The photo accompanying this post came from my bookstore, in November. You can still see greens and browns outside the windows. We welcomed two dozen authors into the building for a day-long potluck and writing frenzy. It was a lot of fun. But now that we’re into the depths of winter, the view outside those same windows is obscured by 14 inches of snow piled atop the juniper.
This winter has been harsh. Not just from a meteorological perspective, though. MiPA is headquartered in Minneapolis, a city that again dominates the headlines and encapsulates the tension and the uncertainty of the present moment. And our industry is shifting; Baker & Taylor’s closure and a decline in affiliation with trade groups has made it harder to get good books in the hands of eager readers. A friend of mine said she felt as if we’re in the opening moments of a Hobbesian war of all against all. I certainly understand her perspective!
But funny thing: We can make a difference. Our past president, Paul Nylander, was a big proponent of the idea of being “independent, together.” There’s a lot to be said for being willing to engage, to de-escalate, to educate, and to love. It doesn’t take much. Little things, like avoiding social-media drama, welcoming folks into your homes, and finding people who need people and being the person they need. Being intentional about being welcoming and finding reasons to get together — even if it’s just to have a potluck and write a few more chapters.
MiPA is working behind-the-scenes with other trade organizations in our region to find ways to work together to improve the connections between indie publishers, indie authors, indie booksellers, and readers of indie books. More to come!
Heat and light repels the cold and the dark. Perhaps, by being independent together, we can begin a thaw that leads to a calm and peaceful spring.
Tidbits
A few other things to share:
- Midwest Book Awards. Over the last two weeks we’ve seen a substantial number of submissions. Yay! As a reminder, we’re accepting submissions to this year’s program through March 15. Check out the FAQs, eligibility criteria, and submission link. And as always, specific questions may be directed to bookawards@mipa.org.
- February Member Meeting. February’s member meeting — which is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, February 10 — features Dr. Jason Auckerman of the Ray Bradbury Center. You’ll get a message in a few days with Dr. Auckerman’s bio and the specific topics he’ll be covering (hint: think of single-author archives and the preservation of IP over the long run), as well as the registration link.
- Independent Book Publishers Association. One of our board members, the talented Nancy Roop, also sits on IBPA’s DEI committee. She has proven to be an invaluable liaison between MiPA and IBPA; she’s prepared an IBPA-themed info package for all of you that you’ll receive soon.
- Being Together. In the coming weeks, we’ve scheduled important meetings with peers and colleagues to find better ways to connect authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers. In addition to conversations with IBPA, we’re starting conversations with the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association and the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association to find better ways to collaborate on deeper, structural levels. More to come — but if you have thoughts to share about how MiPA can be a more effective convener within our industry, please do drop me a note to president@mipa.org.
Thank you for being independent together with MiPA. We look forward to seeing you at a virtual member meeting soon!
Stay warm, well-read, and well-connected!
Jason Gillikin
MiPA President