Adventures in Indie Bookstores

If you’re in the book community, you may have noticed the rise in the number of independent bookstores in your town or city. Niche stores specializing in romance or horror are popping up in a variety of places. This amazing feat is despite Indigo/Barnes and Noble/Amazon’s dominance in the industry. These stores are what dreams are made of.

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit five indie bookstores in Alberta. What did I find? Predominantly, women-owned small businesses that reach their niche market and that lean heavily into community involvement. What’s not to love?

In April, I tagged along with a friend who attended a conference in Calgary. While she was at the conference, I made sure to visit three wonderful stores in Calgary. Set in the trendy Marda Loop, Slow Burn Books is iconic. It was the first romance bookstore in Alberta, and the store is a pretty breath of fresh air. I am so honored to have my books on the shelves at Slow Burn. I signed the books they had on the shelf and took a few photos for the ‘gram. Afterward, I went to the lower portion of the building to find Nocturne Books. I’d heard about this horror/dark fiction store online, and it lived up to the hype. Dark and mysterious, the store has a gothic, spooky vibe—completely original. Finally, I went to Forbidden Library, a sexy, darkly decorated store on Calgary’s south end. I had a wonderful conversation with the owner, who agreed to carry my books in her store. Yay!

It was such a welcoming atmosphere for indie authors. I finished the day inspired by what each store curated.

On Canadian Indie Bookstore Weekend, I made sure to stop into The Book Boudoir in Edmonton. If you haven’t been, its black themes are offset by splashes of hot pink. The store has a rolling ladder and a hanging picnic table displaying all sorts of romance, and their pink Good Girl sign is fabulous.

Finally, I had the pleasure of attending the VIP opening of Next Chapter, a brand new store in Leduc, Alberta. Decorated in floral pink, white, and sandy tones, what sets this store apart is its café and kids’ room. Your kids will be occupied while you enjoy a hot beverage and browse. What a dream. There is also a Naughty Nook and a Local Authors shelf (which I’m proud to have my books on).

What struck me about all of these stores is the heart behind them. Every one of the business owners had a dream and pursued it. Their love of books is evident, of course, but so too is the detail they put into decorating and curating each space to make it their own. Each of these stores is an experience. And the customers feel it when they walk in.

Such attention is further reflected in the way these businesses uplift local authors. I am so lucky to have my historical romances on the shelves of most of these stores. For an indie bookstore, each book they shelve is a business decision. Will it sell or won’t it? Often, the spaces are small. They have to look out for their bottom line, and the fact that they are hosting books like mine shows the willingness to take a chance on a local product.

Finally, these stores elevate their communities. From book signings, book clubs, paint nights, after-dark/taboo events, preorder incentives, and midnight release parties, these stores offer a variety of free or ticketed events. Heck, Slow Burn Books puts on the Romance Invades the Canadian Rockies Conference, which boasts tons of authors in a large venue. It is a fantastic way to meet your favorite author and connect with book lovers along the way. Connection within the book community is so important, and these stores cultivate something special.

Tell me, have you enjoyed any of the stores I’ve mentioned?