The Black History Pages

to hot novels. Based on the lack of "standard" cover and synopsis, they would have never picked it up in the first place. It's very hard work and time consuming, and there are many times that I simply don't feel like the effort is worth the reward until my customers come rushing in and converse about what books do for them. Those are the most precious times that I could ever imagine, and it makes the most difficult times worth it all.

Since devices like Kindles have become so popular. Are book signings as important to authors as they used to be?

Seemingly, no, but I am not an author so I can only give the perspective of a retailer. Devices have made it easy for anyone to become an author. In my experience within the last year, only the "authors" who actually make this their career understand what it means to put in diligent work and have fans come out to meet and greet them. With book signings, you, as an author, leave yourself vulnerable to constructive criticism as well as negative feedback. But you also get to meet people that would have never known you existed and would simply like to just support someone doing something positive with their time. Ultimately, you groom a new reader, follower, and fan as you keep in touch and travel. It all depends upon the motives, passion, desire, and expectations of the author for the long term and not for the short term I think would sum it up.

How can readers and authors support your store more?

Shopping and Patronizing!!! LOL. I don't necessarily think it is about supporting my store but more so supporting the industry as a whole. Staying in business is very important to me, but at the same time, independent retailing in this industry is made up of so many elements today that simple things that seem to have no effect, positively affect the business of the store. It could be participating in online/telephone chats with authors, supporting an author that we introduce even if it is via an e-reading device, or something as simple as telling someone how much fun you have as a customer at TLJ Bookstore. Free advertising is the best advertising!!!