We went to New Albany, Indiana for a book signing — not mine — and ate at a little joint called Seeds and Greens Natural Market And Deli. They were very earnest. They were also very slow. They were also very good. So.
I love this classy-sassy door, with the green-painted bricks, the dark green wood, the orange trim, and the gold letters. It was very inviting. Inside were shelves of … well … natural market and deli items. I don’t think I bought anything, since we were going to be at the signing for a couple of hours.
There was a plethora of doors inside. Like this one, leading to a large-ish dining room.
And these arches (I count doorWAYS as doors, you know) leading to where we sat. That blondie is Andrea, the author of the day.
And this one, to the lavatory. Personally, I thought a distressed door was a poor choice for a lavatory door in an eating establishment, but they didn’t ask me.
And these, which were just for show.
Pretty successful doorscursion, I thought!
The signing was super, although attendance was much lower than I thought it should have been. Andrea Gilbey is a multi-talented woman, who came all the way from England, mostly to visit a friend, but still.
The book she was talking about was BOTTLETOPS FOR BATTLESHIPS, which I reviewed here previously. Here she is, holding up a picture of her “Mum,” whose stories about growing up during WWII inspired the book.
This post is part of Norm Frampton’s Thursday Door link-up. Visit his post and click on the little blue froggy-link on the bottom to find more doorscursions from around the world.
A WRITING PROMPT FOR YOU: A character is in a place with more doors than they know what to do with.
MA
Deborah
June 24, 2016 at 12:12amGreat just for show doors, and entry door! In my balance book very earnest, and very good would trump very slow. I’d go back. 🙂
Marian Allen
June 24, 2016 at 8:10amIt was a great place for visiting with the folks you came with, so long as you understand their pace and don’t expect to get the food quickly. My husband hates to wait (he says he had enough of that in the Army), but you just need to focus on your tablemates and when the food comes, eat. Pretty zen, actually. 🙂
Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt
June 23, 2016 at 10:08pmI agree – that entry, with the green-painted bricks, is attractive.
Was that a regular bookstore where the signing was held? Was there enough publicity, do you think?
Back when I used to go to bookstores, the local B&N had readings and signings. I don’t have that kind of energy any more, and I think I only went to one. My daughter’s best friend’s mother used to take the two of them to the Harry Potter openings – special, at midnight. At least for the first couple of books. Pre-sold, of course, in hardcover and at full (or slightly discounted so people would come to the even) price.
I think the world of publishing has mostly changed. It was a gracious world on the surface; I wonder what the underside – those who didn’t get the signings because they weren’t big enough, signings where things got all fouled up and no one showed, writers who had to pay their own way – was really like, but I missed that era.
Marian Allen
June 24, 2016 at 8:06amThe signing was at a long-established independent bookstore. Some events there have been massively attended. I think this one suffered from the fact that the store owner had a relative in the hospital, terminal, who died on the day of the signing. Between his distraction and his customers’ assumption that the store would be closed that day, very few people showed up.
It’s been our experience (members of our writing group and writer friends) that the general public doesn’t generally show up for signings unless it’s for a Big Name Writer or a celebrity author. If you want a crowd, you have to scrape it together yourself — again, generally speaking.
jan
June 23, 2016 at 3:16pmI agree with the others – cute little shop! So sorry the signing was not well attended.
Marian Allen
June 24, 2016 at 8:00amThe book deserved better. I bought it, read it, and read it aloud to my mother, who was a young girl during World War II. She has mild dementia, and we had fun talking about each chapter and bringing up memories of ways her childhood was the same as and different from the childhood of a girl in Britain during the same years.
Joey
June 23, 2016 at 11:51amCute little shop!
I wouldn’t like the restroom door, either.
Dan Antion
June 23, 2016 at 11:47am@Marian Allen – Yuengling is THE classic American Lager. It’s less heavy than Sam Adams Boston Lager and smoother than most lagers. It’s not flowery or hoppy of anyting-y Just good basic beer. (it is the oldest beer still brewed in America)
Marian Allen
June 23, 2016 at 11:48amI may try it tonight at the writers’ meeting, although I usually go for a stout or a porter.
Jane
June 23, 2016 at 9:24amSwell little shop. Ah, those New Albanians!
Marian Allen
June 23, 2016 at 9:39amThey’re a weird mob, for sure. I like that in people.
norm 2.0
June 23, 2016 at 9:07amThe just for show ones are my faves – nice collection Marian 🙂
Dan Antion
June 23, 2016 at 8:08amNice doors Marian. I agree about the restroom door, I think that’s a place where function should trump form. BTW, I tried to take care of the food photos. I’m afraid I didn’t do a great job, but…
Marian Allen
June 23, 2016 at 8:23amYou DID do a great job! What does this Yuengling of yours taste like? Bitter? Flowery? Malty?