#local barnes and noble staff

[taylor-titmouse]

SO i've mentioned it here in passing a few times that my day job is graphic novels, but i haven't much promoted anything because i was waiting to get closer to release, and also it's YA and about teenagers and not, you know. what i usually post about here. but now that the first book releases at the end of the month (Feb 25th!) i figured i should point you guys toward it! this is my ~debut~ in traditional publishing, a completely original work (in that i wrote and illustrated it myself) and, imo, very very good and you should get it.

right now until midnight 2/7 there is a sale on barnes & noble where if you use the code PREORDER25 you can get 25% off on a pre-order of it! i Highly recommend getting the hardcover, i just got a shipment of my comp copies and they're fckin gorgeous. but paperback and ebooks are also available.

anyway you're probably curious what it's about, so here's the sales copy!

A specter is haunting the Atlantic! After growing up together on the luxurious SS Lark, Neeta Pandey and Emery Botwright are ready to start their lives. Emery wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and sail the Lark forever, while Neeta yearns to travel the world. But neither will have any future at all if the Lark’s new owner, Mr. Honeycutt, has his way.   Mr. Honeycutt . . . The first-class passengers adore him, while he makes the ship a nightmare for the crew. Twisted by unnatural appetites, the rich are actually transforming into something less than human, and their insatiable demands soon push the staff toward a—quite literal— burnout.   Something otherworldly is undeniably aboard the SS Lark, something horribly hungry. But it’s not Wick Farley: vampire, secret agent, and paranormal investigator. Alone and at sea, with only Neeta and Emery to help him, he must uncover the truth about Mr. Honeycutt. And fast—before a ravenous craving for power consumes them all. 

i've been working really hard on this thing (first started developing it in 2019!) and it's super exciting to be able to hold it in my hands, and i want YOU to also hold it.

if you don't want to get it from b&n or miss the sale, you can also get it from bookshop.org, booksamillion, or just your local bookstore/library if you ask 'em. definitely do ask your library, that's still a sale for me!

anyway thank you for checking out this slight diversion from the usual fare. i'll try to have something more in line with the regular programming for tonight, but pwease buy my book :^) my first Real book :^)

[psychesalcove]

„ POPSTAR BUT IM YOUR BOYFRIENDS GIRLFRIENDS FAVORITE DJ

ANNABETH CHASE X READER ”

GENERAL ROMANTIC HEADCANONS

a/n: HERES YOUR REQUEST ANON!! hope you enjoy some stuff about annabeth, i love her sm 😓 hope you enjoy!!

ᝰ the two of you are basically a match made on olympus (im so sorry idk why I did that)

ᝰ she loves to talk to you about her architecture plans for olympus and other places she's doing

ᝰ if you guys have similar music tastes be prepared to be sharing headphones with her constantly

ᝰ she shows you her sketches of her ideas for olympus to see if you like them

ᝰ gelato dates 100%, the two of you sit outside on a patio eating your gelato and talking about whatever comes to mind at least 1 time a week

ᝰ shes a human calculator, so if you're struggling with math or science at New Rome, ask her and she will gladly assist

ᝰ be prepared to be going to historical sites and museums A LOT

ᝰ if there's a science museum nearby, you are going to be planning her birthday party there

ᝰ I think annabeth takes her sleep to another level, so when you start sleeping with her, know that your going to have memory foam pillows and mattress topper, cooling blankets, throw blankets and pillows, and stuffed animals

ᝰ you and annabeth for sure have the best sleep schedule out of the 7 (I headcanon that they are all still friends 😭)

ᝰ Barnes & Noble dates every other day. no questions asked.

ᝰ she has a tote bag collection and picks the one that best matches your guys outfit that day

ᝰ you two are regulars at this one Cafe by your shared apartment—it's the one with a library upstairs, so self-explanatory why you guys go there

ᝰ yk those restocking videos on tiktok of kitches? I feel like annabeth would be one of the girlies that do that, so be prepared to help her restock her snacks and fridge

ᝰ if your feeling to tired to highlight your notes for whatever college class your in, annabeth will happily color code your notes with her highlighters she paid 45$ at an overpriced art store

ᝰ along the topic of college, if you mention to annabeth you have a test, she will sit you down at the table and you'll be there for hours working on flash cards and other studying methods

ᝰ she will ramble to you for hours about the latest book she's read, especially if it's a historical or mystery genre

ᝰ you and annabeth have volunteered so many times at the local library that the staff considers you one of their own at this point

ᝰ and if you play UNO or any other game of the sorts, she will get competitive

ᝰ no exemptions—even if your dating her

ᝰ you'll sometimes come with her to her appointments to get her hair braided, so you get to listen to the gossip she shares with the person doing her hair

ᝰ she'll also ask you beforehand if you like certain beads or crystals and what would look best in her braids, or if she should just go natural for that period

ᝰ be prepared to have your mind boggled by the random facts she says at any given point, it becomes a routine in your day

ᝰ shes an amazing partner to have and is always going to be by your side

[prkwook]

CUPID 💌 🏹

PROFILES 🎧 barnes and noble DUPE

KIM YN — 05 liner. computer science major at YSU. part-timer at The Nest, a local bookstore. spends shifts either reading or hanging out with taerae. #1 hopeless romantic.

KIM TAERAE — 03 liner. literature major at YSU. a barista at Bluebird, the café inside of The Nest. the lead vocalist and guitarist in a band called The Invincibles. always begs matthew to let his band play at the café.

KIM JIWOONG — 01 liner. acting major at YSU. yn’s older brother. goes to the book store so often he knows more about it than yn. protective older brother™️

SEOK MATTHEW — 03 liner. dance major at YSU. a member of Tidal Wave, YSU’s dance team. manager at The Nest. dgaf about what his employees do as long as they're not burning down the store.

ZHANG HAO — 01 liner. music major at YSU with a specialty in violin. was invited to play at one of the open mic nights. quickly became friends with the staff of The Nest. is now a regular.

🔭 ★ mlist. next.

☆★ TAGLIST: want to join? -> taglist form . 🫀

[tracichee]

I'm so excited to announce that KINDLING is an Indigo Staff Pick for the month of March! Canadian readers, pick it up at your local store or order it online!

🎁 I'm also extending my pre-order offer through next Tuesday, March 5, so now's the time to nab your copy! Send in your receipt or library request to chee.preorders@gmail.com and receive three "Polaroids" of the seven kindlings, beautifully illustrated by Naomi Giddings! This offer remains open internationally until 3/5/24 at 11:59pm PT or while supplies last.

Linden Tree Books | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Indigo

[scalamore]

Social FYI post: Kakaopage

So I see on various social media spaces the immense hatred of KKP lately, because their anti-piracy task force, P.cok is going around and throwing DMCAs at scanlation and translation groups. There's been more anger towards them lately because every time a series is axed or unexpectedly cancelled, western readers have a tendency to blame everything on kakaopage.

So this is an information post!

Misinformation: KKP axes series Answer: The publisher axes series Kakaopage is an online distributor, not a publisher (although they do have some shares/involvement in some series) and are for the most part, an online platform to share content. They're a platform that allows anyone, from novices to big publishing houses to post their content in an easy and accessible way. Other such platforms include Naver or Ridi.

To give an example, Kakaopage is like Amazon, or Barnes and Nobles (USA bookstore), or even wattpad. They host a ton of stuff, but don't necessarily own it. Back in 2017, it was reported that for all content sold, the revenue is shared between Google Play (30 %), Kakao (20 %), and the publisher (50 %). The publisher then distributes those profits to the manhwa teams.

As part of their agreements with various publishers, the p.cok anti-piracy task force was created to stop piracy and illegal distribution. Their intent is purely to keep things to the official sources, to make sure the publishers (like DAON, D&C, Carrotoon etc) get paid to pass on to the manhwa teams.

As such, over the past few years, Kakaopage has invested tremendously in legal ways to read their stories in various countries:

Korea

China (Podo, Lehzin)

USA or "english speaking countries" (Tapas, Tappytoon, Radish, Webtoon, manta etc)

Indonesia (KKP indonesia)

Japan (Piccoma)

Thailand

Tappy France

Tappy Germany

etc Misinformation: Kakaopage doesn't care about your language/country Answer: Slight truth, but the more accurate answer is "the publishers don't care about your language/country" As one might notice, this isn't a very comprehensive list of countries. That's the point. Kakaopage and the Korean publishers don't care about their readers in low-readership countries (or continents) like South America, Africa, the middle east, India, Vietnam, or the Phillipines. Because simply, it's too much to invest in countries/languages that won't have high enough readership. So they focus on the "richer" countries to invest in, with translations and localization. They literally do not care about readers not in their list of localization/countries, as these readers would not pay for their services in the first place. Capitalist societies do not want their products out there for free, and that's what piracy is - people reading for free when they could be paying to support the original authors. Misinformation: Supporting officially is expensive!! Answer: Not really When you break it down, not really. on the KKP app, if you want to rent a chapter for 72 hrs, it's 200 coins. If you want to permanently buy a chapter "collect", it's 500 coins. 5000 coins = $4 on the app store 10000 coins = $9 on the app store, etc. Basically, if you want to collect a chapter, with the lowest tier = 5000 coins = 10 chapters = $4 ----> 25 cents per chapter. If you purchase on Tappytoon, I believe it comes out to about 35 cents per chapter If you purchase on Tapas, I heard it's around 30-40 cents per chapter? back to KKP: Now, as each chapter is 25 cents, imagine how that's distributed: 12.5 cents to the publisher, and 5 cents to KKP to host it. For each YM chapter purchased on KKP, which costs a reader 25 cents, DAON Entertainment gets 12.5 cents to split amongst Hayeonnim, Hyeyongnim, and the other staff. Yikes. For a 100 chapter series --> $25 to read it on kakaopage --> $12.5 goes to DAON to distribute to the manhwa team. That's not much per person. If we're lucky to get a physical release, I believe it's about $10 USD for 12 chapters for the YM physicals in KR. For Villains are Destined to Die, or Stepmothers Marchen, who have physical ENG releases, someone told me it's about $15 for 6-8 chapters (needs verification) Back to the webtoons: imagine, 100 people read 100 chapters on aggregate sites instead of one of the official routes: Hayeonnim and Hyeyongnim have already lost $1,250 in royalties/income from the series. from bato alone i see a chapter can have about 55K views. I'm not sure how to translate "views" to "readers", so lets arbitrarily say each chapter is read by 10,000 people internationally who for whatever reason, don't read officially. So 10,000 readers x 100 chapters at 0.12 cents each = loss of $125,000 of income for the manhwa teams for a series with 3 seasons released. Bottom line is, if you can support and want to support, it would be a good idea to. No one's forcing you to, but think of your favorite authors and artists ---!

Sources: https://www.techinasia.com/kakaotalk-launches-kakaopage-digital-content-marketplace

[qqueenofhades]

Following up on the reading asks -- how do you find / decide what to read when it comes to non fiction? It has been easier for me to find recommendations for scifi/fantasy based on what I already like. But for non fiction, I'm finding that just picking stuff at the library can be hit-or-miss in terms of the quality of writing, even if the subject matter is interesting to me. (But I am excited to check out the list you just posted!)

I do the super scientific method of going to the websites of bookstores (i.e. Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, my local indie bookstore, etc) and clicking on anything that looks interesting. I start in categories that I know I like, and likewise check out new releases, new paperbacks, bestsellers, and "books we're excited about" or "staff picks." I click on most things with a cool cover, or where I know the author and like the genre, or already know that I'm into the subject matter or premise. This is not a foolproof system, but it generally works well for identifying things that look fun and that I want to read.

I can usually tell by reading the blurb alone if it's something I'll be interested in, whether the quality of the writing is up to snuff, if the plot is complex enough, or so on. I also sometimes see books that just look interesting for one reason or another, so I add them to the stack. Once I start reading, I can likewise pretty quickly tell if I am going to invest energy into reading more and/or finishing, and since I always have more waiting, I don't feel unduly pressed to finish a book if I am just not Vibing. But my screening system is pretty good, so I'm usually happy with what I end up picking. This goes for both fiction and nonfiction, since I just wrote this whole ask and then realized you asked specifically about nonfiction. But I like adventure, narrative nonfiction, investigative reporting, history, journalistic accounts, and similar themes, so it all goes in the "if I want to know more, I'll pick up this book" basket.

[drahdoutcosmeticdentistry]

Experience Outstanding Dining at Gelson's in Calabasas, CA

Situated in the vibrant center of Calabasas, CA, Gelson's is not just a grocery store; it's a culinary hub that provides an exceptional shopping experience. Renowned for its premium products, outstanding service, and gourmet selections, Gelson's is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.

One of the standout features of shopping at Gelson's is its extensive array of fresh produce. From locally sourced fruits and vegetables to exotic imports, the produce section is a delight for both the eyes and the palate. The store's dedication to quality is evident in every item, ensuring that customers receive only the finest offerings.

In addition to fresh produce, Gelson's presents a range of gourmet products that are sure to impress even the most discerning culinary enthusiasts. The deli boasts an enticing selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, and freshly made salads and sandwiches. Meanwhile, the bakery is famous for its freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes, all crafted with the highest quality ingredients.

For those seeking quick and convenient meal options, Gelson's provides a variety of chef-prepared dishes ideal for busy lifestyles. From hearty soups and stews to delicious entrees and sides, these meals are prepared with the same care and precision as those found in fine dining establishments.

Gelson's is also a fantastic place to discover unique and hard-to-find items. The store features a diverse assortment of gourmet foods, international products, and specialty ingredients that are sure to spark your culinary creativity.

Beyond its food offerings, Gelson's is known for its exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that customers enjoy a pleasant shopping experience.

Whether you're stocking up on everyday essentials or searching for that special ingredient to enhance your next meal, Gelson's in Calabasas, CA, has everything you need to fulfill your culinary desires. With its focus on quality, service, and variety, it's no surprise that Gelson's is a cherished destination for food lovers everywhere.

[pensnearme647]

Pens Near Me

Finding the Perfect Pen Near You: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the digital age, where keyboards and touchscreens dominate, the humble pen remains an essential tool for many. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone who simply appreciates the tactile pleasure of writing, finding the right pen can make all the difference. If you're searching for "pens near me," you're not just looking for a writing instrument; you're seeking quality, variety, and convenience. This guide will explore why it's important to find the right pen, how to locate the best options in your area, and the benefits of shopping locally for your writing needs.

The Importance of Finding the Right Pen

Choosing the right pen goes beyond mere aesthetics. The pen you use can affect your writing style, comfort, and overall experience. Here are a few reasons why finding the right pen is crucial:

Comfort and Ergonomics: A well-designed pen can reduce hand strain and improve writing speed. Pens with ergonomic grips and balanced weights are particularly beneficial for those who write extensively.

Ink Quality and Flow: The type of ink and its flow rate can influence the smoothness of your writing. High-quality pens ensure consistent ink flow, reducing smudging and enhancing readability.

Personal Preference: Pens come in various styles, including ballpoint, gel, fountain, and rollerball. Each type offers different writing experiences, so finding one that suits your preference is essential for a satisfying writing process.

Professional Image: For business professionals, using a high-quality pen can convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. A well-chosen pen can make a positive impression during meetings and negotiations.

How to Find Pens Near You

Locating the perfect pen requires knowing where to look and what to consider. Here are some strategies for finding pens near you:

Local Stationery Stores: Stationery stores often have a wide range of pens, from everyday ballpoints to luxury fountain pens. Visiting a local store allows you to test different pens and seek expert advice from store staff.

Office Supply Stores: Stores like Staples or Office Depot typically carry a broad selection of pens suited for both professional and personal use. These stores often feature pens from popular brands and offer bulk purchasing options.

Bookstores: Many bookstores, especially larger chains like Barnes & Noble, have a stationery section that includes pens. This can be a great place to find unique or specialty pens that are not available elsewhere.

Art Supply Stores: If you're looking for pens with unique ink colors or qualities, art supply stores might have what you need. They often carry high-quality pens designed for artists and calligraphers.

Online Retailers: While not local, online retailers like Amazon, JetPens, and Pen Chalet offer extensive selections and detailed reviews. Many of these sites provide fast shipping options and customer feedback to help you choose the right pen.

Local Craft Fairs and Markets: Craft fairs and local markets sometimes feature vendors specializing in unique and handmade pens. These events can be an excellent opportunity to find one-of-a-kind writing instruments.

Benefits of Shopping Locally

Shopping locally for pens has several advantages beyond convenience:

Immediate Availability: Buying from a local store means you can immediately obtain the pen you want without waiting for shipping. This is particularly useful if you need a pen quickly.

Personal Experience: Visiting a local store allows you to physically test the pens and assess their comfort and writing quality. You can also get personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff.

Supporting Local Businesses: Purchasing from local stores helps support small businesses in your community. This contributes to the local economy and helps maintain a vibrant, diverse marketplace.

Unique Finds: Local stores often carry unique or limited-edition pens that may not be available from larger retailers. This can be a great way to discover new and exclusive writing instruments.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect pen near you involves more than just a quick search; it requires considering comfort, ink quality, and personal preferences. By exploring local stationery stores, office supply shops, bookstores, and art supply stores, you can discover a range of options tailored to your needs. The benefits of shopping locally, such as immediate availability, personalized service, and supporting local businesses, make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Next time you find yourself searching for "pens near me," take the time to explore your local options and experience the joy of finding the ideal writing instrument. Whether you’re looking for a reliable ballpoint for everyday use or a luxurious fountain pen for special occasions, a well-chosen pen can enhance your writing experience and reflect your personal style.

[annfurry0022]

Pet-Friendly Places in Towson, Maryland: Parks, Cafes, and Services.

Towson, Maryland, a vibrant suburb of Baltimore, offers a variety of pet-friendly locations where pet owners can enjoy quality time with their furry friends. From scenic parks to cozy cafes and essential services, Towson caters to the needs of both pets and their owners. Here's a guide to some of the best pet-friendly spots in the area.Read More

Parks

1. Cromwell Valley Park

Cromwell Valley Park is a picturesque, 460-acre park offering a perfect escape for both pets and their owners. With miles of trails, open fields, and wooded areas, it's an ideal place for a leisurely walk or a more strenuous hike. The park’s diverse habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, provide an exciting environment for dogs to explore. Remember to keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them to help maintain the park's beauty.

2. Hampton National Historic Site

While known for its historical significance, the Hampton National Historic Site also welcomes pets in its expansive grounds. The site offers beautiful gardens and walking paths where pets can enjoy the outdoors. While pets are not allowed inside the historic buildings, the serene landscape outside is perfect for a peaceful stroll. Leashes are required, and owners should ensure their pets do not disturb the historic areas.

3. Lake Roland Park

Just a short drive from Towson, Lake Roland Park features over 500 acres of natural beauty, including a large off-leash dog park. The Paw Point Dog Park is a fenced, one-acre area where dogs can run freely and socialize with other pets. In addition to the dog park, the surrounding trails and lake provide ample opportunities for on-leash adventures. The park requires a membership for access to the off-leash area, ensuring a safe and well-maintained environment for all visitors.

Cafes

1. Towson Hot Bagels & Deli

Towson Hot Bagels & Deli is a local favorite that welcomes pets at their outdoor seating area. Enjoy a delicious bagel or sandwich while your pet relaxes by your side. The friendly staff often provide water bowls for pets, ensuring they stay hydrated and comfortable. It’s a great spot to start your day or take a break during a walk around town.

2. Zia's Café

Located in downtown Towson, Zia's Café offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for pet owners. The café features a menu of organic and locally sourced foods, and their outdoor seating area is pet-friendly. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee with your furry companion. The staff at Zia's are known for their pet-friendly attitude and often have treats on hand for their four-legged visitors.

3. Barnes & Noble Café

Part of the larger Barnes & Noble bookstore, the café area allows pets in the outdoor seating space. It's an ideal location for book lovers who want to enjoy a coffee and a good read while their pet enjoys some fresh air. The café offers a range of beverages and snacks, making it a convenient stop during a day out in Towson.

Services

1. Petco Towson

Petco in Towson offers a wide range of products and services for pets, including grooming, training, and veterinary care. The store is well-stocked with pet food, toys, and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for all your pet needs. The grooming services ensure your pet looks their best, and the training classes can help with obedience and behavior issues.

2. Towson Veterinary Hospital

For medical needs, Towson Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary services, from routine check-ups to emergency care. The experienced staff are dedicated to ensuring your pet's health and well-being, offering personalized care and attention. Their modern facilities and compassionate approach make them a trusted choice for many pet owners in the area.

3. Dogma - Life, With Your Pet

Dogma is a unique pet boutique and grooming salon that focuses on holistic care and high-quality products. They offer grooming services, natural pet foods, and a variety of pet accessories. The staff at Dogma are knowledgeable and passionate about pets, providing excellent service and advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy.

Conclusion

Towson, Maryland, is a pet-friendly community with numerous parks, cafes, and services that cater to the needs of pet owners and their furry companions. Whether you're looking for a scenic park for a walk, a café to relax in, or essential services for your pet's health and well-being, Towson has plenty to offer. Enjoy exploring this vibrant suburb with your pet by your side.

[mercerislandbooks]

Miriam and Nancy Pearl in Conversation

Hello, my beloved Island Books community! Dare I say it? I'm saying it. I'M BACK.

Islanders know me for various reasons--mom of four chasing kids at the local parks and schools, Daniel's wife, ballet teacher, writer, neighbor, and friend. But for those of you that have followed this blog a looooong time, you might remember that former Island Books bookseller James Crossley (now across the bridge managing our dear friend Madison Books) and I started the Island Books' blog back in 2011. Other duties and a pandemic took me away from it for a few years, but the dust is settling, the sun is shining, and OMG, Island Books is heading toward our 50th anniversary at the end of 2023. 

A 50th anniversary is no joke. There's a lot to say to honor my favorite place in town, so I'm lining up next to Laurie and crew to chime in. In the months leading up to the big day, I'll be chatting with current and past Island Books employees to trace the history and memories that make our store so special. I'll also be talking to our authors and literary friends who have a special connection with Island Books. Consider this project my yearbook to honor a local treasure, and if you read along with me, you'll see why Island Books is a pillar of our community. 

I'm kicking off my series with a chat with a woman who needs no introduction. Nancy Pearl is an American librarian, best-selling author, literary critic and the former Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library. But who she really is, to me, is one of the greatest book lovers of our time. She's someone I admire and wish to be like, she's funny, she's smarter than hell, and she's our dear, dear friend. 

Miriam: Nancy, tell me about the first time you visited Island Books. What are your memories there and what stood out to you about the store?

Nancy:  The first time I visited Island Books was in 2003 when the first Book Lust book was published. Roger invited me to come talk about the book. I loved the store. I think small and cozy bookstores are the best, and Island Books was one of those stores that are wonderfully curated with a glorious mixture of the popular and the unusual books that you wouldn't see at a Barnes and Noble, for example. It reminded me of Yorktown Alley Bookstore, the bookstore I managed in Tulsa years ago.

Miriam: I didn't know you managed a bookstore! That's good to know and explains a lot about you. I went and did my google duty and saw that the Yorktown Alley Bookstore closed, which happened to a lot of indies once Amazon came on the scene. Can you tell me a little more about working there? What kinds of books did you recommend to customers back then, and how have your recommendations changed between then and now? How did that experience help launch you toward library work?

Nancy:  I already had my library degree when we moved to Oklahoma and 2 daughters, ages 9 months and 31 months old;  7 years in Stillwater and then moved to Tulsa and my wonderful husband commuted back to Stillwater. He'd go in Monday mornings, sleep (in his office) Monday nights, come home Tuesday night, stay in Tulsa on Wednesday, and then back to Stillwater on Thursday and home again Friday evening. A good friend from Stillwater moved to Tulsa and opened the bookstore and when I was ready to go back to work I started working there.  I think I said this already, but it was really a wonderful bookstore. I sold many many copies of all my favorite novels from 1980 to 1989, when I went to work at the public library, including Anne Tyler's Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children (it was the then Random House rep, whose name I don't remember, who told me to read it, and he was so right), Pat Conroy (I met him at what was then called ABA conference in New Orleans and invited him to come to Tulsa and he did - I loved Prince of Tides. When the library staff (5 of us) went to dinner with him, he told us wonderful stories about his family and writing the book.

This was back in the day when it was time to order from Ingram you called them up and gave the order over the phone. I used to love calling them because all the women (and they were all women) had the loveliest Tennessee accents.

Miriam: I loved Prince of Tides too. Will you tell us about your experience with bookstores during the publication of your Book Lust series and with your debut novel, George and Lizzie? Do you have some favorite experiences from those times? James Crossley and I had the honor of being in conversation with you at Island Books when that came out and it was so much fun. There’s nothing bookstores love more than helping elevate authors!

Nancy: I loved doing the book tours for the Book Lust books (especially the first one) because I got to meet wonderful readers all over. I remember speaking at a bookstore in Washington (I think it was the one on Vashon, but it could actually have been Island Books) and the owner (maybe Roger) found a copy of one of my all-time favorite novels - Merle Miller’s A Gay and Melancholy Sound which was long out of print and gave it to me - And Lisa Scottoline chose More Book Lust as the Today Show bookclub book, which was thrilling - they flew me to New York and we were both on the show talking about the book. Lisa was wearing a beautiful Chanel jacket. Also I have to say here that I’ve really wanted to name More Book Lust this title: Book Lust 2: The Morning After. 

Doing the tour for George & Lizzie was wonderful because I love talking about those characters and why I wrote the book. I especially enjoyed the times the program was as an interview, like it was with you and James at Island Books. I was interviewed at the library in Tulsa, where some of George & Lizzie takes place (in Tulsa, not the library, but I worked at the library) and many of my old co-workers and old friends came to the event  The tour was really soon after the novel came out so not a lot of people had read it yet. I always felt the need to tell every audience that the novel wasn’t autobiographical.

Because I love meeting readers,  I always liked going on book tours—I’m so glad I got to do the ones I did. 

Miriam: The readers love you too, Nancy! Thanks so much for making time to answer my questions, for spreading your passion to so many others, and always offering your support to indie bookstores like ours. 

To our Island Books community: Keep an eye on this space in the coming months—leading up to our 50th—for my upcoming conversations with Laurie Raisys, Roger and Nancy Page, James Crossley, and many more characters who’ve made Island Books the place it is today. There are so many memories and special people connected to our store. I’m excited to share them here.

—Miriam

[wrongpublishing]

BOOK REVIEW: TIM MCGREGOR'S WASPS IN THE ICE CREAM

by Elizabeth Broadbent, Staff Writer.

Since moving to A Real City (holla, RVA!), our local bookstore has a decent horror section: yes, we have the legendary Libbie Barnes & Noble. Our family hit it up Saturday, when I snagged Tim McGregor’s Wasps in the Ice Cream, one of the newest from Raw Dog Screaming Press. I havea long TBR stack of ARCs. There was guilt. BUT BOOKS!

On Sunday, my husband’s birthday, global warming gifted us with a day of daffodils and blooming Bradford pears. The fam hiked two miles—the farthest I’ve walked since receiving iron infusions for severe anemia. Anemia leaves you exhausted. I was proud. I was tired.

I promise, I’ll get to the book.

Afterward, I decided to soak in my heart-shaped enormo-tub, a trashy upper-middle-class indulgence I shouldn’t enjoy so much. This tub is surrounded by more than twenty candles, mostly tea lights in seashells, because I am a decadent bitch (I swear I’m not as basic as this sounds). I’d just finished one ARC, and I wanted a break from screens, so I snagged Wasps in the Ice Cream. This was supposed to be... shortish. Maybe half an hour, pre-nap.

Cue the 1980s. 

Mark’s outgrown his childhood besties: Kombat Kevin, perpetually stuck in his “let’s throw some fireworks at each other for fun” phase, and Eric, always a little slow on the uptake. On a summer-doldrum night, Mark notices the mysterious Farrow sisters in the grocery store. You know them: the creepy homeschooled girls shut up in a run-down gothic mansion. Once, their family owned most of town, and they lost everything but their snobbery. Their reclusiveness has fueled rampant rumors. They’re weird; they’re shunned; they shun everyone. Mark’s dumbass friends play a stupid prank on them, and despite his reluctance, he joins in—and feels horrible. 

As penance, he tries to befriend the middle sister, George. Her attitude at first—well, “standoffish” is polite. But slowly, they become friends, and...

My tea lights began to burn out. Usually, I scramble to light more. 

I noticed the candles only in retrospect.

I kept reading.

Time passed. I refreshed my hot water—once? Twice?—book in hand. Tea lights continued winking out. Eventually, I turned the last page; I was weeping; and my sunlit bathroom had turned to candlelight. Somewhere downstairs, someone was yelling about birthday cake. This sounds overdramatic. It’s true. 

When this book launched, I saw it everywhere, liked the cover, and thought, huh, maybe I ought to read that. Maybe you should have read this yesterday. The pacing’s taut. The characters are vivid. I ached not only for big plot points, but small ones, too: a visit to Gramma’s house left me crying. I believed in Mark. His struggle to fit in two worlds was real; all those little details of high school rang true. Those details made Wasps in the Ice Cream devastatingly authentic, but they pained me: a good pain, because they were genuine; a wincing pain, because I remembered them too well. 

I also remembered those small-town summer doldrums, that nothing-to-do, the desperation for anything to happen. I remember that yearning to leave. I could have slipped into their skins: into Mark’s desperate desire to fit in; into George’s painful isolation; even into Kevin’s appetite for destruction. Don’t you remember those stars stuck to your ceiling, the ones that never glowed? 

Maybe that’s why I loved this book so much: despite its touches of the supernatural, it’s a true story. In my favorite Steinbeck novel, Sweet Thursday (no one reads Steinbeck anymore), Doc says, “A thing isn't necessarily a lie even if it didn't necessarily happen.” I believe it. I believe it all.

Yes, the prose is great. Yes, the plotting is remarkable. Yes, it’s a great book.

But I believe it. A book you can believe in is a precious thing. Why, out of all of Stephen King’s novels, does Pet Semetary slam us hardest? Because it’s the truest (I’ll die on that hill).

We return to our mirrors. We examine our own sins and look for our redemption. We want a good story, yes—but in the end, we’re all Narcissus, and we seek our own reflections. Wasps in the Ice Cream holds up a mirror. Tim McGregor has handed us something special, and massive kudos to Raw Dog Screaming Press for pubbing this one. Pick it up. You won’t regret it.

& follow the author:

Twitter: @ TimMcGregor1 

[princguard-a]

Lark smiled at Inej and nodded. " It is a skill I find that is most needed. If you can ride a horse, you can travel anywhere." she said and smiled at the small, fat pony that was munching on his hay. No care in the world. Just hay, apples, and the occasionally head scratches.

" Actually." she pursed her lips in amusement and let out a mirthful chuckle. " He earned his title in the most just way." she began and glanced back at her pony.

" You see, there was a barn fire not too long ago. Muffin kicked out the wood of the stall door he was in and was able to get out and run amok until the staff caught him and realized what was happening. Because of his efforts, the barn was saved, and there was no losses. So to award his bravery, he was knighted and given the biggest stall after the repairs."

" He is the most noble beast in all of Ravka, anyone who says otherwise is a liar." She called again.

" The local tavern has written it into a ballad. It's quite lovely to hear."

Inej thinks about it. It's been so long since she's been atop a horse. Her hand travels a slow path down the length of the horse's body. "Sure," she finally agrees, "Who knows, maybe horseback riding will come in handy some day." Unsure when, but life has taken her on many interesting paths. Through the fold now to a flying ship. Anything is possible.

She follows behind the other woman to meet this other horse, this Ser Muffin. The name leaves an amused smile on her face. It makes her think of Nina. She'd give a horse a name like that.

The sight of the horse now that it has finally been revealed is almost underwhelming. The Wraith laughs. "The boss?" she questions, hiding her amusement behind her hand. "And how did he find himself in this position? Did he wrestle all of the stallions to the top of the food chain? Brawled with a lion, perhaps?"

[star-charms]

Local Barnes and Noble staff recommendation for Gideon the Ninth

[afipiafelis]

Now serving the romance of your nightmares:

Maid For Your Master - Now Available

A Reader Insert Horror Romance - (CW list here)

Rumors ruin reputations. For a maid, they can be maddening.

The sharp-tongued Professor Campbell, your employer, is dead. Insinuations about your “nightly duties” make finding a new position impossible. Just as you exhaust the last of your options, an unexpected offer of employment comes from a man you’ve never met: Sicarius Estrova – shipping magnate, eligible bachelor, and an old friend of the professor.

His household, Gravelorne Manor, is far from the picture-perfect image it projects. The staff are rowdy, the mansion is bizarrely furnished, and your beguiling master seems to delight in playing calculating mind games. Too old for the nonsense, you meet his perverse teasing with biting wit and pernicious poise. However, when his endless taunts turn into a sudden proposal, you cannot help but feel something is amiss.

Seduced by his amorous attentions and the promise of financial security, you enter into a marriage where the only certainty is Sicarius’s obsessive desire to mold you into his world. As your husband flip-flops between hopeless romantic and shameless devil, you begin to wonder what wicked schemes hide behind that charming smile.

Reader Character Description: She/her pronouns, female anatomy, approx age late twenties to mid-forties.

Purchase your paperback or ebook copy at:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon US/CA/UK/DE/AU/BR/JP

Target

Bookdepository.com

Booktopia AU

Imusic.co EU

Hugendubel.de EU

Google Play

Also available by special order at Indie Booksellers:

Carmicheal's Bookstore (Kentucky, USA)

Sundog Independent Books (Florida, USA)

Prince Books (Vermont, USA)

Waterstreet Bookstore (New Hampshire, USA)

Annie Bloom Books (Oregon, USA)

Penguin Bookshop (Pennsylvania, USA)

Fireside Books (Alaska, USA)

Better Read Than Dead (New South Wales, AU)

Paperback Size: 178mm x 108 mm/4.25″x7″, Weight 257g/9oz

Paperback Price: 14.99 USD

Ebook Price: 4.99 USD (available at these retailers)

For those with limited finances: Talk to your local librarian to request the book! Print copies are available for order through the Ingram catalogue and digital library access is available through Overdrive/Hoopla upon your request!

[drdemonprince]

Hi! I'm not sure what the best way to address this is, but I recently bought your unmasking autism book at my local barns and noble. And personally their placement of the book makes me uncomfortable. I had staff help me find it and they took me up to the parenting section, and then it's subsection of "special needs" books for parents. I said to the staff that I thought it was somewhat weird, and then got gaslit over it. Anyways, I'm just not sure how you felt about having your book in parenting

My publisher chose to have it listed it as a parenting book (among other categories such as mental health), because they believe that by putting it there, it will capture additional readers beyond my target audience of Autistic folks themselves: worried/newly adapting parents of Autistic kids (and other caretakers and educators who work with Autistics). That’s a population that’s desperate for help and receives very little of it -- and they buy a lot of books. 

Based on the content of the reviews I've seen and emails I get, I think my publisher was correct.  Many masked Autistics find out they’re Autistic following a child’s diagnosis. And I want Autistic kids to have a way better time in life than most of us did growing up, so my book getting in the hands of a lot of parents and educators is a wonderful thing. 

Autistic children are powerless in our society, whereas adult masked Autistics have some power and autonomy in our lives. So, reaching children by reaching parents is something I really support here. I had not anticipated reaching as many parents (or getting as many emails from children!) as I have. im really glad that it shook out that way. 

but yes, it was decided by people who are not me for purely capitalistic reasons. penguin random house only chose to sell my book at all because they thought they could reach a wide contingency of people -- originally, i was going to have to write the book for a general audience, not autistics themselves. i was lucky as hell to get an editor who encouraged me to write a book for autistics specifically. she managed to convince publicity and marketing that a book that niche could still be “saleable” -- by pointing out that parents and teachers would also want it. and she was right. 

I can't speak to the "special needs" subsection because that's not how the book is listed on the publisher side. every store subcategorizes differently. a massive corporation like B&N using ignorant yet very widely adopted ableist language sounds about par for the course unfortunately. 

I try not to worry too much about the nuts and bolts of distribution and sales because I have no authority over any of it and am not even *told* most of it. and if i were to tell you ever ignorant or undermining thing that has happened to me and my books in the years ive been a writer it would be a very very long post that might begin to convey how few spoons i have left to fight certain battles. right now i’m just happy and relieved to see my book doing well and meaning a lot to people, knowing it got to exist in the form i wanted it to. thanks for your question, and I hope you enjoy the book.

[dawnlovesham]

So what are some basic anitwt discourses?

Shonen fanbrats who brag that their favorite series is “Goat peak fiction” while at the same time mock, insult and flat out hate another party for the same said reasons. And then vice versa with that opposing party, saying how "X clears/solos/slays Y.

Shojo, josei and magical girl are genres that are misconstrued and underestimated because apparently girls/women aren’t supposed to watch anime, because “anime is strictly a guy thing!” and just act all misogynistic in general. I'm convinced shonen anime fans are full misogynists at this point.

Sailor Moon fans calling Pretty Cure/Precure or any other magical girl series a “Sailor Moon ripoff”. It's the most vulnerable one due to its obscure status and the strong and loyal support/fanbase outside of Japan. Bonus points that they hate it because Toei Animation would rather focus on making more money out of it than Sailor Moon. Also works with Puella Magi Madoka Magica fans who either side with the Sailor Moon fans or insult Precure for being childish and/or demand that the franchise should become mature and darker.

Sakuga purists who constantly put animation studios like MAPPA, Ufotable, Ghibli and Madhouse on a pedestal, while low budget studios like DEEN, Pierrot get shat on for their fail sakuga and overall quality. Other studios get a 50/50 like A-1 Pictures, Toei Animation, Cloverworks, J.C. Staff, TMS Entertainment, Kyoto Animation, Bones, Sunrise (now known as Bandai Namco Filmworks) P.A. Works, Trigger, etc.

Those who have a right to criticize isekai anime for being an overused genre these days only for those who actually like the said genre dogpile them (admittedly I rarely see this, but feels very accurate)

A lame, tasteless joke about Neon Genesis Evangelion, or Darling In The Franxx, which is not just limited to calling it Evangelion wearing clown shoes (which is basically the hive mind of this anime)

That one person who takes a photo of their local Barnes and Noble's huge manga section alongside the paltry Western comics/graphic novels and the weebs go all, "Manga better than DC/Marvel because better story, no continuity reboots, and they outsell DC/Marvel inconsistent universe woke dogshit!"

Add more, if you like.

We have this every 4 months Twitter.

We don't need the answer.