Introducing The Marginalia Book Club!

Let's read & discuss books about writing

What Is It?

A writing craft book club is an idea I’ve had for a while. I love books about writing. I tend to collect them, however; I don’t always read the books I buy. (Can anyone relate?) So in an effort to whittle down my TBR pile, revisit some classics, and get some accountability during the process, the Marginalia Book Club is born!

With each book, we’ll explore new techniques, refresh ourselves on well-known methods, spark ideas, and grow our writing skills. Let’s build our creative toolkits and meet fellow writers in the process.

How It Works:

● Book Selection

I’ll choose a recommended writing book or a classic that has been foundational for me and is worth another read. We’ll read and tackle a few chapters per week—the discussion schedule will be posted in the Marginalia section of the website.

● Book Thoughts

Each week of the book schedule, there will be free posts to review and discuss that week’s section, as well as ask pressing questions and share actionable tips.

● Live Discussions & Writing

After we’ve finished the book, we’ll grab some tea, coffee, or the beverage of your choice and come together for a live Zoom discussion to share insights and lightbulb moments and do brief writing exercises to put the techniques into practice.

● Bonus Resources

Paid subscribers will also get access to action guide worksheets and my personal takeaways from each book. You’ll also get to vote on the next book we take on!

Who Should Join?

Writers who want to level up their craft and support others on the journey. Whether you’re working on finishing your first manuscript or are deep into drafting your next masterpiece, the Marginalia Book Club is here for inspiration, guidance, and a good time.

Our First Book!

Our inaugural selection is Make a Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld (Bookshop | Amazon). (I’m using the 2017 edition.) This book promises to take “you step-by-step through the elements of strong scene construction and demonstrates how the essential aspects of a compelling story—including character, plot and dramatic tension—function within the framework of individual scenes to give momentum to the whole narrative.”

It has sat on my shelf for years, and I am excited to finally begin reading it! Grab your copy now!

Here’s the schedule—the dates listed are when the section’s Book Thoughts post will go up:

• Week 1, January 21, 2025: Introduction - Chapter 6

• Week 2, January 28, 2025: Chapters 7 - 13

• Week 3, February 4, 2025: Chapters 14 - 18

• Week 4: February 11, 2025: Chapters 19 - end

We’ll be gathering together on Zoom on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 12pm ET. You can register for free here to grab the link.

How to Join the Club:

1. Make sure you’re subscribed to Footnotes for My Imaginary Friends.

2. Start reading and join the conversation in the Book Thoughts posts!

3. Upgrade to a paid subscription to access the bonus materials and vote on future books.

I can’t wait to get into these books with you and see how they improve our writing journeys!

Have questions or suggestions? Reply to this post—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
Leslye

P.S. Paid subscribers also get access to my exclusive workshops, tutorials, craft essays, and more. It’s the perfect time to upgrade if you haven’t already!