I used to think it was only writers who were extra aware of the different markets that welcomed us in, but I’m coming to know that readers also share that priority. Readers have supported independently-published books for a long time now, so that’s not new. What is new (or new to me, at least) are the number of eclectic ways that community-minded people are making unique opportunities for writers to expand their reach and for readers to find great stories.
Lacombe’s Blindman Brewing, for instance, produces ‘Session Stories’. For a certain time with specific cans of beer they craft, they feature a different short story or poem on each can! How clever is that? Little pieces of literature with every sip – talk about a great patio session.
Equally impressive is the Edmonton International Airport’s short story dispenser. Yup, along with the machines that drop sweet or salty snacks into your hands is a device that prints a one-minute or a five-minute short story. The idea is to keep travelers entertained while supporting local authors. Edmonton was the first airport in North America to offer this free reading opportunity and only the second in the world. Talk about taking the celebration of words to new heights.
I’ve seen (and enjoyed) lots of other bits of writing in unexpected places – on those cardboard sleeves that protect you from hot beverages, restaurant placements, little news leaflets at the checkout. Even at public bathrooms, and I don’t mean the questionable writing in the bathroom stalls! These are framed one-pagers that line the hallway from the table to the washroom and provide a little literary break. And my friends wondered why I was taking so long to go!
Then, of course, is an examination of the changing traditional publishers. The Writers’ Guild of Alberta recently hosted a panel with three prominent Alberta authors ‘of a certain age’ who discussed whether older writers are marketed differently. And if there’s ageism in the publishing industry. The short answer, sadly and unsurprisingly, is yes. But as more publishing houses are becoming involved in lines specifically for older readers, there may be a more welcoming home for older writers. Lillac Press, for instance, runs a Hi-Lo Books line for older people beginning to experience cognitive impairments (high interest / low reading level). How wonderful is that for people who cherish the written word?
So fear not! Clever people are sticking out their clever necks to tap into where the pulse of the literary community is going, which creates hope for both readers and writers. After all, we don’t want to run into a skilled labour shortage for people to fill the short-story vending machines!
Visit Sandy’s website at LifeInRetirement.ca.