End of the Bookstore - and Author Signings?

Everyone has heard of Borders filing for bankruptcy and closing stores. (For a full listing of stores closing, go HERE ) And that Barnes and Noble is on the market for sale.

But bookstores have been on the decline for several years now. In less than ten years, Waldenbooks went from 700 to barely 100 stores. B. Dalton is gone now. Over half of the independent stores have closed. And it's not just eBooks killing the stores, it's the availability and price of physical books online. It's also the economy.

I don't believe all of the stores will vanish. Those that specialize or diversify will survive, such as an independent store that also offers gifts and coffee. Powell's, which specializes in used books, will survive.

But I also see the days of author appearances and signings dwindling. Fewer bookstores means fewer opportunities. (Although there's always libraries and book festivals.) My favorite was always Waldenbooks, as they usually boasted awesome, book-loving employees and busy stores. But those will soon be gone.

And in seven years of doing signings, I've watched a decline in interest. When I began, there were less than 200,00 books published that year. 2010 saw a million books published. Authors are plentiful and meeting one is no longer a rare occurance. It's lost its appeal.

Where do you see the bookstores and author appearances headed?

The Birthday Post

Yes, it’s my birthday today. I missed being a Valentine’s baby by 26 & 1/2 hours. I’d tell you what year I’m celebrating, but you wouldn’t believe me. Let’s just say I remember men walking on the moon for the very first time…

It’s a really busy week, too. Three speaking engagements, five clients, Valentine’s Day, and my birthday right in the middle. Guess every birthday can’t fall on a Saturday, right?

My mother’s birthday is in a couple weeks and I decided to make her a picture book with old photos. Since there’s nothing quite like embarrassing myself on my own birthday, thought I’d share a few of the photos I scanned. Hold all laughter and chortling until the end…

This is my father and I at the Oregon Coast. We're bundled, so probably summer. LOL

My mom and I at Yellowstone National Park.

I went to see the Mercury Cougar, and while you couldn't touch the big cat, I got to pet her cub.

Graduation day with my buddies Violet and Marlene!

Halloween with my best friend, Dale. No idea what I was supposed to be...

Okay now you may giggle and snort!

Valentine's Day

I'm a sucker for this day. The love, the romance... There's several Valentine's Day scenes in my series, too, since they all revolve around a love story.

The gifts of chocolate and cards and stuffed critters are nice, but why not give your loved one a book instead? Doesn't have to be a romantic book. I'm sure your man would appreciate something less mushy! Reading is greatest gift - show your love with a book.

And for those who are a part of The Crusade, my blog is Spunk On A Stick’s Tips - come find me there!

Thanks and everyone stay warm. I always recommend snuggling.