Our seaside town, with its diverse history and unspoiled nature has offered rest and friendship to Charlotte Bronte, J.R.R. Tolkien and T. E. Lawrence of Arabia. It is a retreat for many popular writers of today and home to internationally renown publishers. Despite its well-established literary connections, woefully, Hornsea did not have a bookshop of its own.
This adventure begins with an invitation to the most influential social gathering of the season. The enticing offer arrived at our weekly Hornsea Writers’ meeting with only days to plan. Imagine the panic!
Fortunately, our four intrepid authors did not need a guide to the galaxy to find their way on a drizzly, cold night best suited to a Dickens novel. Linda Acaster, Penny Grubb, Shellie Horst, and Karen Wolfe battled through crowds to attend the exclusive event of the month: the launch of Clutterbooks, Hornsea’s very own independent bookshop.
The evening didn’t disappoint, with celebratory fizz and cakes on offer, and an enviable guest-list. Guests, dear reader, who in true bookish style, browsed the shelves and chatted in invitingly snug surroundings.
Penny Grubb didn’t miss the chance to snap up a non-fiction book: “I bought one of Alice Roberts’ books on archaeology. I was delighted to spot it on the shelf. She’s a favourite of mine.”
Staying true to Hornsea’s literary traditions, the owner, Georgina Wilson, aims to inspire. Clutterbooks offers a snug for teens and young readers to explore magical worlds, and more uniquely, shelf space to local published writers.
“The shop is cosy, welcoming, and immediately interesting. Having a separate children’s area is also a great idea,” Karen Wolfe said.
Linda’s experience in the industry showed, noting: “Having a shelf for Local Authors will open eyes, especially for teenage readers who may believe that writing a novel is only an enterprise for perceived ‘elites’.”
Penny, in her element among the bookshelves, pointed out: “Indie bookshops have books and good writing as their focus in a way that big shops (on or offline) don’t.
Joy Stonehouse with the tempting literary range. “She does have gifts related to books.”
Hornsea Writers spent the evening in the good company of councillors, tutors, artists, and national media, but the adventure for Georgina and Clutterbooks doesn’t end there. There’s a story behind how this little bookshop found its place in Hornsea, too. One Georgina will be happy to share when you visit.
All the Hornsea Writers wish Clutterbooks good luck and agree with Linda: “A bookshop is definitely the place to have a ‘night out’.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your Comment. Due to escalating spam it is, unfortunately, being sent for moderation and should be uploaded shortly. We appreciate your patience.