Chicks On Lit discussion
Non Book Talk
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Bookreporter.com made us all famous!
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I'd forgotten all about this until Roxy sent me a message with the link! Pretty cool, huh?!
This is nifty! Congrats on the interview!
Tera Sheppard is the founder and moderator of “Chicks on Lit,” an online-based book club on Goodreads.com. Formed in February 2008, it currently has over 460 members. In this interview, Tera and several of her fellow readers talk about the bonds formed among the group’s participants, which are stronger than they ever could have imagined. They also explain how their varied backgrounds and the welcoming atmosphere allow for some very intense and enlightening book discussions.
Q: Does your group have a name and/or a theme? How long has your group been in existence?
Tera: Our group name is “Chicks on Lit.” You may view our website on Good Reads here. We were created Valentine’s Day of 2008.
Q: How many members do you have? How many men, how many women? What age are most of your members?
Tera: We have 460+ members with more joining daily. We are comprised of women ages 18 and up.
Q: How often do you meet? Where do you meet?
Tera: We meet online, and we are there every day and night.
Q: Do you eat at your meetings? What do you eat? Who brings the food?
Tera: We munch online as we type, I'm sure.
Q: Who leads the discussion? Do you use reading group guides?
Tera: Whomever’s book was chosen that month leads the discussion. They may use reading guides, but often the discussion takes on a voice of its own and everyone is encouraged to add questions or comments. Everyone is encouraged to start discussions on any topic on our site, however.
Q: What kind of books do you read?
Tera: We read anything. We have no limits on what books we read, although most have been modern fiction.
Q: How do you choose your books? Do you choose one new book at each meeting, or do you choose the books for a number of meetings ahead of time?
Tera: We choose one book a month by a nomination and voting process. People nominate a book they would like to read, and then we form a poll and everyone votes. The book with the most votes wins.
Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the group read?
Tera: We had great discussions with Ann Hood's The Knitting Circle. The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton also sparked another great discussion.
Meg: I would say our best discussion was around The Knitting Circle. I was amazed out how many of us had common bonds. How honest we all were. How willing we were to open up and detail our heartfelt journeys. It was an amazing group, and the threads were very emotional for us all. It led to a bonding that we weren't aware was possible. Of course having the author willing to bond with us as well made it very special.
Holli: I have to agree with Meg about The Knitting Circle discussion. That book really drew all of us out and gave us an outlet to discuss a variety of things that had happened to us. I think it’s what pulled us together as a group and got us feeling as if we are more than just "online" friends to each other....
Jo: I think The Knitting Circle had the most dynamic discussions so far, and as a result, those of us involved in those discussions have formed a very unexpected yet comforting bond. I never would've imagined all that we honestly talked about as a result of this book when I first nominated it! I've never been a part of something like that before!
Q: How do you keep things fun?
Jo: We keep things fun by being honest, open-minded and having a sense of humor! Differences of opinion are great for lively discussions as long as it doesn't get catty. Also, by not reading the same type of books each month, so we have something new to talk about.
Tera: I think we have so much fun because we talk about everything and there are always new members, so we are continually learning from each other.
Holli: I would say we keep things fun by just asking the questions we have on our mind at that moment. Whatever it is... we can post it on COL and we can discuss and dissect and start a multitude of discussions that way. What makes our group fun for me is that no one is ever scared to throw their thought out there, which makes for honest talks and a deeper camaraderie.
Laura: I think with lots of interesting personalities, and with everyone having the freedom to speak their mind, it just goes with the territory. I think the fact that we are all women helps a lot in making us (me at least) feel that we can talk about anything.
Q: What advice would you give to other reading groups?
Tera: Have fun. Don't take it or yourselves too seriously.
Holli: Be involved... speak your mind... be mature about your discussions and debates and have fun!
Laura: I think the choice of moderator makes a big difference, too. I'm still new to this group. Tera, I think that you are a good impartial referee, and you're a big part of the reason we have the openness and acceptance and fresh ideas here. So I would say to pick a good leader.
Q: Is there anything else unique or noteworthy about your group that you would like to share?
Tera: The wonderful thing about our group is that it is comprised of a dynamic group of women from all over and all backgrounds, yet we find a common ground throughout our love of books. That has helped us create true bonds of friendship. Some might question that because we are an online group limited to text, but we fall in love with books and they are comprised of nothing but words, so it is easy for us to do the same with each other through the power of words. We have been able to talk about politics, share ideas about women’s roles, support one another through personal loss and trials, and yet most of us have never met each other. There has never been unkind words or harshness with one another because we have a line of respect and devotion to the group and to each other that makes it a powerful and supportive place while still being able to learn and share through the books we love as our foundation.
Holli: I think our group is unique because we are all unique. We each bring something special to our group, and without all of us, it wouldn't work the way it does. It’s a very warm and welcoming environment, and that helps a lot!
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