Before adding a book to your TBR, do you check the ratings at all? I imagine most of us do, so my real question is: Would a low rating stop you for adding it? Is there a number when you go "no, that's too low, there's no way that'd be a good book" ?

From the average rating on goodreads, I rarely add books under 3.70. There's exceptions, if they sound really good and people are complaining in reviews about things I think I'd like, but under 3.30? Don't think I'd bother. But with PB's average being lower, I'm having to recalibrate that range, and I got curious that people's habits :)

I'm sort of writing this college romance that leans towards literary fiction, and I would like to read a few books in the genre.

So I'm looking for contemporary romances with a literary flavor (or the other way around). If tropes are helpful here's a few: small town, friends to lovers, fake dating. It doesn't have to have any of these tropes tho.

Bonus points if it's New Adult. Bonus points if the action takes place in Europe.

(By literary fiction I mean: it's experimental in style/ it explores a broader theme/ it's quiet, chill, or understated. This kind of thing).

Pagebound is my go to for recs, so thank you in advance!

"One of the hens decided that a human standing still was an extreme threat to chickens everywhere and ran away, cackling in alarm. 'Well, come on,' said the voice. 'I'm not getting any younger.' And then, almost as an afterthought, 'Mind the brown hen. There's a demon in her.'"

I'm not sure if the dust-wife is being genuine or not, but I had no idea I wanted to read about a demon-possessed chicken until now. PLEASE let this chicken be a part of the story 😭🙏

V.E.'s prose feels like warm liquid pouring through me. I don't even have to process the comma splices, it all goes straight to my heart.

1. So, I am a developmental editor (can't stop yapping about it apparently). I made a list of worthwhile writing craft books for you, if you enjoy learning about the craft of fiction. You can find it on my profile :)

2. I wanted to ask you where do you connect with fellow writers? And I mean, really connect, not just likes and comments on insta or tiktok. Do you recommend any discord servers or something like that? I'm planning to put together a workshop about Pacing sometime in the future, and I'd like to host it for free in some online space, so that's why I'm asking.

3. I'd love for Pagebound to add a writing club! Even if it's just a link to a Discord. I feel like we are the real ones here. The writers who read, care about stories, don't rush into publishing, and don't use AI (you won't believe what I've seen on tiktok, lol) I'd be nice to connect to all of you.

Let's follow each other. I may create more lists lol.

I recently started writing stories again, but my head is playing tricks on me. I have a small percentage of dyslexia, which makes writing very complicated for me. Although I have a great imagination, some topics are complicated for me, it's a lot of mental chaos. But for example I have the plot, but it is so hard for me to create the romantic plot, I don't know where to put the romantic part, do it or focus it

as someone who is just starting to read ARCs, what tips do you have for writing reviews? i'm never quite sure how long to make them or what to include. i know a lot of it (probably) comes down to personal preference but i haven't figured mine out yet!! help!!!

Sometimes when you're writing your book, even if it's just a rough draft, do you feel like it's no good? Do you have a million doubts?