Robert Young

The priorities of life ebb and flow, and writing is certainly a part of that. After reviewing the last several months of work (see previous calender post in which I keep track of my daily writing and writing-related activities), it is very clear that most of my work has been revolved around writing-related work (esp. marketing). While this is inevitable (if you want to sell books) it is quite frustrating.

The fear, of course, is that you will somehow “lose” the composing skill if you are not actually composing regularly. Since most of my efforts right now involve selling books as well as doing the final prep work for getting books published, I have not started a new book. To keep composing, though, I have been working on anecdotal narrative about growing up. While I have no plans for these “shorts” there’s nothing to say that they won’t become something, sometime. In the meantime, doing this work helps to keep me practicing and helping to improve my skills.

A high priority lately has been the construction of a new home. This began in September, and while I am not actually building it myself, I am helping attend to the many, many details that involve such an undertaking. There are many stories involved in this process and, who knows, there’s book possibilities as well.

Bottom line: Everything has book possibilities.

Walls on the rise

There are fewer and fewer of them. Independent bookstores, that is. If your town still has one, consider it a blessing. These stores tend to be small and quirky. You’re greeted by friendly people and the distinctive scent of books. Heaven.

I visited one – Tsunami Books – in my hometown of Eugene, OR yesterday as I continued my marketing swing to local businesses I thought would be interested in carrying my book. I had been to Tsunami before, attending events and buying books, but never as an author pedaling my own work. I thought this might be quite a different experience, but it really wasn’t. I was still greeted amiably, and the proprietor – Scott Landfield – took a genuine interest in the work I had done. Despite not discussing it directly, he seemed to know the rigor involved in producing a book. When it was decision-time, it wasn’t about “if” he would buy any books but rather “how many?” He didn’t hedge his bets with consignment, either. He went for it.

I left Tsunami feeling hopeful, not only for my book but for other local authors who struggle to find an outlet for their work. I am also hopeful for readers who want the personalized experience of shopping at a place where people know your name and are more than willing to help satisfy your reading proclivities.

The number of bookstores like Tsunami is steadily decreasing, but you can stop that by finding the independent bookstore where you live and patronize it. It’s not too late.