Handwritten text that says "Spark your imagination."

See ideas in action. Explore across genres.

The NBC is on summer hiatus and will resume Monday September 21.

The Novelists Book Club

A discussion group for fiction writers on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12:00pm and 7:00pm MT.

Meet with other writers to talk about the craft and creativity of storytelling.

Register Here for the Midday Club
Register Here for the Evening Club

Come and gain:

  • New skill sets from published examples.

  • New ideas from inside and outside your favorite genres.

  • New connections with peers.

  • New appreciation for what makes novels beloved—and sometimes bestsellers (besides hype and algorithms).

Coming Up:

September 21: The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison, 2014 (adult clean fantasy, steampunk, imperial court intrigue). Topic: Showing and telling.

October 19: The Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore, 2026 (police procedural, thriller, dual POV, faith). Topic: Tight integration of story elements.

November 16: The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz, 2017 (series mystery, amateur sleuths, reimagined classics, England). Topic: Timing revelations.

December 21: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, 2021 (sci-fi, earth-at-risk, alien life, bromance). Topic: Voice.

Discussion questions will be emailed before each meeting to those who register.

Register Here for the Midday Club
Register Here for the Evening Club

A Few Notes from Erin:

  • The Novelists Book Club covers a wide variety of titles and genres that demonstrate certain aspects of craft. Typically choices are from within the past five years, to reflect current strategies and trends.

  • Erin often selects titles with a measure of popularity, because audience responsiveness says something about creative effectiveness.

  • Not all selected books will suit everyone. Please vet each choice for yourself and determine whether it’s right for you.

  • We’ll extend professional respect to our colleagues even if we’re occasionally critical of their work.

  • We’ll try to keep the conversation focused on craft—but we’ll also go with the flow if interests lead elsewhere.

  • Expect spoilers. It’s hard to discuss the effectiveness of a story if we can’t talk about the whole thing. So don’t be upset when the beans spill. All plot points will be on the table.

FAQ:

  • Nope! Attend for free (and for fun).

  • Nope! I’ll provide the context you need for the conversation to make sense. (But if you read the book, you’ll get more out of the meeting.)

  • Nope! If you’re a novelist or aspiring novelist, you can come. (Let your friends know.)

  • Nope! But I’ll encourage chats and invite participants to share their views. (Who wants to listen to me drone for an hour?)

  • As wide a variety as possible.

  • Register here.