Crowdfunding but not quite in the way you would expect.

[whatawaytoburn]

We're looking for readers and writers to help stat a fiction podcast.

We'll take poetry too, though we're not going not run it nearly as often but if you think you have something awesome that you want to share, feel free to drop it off too/.

Let's Make Some Bookstores

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

I've been disappointed by the recent collapse of Borders, which took Waldenbooks down with it, after they helped demolish the independent bookstores.  So now a lot of towns have no  bookstore, chain or otherwise.  I don't like this, and I've noticed a lot of other people expressing similar sentiments.  I'm not an entrepreneur, so starting a bookstore is not really my thing.

What I am is a wordsmith and a very enthusiastic crowdfunder.  So, I propose creating bookstores in fictional settings, and writing/illustrating/portraying bookstores (which may be fictional or real ones).  You can do this in your own setting or someone else's.  Some crowdfunded projects allow patrons to share in the worldbuilding.  Others have prompt calls where you can request something you want to see.

For example, kajones_writing offers opportunities to name characters or permanent structures in her various series.  I established the bookshop Echoes of Alexandria in the Donor House setting.  There will be a story to introduce it eventually.

Let's remind people why bookstores are wonderful.  They have selections where you can browse the whole book.  They often have knowledgable staff who will help you find what you need.  They tend to be full of other people who love books.  They may host author signings, book club meetings, and other literary activities.

If you've got a bookstore in your crowdfunded setting, or you're up for featuring them in a crowdfunding session, or you've requested one in somebody else's setting, or you've put one in your recent writing/art/whatever, please comment with details and a link if the material is online.

[EDIT 9/29/11] If you own or work at a bookstore, or still know of a local one that you love, please feel free to join the fun. Supporting extant bookstores is easier than building whole new ones! Thanks to p_m_cryan for speaking up about her bookstore.

“If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery