February « 2014 « Robin Writes

Coming this Tuesday, we’re releasing the BRAND NEW novel by Verna Simms!

You can order your own copy by clicking the cover, or you can stop by Books Galore in Festus, Missouri and meet Verna on Saturday, February 15th! She’ll be there from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and she’ll be happy to sign your copy then . . .

“Late in the fall of 1918, two neatly dressed young men knocked on a farmhouse kitchen door. Chester Hall invited them in. These missionaries stayed two weeks with the family in rural Missouri, during which time they explained the mysteries of Joseph Smith—telling of the tablets of gold on which the Book of Mormon had been written, and of a new Church that thrived in the western states.

“Within three years, the Hall family had packed up and moved to Mesa, Arizona, adding a fourth child along the way: Amelia. This is her story.

“At age six, as Amelia starts school for the very first time, she realizes something about her papa, something she can’t quite comprehend. But by the age of nine, as her family withstands both the Great Depression and their patriarch’s increasing religious fervor, Amelia begins to understand the danger faced by she and her sister.”

All About Verna:

Verna Simms was born and lived the first year of her life in an old, abandoned garage in Arizona. At age eighty, Verna joined the Jefferson County Writers’ Society and began writing seriously—thus fulfilling a lifelong dream. She has been published in magazines, anthologies, and has a column in the local newspaper —The Leader. She owes her success to the Jefferson County Writers’ Society and says when she autographs her first few books and hands them to those who have helped her most, she will have accomplished her goal. Her old age would have been dull without this new venture to keep her mind active.

And – she’ll celebrate her 93rd birthday in April!

Yes, I know it’s Thursday. All these snow days make for a confusing week. Or weeks.

Anyway, this will be last bookstore post—All on the Same Page Bookstore will be closing for good on Friday, February 14. Seemed appropriate. Somehow.

In late July 2011, we decided to open a bookstore. Insanity? Who knows? On October 1, we had our grand opening. Things went well until late last fall, especially the holiday season.

Again, who knows why?

Some people said it was the location—others thought we had a great spot. Some blamed Amazon—as do I, to a certain extent. Especially when people RECOMMEND going online to get books. So much for that “local” thing. We had a beautiful store, a relaxing atmosphere, coffee—everything you’d want.

Since we opened, FOUR bookstores in the area closed; one recently opened.

I feel bad that we failed, because we had a good thing going, especially for local authors who found it difficult, or impossible, to get their books on actual shelves. I feel bad for our regular customers, those who came in every week or month and for whom we frequently ordered hard-to-find titles.

And yes, I’m angry and hurt. Angry at all those clueless people who have come in the door over the last few weeks to express their regrets that we’re closing—and mention that they’ve been MEANING to come in, but never have before. Angry at the truly unobservant folks who say in surprise, “WHEN did you open??”

If each household in our little ‘burb had purchased just ONE used book each month, there would be no question of our having to close the store. ONE BOOK. Possibly, Creve Coeur should get the “most illiterate city” designation . . . Of course, we advertised: coupons, apps, online, direct mail. And we didn’t have any employees. Or salary.

The hurt part? Yeah, that too. All the “save” this or that bookstore over the last year . . . four authors whose books we carried either entered our “not a raffle” or purchased a membership. Four. Three others in the STL area did the either/or. Three.

Not feelin’ the love, here.

Oh, and that big ad that James Patterson took out last year, about helping bookstores? No updates, and I signed up twice and messaged him twice. Thanks, Mr. Patterson. Guess I don’t have to worry about recognizing you if you ever show up at the bookstore—we won’t be there. Nice publicity stunt, though.

So, to everyone reading this who might be a little ticked off—sorry, and you’re welcome. We really did enjoy carrying your books and recommending them to customers, and having you come in to do signings and events. Truly. It was fun while it lasted, but it’s over now.