In a Bookshop

Bright neon lights softened by vintage foggy panels create a quiet yet somewhat gloomy atmosphere.

Hills and mountains of stuff are piling up where the many bookshelves give way, creating many narrow aisles for clients to explore.

That’s where I’ll be. Within those bookshelves, under those strange lights.

After many turns and roundabouts and crossroads, I’m back working in a bookshop.

Starting in a few hours as I write these words. Can’t help but wonder where you are as you read this, dear fellow writers, where you’re going, what will your day be like. In any case, I hope you’re well and safe.

Yep. Bookshop mama. That’s the day job now. Hopefully, for years to come.

Since I’ve been working in the field before, my expectations are inexistent. As for my ambitions, I have none but one: bring joy to readers by sharing my relentless love for novels, cookbooks, books, books, books.

It’s an intriguing feeling, like going back home after years on the run, trying everything except to be happy.

What I’m excited about is all the words, all the stories that will, inevitably, feed the writing mojo.

Poor little writing mojo, it’s been a long summer!
No writing routine would stick, for I was thinking
and getting kiddo to camp
and pondering
and taking care of chores
and watching old movies while reminiscing about the past, about the years to come. (Well, I am 35 to 44 years old after all, a bit of a middle-life crisis was bound to happen, yes 😉 )

All that summer thinking-pondering-watching led to a conclusion: I needed to do a useful job. A meaningful job. A bring joy-to-the-world job.

In my very humble opinion, among the very few jobs that fit the description, being a book clerk (libraire in French) is the best.

Not that I’m jumping on and down at the idea of going back to the challenges that the job implies. Dreading, dreading, dreading bookshop politics and coworkers’ grudges the most.

However, I dare say, for the first time in my life, I am at peace with my decision.

Fellow writers, thanks again for taking the time to read this.

I wish you a good day or a good night’s work, dear fellow writers.

May all the good words flow your way. Be well!