In 2005, I went to my first American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. I was so overwhelmed, didn’t know a soul there, and it seemed like everyone I met was published. Don’t get me wrong, I met really nice people. They weren’t bragging. But it seemed like everyone there was published. Except me. After that first day, I went to my hotel room and bawled on my husband’s shoulder. Day two, I sucked up what little confidence I had left, put on my big girl panties, and went to breakfast.
This nice blond walked up, shook my hand, and said, “Hi, I’m Lenora Worth.” My jaw dropped. The very first inspirational romance book I’d ever read was The Christmas Groom by
Deb Kastner. Book 2 was A Perfect Love by Lenora Worth. I managed to make noises that sounded something like, “I love your books.” She thanked me and asked if the seat beside me was taken. I ate breakfast with LENORA WORTH. She asked which books I’d read. My brain was blank. “The ones with the 3 cousins.” She knew exactly what I was talking about. Every time someone new sat down at the table, I’d point at her and say, “This is Lenora Worth. I’m eating breakfast with LENORA WORTH.” She was very gracious, put up with my fangirl antics, and acted like she was just a normal person. Every conference since, if she’s there, she always remembers me and hugs me. When I placed in an unpublished book contest a few years later, she congratulated me. When I signed my first contract, she congratulated me. When I won a published book award, she congratulated me. Needless to say, she’s on my list of favorite authors.
Since then, I’ve attended countless conferences and met countless published authors. I love meeting authors I’ve read, but also authors who’ve been on my personal blog, and authors I blog with here. I got to meet Janet W. Ferguson, former inspy blogger, a few years ago. Since I’ve met so many authors, the height of fun for me is to go to Christian bookstores, look at all the books ,and count the authors I’ve met. Sadly, we no longer have a Christian bookstore in our town. And the one 30 minutes away, no longer carries fiction. Two Christian bookstores in Little Rock, about an hour from me, closed down a few years ago. Thankfully, we still have Mardels, owned by the same people who run Hobby Lobby.
Since every time someone gets baptized at our church, the church buys the person a Bible, I’m at Mardels often. Since my husband is the pastor, he does the Bible picking. And let me tell you, this is time-consuming. Depending on the person’s age and gender, he picks the perfect Bible with the commentary he agrees with and it has to be a certain version, which isn’t the most popular, which makes it like searching for a needle in a haystack. While he does this, I do my author fangirling, finding books by authors I’ve met. Even though they probably don’t remember me. Since I regularly do this, I see the trends. I watched the trend of Christian bookstores closing. I watched the trend of almost everything on the shelves being Amish. I watched the trend of almost everything on the shelves being Historicals. There for a while, there were barely any contemporaries.
Lately, I see more contemporaries, which does my heart good, but there still aren’t enough. The most consistent trend I see is the big-name authors take up
all the shelf space, while lesser-known authors get very little, and those brave enough to self-publish get none, as do those published by small presses. Since some Christian bookstores don’t carry mass paperback size books (Love Inspired size), in my eleven years of being published, I’ve only seen my book on store shelves, other than Walmart, once.
My latest sighting got me excited, our very own Toni Shiloh’s In Search of a Prince. In Mardel’s! Yay Toni! More good news, when I started reading one of my favorites, Denise Hunter, I had to ask the store to order her books. After a while, I’d find one or two of her books on the shelf. Now, there’s a whole row. Yay 
Denise!
So what can we do to help authors and bookstores to make the trends better for both?
1. Instead of ordering books online, go to a bookstore, preferably a Christian bookstore and get them to order the book for you. Sometimes, they’ll order two or three copies and put them on their shelves.
2. Ask your local library to order your favorite authors’ books. Bookstore readers and library readers are pretty much two different groups. Libraries carrying author’s books equal sales, so the author can keep writing more books. And since people who buy books aren’t usually library patrons, this won’t hurt the stores.
3. Tell your friends about your favorite authors or new ones you’ve discovered. Loaning books is great, if your friend doesn’t already read inspirational romance. Those first two books I read were loaned to me. But if your friend is already a Christian, and already a fan of inspirational romance, tell them about your favorite
authors or newly discovered ones and encourage them to buy the books.
4. Try new authors. If you stick with the ones monopolizing bookstore shelves, what about the lesser-known authors? They might not be able to keep writing. A great way to try new to you authors is to find blogs like this one with book giveaways. Another great way is to watch for sales or e-books for free online. But once you discover a new author you enjoy, go back to the bookstore for future purchases.
5. Buy more books. I know the economy is rough right now, but books are relatively cheap entertainment. And if you love a book, you’re likely to read it again. And again. Since I started writing, I buy more books because I know how tough it is being an author. And if money is really tight, loaning books is still okay. I know three sisters living on limited income. They take turns buying their favorite author’s newest releases and share.
6. If you love a book, review it. Especially if the author isn’t well known.
7. Go to book signings. Trust me, they are the worst. Sitting there for hours, trying to lure customers to your table is sheer torture. Lots of authors are introverts, including me. It’s really hard for us to put ourselves out there. The only thing that makes it bearable is chatting with readers. When I happen in a store and I didn’t know there was a signing going on, I know nothing about the author or their books, I buy a copy. It’s sixteen dollars at the most and maybe I’ll discover a new author I love. If you don’t love it, you can pass it on to someone else who might. At book signings, you get to meet authors. And trust me, all the ones I’ve met are really cool people. They’ll probably have a lot in common with you because they’re Christians. And authors are readers. They started writing because they love to read.
8. Start a book club. Have you ever read a book and you just want to talk about it for days with someone else who’s read it? Having a group buy the same book, read it together, and then get to discuss it in detail is one of the joys of reading. And if you have any local authors in your area, I bet they’d be willing to meet with your group. I’ve done that. It’s much FUN!!!!
Okay, let’s rally the troops and storm those bookstores. Let’s bring a variety of Contemporary Romance to the shelves and keep the stores open, and maybe even encourage new ones to open. Which brings me to a question: Have you ever met an author? What was the first Inspirational Contemporary Romance you read? Is there still a Christian book store near you? All comments will go in the drawing for my two in one Large Print with Heidi McCahan’s The Bull Rider’s Fresh Start and my Hill Country Redemption. Deadline: July 16th.
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
I was a bit like you when I met an Aussie author by accident. It was Christmas eve and I had offered to work at our Christian bookshop Christmas eve (It was run by volunteers). I was dusting when this family came in. We get chatting and she said she writes books and then showed me her books (Her name was Paula Vince). I bought one of her books after she left.
We no longer have a bookstore here the closest for me is over 4 hours or more away and I don’t get there often. Also with the exchange books even love inspired are around $12 plus so I tend to buy ebooks. I did recommend books for us to sell.
On my first CCR I am not sure. I know it was Janette Oke that got me back into reading. I then would buy what I could from Koorong (Aussie Christian bookstore) They had Heartsong Presents and another I think called Promise Romance. Both had historical and contemporary so it would be one of them but not sure the author. I have read books by Lenora Worth. only met her online and she is lovely.
It’s so fun to meet authors and realize they’re normal people, Renate. It makes me sad that the bookstores are going away. The closest to us is an hour away. There are some secular big box bookstores an hour away also. They have Christian sections, but not very big. E-books are great for the budget. I still don’t feel like I really own e-books though. I like to see spines lined up on my shelf. I remember Promise Romance. I miss them and the Heartsongs. Lenora pretty much writes Romantic Suspense now, but she is lovely. In person too. Thanks for buying books :)
I’m so sorry, I called you Renate, Ausjenny. I had read her comment and then answered yours. Apparently, I can’t multi-task :)
Wow, what a post! Alas no more bookstores here except a couple of huge ones in the city centre. We met an author at a sustainability expo whilst in line for something, sadly his children’s books were huge in Japan but unheard of here. I don’t remember the first one I read. I started reading them after I accidentally won a raunchy lesbian romance for my Mum. She never said a word, but my cousin asked me why? Well sometimes I don’t pay as much attention as maybe I could, hmm! Since then I read the author’s work before I recommend new authors to Mum. It’s a great way to connect with her now that she isn’t as able to get out and about anymore. Thanks for the insight, very useful.
No bookstores here either, Dianne. There is one about 35 minutes away in a college town, but they don’t carry fiction anymore. That makes me really sad because when the previous owners had it, there were rows and rows of fiction. And I had several signings there.
Your poor mom. I bet you are more careful. It’s a shame you have to be careful about buying books. I don’t understand why people like to read smut. I’m glad you and your mom share a love for reading. I was a library rat growing up. My mom still goes to the library every week and gets a paper grocery sack full, about 40 hardbacks, and reads them all.
Hi Shannon! This reader, retired pastor’s wife and English teacher enjoys visiting bookstores and libraries. Our SW Michigan county is fortunate to have 17 local libraries. My resort town has both an independent bookstore Forever Books and a Christian bookstore Parable Books. Both have several book signings each year. I have attended several book signings and purchased a book. Our Michigan / Midwest box chain Meijers also sells Love Inspired books. When shopping I enjoy looking for authors I recognize. Since i support our Michigan grocery stores, I seldom shop at Walmart, but the last few times I was there, I was surprised how they have reduced their book section. Having worked for Spartan / Nash, a Michigan grocery store distributor, I am aware that demographics determines what stores carry. Since I have books in every room of the house and to save my 49 year marriage, I now only purchase ebooks. Both local libraries have book clubs, which I have attended. At English teacher conferences, over the years I also met some authors. On a study trip for German teachers, I met 7 East German authors and have their autographed books. On a study trip to Japan, I met a Hiroshima survivor and have both of his children’s books. Now as a retiree, I connect with authors through Facebook, Messenger and emails. Best wishes. Enjoy your weekend.
Wow Renate! I might want to move to your town. So many libraries and stores – a reader’s paradise. Yes, I forgot to mention Walmart cutting their book section. Remember how it used to be one of those long aisles. We still have one Walmart that has that, the rest are the little short aisles. Them cutting their book section actually caused a domino effect and publishers went out of business because Walmart didn’t carry their books anymore. Sad.
You sound like the perfect reader. Thank you for supporting authors.
I’ve never met an author. All the Christian bookstores near me have closed. I have asked my local library to purchase books from Christian authors, which they did!
Maybe someday you’ll get to, Kathleen. I don’t know about secular authors since I’ve never met one. But Christian authors are very down-to-earth and so friendly. Christian bookstores closing makes me so sad. I didn’t appreciate them as much as I should have when they were in every town. I did shop there a lot though. I just never thought they’d become a thing of the past. Libraries are really great about ordering books if you ask. Thanks for asking :)
There’s no longer a Christian bookstore anywhere near me. So, I buy my books online, and most of those are ebooks. Most of the author’s I read are indie published, except for books I’ve won through Inspy and FB from author’s that are traditionally published. There are MANY contemporary books put out by great indie CF author’s, more than I ever realized until I received my Kindle as a Christmas gift a number of years ago. I have met three authors in person, and like you, I’m a fangirl!!!
Hey Trudy, that makes me sad. But I’m glad there’s online for people who don’t live near any stores. Online still supports authors, I just hate to see stores dying out. But it’s not only in the book industry where it’s happening. I’m gald you’ve discovered new authors. Ebooks are a great way to try new authors since they cost less. Glad I’m not the only fangirl. Thanks for supporting authors.
The closest bookstore is 80 miles away. I got to meet a children’s author this spring when she talked to a class at school. I was so surprised because I had taught her two children and did not know she was now a published author.
How fun, Lori. I did several sessions at my son’s school back in the day, even though I write for adults. I taught a class on how to write short stories for middle school. And then several career days for high school. I need to let them know I can still do that even though my son graduated a few years back. The teachers bought tons of books. I sold over 100 the first time I was there. Thanks for reading.
Space is limited so I have to read ebooks. I have one more suggestion: donate your used Christian books to your local library for their book sales. My first CCF author was Karen Karen Kingsbury.
I think we may have one Christian bookstore where I live.
I only keep my very favorite books that I love and will reread. The rest I donate to the local library for their book sales. Why didn’t I think to add that? Thank you, Jcp for thinking of it. And thanks for reading :)
There are no Christian bookstores around me anymore either. Now that I am not able to go out for much at all I have joined the world of online books and am so happy to have talked with several good authors this way. The thing that sets smaller Christian authors apart from secular is how readily they respond personally to emails. I have been so blessed to begin working with many of these authors, helping out with their books in a small part and a few have become my basic circle of friends & prayer partners, even never having met any in person. I do always have a book with me when I go to doctor’s appointments and my PCP always asks about the book I’m reading and often we discuss others as well. I think he mentioned once that he has suggested some of them to his wife. The day I gave my grandson a book for his birthday & he found out I knew the author his excitement was so fun. To think about it, if I ever met any other than those I have built the strongest bond with I would likely act much the same!! Thanks for sharing so many impactful ways to help authors out!
Hey Deb. Social media has broken the barrier between authors and readers and I’m so glad. Remember when all you knew about the author was the picture on the back of the book and the small bio there. I’m so glad authors are accessible online now. At the heart of the matter, we’re all just readers. And we have a bond. I don’t understand people who don’t read.
Word of mouth is the best way to gain new readers. So recommending books does more than you’ll ever know. Thanks for supporting authors so well.
I remember the pictures on the jacket being the only connections too…probably even more than you do (I know I’m older 😊). It has changed so much, even from my early adult years! Once I got used to the changes I have really come to love the difference. Yes, word of mouth and reviews are both so important. A couple of my friends still won’t break into ebooks but I keep trying. I even leant my Kindle to my best friend. I know she read one book but don’t think she has done any more–yet. I keep working on it!
welcome what a wonderful post. love how God guides us. yes, I have met authors. all christian. and they were all through our church. and they graciously talked to us and signed their books. I found it all so much fun. I dont remember the first christian contemporary story I read. there is a christian bookstore brick and mortar about 1/2 an hour away. they seem to be disappearing. but three is a few book stores near that carry christian books.
I’ve always thought readers ought to get to come to the writing conferences and meet the authors. Some conferences are starting to do that now. I wish the churches in our area would get more involved in hosting authors and having signings. They all act like I want to put moneychangers in the temple when I’ve asked :( They do put up flyers when I have booksignings elsewhere though.
Thanks for reading and supporting us.
What a fun post!! And I know what you mean about meeting super-star authors at a writing conference and they are, despite their fame and bestseller stardom status, as down to earth and friendly as everyone else. I was at a conference breakfast, and like your experience, a lady with a friendly smile pointed to the empty chair beside me and said, “Mind if I join you?” I knew immediately who it was because I loved her books: DEBBIE MACOMBER! She was so nice and friendly, and a day later when I went through her line at the booksigning event, she remembered me. And my name! Impressive.
Wow, that is impressive, Laurie. I’ve heard her speak at a conference, but never met her. I need to learn her trick on learning names. For church, since I’m the pastor’s wife. Thanks for reading :)
It is sad to see how many cities and towns no longer have bookstores…. Even the Christian bookstore in the capital city of Canada Ottawa closed about 5 years ago. I love browsing shelves to discover new authors. So now I often stick to ebooks or order books reviewed by others online (I live 55km from the nearest grocery store and the nearest city is 1.5 hours away. Thanks for your post.
When our bookstore closed, it was because the owner was retiring to care for her mother. I didn’t realize at the time, it was the beginning of the end. I really miss Hastings. They had books, movies, CDs and a coffee bar. Even though it wasn’t a Christian store, they had a long Christian aisle in each media section. My husband would browse CDs while I browsed books for hours. Then we’d make our purchases, get coffee, sit and chat. Thankfully, we have coffee shops still, but nothing like that. There’s a Barnes and Noble with coffee in Little Rock, but that’s an hour away. Hastings was 30 minutes from us. It was our hangout. Thanks for supporting authors.
I’ve met a lot of local authors and authors from my state of Arkansas. They have all been really gracious and a lot of fun to talk to. We don’t have a local Christian bookstore anymore, but we have a couple of independent bookstores in the area, and they carry a good selection of Christian books, and are always willing to order whatever you need. I honestly can’t remember the first Inspirational Contemporary romance I read, but I enjoy a lot of them.
I can’t believe we’re both in AR and never met, Kim. But I think we’re about 2 and 1/2 hours apart and we never head your way. Sounds like you have some good stores and you’re doing your part to keep them in business. Keep up the good work :)
You should come do a book signing at Chapters on Main in Van Buren. I will suggest it to them next weekend, I’ll be in there to see a local author.
I’d love that. Tell them my email is on my website.
I have been to a book signing the author was Sherrilyn Kenyon. I would love to go to many more and discover new authors!
I love book signings, Teresa. The book is even better when you know the author.
Yes, I have read alot of books that I have loved and I recommend them and talk about them.
Good job, Alicia. Keep up the good work.
I have only met 2 authors which are both local celebrities(mother and son) but love their books. I try to always write reviews on books I read.
Hey Shelia. Reviews are great. Good job :)
haven’t met any
I hope you get to one day. In the meantime you can chat with us here.
Have you ever met an author? What was the first Inspirational Contemporary Romance you read? Is there still a Christian book store near you?
I’ve met two authors in person: Terri Reed (Love Inspired Suspense) and Carolyn Miller (Australian historical/contemporary). Yes, I was fan-girling but tried to hide it…either that or I was nervous as all get out which is kind of the same thing isn’t it? They were both wonderful people, warm & friendly….and down to earth, who knew? :-) I had a chance to meet Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired), but I couldn’t convince my sister-in-law to go with me so I didn’t go. It was near where she lived but too far to go myself (4 hours).
We used to have a Tree of Life Christian store here in town, but like so many others, they closed down years ago. Now there are no more close to me and the bookstores that are here, don’t carry Christian fiction. Guess too many people buy off of Amazon and such. I’d rather spend hours perusing a store though, wouldn’t you?
I always do purchase requests through my sister-in-laws Overdrive account for ebooks. My local library is too small & doesn’t have the budget for books, but her local library purchases just about any ebook I request. She lives in the Seattle area so it’s much bigger than ours!
I have seen many local small town authors where I live at Saturday markets or the fair each year. Though I don’t read their books, I do stop to talk to them because they are so interesting. Authors are like super heroes or celebrities to me! And they LOVE to talk about their books, my favorite subject :-) I’ve found some warm & wonderful people!
No need to enter my name Shannon as I have both of these books on my shelf. Thanks for such a wonderful post today!
Hey Trixie. I haven’t met Terri Reed or Carolyn Miller, but they’ve both been on my blog. I have met Tina Radcliffe in person. She’s very genuine. And energetic.
I would so rather browse a bookstore than online. I hopecwe never lose Mardels. I don’t knowcwhat I’ll do.
That’s great about library. There’s 1 about 45 mins from me that carries a lot of Christian fiction. They had me speak a couple of times. When they started the library, a lady donated funs designated for 600 Christian books. It w as awesome. But I live too far away to check out books from there.
Authors are like superheroes and celebrities to me too. And even after 19 published titles, I still don’t feel like one. Thanks for supporting us.
Our Christian bookstores closed in our area. I do not remember the first book that I read. I have met an author, but not a Christian contemporary one. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I wonder how many Christian bookstores are left, Debra. So sad.
I met an author who’s my friend but it’s not a romance book
Author friends are the coolest. Some of mine I only see at national conferences. I miss them in between.
How totally cool! I feel so blessed that your first contemporary inspy was The Christmas Groom. And now we’re sharing a two-in-one together. Woot!!
Hey Deb. I’m still fangirl about you. Maybe we’ll meet someday at coference.
I love the kind of books to read. If I am fortunate enough to get them in print I like to review them. I’m one of those people who used to be stuck in 1 or 2 genres or subgenres but then I branched out and started trying every book and author at least once to see if I like it because every book is different.
I met Maya Angelou at a meet and greet of sorts when my professor took the whole class to hear her speak and the perk was meeting her.
The closest Library to me is 25+ miles away from where I live so that is a no go and online libraries cost an arm & a leg & then some.
I hope I win a print book or books so I can review them.
Thanks for such a great post
I understand the multi-genre thing, Crystal. But I love a good happily-ever-after and the only genre to promise that is Contemporary Romance, so it’s my go to. I dabble in Women’s Fiction, but if I try a new author and isn’t an HEA, I don’t read any more of their books. Romantic Suspense promises the HEA, but the suspense sets me on edge. I read to relax and enjoy.
That’s cool about Maya Angelou.
My goodness, I never thought about not having a bookstore or library in your area. I feel for you. Keep those reviews coming. They really help authors out.
Sadly, all Christian book stores nearby closed :(