story

An essential precursor to reader engagement is a quality, intriguing, emotion inducing story. Without that, reader engagement is unlikely, so let's assume that's a given. Where do you go from there?

Identify Your Target Audience

If you are already published, then your target audience should already be in your sights, so to speak! If you are yet to release your novel, put time and effort into determining and understanding your target audience. If you don't have your readership clear in your minds, any future marketing and reader engagement is likely to be inefficient or even ineffective.

Appealing Website

The modern reader expects to be able to find authors' online home. An up to date, fresh, visually appealing website at the very least. We all know the damage a "cheap and nasty" cover can do to a book. The same can be said for a "cheap and nasty" website. There's plenty of free do-it-yourself website designs available these days so there is not a lot of excuses anymore. Some interactive features wouldn't go astray either. Get a second, third, and fourth opinion from people with an eye for design who will be honest with you.

Social Media Platform

Plenty has been said on this topic so I won't say much. Choose one (some of you may be able to manage more than one) social media site that works for you and then do it well. Focus your energies on Facebook or Pinterest or Twitter or a blog and show your readers you care for them on that medium. Consider your target audience to make a wise choice in this arena.

Respect your Readers

This is a big one, my friends. Your readers aren't stupid, so don't treat them as such. Just as you have invested time and effort in writing a story, your readers invest time, money, and emotions in reading it. Out of the billions of books available, they chose yours, Respect that. The number of times I have read poorly thought out criticisms of readers by writers staggers me. In response to a review, on a blog, on social media. I don't care that you might be commenting on a writers' website - plenty of readers hang around writers groups and the fastest way to turn off a reader is to be dismissive, aggressive, or rude.

Nurture your Readers

A reader sends you an email? Reply. A blogger sends you a link to their review? Visit the blog and comment with thanks. A reader asks for a review copy? Accept or decline, but do so graciously and with appreciation for their interest.

There are other ways to engage your readers, but that's for another day. Remember, care for your readers and they will care for you!

Do you enjoy or resent the need for reader engagement?

*******

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. 

Rel is a contributing writer at NovelCrossing.com and FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

Readers Only

by Rel Mollet

I'm forever thankful that I don't have the compunction to write a novel! That's best saved for people way more talented than me. Somewhat selfishly, I'm more than happy to sit back and delight in the experience of reading a tale borne from someone else's blood, sweat, and tears, rather than my own!

While most readers are not writers, most writers are readers, or at least they should be if they are pursuing their chosen career effectively. Over the years of working with novelists, discussing book preferences, and talking about stories with readers, bloggers, and writers, it has become clear to me that the reading experience often differs between people who are reader/writers as opposed to those of us who only read.

The lovely Dorothy Adamek mentioned to me, after one of our Book Club meetings, that it was valuable for her to hear the way readers discussed books, and how surprised she was over the things that were not important to readers, things that as a writer she thought might have been.

So, here's my view, for what it's worth, on what readers like me (not every reader, I know) are looking for in their stories.

Readers love character engagement - they want to become invested in the protagonist's life. To connect, by way of common ground or common interest, in what the character is feeling, seeing, experiencing. Nothing will draw a reader in more quickly than a character who touches a chord in their own life - the heroine who feels alone and isolated, the hero who has a weakness that he is trying to overcome, the child who longs for their mother to pay attention, the woman who relies on her best friend to tell her the truth.

Readers love a setting they can see, taste, or smell. Descriptive words that enhance without falling into clichés, word pictures that evoke the atmosphere of places they have been or only imagined. They want to be transported to medieval Italy, World War II France, or the streets of Melbourne, by the clever use of words.

Readers love stories that evoke an emotional response. If we're reading a suspense novel, we expect our heart rates to rise. If it's a romance, then we want to have sigh-worthy moments when we actually sigh aloud. A heartbreaking story needs to cause tears to form and a comedy needs to have us hiding our laughter from other commuters on the train!

Readers love authenticity. Realistic characters, genuine relationships, accurate descriptions. While the stories may not be real, we readers want reality in our novels. Rich guy meets poor and beautiful girl? Sorry, so over it! Flawless characters? Not interested. Everything tied up with a neat bow? Please, no! Be real with your readers - most will appreciate the bumpy roads, the poor choices, and the consequences that result. Life is messy - let's not pretend differently.

Generally speaking (yes, I know there are readers out there who think they are experts at writing, having never put pen to paper), readers are not so concerned about the technical details - was the right tense used, could another word have supplied, did the author tell rather than show? Now, don't get me wrong. These things can jerk readers out of the story but we are a forgiving lot if the author has managed to tick the boxes of the four things mentioned above - stellar characters, evocative writing, the ability to generate a physical response, and authenticity. As Dorothy said to me, "Readers don't care for mechanical super tricks if the story works." She is so right!

Naturally, reader/writers have a tendency to read more critically, to identify where they could have written a paragraph better, would have never given the leading character that personality, or used a different plot twist altogether. Writers have difficulty turning off their internal editor. I get that. Be sure you are writing novels that readers will love - not just ones your crit partners agree have technical merit. I think there is value in having a "reader only" cast their eye over your manuscripts because they will have important feedback to give - feedback that you consider along with the feedback of your writer friends and critique partners, of course, yet remembering it is readers who you are ultimately wanting to satisfy and engage with your stories.

*******

Rel Mollet founded her book-reviewing blog www.RelzReviewz.com in 2006, which is dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. 

Rel is a contributing writer at NovelCrossing.com and FamilyFiction.com, and an Advisory Board member of the INSPY Awards.  A book club co-ordinator for over a decade, Rel resides in Melbourne with her family.

Meeting an author for the first time.

By Jenny Blake

Last time I talked about a Goodreads group retreat with some writers and readers in Spokane Washington State. This time I am going to mention a couple of meetings I have been able to have with some authors both published and aspiring.

Last May when I went to America for my trip of a lifetime to meet a couple of friends for the first time and to do the Historical Highlights tour and see places like Gettysburg which were on my must see list. I also had the chance to meet with 4 Seekerville regulars, two of the seekers and 2 followers.

I had mentioned my trip and a couple said if you are in Atlanta we should meet. I had decided to stop there for a day and as it turned out I flew into Dallas then into Atlanta. I was going to Chattanooga the following day so I was able to meet 4 ladies for lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. Debby Giusti and Patty Jo Moore meet me at the hotel and took me to the venue where Missy Tippens and Patty Smith Hall meet us.

Debby Giusti, Jenny Blake, Missy Tippens, Patty Smith Hall

and Patty Jo Moore.

 

It was a fun time talking about books and the Australian scene. I shared timtams with the ladies. I felt I knew most of these ladies before meeting due to Seekerville and with Patty Smith Hall from the Goodreads Love Inspired Historical group. Patty Jo I knew as Catmom from Seekerville and said to her I didn't know if I would recognise her without a cat. She is such a lovely warm lady who I am so happy I have met. The lunch for this reader was a wonderful time to get to know writers I had read and gotten to know on line and was now meeting.

 

While I was in Williamsburg I got to meet Carrie Fancett Pagels who is also a historical author. My tour had the afternoon to look round Old Williamsburg and Carrie met me there and we spent the afternoon with her showing me the area. Again this came about because of my trip and for this reader it was special.

 



 

I have had the chance to meet a couple of Australian authors this year and it has been a blessing. I am not sure if authors know how much it means to readers to meet them and how excited we can get. I met Paula Vince in my towns Christian bookshop a few years back and I was like a kid in a candy store. I was so excited, I am sure Paula can tell you how excited I got. The same reaction happened when a sales girl in Koorong found out Narelle Atkins was an author and had just found her book. I saw in her how I was when I first met Paula.

 

On Tuesday Debby Giusti will be visiting to talk about reader appreciation luncheons. Hopefully will give ideas on how to meet and appreciate readers.  

 

 

 JENNY BLAKE (aka Ausjenny) is an avid reader. When not reading she enjoys watching cricket, in fact you could call her a cricket fanatic, scrapbooking and jigsaws. She volunteers at the local Christian bookshop where she can recommend books to customers. Her book blog is where she reviews books and interview authors. Her goal is to help promote new books and encourage authors. Her blog is athttp://ausjenny.blogspot.com and is Co-Founder ofhttp://acrba.blogspot.com

 







Goodreads group get together.

By Jenny Blake

Continuing on from last weeks blog post on readers responses to Goodreads this week I am writing about how a groups can bless both authors and readers. 

Last week I mentioned both the Love Inspired Historical group and also Janet Tronstad - Dry Creek & Other Stories groups. Both these books have been a blessing to me. About 2 years ago I ended up in hospital after collapsing at home and the LIH group were so caring after I got back home. It was like having an extended family around the world. Then when my mother passed away they blessed me with a small gift. The group has also supported others who have had a loss or illness in similar ways. The reason this group is such a caring group is that the members share with each other and support each other. It is more than just a group where readers communicate with authors instead we see them as friends. 

Last year a group of us meet in Spokane last year in May. This came about with my going to America for a holiday and planning to visit Spokane. Both the LIH group and Janet Tronstad's group were involved. A group of about 12 of us meet in Spokane for a weekend. The meeting took place over 4 days with most arriving on the Friday and leaving on the Tuesday morning. I was doing a tour so couldn't arrive til the Sunday afternoon which meant I missed out on meeting Camy Tang. Below is a photo of 10 of us take by one of the 2 husbands who were also there.  This is not long after I arrived and at this stage I was extremely exhausted and overwhelmed. One of the other ladies had to leave early but am so glad we got time to meet.

These groups have been there for me in many difficult times and it was so good to finally meet some of the ladies. We had a great time getting to know each other better. We had time to visit on the Monday had a special lunch thanks to Janet Tronstad and Jillian Hart. This is where we had to say good bye to two of the couples which was sad to do.  My biggest regret was not having longer with the group but it was definitely worth the visit. As a reader meeting authors is exciting and can leave us a little tongue tied but having known these ladies online it was more like meeting friends. 

As a reader having a chance to meet other readers and authors who we have gotten to know online is a privilege and I hope to be able to meet them all again at some stage. This came about from a Goodreads group and I wrote this to show how a group can be beneficial.

In America there are many reader appreciation luncheons where authors and readers have a chance to meet and in July we will be hearing more about this from an authors point of view. I would love this sort of opportunity in Australia also.

Have you ever been to an Author/Reader event? Or would you be interested in participating?
Would love to hear what others think. 

JENNY BLAKE (aka Ausjenny) is an avid reader. When not reading she enjoys watching cricket, in fact you could call her a cricket fanatic, and jigsaws. Her book blog is where she reviews books and interview authors. Her goal is to help promote new books and encourage authors. Her blog is at http://ausjenny.blogspot.com and is Co-Founder of http://acrba.blogspot.com

Results of survey on Goodreads.

By Jenny Blake

Goodreads is a website where people talk books. You can list books you have read, enter giveaways and join groups. After some recent talk about Goodreads I put a survey to some Goodread readers (and these are readers who are not also writers) who are also members of some of the groups. Below are some of the responses to the questions.

1.    What do you like best about Goodreads?

Keeping track of my books!

I enjoy connecting with others who love to read as much as I do and finding out about books I might not have known about otherwise. I have made some true friends.

I love seeing what everybody else is reading and getting honest reviews on the books! I also love the close friendships that form on the groups!

Keeping an organized list of my books and reviews

The opportunity to get to know others with like-minded interests in the same books and share a bond of friendship about those books

The friendships made in the groups.

Interacting with authors on groups.

Easy to navigate and it's always fun to get a note that the author liked my review!

At first it was winning books but now it is the relationship we have in our group

Most books are listed.

2.    What annoys you about Goodreads if anything?

Nothing so far this was the most common response.

I have looked at some groups where people seem to be irritated all the time or arguing among themselves. I don't find that in the Christian groups I've joined.

I wish we could post photos in a status update like on facebook.

People liking my reviews just for the sake of liking my reviews

When trying to look at the books to win I wish the page numbers were also at the top instead of having to go all the way to the bottom again. Also I would like to be able to delete the contest I haven't won.

Can be slow at times.

3.    What makes a good Goodreads group?

Lots of interaction, someone asking questions, opening up discussions.

For me, the Christian groups are nicest. I love connecting with people who have lots in common with me and hold the same worldview.

I think having the author of the book(s) that the group is created for interact with the members makes it special!

Posting frequently but not demanding to post excessively

Taking one topic, such as "St. Patrick's Day" or one author, such as Janet Tronstad and having a group about it

The moderators

A group where there is interaction and authors also interact.

Friendliness and courtesy. Even a heated discussion can be fun if everyone is respectful to each other.

Being in Janet's group. (it can be found here )

Participation

4.    What sort of group do you like best?

Ones where I have friends!

Christian groups and groups that talk about the books I'm most interested in.

Christian groups

Based on a certain type of novel, like HIstorical, or a long term series.

A group that is focused on the things I like.

Ones that I feel I can contribute and be a part of.

Author participation groups.

I like them to be different, not all the same. Contests/giveaways should be creative and require a little effort on the readers part!

Janet's group

I don't have a lot of time for groups these days.

5.    Do you like to interact with authors on groups?

Love it. I have become such great friends with authors, truly a dream come true for a reader like me.

Yes, I enjoy that immensely. That's my favourite part! Makes it fun.  Interacting with authors brings a whole new experience to reading the book. (several just put yes).

Rarely

6.    How can author’s best serve a group?

Keep talking to us, that's what we love. Being available for questions!

By being friendly and not becoming overly pushy. Become friends with people instead of just concentrating on promotion.

Treat the members as friends and not just fans!

Occasional presence

Just interacting with the readers of the group helps us get to know them...I love that! We can ask questions, see how they write and especially get to see they are real people too! I enjoy very much the friendship with authors I have on Goodreads

By sharing about their work as well as listening to the needs of the group.

By actually interacting with the readers and not just promoting their books.

Don't only talk about the books, but show us their 'human' side too. Give us a bite or two of trivia about themselves and their writing experience.

Just by being themselves

Just by showing up and saying hi now and then.

7.    Does being on a group such as Love inspiredHistorials or Love Inspired Heartsong Presents where authors interact with you inspire you to buy their books?

Every time I get to know another author it makes me more inclined to read their stuff over another book.

Yes, in this case with the type of books, the familiarity does aid the reading

Definitely because I learn so much more about their books and I want to buy them!

Several said yes and that they have bought books.

I'm going to buy the books regardless, but interaction will cause me to put them at the top of my TBR pile.

no

Sometimes.

8.    Does reading reviews of books on goodreads lead you to wanting to buy a book or do you use it more as a place to keep track of how many books you are reading?

I use it for keeping track because book reviews are opinions and not everyone has opinions like mine. If someone has the same taste as me I am more inclined, but no, a review has never swayed me.

Reviews do lead me to books I end up reading because of what someone else says about it, especially if they are my friend on Goodreads.

It makes me want to buy books and helps me keep track of my books too!

Sometimes but mostly use it to keep a list of books read.

Sometimes...I don't have a lot of time to read reviews...I usually just write them!

Sometimes it leads me to reading the book but I don't keep track of books read.

No. I use it to keep track of how many books I read. I do not want authors commenting on my reviews.

I use it to keep track of my books and remind me what I've noticed is available but haven't gotten to yet.

yes

I leave reviews but don't often read them.

I hope you find the responses interesting and helpful. The readers who commented are all members of at least one of the three groups mentioned and are active in the different groups. If we had opened the survey up to everyone there may have been different answers but we wanted readers opinions as this is who writers are wanting to hear feedback from. I also thought it would help to have the point of view of just readers.

JENNY BLAKE (aka Ausjenny) is an avid reader. When not reading she enjoys watching cricket, in fact you could call her a cricket fanatic, and jigsaws. Her book blog is where she reviews books and interview authors. Her goal is to help promote new books and encourage authors. Her blog is at http://ausjenny.blogspot.com and is Co-Founder of http://acrba.blogspot.com