I love books. I do. In spite of my first book being released as an e-book only (for now), and owning a Kindle, I love them. A big part of why I love books is the mere fact that I love bookstores. Especially small, independent, or used bookstores. I like the way they smell with all that bookbinders glue, and I like touching covers that have been lovingly fondled by page addicts. I like the people–those introverted, brilliant, well-read people–who hang out, own or covet bookstores. Here are a few of my favorites from my travels.

Too Many Books, Roanoke, VA ~ Linda, the owner, helps narrow down her 85,000+ used book collection. Her suggestions are magnificent.
Mermaid Books, Williamsburg, VA ~ Fabulous downstairs shop with shelves tacked with bookish cartoons (I featured one last week), and a great American History section.
Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA ~ Quaint, with a great Virginia author section, and it makes me want to write.
Tattered Cover, Denver CO ~ Their magazine department is the bomb (I know that’s an old word, but I don’t know the recent one. Phat? Bad? Rad? Hot?) Regardless, they make me want to own a bookstore.
The Strand, Manhattan, NY ~ 18 miles of books, best book bags, and a basement of reader copies to scoop up.
Abbey Bookshop, Paris ~ Who knew Canada had so many authors with books in Paris. Free coffee with maple syrup adds to their story.
Shakespeare and Company, Paris ~ The reading room and history there make your purchase memorable.

Next week I’ll also be visiting an amazing wall-to-wall book extravaganza known to everyone in Oregon: Powell’s Books in Portland here I come!

Which, and where, is your favorite bookshop?

I work on my own. I spend a good portion of my day alone between my writing and design. Lately I’ve been partnering up with folks to get some outside interaction with my 224 Design branding and copywriting work. I’m doing it because I have this lovely wardrobe that often plays second fiddle to yoga pants. (Once, I even did a Skype video-conference wearing a professional top and my pink flannel PJ bottoms with little doggies on them. It was a low point, but one I use occasionally to gloat around friends who have eight-to-five jobs working for “the man.”)

Really though, I’ve begun collaborating because my work needs a jolt. After seven years of having my own design studio, and more recently adding “Author-Alone-in-Coffee-Shops” to my titles, the design work just seemed to be getting routine from the solidarity. I loathed the feeling of boredom, and my clients certainly don’t come to me for brands that are predictable.

Collaboration can be delightful. However, it really requires the ability to put “the way I always do it” on the back-burner and try something new with other creative people whom I trust. I know in the end “our projects” will be more effective for the client, and more rewarding for us both. I also know the folks at my local coffee shop will be happy not to see the yoga pants quite so often.

When was the last time you collaborated and how did it go?

My write-a-book adventure began when my father asked me, “Where are you going for your fortieth?” A trip to Paris, a forty-day blog kept for friends and family, 2145 photos, five months of editing, a new brand, a long to-do list of publishing tasks, and here we are. Bonjour 40 is born.

It really began with a solitary endeavor. Writing takes quiet moments picking the right words to ensure the reader is standing where you are. The right phrase can bring them with you down wormholes through time, to imaginary or fantastic places, or to unexplored feelings in well-known destinations like Paris.

Publishing, however, is a team effort. Two editors reviewed my book. Two programmers built my website and linked social media components. An editor cut my book trailer. I designed and wrote the pieces they used. A publicity team is implementing tools to speak about it. There is overwhelming support from families and loved ones, and everyone is hoping for avid readers so there may be more writing. It began with one, but it takes a village.

As I say in Bonjour 40, “I see they, too, are gambling on us. They truly believe we will produce a case of award-winning vintage from just one vine.” As the book is released this week, I can only raise a glass and say to everyone merci beaucoup! Here’s hoping everyone likes to drink. The e-book is now available on Amazon. Come join me in Paris.