What Happened When We Chased a Book Event to Cincinnati
#writingcommunity #booksky
#amwriting #writing Unfetterred Treacle
Last week, my wife and I took an overnight trip to Cincinnati. We love the Queen City, and we never need much of an excuse to go, but this time, we had a great one.
Jane Friedman was launching the updated edition of her book at the historic Mercantile Library.
Jane Friedman launching her “new” book at the Mercantile Library.
I say “new” in quotes because the book is a revised version of her excellent The Business of Being a Writer, which originally received a starred review from Library Journal and is widely used as a classroom text in writing and publishing degree programs.
But a lot has changed in the industry since it first came out. The rise of self-publishing, eBooks, and especially the explosion of social media, hello, BookTok, have reshaped the writing business in ways that few could’ve predicted. Jane wanted to refresh the book to reflect those shifts, and I’m so glad she did. (The new book releases on April 18th)
Also, I just really like Jane.
I started following her newsletter close to its debut nearly ten years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. She’s one of the most gracious, unassuming people you’ll ever meet, and yet she’s a total rock star in the publishing world. A respected industry veteran, she’s been guest faculty at creative writing programs across the country and has keynoted and taught workshops at hundreds of writing and publishing events around the globe.
We had the chance to spend some time with her and her husband Mark after the event, and it was a truly lovely evening.
If you’re not familiar with Jane, she’s been the go-to authority on publishing industry news for over a decade. Her insight is always clear-eyed, practical, and generous, whether you’re traditionally published, indie, or somewhere in between.
The event itself was held at the Mercantile Library, a beautiful venue in downtown Cincinnati that regularly hosts top-name authors. I couldn’t help but imagine how cool it would be to do a reading in their stunning green room on the top floor.
If you’re curious about the space, here’s a little background:
Mercantile Library History
While we were in town, we also stopped at one of our favorite spots: Findlay Market. It’s Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, and the food options there are absolutely incredible. From specialty meats and cheeses to fresh produce and baked goods, the variety is flabbergasting. There are also some wonderful shops tucked around the perimeter. Every time we visit we find something new to love.
From there, we swung by Artichoke, a curated cookware boutique with serious culinary charm, then headed to the Cincinnati Art Museum. The museum features an impressive collection with a strong emphasis on the city’s contributions to American decorative arts. Cincinnati was once a hub for art pottery, silverware, and handcrafted furniture from the late 1700s through the mid-1900s, and the museum does a fantastic job showcasing that history.
After lunch, we wrapped up our trip with a visit to Joseph-Beth Booksellers, one of the most impressive independent bookstores in the region. (We were just a week too early to catch John Scalzi there. Next time!)
Needless to say, we can’t wait to return. Cincinnati never disappoints.
