All you have to do is step inside...

Here in the Greater Lansing area we have a treasure trove of independent bookstores. So many cities tragically lack these gems and have only large-scale corporates with little interest in local authors or unique material.

I mentioned Schuler Books last week, as they generously allowed my first book, Monsters of Camp Erehwon, to occupy the shelves at their beautiful store. Also, Everybody Reads on Michigan Avenue, where I participated in my very first author open mic night, has also, graciously allowed me a little space for Monsters. So, thank you Scott and crew, for opening a door for us authors, new and old alike.

I also want to bring up Archives Bookshop and The Curious Book Shop, both in East Lansing and both full of so much history and books you will find nowhere else. Stepping into the Archives, for me, is a trip in time. Before college, and into my college years, Archives and Curious were my home away from home. Stepping inside you are transported by the aroma and the power of the written word.

In those days before the internet, and while the net was in its infancy, there was no Amazon, no Ebay, no massive impersonal search engines. If you wanted an out-of-print book, or a missing book of a rare series, or a piece of classic literature not available at the library, you went to a small book shop. While there you made the acquaintance of all the greats, and no-so-greats, of the literary world. You also met the person who could point you to the book of your dreams, your missing volume, or your next great read by an author you had never heard of. If the book wasn't there, and you were fortunate enough to know Ray Walsh, or one like him, he could keep an eye out for what you were looking for at any of the multitude of trade shows he had a table at. It might take a little time, but the reward was tracking down that tome of your dreams.

There are still books you can't find on Amazon, believe it or not. But you can still wander into the Archives and find Ray Walsh, and his incredible selection of books. Just walk in the door and be transported to a place you didn't think could possibly exist in this era. A place where literature still rules, and adventure awaits you. These and others like them still have the power to captivate the mind and the senses in a way that "view your cart and check out" cannot touch. A place that still cares about community, and about up and coming local authors who don't have a place, yet, at the shelf in the big box stores. A place of encouragement and open arms, where everyone is welcome. Please, before you look for your next great read, or go searching online for the rare, visit one of our local independent book shops. We have to support them as much as they support our communities. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.