A North Canterbury author has launched an online book club that brings writers into conversation with their readers, aiming to break down barriers for rural and socially anxious book lovers.

Marina de Vries has set up The Story Circle, a free fortnightly book club where each session features an author discussing their work and answering questions directly from members. It launches on Sunday 21 June at 7.30pm.

Book clubs continue to grow in popularity across New Zealand, with more than 1,300 meeting in person and online nationally. Despite the range of options, de Vries said accessibility remained a problem for readers in rural areas and those who feel uncomfortable speaking in front of others.

The first session features international best-selling New Zealand author Doug Gold, who wrote “The Note Through the Wire”, “The Dressmaker and the Hidden Soldier” and “Saving Elli”.

“I’m thrilled Doug is our guest for the inaugural session of The Story Circle,” de Vries said. “I’ve read all his books and found inspiration in his writing style for my own historical fiction also set during the second world war. I’m looking forward to hearing about his writing journey and what’s next for him.”

De Vries said her own curiosity about how other writers work prompted the idea.

“As a writer I’m always interested in where other authors get their ideas, how they develop their characters and evolve their storylines,” she said. “I wondered if my own curiosity about other authors’ writing processes was shared by their readers? The answer is yes; readers do want to meet their favourite authors and ask them how they create the characters we all love. The challenge was how to bring the authors into the conversation.”

The club is designed so members can take part at whatever level suits them. De Vries said performance pressure can stop people from joining activities they enjoy.

“I know not everyone feels comfortable attending book events in person and being expected to share their opinions in front of other people,” she said. “It can be very intimidating, and they can feel vulnerable. That’s why The Story Circle members decide the level of participation that’s right for them. They can turn on their camera, ask the author questions and share their opinions. Or they can turn off their camera, sit back and just listen to the conversation. They choose what works for them.”

The Story Circle focuses on historical fiction. Membership is free. Details are available at https://www.marinadevries.com/virtual-bookclub