Independence is key. It is a concept that one of Edmonton’s major independent bookstores lives by and one that allows them to relentlessly support local authors. It also means never having to bow down to corporate overlords who are only interested in international bestsellers lists and the latest diet tips or fashion screeds by some over-glorified celebrity hack – helped along by much more talented ghost writers.
Now, it’s time for the authors who love Audreys Books to pay it back, and the book-loving public can get in on the action too. Today is Authors for Indies Day across the country. This is when those who write the books volunteer their services in the stores, adding another dimension to how those “indies” can connect readers and writers.
Audreys’ co-owner Sharon Budnarchuk said that the relationship between the two might be obvious but it sure can’t be overstated.
“Local writers are very important to us. We’re out doing events for authors all the time,” she said earlier this week. “Yesterday, there were five events!”
“We see that as one of the main roles in having a bookstore. Yes, it’s a retail outlet and all but books are special. I don’t know that I’d be selling anything else, except maybe real estate where you could make tons of money,” she joked.
She recalled an anecdote from her time working with Jack McClelland, the late publisher who co-founded major Canadian publishing house McClelland & Stewart.
“He always said to us, ‘Remember, the most important here is the author. None of us would be here without them.’ That has always stuck with us.”
She said that independent booksellers – like St. Albert’s Bookstore on Perron – play a vital role in helping authors find new readers, and helping readers find authors they love.
“It’s our job to connect them. That’s what’s really neat about this day is that people are really going to get to chat a little bit with their favourite author. It’s not about money. We don’t have tons of money to give but we can give our time and our expertise and a place for them here at the store.”
Audreys Books seemingly devotes itself to the task. It hosts more than 50 author events every year and it is the perennial sponsor of the City of Edmonton Book prize. The fixture on Edmonton’s literary scene also recently won the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Award for sustained support of the arts for just these reasons, and more.
It’s also set to host Paul Kane grad Leif Gregersen next Friday for a book signing of his latest work, a young adult historical novel called Those Who Dare To Dream.
For his part, the prolific author said that there are many reasons to support indies like Audreys, and not all of those are because they’re just really good at knowing their stuff and promoting literature in the community. It goes much farther than that.
“Perhaps the very spirit of an independent bookstore can symbolize the free market and democracy that Canadians should value more than any aspects of this country,” he speculated.
“Do you want to drown in a sea of mass market paperbacks, or have a leisurely stroll through an eclectic and iconic store that supports poetry and local authors and has not abandoned downtown? For me the choice is easy.”
Edmonton author Janice MacDonald professed her love of the place by saying, “Audreys Books is one of the greatest friends to Alberta and Canadian writers there is, and it’s an utter oasis for readers of all stripes. In the best of all possible worlds it is the best of all possible worlds: an independent, idiosyncratic, idyllic bookstore.”
This is the first time that Authors for Indies is being celebrated in Canada, after launching in the United States. Across this country, 485 authors will lend their services as guest booksellers at 115 stores. Some of them might be bagging at the checkout and restocking the shelves while others will be talking to customers about what they’re reading or recommending new titles to discover.
At Audreys, there are more than 20 authors lined up to serve. Astrid Blodgett and Jessica Kluthe are raring to go to help the place that helped them so much. Blodgett said that she loves the store and how much owners Sharon and Steve Budnarchuk do to support local writers.
“I'm also one of those people who strongly believes in supporting local independent businesses wherever possible,” she stated, hoping that the event would bring more readers into the store.
Kluthe seconded that motion.
“Booksellers like Steven and Sharon (who are passionate about books) make it possible for emerging writers to have the platform they need to continue to publish. They stock our books long after their publication dates. Books are privileged over picture frames and decorative pillows in their shop – and I can comfortably send a reader there when they ask where they can buy my book: I know it will be there,” she said.
“Authors for Indies is a way to acknowledge their crucial role in the writing process, and to say a little thank you for what they do: for believing in books, and for believing in us.”
This event also marks a year of celebrations for Audreys’ 40th anniversary.
In addition to Blodgett and Kluthe, other participating authors who will be helping out at the store include such literary luminaries as Todd Babiak, Thomas Wharton, Michael Hingston, Marina Endicott, Jacqueline Baker, Gordon McRae, MJ Summers, Kate Boorman, Wayne Arthurson, Myrl Coulter, Mike Boldt, Lorna Schultz Nicholson, Theresa Shea, Aaron Paquette, Janice MacDonald, (current regional writer in residence) Gail Sidonie Sobat, Sharon McKay, Caterina Edwards, and Myrna Kostash.
The event runs today from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to come in and enjoy cake and a visit with an author. Audreys Books is located at 10702 Jasper Avenue in Edmonton. For more information, call 780-423-3487.
More information on the initiative can be found at www.authorsforindies.com.
