A writer has several needs that must be met in order to practice his craft. He needs a physical place that is solely his where he can go and write, a small circle of other trusted writers who can call him out when he’s writing poorly and encourage him when he’s writing well, and a reading life that supports his craft by consistently injecting good sentences into his head.

But there’s one more thing a writer needs, and that’s a forum in which to connect with readers.

A local bookstore is ideally that forum, and I’m delighted to have, for the first time in over twenty years, an indie bookstore here in my town.

Speakeasy Books and More is cozily located just off the square, and Tommy Vickers is a friend to local authors and readers. Central to his mission is a local authors’ shelf. He is scheduling book releases, readings, and book groups. He is committed to making Speakeasy a place where people who love story can find each other.

Bookstores in other cities have filled this need for me from time to time, but now I truly have a local bookstore, a home base. A hole has been properly filled in my writerly life. And I am grateful.