August 16, 2021

A major goal of mine for rolling out the book is to involve to the greatest extent possible local, independent bookstores. You may notice that I have listed multiple such bookstores from which you can preorder the book to help support those bookstores. Please let me know if you have a favorite local, independent bookstore you’d like me to ask to be added to the preorder list, carry the book, and/or otherwise get involved.
 
I’m having a ball getting to know these bookstores. Tiffany Phillips, the owner of the wonderful Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin, has been a godsend. She has already agreed to host a book launch (COVID precautions willing) at her shop on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Tiffany is a real pro who expertly and generously opened my eyes to some of the things I should be thinking about with regard to book launches.
 
I also really enjoyed meeting and corresponding with Elysia Smith, the owner of the very fun Irvington Vinyl and Books. I bought two terrific books from Elysia herself for my grandchildren and shamelessly asked her to carry my book, which she has agreed to do.
 
On a recent trip to Bloomington, I dropped in the Book Corner. It is an iconic, independent, local bookstore that has been family-owned by the Spannuths since 1964!  I have been enjoying visiting there since I was a student at IU.  After buying a summer-read novel for my wife Barbara and The Essential New York Times Book of Cocktails to replace my Old Mr. Boston Bartender’s Guide (which I ruined in a tragic booze-spilling accident), the very engaging clerk agreed to carry my book.
 
Indy Reads is not only a tremendous program with a vision of 100% literacy for all, it traditionally has operated an outstanding bookstore in Indianapolis’s Fountain Square neighborhood. While the store is currently closed for remodeling, its marking director, Sam Ferrante, is working with us in a variety of ways, including allowing the book to be preordered through the virtual Indy Reads Bookstore.
 
Please support these and the many other, local, independent bookstores all around Indiana. I hope that Making Your Own Luck becomes one of the most local/independent bookstore-friendly books to be published in a very long time. 

Take care. 
-- Fred