The windows of the bookstore need to be more clearly marked, and I think we'd all like them to be interesting. Over time quite a few folks have offered to create something for us, so I opened the door for anyone interested to show what they have in mind. These are the draft designs we have received--each with its own mood and visible influences, each incredibly cool. I think all of them have the potential to make excellent stickers, among other things. Please note these are drafts--finished work for the window will necessarily be monochrome, using cut vinyl. Let us know which you like best! (Keep your comments kind; there's a human behind each image. I will moderate this thread.) The selected artist will be paid $150 for use of their draft (retaining copyright), everyone gets a free book, and I'll see if I can't get the finished item installed by Indie Bookstore Day!
Thank you to @diesel.punk , @wormrodeo , and B. Riley for their submissions!
#indiebookstore #queerbookstore #yourbookstore #eastvanbookstore #crossandcrowschronicles
Did you know we have a Patreon?
This tiny bit of outreach has helped fund everything from internet bills to special events. Thank you to our steadfast members! If you’re looking for a way to support us, but you can’t read fast enough—our Patreon lets you help sustain this space and enjoy a few perks. We’re hoping to add 50 new members to help us keep growing the shop through the winter. If Patreon is a thing that works for you, come join our flock! Link in bio. #indiebookstore #queerbookstore #yourbookstore #patreon #jointheflock
THERE’S A NEW QUANT MYSTERY! And you can win the whole series in hardcover when you preorder it from us!
Coming this fall from award-winning crime writer Anthony Bidulka, QUANT is the ninth book to feature Russell Quant—half-Irish, half-Ukrainian, winsomely gay prairie boy turned wisecracking private investigator.
This bookstore is lucky to host Vancouver’s giveaway to celebrate the release of Quant’s new adventure! Preorder your copy from us and you’ll be entered to win a beautiful boxed set of all eight previous Quant novels. Pop over to our website to see details on the new book—and get your order in by June 30!
More about QUANT:
Dealing with grave family matters and personal challenges, PI Russell Quant returns to his hometown of Howell, Saskatchewan.
On a perfect spring day the body of a beloved local resident is found at the bottom of a gorge. There’s a note. Russell begins to question the cause of death and wonders if the bucolic village he once knew is hiding a more sinister reality.
Russell searches for the truth from Canadian prairie to Caribbean paradise as a once peaceful farming community struggles to survive. Deception and greed wage war against resilience, hope, and family legacy.
#indiebookstore #queerbookstore #yourbookstore #gaywriter #gaymysteries #lgbtqwriter #queerbooks #readqueerbooks #gayfiction #mysterynovels #preorder
All apologies, loves, I was a little stressed earlier this week and accidentally double-booked us! We have a prior engagement this evening (Saturday the 16th) so we will close at our regularly scheduled time of 6pm. YES, we will have the happy hour deal from 4pm to close--come have a mock paloma or mojito or mango thingy, and find used books at 50% off!
Can I also just say, thank you to all the lovely, lovely folks who have visited this week despite the construction goings-on? Noor and I love seeing you and it's been reassuring to see that we can still have a bookstore in the midst of it all.
No crew today! We expect work to resume on Tuesday after the long weekend. Today, though, is a chance to browse peacefully and pick up a few good reads to complete your weekend plans! (And 4pm to close is Happy Hour—half off used books, my loves.)
This was the project when we arrived this morning. We also saw an interesting attempt to lever the tree stump, that was halted because of pressure on the electricity conduit that runs right under the roots near the curb. It’s fascinating…my inner five-year-old is having a hard time pulling away.
BOOK LOVERS’ HAPPY HOUR!
While our mornings and middays are filled with the noise of sidewalk repairs, once the crews leave each day we are determined to reclaim our calm and mellow vibes! Come browse and hang out 4pm-close during construction. You’ll get 20% off a mocktail (normally $5) and 50% off used books. With our extended hours Thursday/Friday/Saturday, you can make a bit of an evening of it! #indiebookstore #queerbookstore #yourbookstore #daysofwarnightsoflove #chillatthebookstore
Progress report: Day 2
Farewell to casual foot traffic, for the present! The jackhammer is doing its office and the worst hummock in the sidewalk is now l’histoire. There is access to the shop from the north end of the block. If you visit today before 3, you will find me cowering in the living-room space to get some distance from the noise. After that, though, it should be peaceful. We are supposed to have ‘bridging,’ which I guess will be that plywoody business crews lay down over gaps. Will report.
Do visit in the late afternoons! During construction, 4pm to close will be Book Lover’s Happy Hour, with $4 mocktails (Paloma & Mojito) in the chiller and used books half off! #indiebookstore #queerbookstore #yourbookstore #growingpains #worthit
It has begun. Our poor old street tree is gone and tomorrow, we’re told, a crew will come to start breaking up the ruined sidewalk, picking their way among the bits of utility infrastructure. It won’t be pretty. Even so, we will be open and we would love to see you! We’re adding hours, 6-8pm this Thursday and Friday evening, so you can miss the noise of the construction and the heat of the afternoon. If enough folks support the evening hours, we’ll add them for the summer and see how they go! And soon, we’ll have a much more accessible block for everyone. #indiebookstore #queerbookstore #yourbookstore #growingpains #
✨Calling VAN Queer Storytellers! Queer Lust Stories 🏳️⚧️PRIDE EDITION 🏳️🌈is set for JULY 25. We want your stories to light up the stage.
In collab with @crossandcrows
We are looking for stories of lust and desire. Longing and fantasy.
Your story can be poetry, prose, a combination. It’s just gotta be you (non-fiction).
🌺IMPORTANT DATES: 🌺
🌺 Storyteller Application Due: June 5
🌺 Storyteller Acceptance: June 8
🌺 Workshop Dates: Week of June 15-July 13
🌺 Event Date: July 25
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We tell these stories to leave behind the shame we’ve been TOLD to carry. To reclaim our agency in our self-expression of who we love and what we love and how we love.
This event heals you, the storyteller, as much as it heals the audience for hearing you.
✨✨✨✨✨
We have TWO TRACKS FOR STORYTELLERS: the ‘good-to go-track’ and the workshop track for folks wanting some support.
This means EVEN IF you’re “not a writer” or you’ve never performed onstage, I am here to help.
🌺In our workshops, as a writing coach and teacher, I will offer plenty of gentle techniques so you can get sturdy in your story and why you’re telling it, so you step into your power and tell your story like the badass you are.
Because as human beings, story is how we understand the world and ourselves. This is decolonizing storytelling 💫
Check out more details in the storyteller application form. LINK IN BIO
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🌺 NOTE ON WORKSHOP 🌺 : The workshop application form is linked within the storyteller application form. You can find more details about the workshop and all you’ll get in that form.
Or you can DM me with any questions. 💕
#yvrwriters #vancouverqueers #yvrpride
Let's create some magic this month at Cross & Crows Books!!
Bring your writing tools to our favorite queer bookstore on May 29th, and let's see what kind of shenanigans we can get up to so close to Pride month! 😍
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#CarrieHillCreative #CrossAndCrows #QueerBookstores #SupportSmallBusiness #VancouverFreeEvents
Happening next at your bookstore!
AW DARN, CANCELLED: Mon 5/11, 6:30pm: Big Gay Game Night with guest GM Morrigan! Catch us in June with GM Alex V!
Mon 5/18, 7pm: Non-Monogamy Discussion Group! Facilitator: @stab.it.pretty
Sun 5/24, 3-6pm: Queer Fibre Arts! Drop-in crafting social; bring your project and hang with some lovely Q/T makers.
Sat 5/30, 1-4pm: Sticker Trade Club with @houseofkewpie ! Bring your collection for an open swap, socialize with sticker enthusiasts, and check out featured artists with work for sale.
#indiebookstore #queerbookstore #communitybookstore #spaceforus #thrivetogether
