This month I’m starting a new blog segment to fill some of the time between reviews. It’s called IN-NEWS and will focus mainly on the independent book industry. I wish we had more independent bookstores here in St. Louis, but we don’t. The largest and most popular, and the only one that I know of, is called Left Bank Books. It is “in the city,” which is a place I don’t get to much since I live and work in the suburbs.
Why focus on independent bookstores, you ask? The majority of them love POD authors. Since your big time authors often schedule with the main B&N’s or Borders first when they come to town, the indies sometimes get passed by. Indies tend to focus more on local flavor, therefore, they are more willing to take a chance with a local POD author, and more apt to let you do a reading or signing there.
Most of my recent tips and advice which I normally post between reviews can now be found under the POD Diary tab at the top of the page. There, you can learn about my recent personal experience with giving birth to my next book. But don’t worry, more references, resouces, and tips will return to the main page soon.
For today, say hello to The Sly Fox Mystery & Children’s Bookstore in Virden, Illinois. The store will have been open for 10 years come this July. They focus on children’s literature, mysteries, and yes, local books about Illinois and Ab Lincoln. If you are traveling on 55 between Chicago and St. Louis, then the Sly Fox is only about 20 minutes off your route, located 20 miles south of Springfield on Illinois Route 4 (Historic Route 66).
