Wi2026: Charm They Can’t Replicate: Creating a Store That Invites Wonder
Release Date: 03/27/2026
Indies Introduce: Lily Kim Qian (Until We Meet Again)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Britney Harker of , Boise, ID, interviews Lily Kim Qian, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Tolani Akinola (Leave Your Mess at Home)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Claire Bone of in Sacramento, CA, interviews Tolani Akinolai, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Tesia Tsai (Deathly Fates)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Katie Orphan of in Los Angeles, CA interviews Tesia Tsai, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Caro Claire Burke (Yesteryear)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Annastasia Williams of in Knoxville, TN interviews Caro Claire Burke, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Soraya Bouazzaoui (Aicha)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Cassie Goodwin of in Indianapolis, IN interviews Soraya Bouazzaoui, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Heba Al-Wasity (Weavingshaw)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Haley Calvin of in St. Louis, MO interviews Heba Al-Wasity, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Bar Fridman-Tell (Honeysuckle)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Emily Russo of in Portland, ME interviews Bar Fridman-Tell, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Sandy Bigna (Little Bones)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Sydne Conant of in Stoughton, WI interviews Sandy Bigna author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Cassie Miller (Meet Me Under the Lights)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Andrea Iriarte Dent of in Melrose, MA interviews Cassie Miller, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
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Indies Introduce: Georgina Chadderton (Oh Brother)
BookED
ABA's interview series spotlights debut authors handpicked by booksellers from around the country. In each episode, a bookseller from the Indies Introduce panel interviews an author featured in the program to celebrate the release of their book. In this episode, Katie Orphan of in Los Angeles, CA interviews Georgina Chadderton, author of , available now at your local independent bookstore. Theme song by
info_outlineYour bookstore tells a story — but how do you make every customer feel like they’ve stepped into your world the moment they walk through the door? Inspired by the immersive experiences of lifestyle retailers like Anthropologie, this session will focus on the charm and personality only independent bookstores can offer. We will explore how visual storytelling, thoughtful details, scent, sound, and lighting can work together to spark joy and forge deeper connections with your community. We’ll also look at how small, intentional touches — handwritten shelf talkers, thrifted treasures, and curated objects — can showcase what makes your store unique, setting you apart from the polished sameness of big-box chains. Learn how to layer books with lifestyle elements to create an atmosphere that invites discovery, feels personal, and lingers in memory long after a visit. Whether you’re working with 300 or 3,000 square feet, you’ll leave with practical strategies to elevate your space, celebrate your store’s story, and make customers fall in love with indie bookselling all over again.
Recorded February 26, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.
Theme song by Constant Companion