Ah New Year's resolutions... You almost can't help but make them. There's something about the first day of the new year that just makes you feel like you can do better or more or less or whatever the case may be. Gym attendance in January is proof positive of this phenomenon. But what about some resolutions for your book club? Here are a few you might think about:
- Add a new member or two this year. Has attendance in your group declined a little - or had it just been the same old group for a long time? New members change the dynamic and can open your eyes to new possibilities. Why not invite someone new to the area or neighborhood to join you?
- Mix up your genres. Do you ususally read literary fiction? Try some science fiction or a memoir or some history or maybe even a self-help book and see how it goes.
- Location, location, location. Do you always meet a a member's house or the same coffee shop? Why not go for a new location once in awhile. Try a new local restaurant or your neighborhood book shop.
- Schedule a book club outing. Get everyone together and go to an author event or a movie based on a book you've just read. Getting out is a great bonding experience for the group and fun too!
- Schedule an author to speak to your book club. Don't be shy. Just ask. Lots of authors are willing to visit with you in person, or via phone or Skype. And most of them offer ways to get in touch via their website. Having the author there adds a whole new dimension to the talk and if you are having attendance problems, I bet everyone shows up for that meeting!
Those are my ideas -- have any you'd like to add? Anything that has worked for you group - or something you're planning to try this year? Feel free to add them to the list by commenting here!
Happy New Year 2011!
-- Dana Barrett, Contributing Editor
