Friday , 16 April 2021
*****
My work history is not what anyone would describe as focused. Dance teacher, research assistant in a psychology lab, barista, pizza delivery driver, restaurant hostess, editorial assistant at a yachting magazine, English lit teacher at an alternative school—I’ve done a lot of different jobs over the years. Somehow, though, I keep coming back to books. In between those other random jobs (and more), I’ve become a published author and also worked for a college bookstore, Borders (may it rest in peace), and now, Barnes & Noble.
I love books. I love that little breath so many people take when I recommend a book that sounds perfect for them (it’s a little like playing matchmaker, but without the potential fallout). I love dozens, maybe hundreds of the little things about my job, but it’s still a retail, customer service job, and so I am here today to do a public service for booksellers everywhere even though I’m probably preaching to the choir by posting it on a book-focused blog.
Here are 6 things NOT to say to a bookseller. Tell your friends.
All this being said, I love my job, especially finding a reluctant reader the book that will draw them into the wonderful world of stories. If you love your local bookstore (even if your local is a chain store), give your favorite bookseller a smile, a compliment, a coffee, or a hug (only with their permission, of course). You just might make their day and/or save them from going off the deep end and getting themselves fired, depending on the shift.
*****
After a lifelong obsession with books, Erica Cameron spent her college years getting credit for reading and learning how to make stories of her own. Erica graduated with a double major in psychology and creative writing from Florida State University. She’s written several series for young adults including The Ryogan Chronicles trilogy, which concludes with War of Storms in November.
In Khya’s world, every breath is a battle.
On the isolated desert island of Shiara, dying young is inevitable. The clan comes before self, and protecting her home means Khya is a warrior above all else.
But when following the clan and obeying their leaders could cost her brother his life, Khya’s home becomes a deadly trap. The only person who can help is Tessen, her lifelong rival and the boy who challenges her at every turn. The council she hoped to join has betrayed her, and their secrets, hundreds of years deep, reach around a world she’s never seen.
To save her brother’s life and her island home, her only choice is to trust Tessen, turn against her clan, and go on the run—a betrayal and a death sentence.
The only way for Khya to get her brother back alive is to kill Varan—the immortal ruler who can’t be killed. But not even Varan knew what he was doing when he perverted magic and humanity to become immortal.
Khya’s leading her group of friends and rebels into the mountains that hold Varan’s secrets, but if risking all their lives is going to be worth it, she has to give up everything else—breaking the spell that holds her brother captive and jeopardizing her deepening relationship with Tessen, the boy who has been by turns her rival and refuge since her brother disappeared. Immortality itself might be her only answer, but if that’s where Khya has to go, she can’t ask Tessen or her friends to follow.
March 4, 2019
February 18, 2019
February 12, 2019
November 5, 2018