Greg, Proprietor of the Oysterville Store
Yesterday was a Big Day in Oysterville! After a long winter of ‘weekends only’ at the Oysterville Store (while Proprietor Greg worked in Seattle to help make ends meet), our community gathering place is up and running with regular hours again! The segue into Summer Hours was marked by a Book Talk and Signing and Meet the Author event to celebrate my new book Jailhouse Stories from Early Pacific County. I felt honored, indeed!
I’m happy to report that the main room of the store was crowded (keeping in mind that it is a very small space, indeed) and that some people were actually standing in the back! There were many familiar faces – our Mystery Book Club came in force and the Community Historians were well represented. Plus, my “Secret Admirer” from Long Beach was there and a couple from Vancouver who came especially to meet me! It was their 39th wedding anniversary and they chose to spend it coming to the beach to hear my Book Talk! Wow!
Photograph by Mark Scarborough
I had a great time. I especially loved the schmoozing part afterwards. And Greg even sold a few books! For that I am grateful, especially for Greg’s sake. He is a prime supporter of local artisans and craftsmen, including writers of local books and we’ve all missed his smiling presence this year. But reality is reality. It’s tough for a little store in a little village to keep afloat (no pun intended) during the non-tourist season here. I hope his business is brisk now that summer is upon us and that we will see Greg’s smiling face on a regular basis.
And did I say that he has fine supply of others of my books in addition to Jailhouse Stories? So stop by, stock up, and if it looks like I’m home, give a holler and I’ll sign them for you! I love the schmoozing part best!
I wanted to make the trip to Oysterville yesterday from Ridgefield for the book launch, but it just never happened. The next time I am on the Peninsula, I will stop by the store and buy a book. I might even take up your offer to find you for an autograph! Jane