Unfortunately I have had rather a tough day, added with an interaction with a customer which made me feel stupid, small and worthless.
I try to keep a happy face on, but this is just a reminder that retail workers are human. Please try and be kind. We are trying our best.
Well after over a year of uncertainty, I can finally say with confidence and assurance that I am now permanently based in Waterstones Clifton.
The weight on my shoulders has been pressing, but now it is easing. I love my store and am over the moon I have now been made permanent!
Ok, so vulnerable moment.
I just applied for a publishing role.
Am I stupid? Am I kidding myself?
My heart is beating so fast right now but I want my passion for what I do to grow, not go out like a guttering candle. And breathe…
🏺 SHE IS DONE! 🏺
✨ I know she’s not perfect, but this is my first ever cross stitch and I’m so proud of myself! ✨
Thank you so much
@orbitbooks
for this
#Ithaca
proof by
@ClaireNorth42
and this bespoke kit!
It’s my current read and I’m LOVING it!
#BookTwitter
#crossstitch
I have just had the heartbreaking call from my mother to inform me that my gorgeous and strong grandma has passed onto the next life.
I will be having a weekend of peace to remember a truly powerful and wonderful woman. I will catch you guys Monday. Be kind to each other ❤️
Sadly the gorgeous Mr Kitty was taken by a rather unexpected fate today.
He adopted myself and my housemates as his owners and we loved him. He will be missed. He takes a piece of my heart with him. Rest in peace, you fabulous creature. 🐈
My Twitter family.
I will not be online until at least Monday. I have just been told some genuinely devastating news regarding my best and closest friend.
I need some time to myself and time away from everything. I’ll be back Monday with my review. Thank you.
Just a friendly reminder to those who follow me on both here and IG:
I only post positive reviews because I believe in showcasing incredible authors and their books. Just because I love it,doesn’t mean everyone else will.There is enough negativity already without me adding to it.
Just a small update regarding reviewing going forward. I never thought I would have to post the below messages, but I am tired, fed up, and have realised that everything I do is simply not cared about. Sorry if this may come as a shock.
* innocent knock at the door *
Me opening the door.
Postman ‘ POST FOR YOU!’
Understatement. 🤣
I will be doing shoutouts to all the gorgeous publishers when I have made my way through the mountain!😅
👑 I am so genuinely proud to announce that I am an official judge of the much coveted HWA Crown Awards 2021! 👑
👑As you all know, I adore Historical Fiction and I am so excited to be judging the Debut Crown Award!👑
#HWACrownAwards2021
#BookBoost
#bookbloggers
The HWA Crown Awards 2021 are open for entries! 👑📚
We're looking for historical fiction and non-fiction books first published between 1 April, 2020, and 31 March, 2021. Details at
Nominations close on 30 April, 2021.
#HWACrownAwards2021
🫶🏻 To everyone who I spoke to, DM’d, met, and interacted with in any capacity this year, I have something to say! 🫶🏻
#ThankYou
Thank you for all being amazing, supportive, kind, and generous.
I would be nothing without you!
Also, I felt super uncomfortable doing this video 😂
My Twitter Family.
Thank you so much for the overwhelming support,and the many publicists who have been in touch.
It’s not going to be an easy future but I will stay as professional,upbeat and fabulous as I can. Just wanted to say again how much all of your kindness really helps.
So you all know I’m usually extremely positive on here, but today has been a pure test on all fronts at work.
I can’t go into too much detail but I’m thinking of buying a book and snacks to cheer myself up. Just going to get cosy with my book and have a gin. Or two. 🍹
The best part of being a bookseller is selling £250 worth of books you love to a wonderful customer who tells you how much they appreciate what you do, and knowing they had a genuinely happy experience. It’s the little things ❤️
🔪 TRIFLINGLY GOOD GIVEAWAY! 🔪
🖤I’m giving one lucky person the chance to win a proof of
#TriflersNeedNotApply
by
@millacream
🖤
Possibly with some killer swag too!
To enter,simply tag 5 friends and retweet!Simple as that!
You have until 5pm today!
T&C’s in second comment! 1/2
🎁 So one of my regular customers came in today who I consider a friend, and dropped all of this off for me and I cannot handle kindness like this right now! 🎁
💜I adore being a bookseller but as you know it’s so hard right now. Excuse me while I go and cry some more!💜
🙌 Ok, so I’ve just realised over 8000 people now follow me?! I’m sorry, what? Like, WHAT?! 🙌
💜 Thank you to each and every one of you who likes what I do. It means the world to me to be able to build relationships with authors, publishers, publicists and fellow book lovers!💜
Today is my Balloon day whoop! 🎈
I have cake for breakfast and I am not even a little bit sorry! 🍰
However, that doesn’t mean I won’t be bringing you a review later on today!
💀And this time it is for this absolutely fantastic book!💀
And I shall be showcasing Bookmail too!
Rather emotional today. The closest person in my life finished his chemo today. I pray to those who can hear me that he never has to have another treatment again and that he goes from strength to strength. Honestly we are both so tired from fighting this.
A little message regarding going forward. Yes, I will be remaining on all platforms, but I will post at a frequency that I want to. I don’t want to throw away everything I have created. I will rise above it and be happier. Thank you all for your kind words.
📚 Guys, it���s coming up to a whole year since I moved to Waterstones Clifton. Where has the time gone? I needed to admit to myself that a smaller store would save my mental health, and it really has. AND I’ve just celebrated my fifth year with the company! Crazy! 📚
🌟Meet the
#bookblogger
!🌟
Hello, you wonderful people!
My name is Dan, a Bookseller and Blogger!
Main genres are Historical Fiction and LGBTQ but like a nice mix!
Just wanted to do a shelfie so you can see who is behind the books!
👇 IG page below!👇
🎪 How’s my day at work been? Oh you know, standard affair.... apart from seeing the gorgeous
@esmacneal
in my store!! 🤩🤩🤩🎪
I can’t believe this fabulous lady stopped by to see me!
🎪 Here we are posing with the phenomenal
#CircusOfWonders
out now by
@picadorbooks
🎪
🎉 Well, this is my last day off before I go BACK TO WORK! 🎉
📚 It’s official! I’m finally going back to my beautiful books! 📚However, I’m covering in a gorgeous little store in Clifton Village to begin with. I’m so excited but it does mean I’ll be less active on here (1/2)..
#GoodMorningTwitterWorld
Hello from your friendly queer bookseller! Day off for me, few things to do. Been a busy and tiring week, just wanted to check in with a very rare photo of myself!
Have a great day! 💜
📚 To everyone who shall be browsing the gorgeousness of Bookshops tomorrow, please be kind! 📚
❤️ And a shoutout to supermarket workers and Key workers who are all amazing! ❤️
Covid: Shoppers 'must respect staff' when retail reopens
♈️ New logo and name, who dis? ♈️
So, here it is! I am proud to reveal my incredible new logo curtesy of the amazing
@tomtillustrated
along with a rebranding! My new username over on Instagram is AresBiblio!
Head on over to my IG to learn more!
1/2
#book
#BookLover
📖 The time has come 📖
I am so excited to be back in my store today, however I shall continue to bring you reviews and amazing Bookmail!
❤️This is a thank you to Authors and Publishers for helping me continue to do what I do! You all rule! ❤️
❤️And to everyone who follows me!❤️
👏 This is why I find supporting debut authors so genuinely important. My love for bringing a new voice into the literary world is something so raw, close to my heart and life-changing. Be kind. Be loving. Be supportive. It’s not easy. Ever.👏
A survey conducted by The Bookseller has found that 54% of authors found the process of publishing their début book negatively affected their mental health, with many saying they struggled with a lack of support.
Read more:
#HappyEaster
I just want to say thank you to everyone who follows me, supports me, and to the publishers for allowing me the privilege to read and review some incredible books. I am incredibly lucky.📖
☀️ Have a great day, everyone ☀️
So I ended up having a very mild case of heatstroke yesterday and as a result I am rather unwell today. It’s going to be a day of rest, reading and taking it easy.
I took all precautions but sadly my journey into work resulted in this.
Stay safe people.
✨ Little bit of news ✨
I shall be working in the gorgeous Waterstones Clifton store starting Monday 2nd Jan.until further notice.
It is a move that means a lot to me, and really hoping it’s going to be beneficial for all!
💜 Publicists please send all mail to Bristol Clifton 💜
💉 That’s me double jabbed! 💉
The best way to start my holiday haha 😆 get the vaccine, people!
I’m off to have a coffee and a slice of cake 🍰
Have a fab day all of you beautiful people! 💖
Just some personal news, please see below. I am rather a wreck right now, this week has been a bit of a blur. Please bear with me as I adjust. I may push through, or may go quiet. At the moment I think I’m in shock and disbelief.
Thank you.
Am I scared? Yes. Very. This is such a scary time for so many people. So many companies that we think are invulnerable to this pandemic are suffering. I’m trying to stay positive but it’s so hard.
.
@Waterstones
has announced it is making a number of redundancies at its London Piccadilly head office. The book chain, which declined to say the number of jobs at risk, said it was currently in consultation with those affected: (£)
🎈 Oh how did that happen? It’s my balloon day again already?! I never signed up for this! 🎈
#GoodMorningEveryone
This bookseller is back from a much needed weekend break!
Today’s plan shall be seeing friends, cake, and of course, reading!
#BookTwitter
#birthdayboy
🎃 May I present to you, MY PUMPKIN CROSS STITCH! 🎃
I am so happy with how he turned out!
🌙 Adorned with moons and stars! ✨
🎃 I love this mini cross stitch and he’s just so cute! 🎃
✨ Such a great way to switch off and lose yourself! ✨
🖤 Wow.Just wow.I can’t believe it’s all over but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I cannot possibly thank everyone enough, to the authors, agents, publicists and fellow bloggers, what a life-changing and fabulous long weekend!
@HarrogateFest
#TheakstonCrime
🖤
So another vulnerable moment, sadly I wasn’t successful in the publishing job I applied for. However, I am far from downhearted as I’m so happy they even offered me an interview, and the overwhelming love I received from publicists was so wonderful.
🌙NEW WITCH, PLEASE VIDEO!🌙
This is a huge thank you message to all the
#bloggers
#publishers
and
#authors
who have been so kind to me this year!
❤️And also to say let’s stay as positive as we can and remember, you are all gorgeous and amazing!❤️
#bookblogger
#thankyou
👀 I was away for a week!! 👀
I’m speechless! I know, that’s rare 😅
A huge thank you to those who are kind enough to send me such goodies!
Shoutouts coming next week! And I can tell you there are some GEMS in here!
#Bookmail
#Gifted
#Lucky
🐣 Good morning and a very happy
#GoodFriday
🐣
I shall be taking a long weekend break from socials to focus on reading, gaming, and chilling.
I will leave you with this picture of some gorgeous stencilled edges!
💜 Have a fab Easter and I’ll catch you all on Monday! 💜
#book
💜Just had wonderful news that my friend who means the absolute world to me has just had yet another positive scan result for his cancer. Treatment appears to be working. It’s always on my mind but at least I’ve had some good news today.💜
📦 This is a just a quick message to the publishers and authors I am lucky enough to talk to and have fantastic relationships with: thank you.❤️
Thank you for always trusting me with your books and valuing my opinions. This was lovely to come home to after a busy day at work 📦
🎈 It’s my balloon day whoop! 🎈
Getting ready for a day out and hopefully shall be nice weather! ☀️
💜 Have a fabulous day, whatever it is you get up to! 💜
I have something beyond-awesome to reveal tomorrow. It’s something I’ve been working on for a while. All I will say is things are changing. Don’t worry, I’m still a bookseller 🤣
I’ve been smiling all afternoon and I cannot wait to show you all!!! Tune in at 12pm to see…👀
📖 Ok, so does anyone else ever start reading a book and just LOVE it within a few chapters? Want to just live in that world, be the characters friend?
God, I love reading. 📖
#books
#reading
💜Sometimes words are simply not enough to express the gratitude of the generosity that I receive💜
✨A huge thank you to
@CJessCooke
who so kindly sent me this huge
@marksandspencer
hamper and a signed copy of
#TheLighthouseWitches
✨
I had a good cry. I feel incredibly lucky.
#HappyWeekend
everyone!
How am I spending mine? Bookselling of course! Oh the crux of working in retail! BUT I only have one week until TEN days off! BRING IT ON!
Have an awesome day, love your friendly queer Bookseller 😘
📦 HOLY F*CK📦
💜 First day back to my store in two weeks and I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of wonderful publishers and publicists! 💜
✨ All shall be revealed in the next few weeks! And there are some beautiful books in here, I can tell you!✨
#book
#BookTwitter
Sorry to sound silly but sometimes I think to myself I have no right to do what I do, and claim to be a Book blogger. Who am I? No one.
But then an author tells me they are ‘overwhelmed’ by my review and that makes my imposter syndrome leave me for a few moments.
🎉 This bookseller has TEN DAYS of holiday as of today! 🎉
My plans shall include starting a new cross stitch 🪡
Gaming 🎮
And getting lost inside these two gorgeous sounding books! 📚
Holiday starts now! 🥳
#BookTwitter
#gamer
#holiday
Hello lovely people.
I apologise for being rather quiet, we had some more bad news yesterday so hence why I’m not posting. I have a new review on Friday and some epic Bookmail to showcase, which I’m really excited to share! Love to you all.
📦 When you have two weeks away from work!📦
❤️ No words can say how much I appreciate everything people send me! Shoutouts coming as and when I can!
I cannot believe how lucky I am to be sent so many wonderful things!
Busy first day back but this helps!❤️
#bookmail
#gifted
📦 But just when I need a boost, the gorgeous postman comes to the rescue! 📦
✨As I’ve said many times before, book mail is good for the soul.✨
I adore being a book seller and will always be grateful to the kindness of publicists! What inside? Stay tuned…
#goodmorning
to all of you beautiful people. Sadly, I knew it was only a matter of time but I tested positive for covid this morning. PCR being sent off today but it means bed, books and tea for me. Incredibly thankful I’ve had my three shots as not feeling too bad.
#goodmorning
to all of you fabulous people! Happy Monday!
I have some gorgeous book mail to showcase later today along with my review for this must-read coming at the usual time of 3pm! Prepare to be spooked!😱
✨ Have a great day! ✨
#GoodMorningEveryone
and happy Monday!
☀️ It’s set to be another hot one, and luckily my store has aircon! ☀️
❤️ Speaking of hot, have you ever seen such a sexy stack of books?! Anything caught your eye? Full shoutouts coming this week! ❤️
✨ Keep cool out there! ✨
📚 Do you love books? 📚
📚 Do you want the chance to work with ME?! 📚
📚 If the answer is YES! then drop in to my store and have a chat! 📚
✨But a word to the wise: this job is non-stop over the seasonal period!✨
I started three years ago and I’m still here! 🤩
#GoodMorningEveryone
📚 Well today marks my three year anniversary of being a Waterstones Bookseller! I can’t quite believe where the time has gone! Best. Job. Ever.
And the most rewarding too! 📚
🌙 In other news, I will be posting my review for this beauty at 3pm! 🌙
A little PSA:
Reviewers and readers alike, please bare in mind that authors have spent months to years on what you hold in your hands.Being a debut or seasoned author is no doubt mentally draining and a constant struggle to smile and carry on.Think before posting a review.
🏺 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! 🏺
🧡 Why did I read this so fast? Oh I know, because it’s genuinely incredible, faultless and timeless.🧡
Bravo
@ClaireNorth42
on the masterpiece that is
#Ithaca
✨Full review to follow!✨
Publishing September by
@orbitbooks
#BookTwitter
#booktwt
📦 When you have a week off….📦
✨Honestly I am completely blown away by how much book Mail I have come back to! ✨
💜Thank you as always to all you lovely publishers and authors!💜
Shoutouts coming over the next few weeks 😅
📚 You can take a bookseller on holiday, but you can’t keep him away from the books! 📚
I stumbled upon
@babushkabooks
in Shanklin and my jaw dropped! A real treasure trove! Did I get something? Of course I did! And also treated mother!
A gem 💎
#BookTwitter
#books
🚨 COMPETITION TIME! 🚨
📚 In honour of
#BookshopDay
on October 14th, those gorgeous people at
@ZaffreBooks
are giving you the chance to win a copy of Days at the Morisaki Bookshop! 📚
Competition will run until Sun. 15th!
👇 T&C’s in below comment! 👇
#booktwt
#book
#goodmorning
you lovely people.
Sadly, I’ve had a rather horrible few days mental health wise which happened at work and as a result my anxiety has gone into overdrive.
I shall be taking the weekend off of socials to try and focus on myself.
Have a fab weekend x
✨ Today marks my FOUR ANNIVERSARY as being a
@Waterstones
Bookseller!
Where has the time gone?! ✨
💜 I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the publishers and publicists who I have built relationships with, and are the best at keeping me in books!💜
📦Ok,I admit it.I may have the smallest crush on my new postman. 📦
❤️ And no, not just because he blesses me with gorgeous Bookmail, but because he’s also cute and is very polite and smily!❤️
Stay tuned to see the gorgeous contents within....
@paperbackmo
As a bookseller, I assure you we don’t usually apply these signed stickers. The publishers do! Believe me, it annoys us just as much as anyone else 😅
Bloggers!! This is not acceptable behaviour, EVER 👏
Be kind when requesting proofs. Publicists have a lot to deal with, and there are only so many proofs available. Don’t throw a wobbly because you don’t get something that is free. Be polite and kind. Always.
#goodmorning
everyone.
✨Things are far from normal at the moment but I shall be bringing you some flawless Bookmail shoutouts today and my review for this stellar read later on! I’m off to sell some fabulous books! Have a great day and thank you for all of your support!✨
👀 Fancy a quick laugh? Here’s a photo of me from FOURTEEN YEARS AGO. 👀
For comparison, please find attached a much more recent photo.
What’s changed? Pretty much everything! 😅