Indie Publishing, meet Indie Bookstores

Yep, the slow grind of self-marketing continues, and the spiderwebs keep growing...so lookout. Took a trip into Northwestern Pa, and it really is God's country. Found some wonderful bookstores; and yes, they knew I was coming. Despite the cost of gas, I feel really good about seeing my books on actual shelves. I'm nowhere near done with this, and sooner than later, will hit the bigboys (B&N, books-a-millon, Borders, ect) and they all have their requirements. Actual paperwork. Yuck. I'll let the Indie thing take hold first.

The most noticeable thing about these Indie stores, without exception, are the friendly people that work there; owners usually, and a cat or two. And lots of good conversation. Funny how book-lovers make such nice people. Rosie's in DuBois had comfy outdoor furniture, inside; and it was so nice when the owner, Sherry, invited us to sit and chat. Mary at Book Nook in Punxsutawney was a wealth of information. And Kathlyn, who owns the incredible Erie Book Store, (please visit if in the area) has also one of the most famous cats in Erie County. Then Werner Books in Erie is also a wonderful store with a large local writer's section.

I haven't even mentioned some earlier visits; Penguin Books in Sewickley (west of Pittsburgh), Red Barn in Greensburg, (it was really a barn...I think), and the quaint Read's Ink in Vandergrift...and another cat. This was the unexpected part of my book ventures -- the nice people I meet.

I have to say it. Folk like writers!

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Rainy days and Fridays

Wait, it's only Friday. I usually do these things on Saturday nights. Well, when the time is right, I write. And for once I did write -- just a little revisiting on previous chapters of book five. I talk about the next book often, but the challenge to keep things moving is a difficult one. Given time and more time, it can happen. So where was I the last time we got together? Ah yes, lamenting another lonely Saturday. Maybe that's why I'm writing on a Friday. The goal here is not to lament or complain -- I considered a snippet, which I can post any time, but tonight I just felt like writing...at least before it gets too late. You ever try to reinvent yoursel f; try something new; or take a somewhat leap of faith? No doubt, to get anywhere in life, you might want to attempt one of these things. As I grow older I feel myself taking chances more than once. More than often. I drive those close to me crazy over my past decisions, to be sure. I believe some of us take sometimes f

Home is where the broken heart is

This getting to be a habit. My blog posts? Not really. Actually, my mom would say that a lot growing up. Amusingly, the last time I remember her saying it was feeding her at the hospital during a bad UTI episode. A couple spoonfuls in and she goes, "this is getting to be a habit". I was more stunned to hear it than laugh. "Ya, gotta eat mother..." I'm a week late to acknowledge mom - Mother's Day being last Sunday. I guess I didn't feel a blog in me last week. She passed in March and joined dad who went in 2018. Good memories and still some things we may never understand, as in most families. Mom was mom. Just take me along when you slide on down . That song comes to mind now. Commonplace lyrics, from Hey Nineteen by Steely Dan, aren't so commonplace anymore. If I talk music with someone a lot younger than me, I can no longer make assumptions. A c onversation might have sounded something like this: "Y eah, that was that group you may have heard

Saturday night, again...

Bill Murray's famous toast in Groundhog Day, "I like to say a prayer and drink to world peace," is very much how I handle my blog entries. I've taken a break from rereading and editing (and yes, I do like where things are he aded - book-wise) and I thought a blogpost and prayer will inspire and bring peace to the masses. Alright, in truth, I want to write something and short stories do not pour out of me - only those pesky epic fantasies - so to blog or not to blog. I'm blogging. At this unforeseen turn in my life, I have ventured at once into known and unknown territory. I've seldom had this much say in my own doings - life had a regimented structure which was rather consuming. The last four years took away even my ability to write, or maybe questioned the need. No blame, just a reality check. I'm pretty sure we need to take the time for art and looking beyond just what is before us. And certainly, look up once in a while. I must confess, living in this

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