The 2011 National Book Club Conference had a great turnout. Book clubs showed their support to seasoned and upcoming authors. According to Diverse Divas Book Club of Washington, D.C., which has been together for seven years, it is crucial for book clubs to show support in a platform created for them. It is important to be “in the know” about what is happening in the literary world with technology, and to meet the authors who give them something to talk about at every meeting, and share with other avid readers.
Although book-clubs are comprised of “ordinary” people facilitating extraordinary change in the literary world through their love of reading, the Diverse Divas consist of 10 members, who have their own distinct names. Deputy Diva (Shari McCoy) is a deputy chief in her professional career. Baby Diva (Tara) is the youngest of the group. Bossy Diva (Glenda), Foxy Diva (Doxie), “The Diva”(Kelli), Quiet Diva (Regina), Real Diva (Patsy), “A” Diva (Patrice), Natural Diva (Sharon), and AKA Diva (Brandy), all agree that book clubs are about fellowshipping. Their primary function is to promote and support seasoned and upcoming authors. Pamela R. Wilson of B.R.A.S book club (Book Reading As Sisters) from Upper Marlboro Md., is a stay-at-home mom who makes it a priority to support the NBCC each year.
The Divas of Diverse Divas BookClub shared this tidbit of advice to anyone who is interested in starting a book club: “find people who share a common interest and love for reading. It takes dedication and time, but mostly it takes commitment and consistency.”
Contributed by Wanda Stanley, author of Journey to the Last River Motivational Speaker www.marvelousmagination.com.
