This week I am traveling on a publicity tour for Insight that we’re calling The Great Central Valley Hot August Book Tour. I do not think it has dropped below 95 the entire week and as I type it is 103. The air conditioner in the car is rebelling. My hair is sticking up and my capris are wilted. Last night’s wishful dreaming included snow, parkas, and mittens.
However, the highway is not the only thing that sizzles in central California. The independent booksellers I have met on this trip are amazing, full of ideas and programs that make their stores fun and friendly for locals. Take Mike Russo at Russo’s Books in Bakersfield, for example. Mike runs a Youth Advisory Council where teen representatives from 20 area schools have their own webpage through the Russo’s website. The teens review books, recommend titles to their school librarians, and meet in the store to learn the book business, arrange displays, discuss books and plan events.
I presented and signed there yesterday all because one of those teens, my new young friend, Nicole, asked me to, and Mike Russo listens to kids. What fun! Pictures to come. Here’s a link to Russo’s:
http://www.russosbooks.com/youth
And then there was Hary. Perhaps my new favorite person, Hary Daud at Majesty Book and Bible in Fresno is title-savvy, reads every book before he puts it on a shelf, knows every inch of his store including the colors of the rhinestone pocketbook angels, and he’s warm and friendly to boot. If you’re in Fresno, go make a new friend at 7020 N. Cedar.
http://attractions.uptake.com/california/fresno/majesty_bible_gifts_22728468.html
Today I met Warren Mayhew at Hope Christian Stores, 7850 White Lane in Bakersfield. Instant friendship. What a pleasure this store and bookseller were! Stay tuned because I will be joining Warren and his wife, Linda, at an October Christian Music festival in Calistoga, CA. I’ll be signing books in their booth and also helping Warren lug boxes. It’s the least I can do for a new friend. Tuesday, August 30, I will pop in at Hope Christian in Merced to sign stock of Insight.
I had a great chat with Jeff at Barnes & Noble in Dublin and will return soon for a “meet and greet” and signing and another at the Barnes & Noble in Fairfield, CA. Dates TBD, but sometime early fall. I also enjoyed meeting the great sales staff at Lighthouse Christian Supply in Dublin and plans are in the works for a fall event there.
The final stop today was at Berean in Bakersfield to sign stock and there I met Assistant Manager, Jeff, also a writer and a great guy!
So far, it has been a busy week. Back on the Hot August highway tomorrow. Stay tuned.
dianagreenwood 