Borders, You'll Be Missed

Sad news has recently been reported about my favorite bookstore, Borders. Apparently the well-known chain is bankrupt and 200 Borders' stores are closing. I held out hope that our local Borders wouldn't he affected, but according to a good friend, that is not the case.

Our Borders has gone above and beyond to accommodate local writers. Much more so, say, than the local Barnes & Noble. Several writer friends have held signings there--drawing big crowds. Denise and Gary, the assistant manager and manager, respectively, went out of their way to accommodate my first-ever signing last spring. I was nervous and had specific requests. They happily obliged and my signing was a success. Big celebs like Sarah Palin and Dog the Bounty Hunter held signings at our Borders last year. Both had a maze of long lines that snaked outside the store. I don't understand how such an accommodating store can be caught in this fray.

Walking into Borders felt like home. Several employees knew my first name while many others recognized my face. And...Borders' coffee is amazing--especially their sugar-free, fat-free vanilla lattes! I'm going to miss this bookstore. A lot. I hope all of the Borders employees land great jobs at other local bookstores so I can see their friendly faces again and again.

Writing Children's Picture Books

Some of you may not be aware that I also write children's picture books. I absolutely ADORE writing them. They make me laugh, giggle, and just feel warm and fuzzy inside--something I hope to bring to my readers.

Now that JANO is over, I'm going to let my novel rest for a month and focus on writing more picture books. If you have any funny children's stories, traditions, or anecdotes you'd like to share (and let me possibly incorporate), please let me know. I'll mention you in the acknowledgement section if I use your information.

Children's literature is so important. Let's instill the love of reading at an early age.