I’d love to bring attention to the fact that NYC independent bookstores are finally being due acknowledged.  The first ever NYC Indie Bookstores Week is fast approaching.  Spread the word and support these stores that are under the stronghold of the international chains!  Taking place from November 15- 21, 2009, Independent Booksellers of New York City encourages you to step into your local indie store and promote them.

About ibNYC.org:
The IBNYC is an alliance of independent booksellers working together to promote the cultural, literary and economic benefits of shopping at New York City’s diverse collection of bookstores. We are united in our goal to keep indie bookstores thriving and raise awareness of the vital contributions that these local businesses make to the city’s rich tradition as a center of publishing and bookselling.

It’s the perfect time to poke your head into that little bookstore you’ve passed a hundred times, always saying “I have to remember to stop in there sometime.”  With an impressive 3-page events listing of readings, signings and discussions throughout the city, next week leaves you with no more excuses.  What better time to take a peek into that store than during a week that celebrates the thriving culture of independent bookstores despite rising kindle and ebook sales, Amazon purchases through the roof and chains opening on every corner?

Best yet, help jumpstart this celebration with powerhouse Arena’s kick-off party!  On November 11^th, jump on over to DUMBO, Brooklyn to check out author talks (including Kurt Andersen), live music (including Jones Street Station), refreshments (including cookies) and giveaways (including a poster signed by New Yorker cartoonist Bruce McCall) from 7-10pm.  More details here.

As a literary junkie and an art nut, I’ve been dying to check out (and work at?) powerHouse Arena.  An art publisher with a bookstore, gallery et al.  Love this.  If I can’t make it this Wednesday, I’ll absolutely get there soon.  I suggest you do as well.

In the meantime, here’s a Google Map of NYC independent bookstores.

Among my favorites is Housing Works Bookstore Café—a non-profit bookstore with an old-fashioned mahogany library-feeling décor, complete with a bar that sells wine and beer, cozy chairs and fabulous events.  The best part of all: Profits go toward helping homeless men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in NYC by providing them with housing, meals, medical benefits and more.  Especially in the bitter cold of winter, this mission is remarkably important.

Here’s how it works:
–You email me with your answers to this week’s question at artfeedonline@gmail.com
–I enjoy reading through them and pick a winner!
–What You Get: The winner’s name, answer, website link (Etsy shop and/or blog link) and a picture of their favorite piece from their Etsy shop will be posted when the next question is listed.  The link you give me will also be permanently listed on my Links page!

That’s it! Like I said: I post a question, you get free advertising! So what are we waiting for?

Question #1: If you could be one inch tall for a day, what specific place would you most like to explore?

Email artfeedonline@gmail.com with your answers.  Use “Oct 9: One Inch” as your subject line.  Winner and new question will be announced October 16^th!  Good luck!

Enter: OneWord.com. This site is perfect for these types of nights or nights when I claim that I just don’t have the time.  Have 60 seconds?  Then I’ve got the time.

Here’s how it works: You go on the site, click “go” and the site provides you with a single word, a text box and a 60 second timer.  The rules are simple: Get as much out as you can in 60 seconds.  The point, for me, is that I don’t have time to think, only to write.  And I have no more excuses.

It reminds me of Writers’ Workshop class in high school.  Mrs. Calhoun used to make us write stream of conscious thoughts for several minutes without lifting the pen from the page.  Can’t think of anything to write?  Scribble until you can.  Or write “I can’t think of anything to write so I’m going to write about how I can’t think of anything to write…” until you do.  And it works.  Many times the repetitiveness of my written nonsense would even turn into a coherent and worthy poem.

My only complaint about OneWord.com is that the “word” is only changed every few days.  I’d love to make it a daily practice to write my 60-seconds every day.  And who knows?—maybe even more.  I think it’s about time I don’t leave it up to OneWord anymore and leave it up to myself.