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Friday, April 07, 2006
The end of an era...
My favorite bookstore is closing. It's a sad day for me. Like all lovers of books, I can wander forever in a bookstore--and office supply stores, but that's a whole other obsession :-).
The owner of this bookstore, Charlotte Brewer, befriended me long before I became a writer. She held booksignings regularly, and I was nervous about meeting authors in person. I was starstruck, and afraid I wouldn't have anything to say.
Then I met the most gracious, vivacious women: Penelope Williamson, Jill Barnett, Christine Rimmer, Georgia Bockoven, Jane Bonander, Eva Rutland, Debbie Gordon (Brooke Hastings), Amanda Scott, Phylis Warady, Lynda Ward. I could go on and on.
Imagine that--all these talented women living in the same community as I did! And when I did start writing they gathered me into their fantastical world without hesitation and answered questions and cheered me on, and celebrated when I got "The Call."
But it started in the bookstore, one where Charlotte turned over the key to the place so that my critique partners and I could meet once a week, undisturbed by family life. Part of my success--and certainly my network--is because of that wonderful owner of a cozy, independent bookstore. They're a dying breed. And that's a real shame.
posted by Susan Crosby at 4:55 AM
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5 Comments:
Playground Monitor said...
sending cyber-flowers for the wake
I'm always reminded of that Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie when I think of small bookstores. They're such neat places. There's one on the island where my mom and sister live.
And how nice of her to let your group meet there. What a wonderful atmosphere in which to let the creative process work.
Marilyn
7:08 AM
christa said...
I love those little independent bookstores they feel so much cozier than the big corperate bookstores. The big chain we have here in Canada is Chapters. If I know a certain book I will go in and get it.(once I am able to find it) I just don't feel the friendly, cozy attitude there so I try not to linger too long.
Well I'm done my 6 May Desires. Now I can sleep(yeah right, I tried last night and only got 6 hours. I'm so immune now, gotta get back in the routine again) Gotta be rested to do it next month. What a line up. Charlene(it's an Elliott, it's Charlene's, need I say more) Maureen(Really getting into those Lonergan guys) Jennifer(read the first book about society wives, got me curious about the other characters) Emilie(always great books from her) Susan(those Rich and Reclusive men sound mysteries and oh so sexy Cindy(read the preview, WOW)
8:32 AM
Susan Crosby said...
Oh, Marilyn, you're so right about the movie. It made me sad that it got pushed out of business by the big chain. Too true today. And, yes, it was wonderful meeting at the bookstore. No one was supposed to call us from home unless there was serious blood involved :-).
Christa, you amaze me! Thank heavens for you :-).
Susan
11:41 AM
kim said...
that is sad.
11:27 PM
Estella said...
It is always sad to see a book store colse.
11:47 AM
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