"Who Loves to Prowl Around in a Bookstore? How Do We Do That Online?"

Heeeelllllooooooo Seekerville,

Wow. Hasn't this been an exciting week?

Congratulations to all the winners we've had so far. Fun Fun Fun.

Sandra here. I love birthdays. Not only is it Seekerville's birthday, but today is my dh's birthday also. woo hoooo

Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all. Happy birthday to you. (trust me you are blessed that this is cyber singing LOL)

And we have MORE presents so read on to the end to find out how to receive one.

This month we have been talking about CHANGE. That scary-----and exciting word.

Change is the buzz word for this century so far wouldn't you agree?

So let's talk bookstores. I hope your neighborhood isn't like mine with book stores closing left and right. And in a college town no less. What's up with that?

But the publishing world is changing along with everything else. Debut digital author Pam Hillman gave us a big sample of that yesterday in her post Tyndale's Digital First.

The changes we're seeing are distressful to me, but also exciting.

I'm mourning the demise of the bookstore, especially those with cozy corners and comfy chairs to sit in, drink coffee or tea and peruse the wares.

But I'm excited about the changes that ebooks are allowing, especially the expansion into sub genres before thought to be too risky to invest in expensive publication.

I'm mourning the advice from my bookstore manager and/or clerk, you know the one who knows the type of book you love and keeps their eye out for them. Or has read a new author and suggests you try them because his/her style is right up your alley.

But I'm excited about the social media that allows us to get opinions and recommendations from friends even if they live across the Rockies and over the Prairies.

I'm mourning the loss of the tactile joy of walking into a bookstore--the smells of old books, the crisp scent of new books, the feel of a hardbound in your hand, the pleasure of opening the flap to read the blurb, or seeing the smiling face of the author--sometimes like seeing an old friend because you've read every one of their books.

But I'm excited to be able to click on a website and read the latest updates from my favorite author. Not only is there the glamorous mug shot, but whole photo albums. How fun is that?

I'm mourning the loss of my favorite stores that sponsored wonderful autograph parties.

But I'm excited about the parties we still do have. Not only in bookstores like Tina and Mary had in Tulsa last weekend, but online when our books are featured on someone's blog. See the weekend edition for current blog parties.

I'm mourning the fact I can't stroll into our beach hut library, wiggle our toes in the warm sand and curl up in the hammock on Unpubbed Island and read all afternoon. I miss Captain Jack bringing a refreshing coconut spritzer and a box of tissues if the book is a tear jerker.

But I'm excited about our new bookstore in the village of Seekerville. We can gather there and share the exciting news of who has published their next novel and get review copies to discuss. Hey and Captain Jack drops in occasionally to chat and put his two cents worth in.

Pssst Hey Jack you did love Price of Victory didn't you? didn't you? Shhhh I won't tell.

So here's my question. With all the changes you see happening in your neighborhood with bookstores and publishing, how are we going to find our next novel to read? How are we going to get our next novel advertised? As Vince pointed out in yesterday's comments, how does a reader find your novel amongst the 700 on their Kindle? Or amongst the thousands in Amazon?

I would especially love to hear from those of you who do in fact prefer to shop online. How do you find the books you buy? What suggestions do you have as readers? How can we browse and find that next super gem to read?

Through these past years we have come up with marketing ideas here in Seekerville, but I'm really curious as to how the publishers are going to handle the marketing aspect of the new changes occurring faster than Captain Jack can wield his sword.

For those of you who comment we will have several drawings throughout the day. I happen to have a wonderful selection of autographed Seeker books you can choose from or you can choose one of my children's books. If you don't remember what is there, come to my bookstore on my website Children's Books By Sandy and look them over.

Captain Jack snuck in this morning and brought some island fare to keep us from getting homesick. There are platters of fresh fruit sprinkled with shredded coconut. Jack picked the coconuts yesterday. He sailed me back to the island to help him pick them.

He had his shipmates cooking up some sausage and gravy on fresh biscuits cooked over the fire.

I know Helen has coffee on, but I've brought carafes of Chocolate Velvet to add to the table. Maybe we can talk Carol into bringing some of her chocolate chip cookies.

I have cherry pies. Lots of them as that is what dh always orders on his birthday.