Yesterday, I spent part of the afternoon at a small indie bookstore called Henry’s Books selling and signing my books. It’s a charming place in the back of an old red sandstone building on Main Street in Spearfish, SD. In the front is an Italian restaurant, Nona’s Kitchen, that serves great food. I know that for a fact because I ate there after the book signing.
The bookstore isn’t large, with two rooms, one with used books and one with new ones. The walls are brick, the ceilings are high, and the floor creaks in places when you walk over it. The owner is a charming lady who does an excellent job of running the shop. Before I got there, they had a children’s book reading where all the kids who came got a free copy of the book they read. After my time was up, they were having a class for book folding which would have been fun to stay for, but I had to get home.
Several of my Spearfish friends came by to see me which was a joy. Two of them were writer friends who I will get to see again next weekend at the Literature & Lattes writers’ event in Sioux Falls. It’s nice to know I’ll know someone there. Other friends, I’ve known since we moved to Spearfish in 1989. They are extremely special to me.
For about 10 minutes, the shop was quiet, and the owner and I had time to visit. She’s a marketing coach which would be especially useful for someone like me (I write books. Buy one. End of marketing plan). She’s done very well with the shop that’s only been open a couple of years. Her booth at the upcoming Festival of Books will be right across from mine. That will give us more time to get acquainted.
The shop was busy almost the whole time, and I sold a good number of books. The next day, Sunday, I visited a festival in Custer because my writer friend, Megan Kinney, was there. I hadn’t bought her latest book, and it was a good time to visit with her and get her book. She writes romantic suspense with stories that come from some of the experiences of her retired law enforcement husband. I highly recommend her books.
I love supporting indie businesses because in my case, we support each other. Whether it’s a brick-and-mortar store or a festival under a canopy, support those who are doing what they love and sharing it with those who might like it too. You’ll most likely find the nicest people there. Who knows? You might even find delicious Indian tacos!
