I’m feeling extra fancy today because I have finally figured out Goodreads. Yes, I know, it’s impressive. And not to brag or anything, but I have 11 friends already. (Read subtext: Please friend me using the “Goodreads” link in the sidebar, k thanks).
So yeah, I was inspired when a few of my writing buddies admitted on a group email chain that they too had trouble navigating Goodreads. Because I’ll confess, I was totally trying to fly under the radar on this one. People are always saying:
“Add me on Goodreads!”
“Add my book to your shelf!”
“I’m so close to reaching a bajillion adds, I just need a couple more!”
And I’m always like, Yeah, I’ll definitely do that, but secretly I had no idea how. I had this account that just sort of sat there and I felt a little bit good and a little bit guilty that I got the Goodreads newsletter once a month, but basically I felt technologically inept, which, as it turns out, is not so rare in my life.
But now I’m on it and I’m pretty much unstoppable what with those 11 friends and all. Awhile back I had decided to join the 100 Book Challenge for 2011, so I was pretty pumped that I could get a widget that showed my progress. Here’s my really helpful Goodreads tip for Book Challenge Widgets: You have to set the date that you finished a book in order for it to show up in your challenge widget. (On another note, “widget” is one of my favorite words in law school.)
Another enlightening thing I learned on Goodreads today is that it’s not just my writing friends on there! This was cool. It made me happy. You should join it, too, if you haven’t already. We can be friends.
Goodreads is very addictive – have fun! That’s my main source for finding new book recs. Once you find a group of friends with similar tastes in books it’s great to be able to check out their reviews to see if the book may be a good fit for you. What has eluded me is how to add the goodreads challenge widget to my blog! I just added you
Oh my goodness, I know! WordPress hates the goodreads challenge widget. Or goodreads hates WordPress. I don’t know, but either way there is bad blood! Whichever one I got seems to get along with WordPress just fine. So you can look for it…and be super impressed by my 6 book progress.
I saw you! And accepted your friend request! And am very pumped that you are now an active member on Goodreads. About the whole ineptitude thing…don’t worry, I don’t even use entire portions of Goodreads and I’ve had it for–hmm–over a year now.
Also? I was at work today and my music player kept dying, so I remembered your podcast review on Writing Excuses. I spent hours listening to them. They’re so good! I’m hooked. And I hope you have more reviews up your sleeves?
-Mandy
Mandy! I’m so glad you checked out Writing Excuses! Aren’t those guys awesome?? I’m on the lookout for some more great podcasts. So far, though, that is my favorite writing one. Let me know if you find any that you love.
I’m still where you used to be on goodreads, though I use them tons for book cover images on my blog.
I believe in you, Jennifer. Together, we can conquer Goodreads. (And/or at least become mildly profficient.)
I think I added you on goodreads, but, unlike you, I am still stumbling around over there.
Thanks! I talk a big game but I’m sure there is 3/4 of the site I am missing. One of my friends mentioned getting some sort of list on it??? My confidence is shaken.
I joined on your recommendation. Hopefully I’ll figure it out soon!
[...] Fumbling with Fiction by cmcraig – “Goodreads, You no longer elude me“ [...]