Library or bookstore?

DutchLiibrary1Facing declining visitors and uncertainty about what to do about it, library administrators in in the Netherlands did something extraordinary, Cat Johnson writes at Dailygood.org.Dutch Library2They tossed out traditional methods of library organization and now group books by areas of interest, combining fiction and nonfiction. They display books face-out to catch the eye of browsers; and they train staff members in marketing and customer service techniques.
Read the whole story HERE
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I just got a 5-star rating for Random, first book in The Were Chronicles, from … a reader in NORWAY?
I’m delighted, of course, but not a little flabbergasted. How did my book find its way there…?
In any event, thank you, Norwegian Reader. I’m glad you like it. And, oh, if you’re seeing this at all… book 2, Wolf, will be out next month.
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‘Hovel’ Hotels: A Hippie’s Alternative
HovelStay is sort of like a “rebel” alternative to AirBnB and the world of online marketplaces for local host accommodation, MessyNessy reports.
None of their offbeat listings are over $99 per night and there are some real surprise gems to be discovered on this quirky site, categorized by “Survivor Hovels”, “Good enough” and “Clean & comfortable”. HovelStay’s message to the world is that you can experience adventure anywhere on a shoestring budget. Call it travelling like a hippie.
Take, for example:
Bosnia Forest CabinForest Cabin in a remote Artist’s Community, Bosnia, $16 a night
The small dream of Borislav Jankovic of creating a small art gallery, painting studio in the middle of the forest. Today Zelenkovac is basically a small Eco Area providing its visitors with Bungalows for accommodation, freshly cooked food and a bar to suit everyone’s pleasure.
Read the whole story HERE
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The best travel quotes of all time, from The Telegraph.oxfordTake Oxford, for example
“I was a modest, good-humoured boy. It is Oxford that has made me insufferable.” ~ Sir Max Beerbohm, 1899
“Oxford has always produced the finest second-class brains in the world.” ~ Leo Pavia, 1940
Read the whole story HERE
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Strong womenReviewers and readers often remark on my strong female protagonists. Hell, I once wrote a novel with nine of them.
Jarry Lee of BuzzFeed offers us a look at 29 other books, from Jane Eyre to Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Read the whole story HERE
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THIS ‘n THAT
John Acuff explains: “Why I fell back in love with bookstores”
There was never a moment where we walked away from each other. But I did get distracted. If I’m honest, I did have eyes for another. Who?
The Internet….But, in 15 years of non-stop online connection, I’ve learned something surprising. The more time I spend online, the more I realize face-to-face interaction matters the most.
Read the whole story HERE
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Quote of the DayQUOTE Pasternak~~~~~
Alma Alexander    My books    Email me
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