The Awkward Squad
A Readers' Group by Michael Campling
Hello
"Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself . . . You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.”
― Angela Carter.
I came upon today's quote quite by accident and it immediately rang true to me. This wonderful pastime of reading that we all enjoy is universal in some ways and unique in others. We all love a good story, but give the same book to ten readers and you'll get ten different responses, possibly more if I'm anything to go by, as I may well change my mind during the discussion.
For writers, the varied reactions of readers can be intimidating, but I hope I've learned to embrace it. Yes, there will always be readers who don't quite 'get' what I'm trying to do, but we can agree to disagree and go on with our lives with no harm done.
The rise of review culture, in which you can't buy a pair of socks without receiving five emails asking for a review, has the potential to make critics of us all, but I like to remember the words of my mum: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
I'll happily share positive experiences, but if I've chosen a book or a film I didn't enjoy, I put it down to experience. It's all part of the tapestry of individual interpretation.
Speaking of interpretation, I've been wondering about the name of this readers' group and newsletter. Maybe it's time for a change, so I've put a poll in the Facebook group - more on that below. First, here are some words of thanks:
Cheers!
A huge thank you to these kind people who have sent me a mug of tea
via ko-fi.com. I'm raising a mug of English Breakfast in honour of these recent supporters:
Melinda
Darla
Sunshine
DeeAnn
and regular supporters: Lara, Cynthia, Lynn.
Thank you all for your encouragement and support.
Want to join them?
Some time ago I set up facebook groups for the Awkward Squad and the Street Team. They've been laying fallow for a while because they weren't in much use, especially since we now have a membership scheme on my website, but I've decided to bring the groups back. This is to give everyone a choice about where they view news and make comments and so on. I tend to get back to people quicker if they contact me via Facebook or on my site rather than email.
Here are the links you need:
My Facebook page: facebook.com/authormichaelcampling
The Awkward Squad group: facebook.com/groups/awkwardsquad
The Street Team group: facebook.com/groups/mikeycstreetteam
My author website isn't going away, so please feel free to visit and login to comment there.
Prizewinning Poll
This is another feature I've decided to bring back. In each newsletter there will be a poll or something similar. Take part and I'll choose a winner who will be able to claim a free ebook from my catalogue.
This month's question:
Do You Like our group's name?
We've been called The Awkward Squad for years, but maybe it's time for a change. There's a poll in the Facebook group, but so that everyone can take part I've also set up a google form. Please only use one or the other.
On Facebook: facebook.com/groups/awkwardsquad
On google forms: forms.gle/AcRs7sJAFkbKAaBi9
Featured Photos
Like a lot of people, we tend to visit certain places near our home regularly, and we forget that there are so many parts of Devon we could explore. I haven’t been to Exmouth often, but it was a perfect day to visit the coast, so we packed a picnic and off we went. I hadn’t realised that the beach was so long and the sand so soft. The sun was blazing, but I didn’t take my photos until later when it clouded over and the skies looked more dramatic.
I hope you enjoy the results.
I don’t go to many writing conferences, partly because many of them are abroad, but the Self Publishing Show Live has become a fixture for me.
Run by bestselling author Mark Dawson, the conference in London is a great chance to learn more about writing and all that goes with it. Above all though, I value the chance to meet and talk with other writers - it's always lively.
Me on the South Bank of the Thames, and once again I’ve managed to make it look as though I have a tiny antenna on my head.
There are lots more photos on my website and the images there are larger.
My Podcast
In this episode I talk about finishing the first draft of the next Devonshire Mystery. At long last we’ve reached this point, and I explain the next step.
What's Next?
Having finally completed the first draft of the next Devonshire Mystery, I'll be working through the revisions as fast as I can. It's going well and I think you'll enjoy the many-layered story. It's a long one, but there's plenty to get your teeth into. It has 90 chapters!
I'll also be taking part in some promotions soon. In July, Valley of Lies will be free for one week starting July 3 on Kobo and possibly on other retailers.
That's not far away, so here's the link: books2read.com/valleyoflies
On Smashwords, all my ebooks will be reduced for the whole month of July, and again that's coming up fast: smashwords.com/profile/view/MichaelCampling
There will, I hope, be some activity on our Facebook groups and on my website, which will continue to be the main place to see all my photos and updates.
What will you think to the new novel when you bring your own unique interpretation to it? Only time will tell, and I'm looking forward to finding out what you think of it (with my fingers firmly crossed behind my back).
Until next time, happy reading and take care.
All the best,
Mikey C
PS: Want More or to Get in Touch?
There are more photos and lots of other content and on my website:
I hope to see you over there!
To contact me, please visit my website, comment on Facebook or reply to this email.
I never send spam, so if you don't want these emails, please unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom.
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