[identity profile] ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] crowdfunding
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, [livejournal.com profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-27 10:23 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] theformofstars.livejournal.com
So, I rather got inspired to do a bookstore themed promptfest: Here it is (http://thisisnomyth.livejournal.com/4355.html) Leave your 'book' and I will see what I can do about writing it.

The delivery may be a part of a story in itself, just for a little extra fun.
Edited Date: 2011-09-27 10:23 pm (UTC)

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-27 11:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fayanora.livejournal.com
A town without a bookstore is like a person without a soul.

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-28 01:51 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] swirvel42.livejournal.com
It's not written yet, but a character in a graphic novel I'm writing and illustrating works in an odd, quirky, bookstore that has an unusual collection of occult books.

The character's name is April and she's sort of a poet in the game. (She's based off a real life friend of mine, who is also a poet, but does not work in odd bookstore.)

Re: Good for you!

Date: 2011-09-28 02:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] swirvel42.livejournal.com
Oh, it's going to be fantastic.

April is a secondary character, but gets into lots of crazy shenanigans with the main characters.

It's a looooong process. I've been working on it for nearly five years and I've just started writing. Woops. LOL

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-28 01:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] swirvel42.livejournal.com
I said game. Shoot. Too much gaming on the brain.

Story! I mean STORY!
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(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-28 03:36 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] chrysoula.livejournal.com
That is an amazing quote.

When I start the sequel to the novel I have coming out in Feb., I will attempt to make a bookstore a major location.

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-28 12:54 pm (UTC)
jenny_evergreen: (Default)
From: [personal profile] jenny_evergreen
Why bookstores and not libraries? It seems to me that the latter do all the things you mentioned, in addition to providing access to books to people who can't afford them.

Re: Well...

Date: 2011-09-28 07:23 pm (UTC)
jenny_evergreen: (Default)
From: [personal profile] jenny_evergreen
You PAY for a library card? That's a new one for me. Of course, it's probably due to lack of public support of libraries these days. :(
I think libraries do and have all the important things I associate with books...or would, if they had the funding. It's that lack of funding that makes me decide to drive more for one than the other.
Hrm. I have just had the idea to combine libraries and bookstores into one entity, and I like it, both in fiction (which I'm writing) and reality. I think I may go pitch the concept to my local libraries.

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-29 02:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] minor-architect.livejournal.com
A library card here is over $60.

*has a minor heart attack*

In my neck of the woods, the only time I've heard of a public library charging patrons for cards is when they're not county residents - and it's a lot less than $60! (And they make several exceptions to that rule, too.)

Some public libraries just got hit harder by the recession than others, seems like. They're still hiring librarians in my county...while in my mother's hometown, ALL the branches got axed, leaving only the main library standing. :(

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-28 03:43 pm (UTC)
ext_74: Baron Samadai in cat form (Coffee)
From: [identity profile] siliconshaman.livejournal.com
I've always wanted to open a book store... however, my idea of a book store is more like a book store with a coffee shop wrapped around it, and a garnish of internet cafe with just a hint of art gallery, and a layer of hang-out place over it all..

It would have comfy sofas, food and coffee, there would be free wifi and interesting art to look at that you could buy.

It might even have a small stage for music/poetry evenings...

Somehow, I doubt I could describe all that in a business plan and get funding for it.

Re: Hmm...

Date: 2011-09-28 06:38 pm (UTC)
ext_74: Baron Samadai in cat form (Default)
From: [identity profile] siliconshaman.livejournal.com
or..
3] do both!

Banks do not like giving 100% funding...so if you can say "well, I've managed to raise 50%, can I have a loan to cver the rest?" the answer is slightly more likely to be yes.

Profit!!

(no subject)

Date: 2011-09-29 12:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] p-m-cryan.livejournal.com
This is such a nifty idea!

I actually OWN a bookstore in meatspace, and need to set up a crowdfunding project in the next few weeks to keep it afloat. Let's talk.

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