#theopenbookwigtown

[theopenbookwigtown]

A busy second day at The Open Book! I opened from just after 10 and after a quiet start, things really picked up around lunchtime.

A lot of people were visiting the area yesterday and popped in to look for books by local authors. If I didn't have what they were looking for, I sent them down the road to The Bookshop, The Old Bank Bookshop or Well-Read Books.

I sold books on how to be right, Victorian prophets, nature and freelancing as a journalist (I wonder who bought that one...) before breaking for a late lunch at Café Rendezvous. The salad was 10/10.

After lunch, I took a trip to Well-Read books (my neighbour!) and marvelled at their crime selection, as well as Number 11 is Wigtown Festival Company's book and gift shop.

Customers: 20

Takings: £31.85

Outgoings: 5 books, apple and caramel cake

Currently reading: Preloved by Lauren Bravo (finished last night,) The Glass Cliff by Sophie Williams

[theopenbookwigtown]

There's a fake book hiding amongst our shelves... can you help to find it?

This Thursday from 7pm, come by The Open Book for cheese, wine and book-hunting

Spread the word and I hope to see you tomorrow!

[theopenbookwigtown]

Good morning! The Open Book is open for my first day as a bookseller

I'm Izzy, a journalist from London. I love books (surprise surprise) especially literary fiction, biographies, graphic memoirs, cosy crime and books about film, fashion and music

I interview a lot of authors as part of my job, especially for my Substack newsletter Mixed Messages – https://mixedmessages.substack.com/

Hope to see you over the next week in The Open Book!

[theopenbookwigtown]

🏡 Back home in Shropshire, but what a week it's been. 🌟

Grateful for everyone who joined our journey - the locals' warmth, the visitors' love for The Open Book. 😍

It's been the most wholesome week we've ever had.

🗓 18th - 23rd July 2023: ⏰ 41 hours open ���� 319 people greeted 🐶 16 adorable dog visitors 📚 81 books found new homes

As I've been doing all the posting this week, Gary wanted to say something...

I did not want to be a bookseller. I wanted even less to pay for the privilege.

Stephy had other ideas, however, and it’s in my nature to follow her lead even when I’m convinced she’s gone off the deep end. And so, in 2017, we booked our place at the end of a 3-year wait and Stephy impatiently dreamt of our upcoming trip. This, I believe, is called “foreshadowing.”

2 days before our trip in 2020, we were all locked in our homes for the foreseeable future. And so, in 2020, we booked our place at the end of a 3-year wait and Stephy impatiently dreamt of our upcoming trip.

I tell you this to emphasise that, despite two 3 year waits and a pandemic, I was no more enthusiastic about our bizarre little holiday. I was convinced that we would see too few customers and I would be bored out of my mind or, much worse, that we would see too many and I would be forced to relive the retail experience that made me promise “never again” as a teenager. Either way, I was terrified that my anxiety and my atrophied social skills would leave me trapped in a solid week of awkward interactions and uncomfortable silences.

I ran these scenarios in my head, preparing myself for any eventuality, but I could never have anticipated that I would fit in almost immediately. We were soon visited by many of the locals, invited to events and welcomed into their stores as though we were regulars. This strange, wonderful place embraced us with everything from casual Good Mornings shared across the quiet road as we all set up our signs and displays, to conversation in the street to compare notes after closing. It is rare that I feel a sense of belonging, but I found it here and instantly fell in love.

With the help of Stephy's boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm, I fully discarded my shell within days and, by week's end, was actively greeting everyone who walked through the door with a genuine “How are you today?” like some kind of crazy person.

It was in this question that I found the real treasure of this place, the thing that makes The Open Book far more than the sum of its parts: Those who visit, do so looking for a story or two, sure, but if you ask them, and if you listen, they often gift you a story in return. We encountered people bursting with the kind of joy and wisdom that only comes from a life well lived and learned important life lessons that we will carry with us forever. All it took was a word and an ear.

The dream, the one I didn't understand, can be found here in Wigtown but you are missing the point if all you are looking for is a quaint, cosy stay in a bookshop. The Open Book wouldn't work anywhere else because The Open Book is Wigtown. There is a perfect storm here. The right people in the right place at the right time with the right idea have created something truly magical. How else can I describe something wonderful that shouldn't exist, but does anyway?

This is a place where a modern shop with modern comforts exists but the penny sweet is alive and well, where a parade of 40 horses might run right by your front door and bagpipe music can be described as "spontaneous", where a "little concert" is both cosy and breathtaking in equal measure, where you can enter a store to the sound of live banjo music and learn of the owners attempts to purchase a life-sized triffid, and where you will learn the secret to a long happy life is to pull up your socks, always be curious, never stop learning, and buy a second TV for your spouse.

In just one week, a bookstore had become a home, a handful of strangers had become neighbours and friends and a holiday I would gladly have missed had become a memory that I will cherish always. I leave this place healed and inspired, thankful for the kindness and the stories that I will take home with me, and saddened beyond measure to say goodbye so soon.

I did not want to be a bookseller, but I will be forever grateful that I was.

Until next time, Wigtown.

💛 Stephy & Gary

[theopenbookwigtown]

Day 3 at The Open Book was another quiet morning, so I scoured the shelves and pulled out some books I didn't see first-time round. I've restocked my display of books by authors of colour and tidied up the nature shelves.

I headed over to Creetown's Gem Rock museum at lunchtime, which is well worth a visit. A collection amassed by one family over 90 years, there's a lot to marvel at. If only someone wanted to buy me one of those diamonds...

On the way back, I browsed some of Wigtown's bookstores. I popped into Foggie Toddle books and loved hearing about the books they publish, as well as seeing a display of books on Black beauty and history.

I also headed to The Bookshop, where I nearly got lost in the maze of shelves and rooms, and finally browsed the shelves at Old Bank Bookshop. Normally I get too deep into conversation with Joyce and Ian, who are great!

To end the day we hosted a cheese and wine night at the shop – thank you to everyone that came. We didn't quite find the fake book, but we had a great evening chatting about local goings-on, where we've all lived and worked over our lives and - gasp - politics. Don't worry though, it didn't get argumentative!

Customers: 1 Takings: £0 Outgoings: An angelite stone, an onyx camel, more books Currently reading: The Glass Cliff by Sophie Williams

[theopenbookwigtown]

What a first day at The Open Book! I opened from 10-1, picking out some books from the shelves to plan my window display. It was a wet, rainy day so footfall was slow, but it meant I got to crack on with some work (arranging interviews, making TikToks, planning my next article) in these beautiful surroundings.

At lunch I headed to ReadingLasses and got the goats cheese, apple and honey sandwich – I think I had the best seat in the house, surrounded by books. There were some interesting titles! But I loved seeing the focus on women authors and a diverse range of writers. I think it's so important to read experiences outside of our own to better understand the world.

On my way back to the shop I stopped into New Chapter Books. At first I thought it was a small shop, then I saw the back room – wow! That coffee table is on my wishlist now. I also loved their display of things found in secondhand books, from photos to tickets, leaves to love letters.

The day ended with a double rainbow and chips and mushy peas from The Frying Scotsman while I watched Married At First Sight UK: The Reunion. Perfect.

Customers: 2

Takings: Pounds, zero. Experience, priceless

Outgoings: Eight books, a leaflet, a letter opener and a gilet for my goddaughter

Currently reading: Preloved by Lauren Bravo, Backstory Issue 1

[theopenbookwigtown]

DAY THREE

We find our footing by setting up our window displays. We created a Christmas theme in one window and a Feng Shui in the other.

For lunch, we went to Reading Lasses and had soup and cakes. We met a woman from near here and her nephew who was visiting from France. They were going to go watch the birds, but before they went out to the harbor, they stopped by the shop. She bought a copy of The Private Lives of Rabbits to give to her husband who has a farm where rabbits are messing with his crops. She said, "I keep telling him those rabbits have lives. They have families and such and have a right to be here too." We are having so much fun we can't stand it.

[theopenbookwigtown]

Day 9

Last day for me at the Open Book ... the weather is appropriate: miserable, grey, rainy with nasty gushes of wind. But inside the Bookshop it is cosy and warm and people are out and about (and come in) despite the weather. Actually, some of them came in just to warm up.

I am surprised how popular the history-section at the shop is and customers buy too. It must have been the best-sold genre over the past two weeks.

Again, several locals I got to know during my stay here came in today to say good-bye and wish me a safe journey home. They really are the sweetest! Thank you Anne, Joyce, Rosie, David and last but not least Ruth for taking care of me during my stay in their lovely town and for making it an unforgettable adventure. Caroline

Ich bin ein Wigtowner!

Customers: 15

Books sold: 5

Till: 10,50 £

[theopenbookwigtown]

Day 8

The day started easy with coffee at cafe Rendezvous and a chat with Ruth from Well-Read Books and as soon as I opened up the shop, people started to come in. Very different genres went over the counter today, from crime, theology, music, travel, classics and sports to history and in the end today turned out to be the best day so far.

I also wrapped some more of the surprise books which is great fun. However, it is not that easy to find a short description without giving away too much!

Farewell already lingers in the air and several locals popped in to say good-bye since tomorrow will be my last day at the Open Book. I won't be packing yet nor will I think about my departure until the last possible moment. So ... talk to you tomorrow.

Customers: 14

Books sold: 13

Till: 45 £

[theopenbookwigtown]

Finally!

As soon as I read about the concept of the open book in Wigtown I applied. Now, 5 years, 1 ferry, 2 trains, 2 airplanes and 4 busses later I am finally here. And I am already in love. Due to the Christmas season customers are somewhat scarce and sales are slow, but that was to be expected. Yesterday was only my first day and I needed it to settle in and have a proper look at the bookshop. Joyce from the Old Bank Bookshop came in with some information for me, so did Rosie from the Wigtown Book Festival office, then Ruth from Well-Read Books next door came in to say hello and Ben from the Bookshop Band with his sweet daughter Amie passed by and stopped for a little chat. The Wigtown residents are really as welcoming and kind as everyone says/writes here.

To round the first day off, I was lucky enough to spot the Fish and Chips truck next to the Christmas tree on the town square and was rewarded with a tasty meal. An excellent start into a long-awaited adventure.

[theopenbookwigtown]

Welcome!

[theopenbookwigtown]

DAY TWO

After finally getting to Scotland and braving the adventures of driving on the left side of the road, we make it to Wigtown, the lovely village in Dumfries & Galloway. We wrestle the door open to begin.

What adventure awaits us? We shall see.

[theopenbookwigtown]

Silly Americans in Wigtown

DAY ONE:

Whelp, we landed in Amsterdam and dutifully walked to our gate to catch our connecting flight to Glasgow. We sat and talked and visited with the people going to Manchester when Julie commented, "Shouldn't we be loading?" Well yes, we should have been loaded and on our way! Oh dear.

Why hadn't they announced it? Why hadn't anyone told us? We're used to American pronouncements not quite suggestions to take care of yourself and check the board which has a red flashing light that says "Gate Change." Another flight wouldn't be available until 9 pm so we opted to stay in Amsterdam and fly out the next morning.

So the first night we were supposed to be at The Open Book, we partied hard in Amsterdam by eating pizza and miso soup and then going straight to bed, never stepping foot outside the Renaissance Motel.

Lame Americans :/

[theopenbookwigtown]

Last Day: Goodbye to The Open Book

Visitors: 106 Books Found: 10 (8 fiction!) Tally: £32 Our Week: £197.50

Our last day was a short one, we didn’t get back from Kirkcudbright until 12:30! We were happy to have seen highland dancing and the marching Pipe Band at the Scottish night, and also to visit our family. Ruth said it wasn’t busy in the morning, and later, Andy at the Emporium explained that afternoons usually are busier as people coming to Wigtown do so when they are heading somewhere else. He and I chatted about product placement, as his shop is beautifully set up. He said almost all the books he sells are in a bin outside the shop on the sidewalk. If we were staying I’d be tempted to carry the kitchen cart outside and fill it up as an experiment. Maybe the next booksellers! I might have bought some curios from Andy if I wasn’t worried they’d break in transit. He had several lovely porcelain collie dog statues, but none with a paw raised like the one in my story “The Dog I Loved”. About £23.

Another two surprise books went. Yes, to young women. And two books we had displayed: an illustrated Aesop’s Fables and Starting Over Scottish.

I forgot to mention that yesterday the postal delivery person came in. She was glad the shop was open and she delivered a package. I was thrilled to receive three new books (preview copies) from an independent publisher with a letter addressed to “Dear Bookseller”….put the books on the shelf right away. Ruth got them too.

Michael did a great job cleaning up the place. “Hoovering”.

A wee little girl came in and fell in love with a stuffed dog that was sitting on the chair. She carried it around and kissed it constantly. When her mum tried to take it away she toddled fast into the book shelves. Finally, I said, you can buy it for two pounds. Granny paid up. I suggested to Mum she wash it in a pillowcase in the machine.

Just as our day was ending we found the fake book (whew). We hid it again, but we also put a note for the next booksellers with instructions where to find the location IF they cannot spot it. I was so afraid we’d go home without ever finding it.

Our week here has been lovely. It was the second day before we realized there wasn’t a television in the flat, and we didn’t miss it at all. We’ve been reading and walking and sleeping in. We will miss Wigtown and the shop and hope to come and visit again someday. Thank you to everyone who has been so kind to us.

[theopenbookwigtown]

Day Two: Marketing Pays Off

Visitors: 47  Books sold: 26  Tally: 70.50

This morning we worked on our displays. Michael moved the Trains display to a smaller window and inside, hiding some ugly boxes on the floor. I had an idea for a “Who Needs Google?” window display, with books about how to. Some funny ones “how to walk in high heels” (Fiction) and “20 ways to cook minced meat” (non-fiction) and some serious. Also wrapped books which I curated. My criteria: general interest, and some illustrations. Something you could leave in a guest room or an Air BnB. Or by the toilet (but don’t!) Called them surprise books or blind date books. Take a chance!

To our surprise 8 plain-wrapped books were sold. Mostly young women buying them. With no indication of subject except fiction or non-fiction. Also, the mince meat book from the window sold. And a very busy day. So – marketing pays off.

We want to put some children’s books at eye level tomorrow. Had some wee ones in today. And two dogs had treats from the jar.

Thinking of Shaun’s 7 types you meet in a bookshop, we had a gentleman who bought two books, Faulkner and Heroic Plays. He was a buttoned-up type, with a small beard. Seemed annoyed we did not take card nor have any inkling of where the cash machine was. (We now know it’s up the street a bit.) He went off to get money. His brother-in-law told us our buyer was a professor at Oxford, and that he loaned him the 20 pounds he gave us.

Another guy (Specialist?) bought several heavy books on invertebrates and fresh-water algae. Finally, we spoke with a man who bought “England Without Richard” and explained to us how Richard-the-Lionhearted gets all the good press, but he was an absent King (not even buried on British soil) and how King John gets a bad rap. He was pretty passionate about it, and we assured him we would let everyone know the truth. Now you know.

Dinner was take-away haddock suppers from The Frying Scotsman. Excellent!

[theopenbookwigtown]

Sunday Fun Day

Arrived Wigtown through gorgeous Scottish scenery. First time we Canadians drove on the left! Can’t wait to open the shop tomorrow. One window display for Shaun B. And a wee display for the UCI events. Love the flat. Our plan is an author reading Friday at 4 pm. Authors can sign up. Jill writes short stories that are published in literary magazines. Hope others will come read their prose and poetry. Michael and Jill