Two Fishes A Bookstore, Coming Soon?

Describe your ideal bookshop:

Somewhere in a parallel universe there is a tiny little bookshop built on the edge a lake or sea, called Two Fishes. Right now, it resides only in my mind, but I can still see it clearly. If I focus hard enough, I can smell the it too, the fresh pastries, a steaming pot of strong coffee. The books, new and old, of every genre stacked from the floor to the ceiling. It has huge picture windows that allows the weather inside, whether it's the bright sun of a summer's day, a rainy windswept fall with orange and brown leaves plastered against the glass, or fat snowflakes drifting down from overstuffed snow clouds to frame the windows in winter finery. And of course music, low and slow, but always there.

And there are cats, at least two, but probably four, that roam the aisles or curl up on a welcoming lap or a plush armchair. There is little shop attached that sells wonderful local pastries, along with tea, and coffee, and of course wine from all over the world. 

Browsing, moseying, loitering over the pages is not only allowed, but encouraged. Local and indie authors are searched out and highlighted right along with the super famous from the big publishing houses.

There is no such thing as sections based on the color of the author, books are displayed together based simply on their genre. The booksellers are passionate bookworms who delight in sharing their love for reading with every guest who walk through those doors. And are paid accordingly. 

Every year there is a writer’s conference that uses one day to highlight local writers, new writers, and marginalized writers. There is a podcast that not only talks about the latest and greatest in books, but also share opportunities for local writers to meet more established writers, form writing groups and be a place where writers can congregate, seek advice, or simply feed off the energy of being around other writers. 

This is my ideal bookshop, a place where writers are supported by other writers and readers can find and peacefully enjoy their love of stories. A place to find a respite from a world that has become unhinged at every turn.