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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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Thankful for Bookstores

August 24, 2021 By Julie Klassen

Last week, I attended the Christian Product Expo (CPE) near St. Louis, MO, flying for the first time since the pandemic began. (Sigh… Traveling isn’t the pleasure it used to be, but I was grateful for uneventful flights.) CPE is a trade show where booksellers learn about new products, order inventory, and receive training and inspiration to continuing doing their jobs, often during trying times.

The first day, I participated in a multi-author book signing and enjoyed talking with retailers. As an author, it was so encouraging to learn that while many bookstores have closed, many others are still alive and well!

(Left) with Erica Vetsch. (Right) with author Irene Hannon and retailer Betty Goeckner.

The next day, I spent time in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s booth, encouraging booksellers.

(Left) with Jen of CPE. (Right) Authors Deborah Raney and Cynthia Ruchti.

I also loved spending time with writing friends like Cynthia Ruchti, Irene Hannon, Erica Vetsch and our own Deborah Raney.  

Deborah and her husband have recently created several journals, which I was able to preview at the show. I especially liked their Travel journals, as well as their Tea and Quotes journals. You can see all their journals here.

Which journal do you like best?

And do you have a favorite bookstore? Please continue to support them!

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Julie Klassen

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Comments

  1. Deborah Raney says

    August 24, 2021 at 5:53 am

    It was SO great to see you, Julie! And thanks so much for mentioning the journals. We’re having so much fun with them!

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 24, 2021 at 11:15 am

      My pleasure, Deborah! Thank you (and Ken)!

  2. Betty Strohecker says

    August 24, 2021 at 8:11 am

    Sounds like a fun event. Need to check out those journals.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 24, 2021 at 11:15 am

      Thanks, Betty.

  3. Linda Klager says

    August 24, 2021 at 8:42 pm

    I am so glad that you had no trouble on your recent flights. I have heard that some people lash out. It is stressful enough traveling without outbursts by frustrated folks.

    I have asked Deborah Raney if she could do a journal for a caregiver. I am my husband’s caregiver. He has dementia.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 26, 2021 at 3:24 pm

      Oh, Linda. Bless you for serving and loving him in that way. I’m sure it’s exhausting at times. And what a great idea for a journal! Take care of you, too.

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