One of the unexpected joys of running Stories Rule Press has been something that has nothing to do with computers. Or algorithms. Or online stores.
It’s the live markets.
Over the past year, the SRP authors have started taking our books to local artisan markets. At first, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Writing is such a solitary activity that most authors rarely get the chance to meet their readers face-to-face. Markets change that.
All of a sudden, you’re standing behind a table of books while people wander past. Some stop because the covers catch their eye. Some stop because they’re curious. Some stop because they’re readers looking for their next story. And conversations happen.
Readers ask questions. “What’s this one about?” “Is this part of a series?” “Which one should I start with?”
Those moments are fun for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a reminder that stories matter to people. Watching someone discover a book that genuinely interests them is one of the best feelings a writer can have. Second, it reminds us that readers are wonderfully diverse.
At the same table we might recommend:
- a historical romance
- a thriller
- a space opera adventure
- a fantasy novel
Different readers connect with different stories — and that’s exactly the way Stories Rule Press was designed. It’s also been a joy for the authors themselves. Tracy, Cameron, Taylen, and I have all had moments where readers tell us how much they enjoyed a particular book.
Those conversations never get old.
So if you ever see the Stories Rule Press table at a local market, please stop and say hello. We love talking about books.
And we love meeting the people who read them.
— Mark.
