The evening ended with a dinner at the Random House building. The
lobby is an open space with two walls of books: a sign of comfort and
familiarity. (I love being surrounded with books! And this more
welcoming to me than a downy soft bed.)
Cocktails started the evening in a simple but elegant room that
resembled a library. There was only one familiar face in the crowd,
our beloved former sales rep Rebecca. Cocktail talk is not my
speciality, especially among stranger, but these were my people- book
lovers! It wasn't long before we were discussing books and then I
found my stride. From the CEO of Random House to the new owner of a
book shop I met my kindred spirits. I came to BookExpo to find allies
in a challenging economy. My "quest" was to find ways to survive this
downturn and keep a vibrant book shop thriving. So, my ears were open.
Possibly the biggest eye-opener for me was the store that has an
outrageous number of store events. "1,000 events a year" was what made
my head spin. I felt like a yokel from the holler! Slackjawed, I
couldn't wrap my head around it. I got a clue as to how he pulled it
off; he has a staff of eight to do it. That's more staff than we have
at our little shop. Then the picture began to come clearer, putting
the mechanisms into place is the key to starting such endeavors. I was
inspired.
I also had a chance to talk to several enthusiastic editors who are
clearly enthralled by books. They are living in the land of future
publications. Books without titles are their companions, manuscripts
that may or may not show up on our shelves. But I see the passion in
their words. They'll be giving us more books, a steady supply of
future friends.
I walked back to my place, tired. The Saturday night crowds filled
restaurants and sidewalks. I dodged the herds by taking quieter side
streets. My walk became my meditation. Steps, heartbeats, faces. I
digested the evening. I need some rest to tackle another day at the
show. I'm still listening, watching, gleaning.
(from the iPod of Stanley)
