Tell us your thoughts on e-reading and win a Kobo Arc tablet, plus a signed copy of award-winning author Margaret Drabble's latest novel The Pure Gold Baby

I hated the thought of e-books, but have started reading them since I was given a Kindle. The benefit is that I can have so many more books in such a small device whereas I don't have the space for all the physical books I'd like to buy.

What's really puzzling me is why the free download codes offered won't work on Kindles - surely that's the most popular device?



I'm obviously not going to be chosen!

All GN competitions attract the professional enterers Elegran - maybe they'll flog it on Ebay!

The best thing about e books is you never have to choose between books to put in your suitcase at holiday time ,you can take them all and not take up any space. I've always wanted to ask an author if when you decide on a title for your book and found out there was another book printed with the same title would you still use it or change it to something different? I've seen so many books lately on Amazon all with the same title.

A surprising number of people on a thread where they may win an ebook are posting to say they don't think they would want one.

Yes “real” books can be lovely
Their touch, their smell, their looks,
But as my hands get weaker
I prefer to read e-books.
I can make the words the size I want
And see how far I’ve read
And on my lovely Kobo Glo
There’s a light to read in bed.

Love real books - have never tried ebooks and not sure if I want to.

Traditional books have a place in my house, especially ones for reference . . . but ebooks can be read on a train, in a plane, and take up such a small amount of space. That's where they excel!

M/S Drabble, to you do a lot of research for your plots, or do you draw on your life experience?

I love e-reading, provided I have my reader with me I can read. Ideal if I'm the family 'TAXI', waiting for a pick up, that odd minute, and best of all, to go on holiday with a choice of books while still having clothes to wear!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love real books, the feel, the smell....however, I took my sister's kindle on holiday and loved it. I can read at night with the light off, and it always opens at the right page! It introduced me to lots of new authors too. The thing I really like is being able to read a sample chapter free before buying. I'm still reading real books too.

A question for Margaret Drabble. Do you write a book in order from beginning to end, or do you sometimes write some later bits, then go back and fill in the gaps? (Hope this makes sense.)

I have not yet succumbed to e-reading - there is something special about the feel and smell of opening a brand new book

Myself and my 3 sisters bought my Mother an Ereader. We were worried that she wouldn't 'get the hang' of it....how wrong were we,she hardly ever puts it down. Certainly one of the best presents we have bought her!!

I've never tried an e-reader, from being a small child I always loved books and to me, they have always been so precious. However, because of my reluctance to part with any of them, I have 6 bookcases full, plus piles of books sat beside them and really can't have any more, so I think it may be time to start thinking about an alternative reading source!

I love how easy it is to e-read wherever you go

I love the convenience of an e-reader for travelling, instant buying power and enlarging the print for my failing eyesight.
However I also love my vast collection of real books, the joy of sharing a good book by lending it to friends and family and the pleasure of spending an hour or two in a bookshop.
There is room for both in my life!

As an ex-librarian, I have always had a love of books and reading and would never give up my books entirely. While I like the feel of a book, I do think there's a place for e-readers as well, especially on holiday or when travelling. I'm a great supporter of bookshops and libraries and it's good that each encompass all forms of literature.

I peer at people reading e-books in public , but can't take the step of buying one . It still looks unnatural not to hold a pile of printed paper in your hands..

I have daughters and friends with e-readers and see how much easier and less expensive it its to get copies of and read the books they so much enjoy. I have to admit I am envious of them and would very much love to have an e-reader to enjoy the books I love so much.

I would love to win an e book especially for holidays because I am fed up with lunching heavy books about. I will never give our books but it would be fun to download at the touch of a button.

I have always loved the feel and comfort of holding and reading a traditional book. However, being a forward looking nana I could easily be converted. This would really impress the grandchildren. How about it?

As I get older my eyesight is getting worse. With an E-reader I can adjust the size of print and also the brightness. I can't do that with a paper book. I can also get newspapers on an E-reader. They are a great use of technology.

An e-reader is the most convenient way of taking your books on holiday, but nothing beats a real book. Q: Where does your inspiration for your books come from, do you have to do lots of research?

An e-reader is very convenient, especially when travelling, just one item but as many books as you want to take with you. Q: Where does your inspiration for your books come from, do you have to do lots of research?

I like holding a book and flipping to see how long it is to the end of the chapter - I also find e-readers quite daunting

I do read e books on holiday but at home much prefer a conventional text. So for me it's a mixture, but I don't see me ever giving up books altogether.