The humanising world of books

How two local businesses are bringing the world of books, writers and literary events to our doorstep.

By Dianne Dempsey - Photography by Leon Schoots

Northern Books and Bookish are two literary-based businesses that are bringing Central Victorians a constant supply of words, stories and nourishment for the mind and soul. In the case of Northern Books, Kristin and Graham Gill have established a unique regional business based around literary events, which are in turn used as the springboard for authors’ book sales. Now living in Castlemaine, Kristin and Graham are refugees from the big smoke, where Kristin had a busy and exciting career as the manager of children’s publishing at Penguin Random House. Graham worked for many years in IT at a highly stressful, corporate level. It was when they were heading into their 60s and looking at possible retirement plans, that the couple decided to pull the pin on the stress and combine their publishing and business acumen to set up their now-thriving literary events business. Wendy Sattler and Wendy Bridges first met when they worked together as enthusiastic book sellers in Castlemaine. Over the years, as they talked about their love of books, they fantasised about opening a bookshop of their own. Where would it be? And what sort of books would they stock? While all parties were passionate about starting up their respective businesses, they were well aware that the world of books and publishing is not for the fainthearted. Kristin Gill remembers when e-books were first introduced to the market and the book industry was pretty nervous. “Everyone was predicting a dramatic downturn in book sales, but we were surprised,” she says. “The reading public have consistently demonstrated the need to have a book in their hands, rather than an electronic download.”

From 2012 to 2020, the Gills continued to work in Melbourne while making the transition to living in Castlemaine. Gradually, to selling children’s books online, they added the innovative events arm of Northern Books. Every few weeks in the warm hub of The Taproom, part of the Castlemaine Mill complex, Kristin interviewed writers, giving them an opportunity to promote their latest books and sign and sell them in person. The Taproom talks and interviews, accompanied by craft beer brewed on-site, local ciders, wine and house-made pizza, are now a traditional part of Castlemaine’s culture. The venues Northern Books offers nowadays vary. In many ways, Kristin and Graham have taken on the role of producers, matching authors with their readership and the appropriate setting. The venue, the food and the time of day can vary along with the interlocutors; several events, for example, include former ABC broadcaster Derek Guille. Recent highlights included a high tea with the loquacious Jane Caro at the Daylesford Convent and an opportunity to taste Stephanie Alexander’s finger food recipes at the RACV Club in Melbourne. Upcoming events will see them support comedian and author Kitty Flanagan, who will be appearing at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre, and the popular speaker and historian Peter Fitzsimons. They’re also looking forward to welcoming one of Australia’s pre-eminent authors, Alex Miller, who will be discussing his latest novel, A Brief Affair, at The Taproom. The other arm to Northern Books is their consultancy business. Kristin effectively works as a writer’s agent, giving advice on manuscripts and publishing. She also consults with literary festivals such as the Castlemaine State Festival Dialogues Program and with various publishing houses.

Wendy Sattler and Wendy Bridges

While literary events are the catalyst for the book sales at Northern Books, Bookish relies on its bricks-and-mortar shopfront in Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. Flying in the face of Goliathan megastores and online booksellers, the two Wendys are a couple of veritable Davids, standing up for their bookshop dream. And so far, these two Davids are winning. “Since opening in April this year, we’ve been overwhelmed by the number of enthusiastic people who have come into the shop and told us how happy we have made them,” the women say. Many of these happy customers are bemused to discover that the two booksellers are both called Wendy. A handy phenomenon when it comes to trying to remember names, but for future reference, Wendy of the grey hair is Wendy Bridges and Wendy of the long, brown hair is Wendy Sattler. While the Wendys spent many happy hours fantasising about what their very own bookshop would be like, they were aware they had to get two important factors right – the location and the stock. They’re both delighted with their choice of Hargreaves Street and the general ambiance that is attracting droves of customers. “There’s great coffee shops near us, like Out of Order, the Brewhouse and the Anxious Goat. And we were thrilled when the people from the independent record shop Bendigo Vinyl came over to say hello,” Wendy Sattler says. “All we want now is a jazz bar to open up upstairs when Fernwood vacates the premises,” they laugh. As an independent bookshop, they have control over the stock and this is when the second important factor comes into play. Rather than make big blanket orders with a handful of publishers, they have taken the time to select books based on their own extensive knowledge, from a wide range of publishers, including smaller presses. “We’re looking after people who read across a fairly broad range of fiction and non-fiction,” Wendy Bridges says. “And we’re responding to their needs and interests; for example, our Manga fantasy section, which neither of us are strong on, is being built on customers’ recommendations. We’re also committed to championing local authors and illustrators. We want to be part of the Bendigo community and support various interest groups like the Bendigo Field Naturalists as much as we can.”

Bookish has a great atmosphere. Tables and displays are laden with books, journals, magazines, pens and pencils and gorgeous notebooks. There’s also a seductive, comfortable couch for browsing but so far, no sign of the bookshop cat. The women feel that they are not retailers but rather matchmakers. “We love the opportunity to recommend books and convert people who might be reluctant readers into avid readers. And we just love inviting children into our children’s section and finding the right book to ignite their enthusiasm,” they say. The planning and preparation for their business has taken hundreds of hours of hard work but they say the bookshop is very much a passion project. They were both brought up in homes where reading was a given and books lined the walls and piled up on furniture surfaces. They want to share the joy and solace of reading with as many Bendigo people as possible. In our surreal world, where cyber interactions rule, it’s a comfort to know that two local businesses are fighting back – armed with real people, they are taking great pleasure in sharing the humanising world of books and stories with us. Alex Miller will be speaking about his new book A Brief Affair at The Taproom on November 1. Northern Books: www.northernbooks.com.au/events Bookish: 358 Hargreaves St, Bendigo. Phone: 03 5406 0596. Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Alana, Brodie, Amy, Shannon and Lauraine Claire, Marie, Sarah and Gen

FULL HOUSE FOR WOMEN OF WOOL

The sold-out Women of Wool Luncheon was one of the most highly anticipated parts of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show this year.

Themed ‘From Survival to Revival’, the afternoon of fashion, conversation and comedy was hosted by Catriona Rowntree. Iris and Wool owner Emily Riggs and media personality Bill Brownless also spoke at the event.

Glenys, Rhonda and Nikola

Jan and Jacqueline Hannah and Kyrra

Jenny, Angela and Maree

ALBY WINNEKEBOYLE

“Being trusted to take responsibility for my own learning has worked really well for me.” BRIANNA O’BRYAN

“BSSC has made me more determined to choose the path I know is best for me.”

RUBY A’VARD

“The support for students is so great here… I’m encouraged to learn in ways that work best for me.” ED HARRISON

“The ethos of the college is selfmotivation and I will take those skills away with me into the rest of my life.”

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

BSSC offers the greatest choice of subjects for senior secondary students in Victoria, a wide range of specialist programs and flexible learning options, all designed to create an environment that supports learners at every level. Like to find out more? Phone: 5443 1222 Email: admin@bssc.edu.au

Grim, Carmen and Jo Jacqui, Kelly and Nick

Larissa and Nick

Mariah, Cassie and Amy Madi, Nicole and Ethan

Pat, Cara and Marty

FUNDRAISER HITS THE RIGHT NOTE

An impressive line-up of musicians took to the stage at the Golden Vine Hotel to raise funds for a beloved local festival.

Ahead of its 10th anniversary, the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival staged its first Winter Showcase/ Fundraiser since early 2020. The event gave guests a sneak peek of the talented artists who will perform at the November festival.

ONLINE DRAWING & PAINTING CLASSES

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