Why did IR take a long break?
Ìwà Reads launched in May 2020 and just like every new project, it hit a brick wall in terms of strategic direction. I decided to take a long break to figure out what I wanted it to mean, despite it being part of a larger creative project I had in mind. In the months away, I’ve seen the emergence of other book clubs as a result of the pandemic, and I wondered if there was any point in continuing or setting ourselves apart. However, behind the scenes, I continued to read and boy did I read! I longed for this community and I’m glad to say we’re back. A friend reminded me as 2020 drew to a close that there’s a beautiful community on the other side saying yes to this venture, so I’m saying yes in return.
What is IR all about and what type of content should we expect?
Our last post elaborates at length the ideas and concepts behind IR. As promised, IR will deliver the following content:
- Book reviews and recommendations
- Curated reading lists
- Curated reading guides
- Virtual sessions for book discussions, networking and so on (in the process of selecting the right platform(s)).
- Quizzes, videos and so much more.
Also, I’d like to introduce the ‘Iwari’ — The IR Inner Circle: a close-knit community that’ll directly shape the content Iwa Reads puts out to the world. It is a space for extensive discussions, social networking and every member of the inner circle will get a say on selecting the book of the month, as well as take turns in hosting virtual sessions. Hopefully, we get to host intimate events in a Post Covid-19 world (fingers crossed!). If you’re interested in joining the IR Inner Circle, click here.
Also, our monthly newsletters will feature key reflections from the IR Inner Circle.
The plan is that as we grow and based on your preferences, our content will include podcasts and curated playlists based on books, characters and themes.
When should we look out for the book selection for the month?
Our revised monthly schedule goes as follows:
- Options for the book of the following month will be published on our Instagram page on the third Friday of every month.
- Voting for the book of the following month begins at 2 pm WAT on the last Saturday of the month on our Instagram stories. Results will be announced the following day.
- Reading guides will be published on our Medium page twice a month.
- Newsletters will be sent on the first Saturday of every month.
Also, please feel free to leave your book suggestions in our comments and DMs and we’ll be sure to include them in our reading lists.
We’ll be kicking off in March 2021 so be sure to look out for the book picks for March which will be published on February 19, 2021. Voting will begin on February 27, 2021.
