What Do You Get at Indie Bookstores? 'You Get Phil

I am taking Book Marketing this term, and subscribed to Shelf Awareness. The following article is interesting. I need to watch my pennies, but browsing in libraries and book stores is part of my process in finding a book. Many of the books I choose are unexpected surprises. They catch my eye or touch, and then I'm reading words that cinch the deal.

Then there's Phil. Computers can't replace the human mind, and there's something wonderful about an informed book curator, who's combined intuition and knowledge can yield the perfect book for an individual.

There are moments when I know exactly what I need for school--a cold transaction, where the romance of musky smells and dusty covers is unnecessary, and saving money is... but, I am always willing to pay a little more when I know it's supporting a friend or cherished business.

Read the article here:

What Do You Get at Indie Bookstores? 'You Get Phil"

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Wordstock Rocks

This past weekend was my initiation into Wordstock. I still can't believe how many wonderful book people there are in Portland. I am so thankful that I stumbled into the Portland State Publishing Program and Ooligan Press!

Not only did I fill my pack with new books, I met authors, editors, publishers; all from the Portland area, and all striving to expand the reading public.

One great booth I stopped at was WITS, Writers in the Schools. This organization brings authors to schools to mentor students. It gathers their honed creative skills in annual anthologies. I tried my hand at writing a poem using words selected from a fish bowl: Mermaid, Crocodile, and Manatee. You can see my silly poem on the blog, W.o.o.t.s. (click on the word).

The most exciting thing about finding WITS, was the connection to other marvelous literary blogs to follow. So much to read and explore, so little time...