No one will miss the large bookstore chain more than authors. For me, Borders represented a milestone, a mark that I had truly achieved my dream when my first book, LIE TO ME, appeared not only on their romance shelves, but on their New Releases table, right up front. And my very first book signing was held at the Birmingham, MI Borders, where they made me feel special by telling my husband and kids to order whatever they wanted at the cafe, gratis, while they set me up with a table and a small group of chairs for my little talk to fans before my signing. Coolest of all, I was featured on a sign on their front door, telling everyone that Starr Ambrose (Look! That's ME!) would be signing her book. It's deliciously spine tingling and jaw-dropping at the same time, one of those moments that stand out in the flashback review of your life. I may eventually sell more books through Amazon, but it won't mean as much to me as my "I did it!" moment at Borders.
I asked if I could keep the sign from the door. My husband framed it for me, and for several years it has had center place above my writing desk, flanked by framed covers from my books. Thanks, Borders, for everything you did to bring authors and readers together.
I am so glad you have fond memories of Borders. I do as well. I am very sad to see them go. My only option now is Barnes and Nobel in Rochester or online. I loved that I could always find your books signed in store!
ReplyDeleteYou desk looks so neat and organized... unlike mine.. which has some 30 research papers, text books and a laptop covering every available ince of space. We don't have a Border's books in our town, Mansfield, Ohio, and I'm surprised we still have a B&N in town.
ReplyDelete