Indie Strikes Again

On July 4th I had my fifth author event at Mystery Loves Company, formerly of Baltimore, MD but now of Oxford on Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Kathy and Tom Harig have been running their store for 21 years, and this is their sixth in Oxford.  They are also the proud recipients of the annual award given out at the Edgars for their contribution to the mystery genre by way of their store and the many events they host and help promote. This is the third year in a row that I've been their guest for an author signing on the Fourth, and I feel grateful not only for their support but also for what they represent in our profession.  Without people like Tom and Kathy, authors like me would face a nearly impossible task in getting their work recognized and circulated.  Not only do they provide a venue and help spread the word, but they continue to carry my books regardless of the sales figures.  And I really do enjoy the company they keep  at their store, a true fixture on the Eastern Shore, for the opportunity it gives to talk about my books and the genre in general.  I'm just glad we get a decent turnout so their store can benefit as well.  I shudder to think what the world would be like without independent bookstores like Mystery Loves Company.