A Little Bookstore Adventure and a New Chapter in Writing

Sometimes the loveliest adventures begin with simply deciding to show up.

Last week, I welcomed a beautiful new writing desk into my home. I had been looking forward to its arrival for quite some time, imagining the mornings I would spend there with my coffee, my thoughts, and whatever words might find their way onto the page.

Little did I know that the following week would take me away from that desk and out into the world on a rather delightful adventure!

As many of you know, over the past year I’ve written and published four novellas in my The Seasons of Eleanor series. Each story represents a different season, not only in Eleanor’s life but, in some ways, in my own.

Recently, I completed a little refreshing of the series, with updated covers and carefully revised interiors. Seeing all four books together has been especially satisfying. What began as one story has become an entire collection.

And so, this week, I decided it was time to take them on a little outing!

A Few Bookstores and a Little Courage

Over the course of several days, I visited three independent bookstores.

Two of these lovely shops were already carrying my books, and I was excited to bring them the refreshed editions and complete the collection with all four titles.

At one bookstore, I was warmly welcomed and had the pleasure of exchanging my earlier editions for the updated ones. I even received payment for some books, which was a rather delightful little moment! There’s something especially sweet about realizing that the stories you’ve written at home have become actual books sitting on a bookstore shelf.

At the second bookstore, I discovered that new owners had recently taken over. Although I had hoped to introduce myself and meet them personally, that opportunity will have to wait for another visit.

Still, I was happy to leave a complete set of my newly updated books, and I look forward to returning and getting acquainted.

My third stop was an entirely new adventure.

I introduced myself to another independent bookseller, who kindly agreed to look over my novellas and consider carrying them.

During our conversation, I learned something I hadn’t fully considered before. Because my books are relatively slender, the titles aren’t visible on the spines of some of them. And, of course, when books are displayed on shelves, those little details matter!

Who knew that even a book’s spine could become part of an author’s education?

Whether this particular bookstore decides to carry my books remains to be seen, but I left feeling that I had learned something valuable.

And perhaps that’s what made this week so special.

Finding My Way, One Book at a Time

I must confess that introducing myself as an author doesn’t always come naturally.

Writing is such a quiet, personal experience. There are no introductions to make, no conversations to begin, and certainly no need to explain why someone might enjoy reading what you’ve written.

But bringing those stories into the world is something altogether different.

It takes a little courage.

And sometimes a rather large helping of it!

I’ve discovered that promoting my books is not necessarily about convincing someone to read them. It’s about creating opportunities for the right readers to discover them.

I like that thought.

I don’t need to reach everyone. Perhaps I only need to keep opening a few doors and trust that the stories will find their way to those who might enjoy them.

Something Lovely to Look Forward To

One particularly happy development this week was learning that I may finally have the opportunity to participate in a local art walk as a featured author!

I had hoped to participate several months ago, but the event was canceled. Now it looks as though I’ll be joining the festivities in November, on the day after Thanksgiving.

The thought of sitting among my books, meeting readers, and sharing a little about Eleanor’s journey is both exciting and, I admit, a tiny bit intimidating.

But mostly, it makes me smile.

What a lovely experience to anticipate as the holiday season begins!

A Different Kind of Season

When I look back on these past several days, I realize how much has happened in such a short time.

A new writing desk. Four refreshed novellas. Three bookstore visits. A possible new opportunity to meet readers.

And somewhere in the middle of it all, a growing realization that this part of my life is becoming something quite meaningful.

For so many years, my days followed the rhythms of the classroom, with lesson plans, students, and the wonderfully busy life of teaching.

Now, in this season, I’m discovering another way to share stories, ideas, and a little piece of myself.

There are still things to learn. There will undoubtedly be more questions, a few disappointments, and hopefully some lovely surprises along the way.

But isn’t that part of any worthwhile adventure?

For now, I’m simply enjoying the experience.

My books are finding their places on shelves, my new writing desk is waiting patiently at home, and I’m discovering that it’s never too late to begin something new.

Sometimes we don’t need to know exactly where the road is leading.

We simply need to be willing to take the next little step.

And this week, I’m especially glad I did.

With warm wishes,

Marcia 🩷