Main Street Books in St. Charles to Close in January

The Post Dispatch has reported that Main Street Books in St. Charles is going to close on January 31, unless a buyer steps forward.

Vicky Irwin, owner for the past seven years, has been a champion for local writers.

The news also reports that the store will have a "retirement sale" in January.

The store is open for business as usual through December. Gift certificates will expire Jan. 31.

Here's a link to the article.

I'm hoping someone with deep pockets and a passion for books will buy the book store to keep it open.

Writing Naked and An Open Mic Night from High Hill Press

Yesterday I queried an editor at WOW! Women on Writing. Some time ago I wrote an essay after I read a critique group member's comments on the top of the first page of something I wrote. The title of the essay I queried the WOW editor about is "Take Your Clothes Off and Other Critique Group Advice." In my essay I share ten pieces of critique group advice (some sweet, some strange) that I've received over the years.

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday afternoon when I received an almost immediate response accepting the essay and asking for a bio photo. Anyway, my essay is scheduled to appear on the WOW! Blog's Friday Speak Out on March 9. I'll post a reminder closer to the date.

If you are from the metro St. Louis area and want to hear some wonderful writers read from their works, stop by the Sage Book Store tomorrow evening, Friday, February 3. High Hill Press is sponsoring the event, in cooperation with Sage Books, an independent bookstore located in the Frenchtown District of St. Charles at 1128 North 2nd Street; St. Charles, MO 63301. The fun begins begins at 7:00 p.m.and ends around 9:00, or whenever they kick us out.

Hope to see you there!

Book Signing at Main Street Books in St. Charles this Saturday

Whenever I visit St. Charles, one of my favorite places to drop in is Main Street Books.

Main Street Books is an independent book store located in historic St. Charles, Missouri, not far from the banks of the Missouri River. As well as being an author herself, Main Street Book Store owner Vicky Erwin is a tireless champion for local writers.

This coming Saturday, October 1, Vicky has rolled out the carpet again by hosting a book signing for three local writers: Linda O'Connell, Sheree Nielsen, and Faye Adams.

I know all three women,  and most of you probably recognize the name Linda O'Connell. Linda is a blogger buddy and a frequent visitor to Donna's Book Pub.  

Linda, Faye, and Sheree have works included in the "Nurturing Paws" Anthology. The anthology, published by Whispering Angel Books, is described as "an uplifting collection of more than 80 short stories and poems celebrating the remarkable ability of animals to ease our physical and emotional pain while showing us love, compassion, and acceptance."

Here are details about the event: 

Who: Linda O'Connell, Sheree Nielsen, and Faye Adams

What: Author event and book signing of "Nurturing Paws" anthology

When: Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. 

Where: Main Street Books, 307 S. Main Street in St. Charles, MO

Why: To introduce readers to the "Nurturing Paws" anthology, encourage local writers, and support training doogs that help the disabled.

Note: In an e-mail I received from Faye Adams, I found out that a portion of the proceeds will go to help train dogs that help the disabled.

If you are from the metro-St. Louis/St. Charles area I hope you can make it.  If you live too far away, you can order "Nurturing Paws" on line.

I already have a full schedule on Saturday (a football game, a wedding, and a reception), so I doubt if I'll be able to make the signing, but I'll be cheering the women on from the sidelines.

Love Your Indie: Joe Hill's Contest to Support Independent Booksellers

(Banner from Joe Hill's Fiction Site)

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Chance of thunderstorms, high 70 degrees. So far, it's looking lovely outside.

My friends at The Book House on Manchester Road in St. Louis sent an e-mail about author Joe Hill's "Love Your Indie"--a contest to support independent booksellers.

Here are a few details:

Author Joe Hill, author of HEART SHAPED BOX and son of authors Stephen King and Tabitha King, has a contest during the month of March to get people to buy books at independent bookstores. At the end of March Joe will have a random drawing and send the winner a signed slipcased copy of GUNPOWDER. He will be adding other signed editions of other books for other randomly drawn winners.

Click the link below to find out more! http://joehillfiction.com/?p=714