We Heart Indies!

We've always loved bookstores. The feel, the smell, the rows and rows of books. We smile like a couple of goons every time we walk into one because the possibilities are endless. And then, clutching our paper or plastic bag, filled with final decisions, we're overwhelmed with hope and excitement. The only thing more exciting than the bookstore itself is heading home to tear into all of our new adventures. 

Or something like that.

But there's a special, special place in our hearts for independent bookstores. They're local and unique and entrenched in the community and usually cozy and inviting and have staff members with years under their belt who hand sell books, who care (not to say employees at other bookstores don't care, but you know what we mean). Breezing through the doors of an Indie feels different, magical even. Like you couldn't pass by if you tried. There's just something magnetic about a neighborhood bookstore.

So today's post is devoted to two of our favorite Indies so far. The Learned Owl Bookshop is nestled into a historic building in downtown Hudson, Ohio, which may be one of the cutest towns on earth (Biased? Who? Us?). From the second we walked into their bookshop many moons ago, ARC in tow, nervous about the speech we'd practiced about how to approach booksellers, we were embraced. Calendars were whipped out, a launch party was set and Liz and Mary said they couldn't wait to read the book. And it actually felt like they were telling the truth! Then, not too long after, we received emails about what they enjoyed, why and how they couldn't wait to recommend the book to readers. Doesn't get much better than that. The launch was incredible, the staff beyond welcoming and their support throughout this entire process priceless. They spread the word in the papers on their website and beyond and we can't thank them enough.

And we were overwhelmed all over again a few months later when we stepped foot in Anderson's Bookshop in downtown Naperville, IL that *gasp* rivals Hudson's, it was love at first sight.  Publisher's Weekly named Anderson's bookstore of the year, which was not surprising after stepping through the door and meeting everyone. They rolled out the red carpet for our author panel and put up with all the craziness that happens when you get 10 young adult authors in the same room. And for that, we'll love them forever. 

So today is about thanking independent booksellers across the country for their unwavering support of authors and books. We aren't the only ones overwhelmed by independent awesomeness which is why we've banded together with a bunch of other writers who feel exactly the same way. 

Check out all of the Indie-love and if you have something to add, send us your link and we'll tack it to the list! You can also follow us on Twitter using the tag #iheartindies. Because today is all about spreading the love. In fact, one lucky commenter will win a book of their choice ordered from the Learned Owl and another commenter will win a book of their choice ordered from Anderson's. 'Cause we love you and we love them.

Sarah Frances Hardy
Shana Silver
Elana Johnson
Stasia Kehoe
Shannon Messenger
Carolina Valdez Miller
Mundie Moms
Myra McEntire
Sara Bennett Wealer
Janet Gurtler
Joy Preble
Ty Drago
Kate Walton
Julia Karr
Randy Russell
Adele Griffin
Helen Landalf
Andrea Higgins
Beth Revis
Tess Hilmo
Sheela Chari
Gail Handler
Crystal Allen
Christine Fonseca
Lee Nichols


So, go ahead and tell us about the Indies in your neighborhood. And while you're at it, let's join arms, sway and maybe light a lighter or two. Kumbaya bitches. 

PS: Check out what Randy Russell's got cookin' in his neck of the woods. Because it's cool. Like $2500 in support of schools, libraries and Indies cool.

PPS: Equally amazing is what Kelly Sonnack of Andrea Brown Lit is planning to help all bookstores. Check it out!