Collins Croydon Booksellers
30 Sep, 2020 | What's happening in my writing life
It’s no secret that many businesses have worked hard to keep going throughout lockdown and particularly those in Melbourne. Many have been innovative, thinking of new ways to do things and some of those have been new/old things.
Many small bookshops, like Collins Croydon, have been hand-delivering books and other booky things to customers and to anyone who requests it. Mark, Laraine and Harry have gone above and beyond to deliver, while Pam, Scott and James, have continued behind the scenes, ordering and posting parcels.
It is no secret that Prince Harry holds a special place in my heart. Many know the story so skip a few paragraphs if you wish. Almost exactly six years ago I wandered into Collins Croydon to pick up a book I’d ordered (it was the only bookshop who had it at the time). The book was The Silver Brumby, a birthday gift, for my friend and fellow author, Bernadette Kelly.
Separately, I’d been checking everywhere to borrow a West Highland Terrier for the forthcoming launch of Little Dog and the Christmas Wish on October 25. Most owners had told me that their dogs were too old, too grumpy or too shy. As I paid for Bernadette’s book I noticed a dog lead on the counter and attached, at the other end, was Harry. It was love at first sight. By the time I left the shop that day, Laraine had kindly offered to loan Harry for the launch.
So it was, that the wee Westie (not accompanied by his owners as they were away that week), was the star attraction at the launch, he socialised with everyone, met the Lord Mayor and after the event, curled up and slept on the mosaic floor of the beautiful Block Arcade.
Harry’s modelling and publicity part in the 2015 Myer Windows happened by chance and later, he was also the model for Little Dog and the Summer Holiday.
He accompanied me to Ballarat and Geelong for the Myer Windows there in 2016 and 2017 and I will never forget him strutting through the streets of Geelong with the crowd waving and cheering him on. He kept criss-crossing the roads to have pats with children who called to him.
So, if you are needing books, puzzles games or a miriad of other gifts, remember Collins Booksellers Croydon, their beautiful bookshop and you might even meet Harry.
Last week, Collins Croydon, posted this lovely post on Facebook about me and my books.
Thank you Collins Booksellers Croydon – especially Laraine, Mark and Harry.
This post features the wonderful books by Corinne Fenton – including the one which our Harry got to promote in the Melbourne Myer windows – Little Dog and the Christmas Wish. What a beautiful story it is! Corinne’s latest book is To The Bridge, with fabulous illustrations by Andrew McLean. Corinne is a good friend of Collins Croydon (especially the wee Westie) and is always willing to sign and dedicate copies of her books for you.
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