It seems like we haven't even finished the last of our Halloween candy and commercials have us thinking about the upcoming Holiday season.
Thanksgiving seems like a bygone concept. We still enjoy our turkey and cranberry sauce while we give our thanks for all our blessings, but I can't help starting to check things off of my holiday to-do list.
The pandemic has also taught me to rethink how I do some of my holiday shopping. Supporting small business has become crucial because many are struggling to make it in the climate of big box stores and getting items delivered to you in about an hour to two days with just the click of the button.
I remember seeing a photo of a sign that was posted outside of a small business that read something like "When you purchase from a small business you are paying for dance classes and scouting uniforms."
Being an indie-author I have to go through different channels to ensure that my books can get into the hands of the most readers as possible. I'm a one woman-band that does my own marketing, social media, podcasts, publishing, etc., so I need to relay on the "big businesses" to get my books out there.
However, this doesn't mean that I don't want to be a part of the small bookstore community.
There is a way you can, too.
I didn't realize this until I started publishing my books, but you can go into any small bookstore and request whatever book you want. If they don't have it on their shelves, they can order it for you. Also, you can go to their website and order it directly from there. This way you can still support your local small bookstore while getting the books you want this holiday season.
If you don't have a small bookstore in your area you can do a search online to find one that you would like to support.
(To add my own shameless plug) You can always purchase books from my website under the shop tab. All of my books come signed.
This year as you are making your list and checking it twice, remember to think small and support local businesses and creators.