I let you know I was behind on my 2022 reading challenge recently. To help me catch up, I put several local author books on top of my pile. I’d purchased these when I attended two recent book events, Words on the Street and Words in the Park.
As you know I always review every book I read on Goodreads, so you can find my reviews of these books there.
Read books:
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Whistler’s Night by H.M. Sander
Ready to Burn by Mandy Michelle
Saving Grace (Heart’s Haven book 2) by Katie O’Connor
I accompanied my publisher, Dream Write Publishing to Jasper, Alberta on Saturday for booklovers weekend. Most weekends are book lovers weekend’s, I’m sure you would agree, but this was a special event and I was happy to participate.
Our generous host, Habitat for the Arts arranged our tables in the foyer. We had some fantastic chats with visitors and book sales too. Marianne also gifted us ceramic lanyard’s made by local artisans.
I donated my books to the library and received a lovely thank you card and chocolate! Remember, you can always request any of my books from your local library.
September is a busy month for book events and I am looking forward to them after such a long a break. The first is Words on the Street in Lethbridge on 17th September.
It will be great to see the local authors I know there and meet new ones. There is always so much to do and enjoy centered around literature and writing.
The second event is more local, Words in the Park, in Sherwood Park. The event will be celebrating 15 years, which is a fantastic milestone! With local authors, artisans and musicians showcasing their creativity, the event is part of Alberta Culture Days and there is something for all the family.
If you are a writer, author, or reader this is the event you must attend. The pdf form to apply for a table is on this page – just scroll down. Link:
Invite your friends, family and colleagues and discover local talent.
1. How did you start your journey into a bricks & mortar bookstore?
I began by resurrecting and researching an idea that had been brewing in my mind for many years: a mobile used bookshop. In time, and with a lot of work, the book mobile became a reality. I enjoyed connecting with readers, but realized I was leaving them behind when I traveled to other communities. That was the impetus to open a bookstore.
2. What was your motivation for owing a store?
To create a community space where readers can gather, creating a literary hub for the neighborhood
3. Will your book van still be touring at some point?
No, the van was decommissioned just after the store opened – a side effect of the pandemic
4. What is your view of print versus digital books?
There will always be room for both, and there are dedicated readers of both eBooks and tree books. Paper books (or tree books) are still a relaxing respite from screens which we desperately need. eBooks do not support independent bookstores, so I am a biased fan of tree books!
5. You are obviously a reader – do you have favorite genres? If so which ones?
I prefer contemporary fiction, and I especially like books with strong characters that tell a story that makes me FEEL something. A book that makes me cry gets extra points.
6. Do you have a special place to read?
Although I do have a very cushy corner of my sofa, I don’t get to sit there as often as I’d like. So, I guess I don’t really have a favorite place to read. I am on the move a lot and one thing I love is that my books can adjust to wherever I am and make any place I sit down cozy and satisfying.
7. Which book began your reading journey as a child?
The Ringmaster’s Secret by Carolyn Keene
8. What are your plans for the future of the store?
To develop a strong community and always make newcomers curious about their next great read. I have many ideas about future plans, but you’ll have to stay tuned to find out what’s happening next!
9. What makes the Daisy Chain Co unique?
No two indie bookstores are the same, they each reflect the passions and character of its owner. DCBC is very much like me, so it’s hard to answer that without talking about myself. I guess you’d have to ask someone in our reading community this question!
10. Can you tell us about the programs and events you offer?
It’s best to go to our calendar for all the current events.
11. How can book lovers find you?
Social media, website, Google, and walking by. Address: 12525 102 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5N 0M4
12. Is there a message you would like to relay about the store?
Choosing to support your local indie bookstore keeps your community vibrant. I would encourage readers to cease the “Add to Cart” habit and instead choose to get books from a local bookstore that is dedicated to your community and cares about you. There is nothing quite as magical as an indie bookstore, and if we want to keep them around, we have to be supporting them. I am so grateful for the remarkable readers who support us!
I attended the WinterFest event with Ethan Hawke on Sunday and was so impressed with his honesty, passion and openness to the interviewer’s questions. I count myself lucky that he answered one of my questions out of a multitude! He said that the media create illusions of celebrities and their lives. I totally agree. When you can see two magazines side by side on the rack at the check out and they have polar opposite stories of the same personality – you know it can’t be true. It is the same a click bait – they need you to pick up and buy the magazine regardless of the truthfulness of the story. It is a sad and damaging side to journalism (if you can call it that). People’s lives can be destroyed and they have no come back. Anyway, that is my rant for today. On to other things.
If you get a chance I would recommend you read this book, it is extremely good.
I took a couple of days off work last week, to do spring cleaning, relax, write, take a couple of drives out and get my paperwork together for the dreaded tax return. My current manuscript gained a sizable additional word count and revision and a surprising twist occurred.
My blog presentation received a few tweaks pending my session at the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County’s Conference on 27th March. If you or anyone you know is interested in writing, now is the time to register. The conference is covering a wide range of writing skills. https://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com/annual-writers-conference We will also be live on our Facebook page if you want to drop by anytime between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm MST https://www.facebook.com/wfscsherwoodpark
I have gone back to reading Road Tripping after reading Hawke’s novel for the book club.
What are you reading now? Care to share your thoughts on it?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 