In So Many Words
Nicki Ehrlich
As I sit by my window, alternating between writing and looking out at the…white…sky, I remember the month of August is often called Fogust here on the peninsula. Nature’s moist blanket may fade the summer sun but at least we don’t have to worry about overheating. If we didn’t listen to weather reports or indulge out-of-town visitors we might not be aware of the triple-digit heat inland. Although any weather’s good for reading, these foggy, misty days make me want to curl up with a book…as opposed to lying on the beach with a book.
And so, how lucky we are here on the peninsula to boast an abundance of independent bookstores in our neighborhoods. From Carmel to Salinas, readers can walk into a local store, breathe the bookish air, and browse books—real, tangible, paper and-ink books. Readers can purchase a new bestseller, a traditional favorite, or maybe a more obscure selection with a cover you just can’t pass up.
I’d like to encourage readers to check out the “local author” section of these stores. I’ve been reading more independently published books this year. They may not make it to the bestseller lists, but honestly, some of the traditionally published bestsellers I’ve read haven’t held a reading candle to some of the independently published books on my bookshelves.
At the risk of preaching to the choir, I challenge you to visit these brick-and mortar stores, buy an indie book, read it, write a review on Amazon or Goodreads (the author will appreciate it SO much), and realize there are notable authors with well-published books who may not have a traditional corporation and distributor behind them, but their stories are worthwhile and a joy to read.
If you’re traveling, stop into an independent bookstore wherever you are and check their local author selections. You may find an excellent vacation read there, and both the indie author and the independent bookstore will very much appreciate your dollars and attention.
If you can’t make it to a local store, consider buying online at Indiebound.org or Bookshop.org. When you buy from one of these sites you are supporting your favorite local independent bookstore without leaving your house.
So, however you want to enjoy August, or Fogust, check out these local stores:
If you prefer eBooks or Audiobooks, I get it. Still, look for the indies. What a treasure trove!
I chose this subject not so much because I have recently released an author-published book, but because I almost missed some great stories by other CCW members. Many of our
fellow members have, or are about to have, independently published books either author- published, hybrid published, or published by small presses. I don’t have room to list all the authors, but here are ten (in alphabetical order): Scotty Cornfield, Nicki Ehrlich, Loreen Gibbons, S.A. Lunamir, Christine Sleeter, Matt Tracy, Julie Tully, J.T. Rethke, Mary Smathers, Jason Warburg.
Enjoy some late summer reading by authors who just may be your neighbors.
Central Coast Writers
PO Box 997 - Pacific Grove, CA 93950
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