Observation from an author event at Once Upon a Crime

Once Upon a Crime  is a small, independent mystery bookstore in Minneapolis. It's a great place for mystery/thriller/suspense enthusiasts because that's all you will find on the shelves. It's run by a couple, Pat and Gary, and they will be happy to talk with you about books, authors, etc.  They recently were presented with The Raven Award by the Mystery Writers of America. If you're ever in Minneapolis, you should stop by and check it out.

Once Upon a Crime is a stop on any touring mystery writers agenda if they're coming through Minneapolis / St. Paul. I've attended many events there; CJ Box, John Sandford, Vince Flynn, Steve Hamilton, etc. I recently stopped in to listen to The Minnesota Crime Wave, a group of local mystery writers (Ellen Hart, Carl Brookins, William Kent Krueger).
I sat in the audience as a fan and as a curious author. Curious on the demographics of the audience, the readers and fans of these authors, and curious on how I felt as an author who has chosen the indie path and would probably not experience sitting in front of a group of my fans like these authors were and how I felt about the idea that my books would probably not be on the shelves of this great local bookstore. 
The panel was great. They often go out together and you can tell they are good friends.  Krueger said he was nearing the end of his tour for Northwest Angle. This was something like his 42nd stop. They hadn't been to Once Upon a Crime as a group in 9 years, back when Pat and Gary bought the place, though I know Krueger has been there solo for signings and book launches.  
I've heard that authors are torn on these types of events. They enjoy meeting their readers, but there probably isn't the return on the investment of time and energy in sales that are generated.  There were about 30 or 40 people at this event and I think it was held as much to support the store as it was to promote the authors. 
The audience was made up of fans. They knew the authors work, were engaged with asking questions and most came in small groups.  It was mostly people in their 60's or older and predominantly women. I think 90% bought the books and waited in line to talk to the authors and get their signatures.

Me? Sitting there I realized that since I received my kindle I'm a die hard ebook fan, I really have no desire to purchase a big hard cover. And I'm reading many of the authors I've discovered and connected with via Twitter. My To Be Read list is long. I left without buying a book and I'll probably wait for Krueger's Northwest Angle to come down in price before I buy it.  Krueger's publisher is trying something interesting selling one of his early books as an ebook for 99 cents and his new book for $11.99.

I guess all in all, attending this event left me feeling a little verklempt thinking about the future of bookstores, this one in particular, and made me think about how I, as an indie author am going to find, build and reach readers/fans.

Like any writer, I think it's one reader at a time, word of mouth and persistence - writing the best stories you can for people to read. It's back to the keyboard to write and the internet to social media. Now to find the balance.