My husband and I recently vacationed outside of Santa Fe with good friends—two fun-loving couples. While there, I thought it a grand idea to visit a few indie bookstores and peddle my soon-to-be published memoir, “You’ll Never Find Us,” by leaving a flyer or two with all the pertinent information. So, Janie, Karalei, and I hopped in Karalei’s Tesla one afternoon and drove into Santa Fe proper, about a twenty-five-minute trip, indie-bookstores bound.
I’d only ridden in a Tesla one other time in my life. Several years ago, Grand Junction, Colorado friends (whom we adore) took us out “for a spin” which meant experiencing the G-force as we went from zero to eighty in mere seconds. And what did it feel like, you ask? Imagine an unanticipated momentary facelift.
Before heading to the bookstores, we “filled up” her vehicle at a Santa Fe charging station. Staying in the car, we watched a simulation of the charging process on a screen that resembled “command central.” You could also watch movies, read the car’s manual, undoubtedly check your email, or you could hit the “toybox” button.
“What’s that do?” I asked. I honestly don’t remember all the toybox offerings since once we settled on the Fart app, I lost interest in anything else.
As it turns out, you can program the car to create one of ten fart sounds under any seat in the vehicle. Wow. I could picture some Tesla computer geek telling his boss, “Boy, do I have a winner of an idea for passing time (or gas) while the car is charging.” Karalei told me that her son, unbeknownst to her, secretly set the fart system up so every time she used her turn signal, “she” farted.
I continued laughing with tears streaming down my face all the way to the bookstore, wondering—exactly why are farts so funny? More importantly, how could I get the app without buying a Tesla? But I digress. Sorry.
Regaining my composure at our first stop, Collected Works, I put on my big-girl pants and, after perusing for a while, explained to the young clerk behind the counter that I was a Texas author and asked if they had a bulletin board for writers to post news of their upcoming books. She kindly said no, but gave me information so I could contact the owner to discuss stocking my book at their store. I also found out they have Zoom author interviews, and would hopefully be having in-person events soon. The whole experience gave me a sense of becoming in-the-know, and I realized peddling my memoir could actually be fun.
The second bookshop, Garcia Street Books, smaller than the first but no less charming, again had pleasant salespeople. This time I wisely (and proudly) presented one of my flyers to the two ladies behind the counter, and asked if they could post it. One sweet-faced woman about my age said they did do posting but only for local authors. I said I totally understood and happily paid for my purchases. The other woman, intently reviewing my flyer, asked if she could keep it as she hadn’t finished reading the blurbs and was curious about the story line. I (of course) said by all means and chatted a bit about the kidnapping and my writing background.
I think the bookstores won on a number of fronts that day, since I walked out with books for my granddaughters at each place. What’s up with that? What happens to me in a bookstore? I think there is something in the air that causes me to hypnotically pull books from the shelves and feel they need to go home with me. And I’m a kindle girl! But there is something mesmerizing about the cozy atmosphere, the friendly clerks, the beautifully displayed books at every turn, and the smell of fresh coffee from the café that’s tucked in the corner, that just grabs me.
I loved both exchanges and felt elated to be part of an all new-to-me bookstore community. That trip gave me an education and a dollop of confidence I didn’t know I was missing.
Now that we’re back in Texas, I’ve had the pleasure of setting up my book launch events at local indie booksellers. I’ll be sharing that information as soon as plans are firmed up. Stay tuned for details—and remember: support your indie bookstores!
I am so happy for you!!! And now I want a Tesla. Not sure if it’s for the facelift or farts!
You made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that!!! You are a good friend, Kristin. Here’s to both the facelift and the farts…
Sounds like your Tesla ride was a “gas”. (Sorry I couldn’t resist). There is something so charming and inspirational about indie bookstores. Everyone should support them! Good luck with your book launch. Can’t wait to receive my copy in the mail.😘
Oh, Ann. Keeping me smiling. It’s interesting writing a semi-humorous blog when my book is anything but funny. We just need to lighten up every now and then, right? And here’s to our indie bookstores! Love you.
“And what did it feel like, you ask? Imagine an unanticipated momentary facelift.”
If you can make that facelift last for more than moment, I’m in. And, yes. Bookstores. That’s where I go for solace — the joining of fellow writers and readers in all the rows and columns of books. The touch of holding them in my hands. I prefer a book in hand to the handy travel Kindle. Can’t wait to see your book in many, many bookstores.
Julie – I may not be able to do much about the momentary facelift, but your word “solace” wonderfully describes that feeling of being in a bookstore. Here’s to future bookstore adventures for us all!
Don’t know if you know this, but there is a little book called “The History of Farting” by Benjamin Bart. I’ve seen it many times at Half-Price Books, so I’m sure you can grab a copy if you’re that interested.
Long ago I used to visit Santa Fe often for work and I’ve been to Garcia Street books several times. It is a lovely little place, reminiscent of our own BookWoman. (Is there a little herbal shop nearby? I seem to recall…)
Anyway, I loved the post and can’t wait to get your book soon. Looking forward to seeing you at a local event whenever possible.
Thanks for the grins. — js
Actually, Johnett, I think I own Bart’s book, or maybe owned it. I may have passed it on (baaaad pun) to someone who needed it.
Garcia Street Books was truly enchanting. Didn’t notice an herbal shop but I was laser focused on practicing saying, “I’m an author. I’m an author.”
Did you by chance purchase your book through BookWoman? We’re hoping the book launch there will be in person but right now there’s no way to know. When I know, you’ll know! xox
Great little piece–and a great beginning to your launch. Just separate the book sales from the farts and you’ll be fine. love, CB
Christina – I should have known you’d have some little tidbit of wisdom to get me through this. xoxoxox
Love all of this exchange. I love any bookstore and almost cried when the three-level Borders closed on Michigan Ave. several years ago. I’d grab books and magazines to browse and sit in the coffee shop on the third floor and watch the world go by. So sad to lose any bookstore but glad some of the small ones continue to survive. Hope to see you in many.
The visuals you offer about the Tesla ride are keepers.
Karen
Chicago
Woo hoo — the adventure begins!
You should know – you’ve been walking it with me! xox
Can’t wait to check out these bookstores on Jim and my next Taos/SantaFe jaunt, Jeanne.
A Tesla test drive has been on my list all year, so thanks for sharing what that’s like as well.
Love the image you posted.
I think you’ll enjoy them, Stephanie. Here’s hoping solutions to the world’s crises allow you to get there sooner rather than later. It was so good to see you and be on a “think tank” call with you recently. I love your energy.
Enjoyed your Tesla and book store experience! It is almost a painful feeling for me when I leave a bookstore without a book ( a rare event). A family member has a Tesla that I have not yet ridden in and am inspired to do so now.
Hi, Betty,
You get it! I laughed at your comment “…almost a painful feeling” leaving a bookstore without a book.
Do follow up and let me know if you get a ride in a Tesla. What a gas…
Hope to see you at Blue Willow Bookstore in Houston. You have lots of fans here.
Hi Joyce! I would love to do something with Blue Willow Bookstore in Houston. I’ll ask Wildbound PR to send a press kit. You are such a good friend and supporter. Hope all is well with you. xoxox