In Praise of Indie Bookstores

by Victoria M. Johnson

When the Borders bookstore closed in my town I was devastated.  The sadness was felt throughout the town, and to make matters worse, our only library had temporarily closed to make the move to a new building.  For several months, residents had to travel to neighboring cities to walk amongst bookshelves.  I vowed to never take bookstores for granted again.

Saturday, May 3, 2014 is the first-ever California Bookstore Day.  Indie bookstores across the state will be celebrating in various ways: readings, signings, trivia games, literary costume contests, prizes, and lots of fun.  Indies from Northern California all the way to San Diego in the southern part of the state are in on the festivities.

But you don't have to live in California to honor your local indie bookstore.  I hope you are lucky enough to have one in the city where you live.  If so, don't take it for granted!  Today is the ideal day to step away from your computer and head over to support your bookstore.  Wander between the aisles, browse the shelves, talk to the staff, and buy a book.

I'll be hitting three stores today.  I'm one of the authors visiting the Village House of Books in Los Gatos.  We were all grateful when this indie bookstore opened in town.  It will be great to mingle with other authors, meet readers, and chat with the owners.  If that weren't reward enough, being in the company of rows and rows of new books to discover is so good for the soul.  Wouldn't you agree?  What's the name and city of your favorite bookstore?

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma.  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride.  Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Facebook,  Pinterest and Twitter.