Steven's Book of the Month Club 2021

Are you a YA, NA or Adult fiction writer who wants to read more?

Join the club!

Great WRITERS are great READERS!

We will read a book every month and alternate between a popular YA, NA, or Adult fiction book and a writing craft book. Level up your writing and make new friends by joining the club!

Who is this for?

We'll select books that will appeal to YA, NA, and Adult fiction writers who want to improve their craft. We will read and analyse craft books OR take a critical look at successful fiction books.

Who can participate?

Steven's Book of the Month Club is open to anyone! No need to sign up. Feel free to skip months or join whenever you want.

How do I join?

All you need to do is read the book of the month (or listen to it as an audiobook, whatever works for you!) and join the conversation on the date listed using #stevensbookotm. Even if you haven't read it, or didn't finish it, feel free to jump in!

Book Club Schedule for 2021

MAY

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Why we chose it: Levenseller is the author behind popular YA books like Warrior of the Wild and Daughter of the Pirate King. We're curious how she is capturing the imaginations of so many readers and if she pulled off a swoon-worthy romance between two morally grey characters.

Discussion date: Friday 28 May on Twitter (#stevensbookotm)

JUNE

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Why we chose it: The 'Save the Cat' method has been widely recommended in writers circles, and we want to know if it lives up to the hype. Also, we love cats.

Discussion date: Friday 25 June on Twitter (#stevensbookotm)

JULY

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Why we chose it: After all the hype surrounding Netflix's adaptation of Bardugo's breakout YA novel, you're probably tired of hearing about Shadow and Bone. Or maybe you want to check out the book behind the series (or revisit it). This month, let's take a critical look at what made the book so popular to see if there are any lessons there for aspiring authors.

Discussion date: Friday July 30 on Twitter (#stevensbookotm)

AUGUST

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

Why we chose it: While the reviews on Goodreads seem mixed, this craft book has popped up in discussions in our various writing circles so we've decided it's finally time to check it out. Also, Maass is a literary agent, so this book might provide some interesting insight into the querying process for us writers who are on the outside looking in.

Discussion date: Friday August 27 on Twitter (#stevensbookotm)

SEPTEMBER

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Why we chose it: Clare is another breakout YA author who has caught our attention. Like many young writers, she started in the world of fanfiction and has since developed her own characters and world. We want to know what has caught the hearts and minds of so many readers, and through the writing craft lens, take a critical look at this bestselling book.

Discussion date: Friday September 24 on Twitter (#stevensbookotm)

What book should we read next?

Do you have a book you've been curious about? Or one you've read that you'd like to recommend? Leave a comment below, send an email to slushpilemonster [at] gmail [dot] com or drop us a message on Twitter (@SlushpileSteven). We just might choose it for the selections for book of the month in the autumn! A spooky Halloween-themed book for October is VERY welcome!

Are you a writer who is looking for feedback from an experienced beta reader? Why not join one of the Slushpile Monster's upcoming competitions?

Also, don’t forget to join our mailing list so you never miss any of the games or competitions! We also share resources for writers. It's much more reliable than getting updated on Twitter, and we also have special mailing list-only content!