LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 For a while, I owned a bookstore in Second Life.It wasn't anything fancy -- not one of those high-priced bookstores like you see down past Immersiva, or in the swankier parts of New Babbage -- but it was ok. Some people seemed to like it, and I was pretty happy with that.I wasn't proud of it, you understand. Sometimes I felt I had to hide it from my friends. I'm not proud of that part.But it was, I thought, an honest living. Books were something I liked. I figured, if I can make a virtual living from something I enjoy doing, then why not? There are plenty of dirtier, lower ways to make a go of it on the backstreets of this low, dirty little virtual world.It started off pretty good. I had a couple of regular clients -- they'd come in, give my stacks and shelving a steely-eyed, appraising kind of look, and then get right down to business. Usually it was pretty standard stuff: they'd want To the Lighthouse, or The Edible Woman, or something else I could give them with my eyes shut and one hand trussed behind my back. Sometimes, you know, it'd be a bit more exotic . . . The Delta of Venus or Sexing the Cherry.Yeah, you better believe they paid extra for that.Soon, though, word started getting around about my catalogue. Readers on the street were saying that I had some pretty good volumes, and they were cheap too. All sorts of people started coming through the doors -- not just my regulars anymore, but a classier sort, the kind with some real Lindens to throw around. The kind that wanted something better than a marked-down Penguin or yellowed Oxford Classics.I decided to expand my repertoire a bit, and that took real well: soon they were lining up for the more exotic stuff. Out-of-print Viragos, sometimes. Sometimes it was a hard-to-get Folio Society. It was fine; whatever they wanted, they soon discovered I could get it for them. For a price.Those were pretty heady days. The money was beginning to roll in, and I was getting a name for myself, not just on the street, but at the book fairs and markets. I franchised a bit, setting up a couple of girls on Hallelujah Blue. I'd get 40% of what they took in. They were used to grubbing through the delete bins for the stuff, so they thought they'd died and gone to heaven.I should have probably seen it coming sooner than I did. First, the clients started to change. I was getting dealers in now: hard men with hard hearts and stuffed wallets who wanted morocco or lambskin jackets, even incunabula sometimes. And soon, I heard people were talking about me in a different way. They were saying that my goods were "well-thumbed," or that my bindings were loose from over-handling.I don't know if you've ever been called "dog-eared." Well, I have, and I can tell you it hurts.Then the clients started to dry up. Sure, I'd get the occasional tweedy derelict, or pathetically stooped cataloguer, They'd grope at the books roughly, looking around in embarrassment to make sure no one saw them leafing through that old stained copy of Jane Eyre, and then leave, throwing a few Lindens into the tip jar as they hurried out.That's when I decided it was time to get out. But too many people knew me, by then, and I knew that there was no way to go back to what I'd once been. So I dumped my stock on the SL Marketplace, and dropped out.I just disappeared. That's the way I wanted it. I think that's the way they wanted it too.So, yeah. I've been down and out in SL. Some of my friends, the few who'd still talk to me, would say, "But Laskya, why'd you start over with a new account? Why'd you just disappear?" I tell them that you can't wash the stench of mouldy parchment off your hands. Once a bookseller, always a bookseller.It's tough to repair a broken spine, but I know I'm going to try. All I ask is for another chance.I just want an opportunity to show that I can turn over a new leaf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madelaine McMasters Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 Madelaine McMasters wrote: I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Maddy, I found my way out. So can you. Just walk towards the big red light that says "Exit." Right next to the table full of herbal teas, "50 Shades of Grey" coffee mugs, and "Twilight"-themed potpourri. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenMichelle Lane Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Where exactly was the register? I have a few purchases to make... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 KarenMichelle Lane wrote: Where exactly was the register? I have a few purchases to make... LOL Sometimes, truth is even more sordid than fiction. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Torvalar Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 A good rebinding and your're as good as new. As for the well-thumbed, well let's just say it adds to the character of the volume. And I swear, Jane was pristine when I was through with her! Now, have you got a nice Colette for me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madelaine McMasters Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Maddy, I found my way out. So can you. Just walk towards the big red light that says "Exit." Right next to the table full of herbal teas, "50 Shades of Grey" coffee mugs, and "Twilight"-themed potpourri. You didn't mention the fine print on the "Exit" sign. "to Eden" is a way in, not out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Ahren Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Every book has a soul: The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it. Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwakkelde Kwak Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 You can count me out as a customer, I already have a book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sy Beck Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 TV is gooder than books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 Derek Torvalar wrote: A good rebinding and your're as good as new. As for the well-thumbed, well let's just say it adds to the character of the volume. The maturer customers always said so. Derek Torvalar wrote: Now, have you got a nice Colette for me? And especially those with such evident excellent (if mildly decadent) good taste. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 Randall Ahren wrote: Every book has a soul: The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it. Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind Well, that's rather beautiful. I wasn't familiar with this. Thank you. :-) Except, of course, it should be "her or his eyes." ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooja Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Randall Ahren wrote: Every book has a soul I consider every one of my avatars as a book, not as a character or a pen picture, or an aggregation of impressions, but the whole deal, a story - and, like Google Books, you do not see all the pages in the book, just the occasional page giving an insight into what the book might be about. I know what's in the book, of course, but others may only speculate. Having said that, even I am unsure what's in the final chapter, as it has not been written yet, for any of them, despite what the LL authorities might think. Wooja...pleasenotclassifymeasagraphicnovelnorchicklit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perrie Juran Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Wooja wrote: Having said that, even I am unsure what's in the final chapter, as it has not been written yet, for any of them, despite what the LL authorities might think. Wooja...pleasenotclassifymeasagraphicnovelnorchicklit "The Man in Black fled across the desert and the Gunslinger followed????????" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Clarence Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Wooja wrote: Randall Ahren wrote: Every book has a soul I consider every one of my avatars as a book, not as a character or a pen picture, or an aggregation of impressions, but the whole deal, a story ....I know what's in the book, of course, but others may only speculate. Having said that, even I am unsure what's in the final chapter, as it has not been written yet, for any of them, despite what the LL authorities might think. Wooja...pleasenotclassifymeasagraphicnovelnorchicklit Imho, each story is fantastic for its eloquence, imagination, delivery, humor, and timing. Almost every day for the past four years I find myself looking forward to reading the development of each 'story'. In this regard you are without peer, and I thank you for that --- for the entertainment; for the smiles; for the enjoyment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Clarence Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Every book is new until it is read. “The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.” Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 Madelaine McMasters wrote: LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Maddy, I found my way out. So can you. Just walk towards the big red light that says "Exit." Right next to the table full of herbal teas, "50 Shades of Grey" coffee mugs, and "Twilight"-themed potpourri. You didn't mention the fine print on the "Exit" sign. "to Eden" is a way in, not out. In our post-lapsarian age? Every time I try to get in that way, I find my path blocked by an Angel "at whose Front a flaming Sword, / In signal of remove, waves fiercely round." :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madelaine McMasters Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Maddy, I found my way out. So can you. Just walk towards the big red light that says "Exit." Right next to the table full of herbal teas, "50 Shades of Grey" coffee mugs, and "Twilight"-themed potpourri. You didn't mention the fine print on the "Exit" sign. "to Eden" is a way in, not out. In our post-lapsarian age? Every time I try to get in that way, I find my path blocked by an Angel "at whose Front a flaming Sword, / In signal of remove, waves fiercely round." :-( Angel? Wrong Eden! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 Madelaine McMasters wrote: LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Maddy, I found my way out. So can you. Just walk towards the big red light that says "Exit." Right next to the table full of herbal teas, "50 Shades of Grey" coffee mugs, and "Twilight"-themed potpourri. You didn't mention the fine print on the "Exit" sign. "to Eden" is a way in, not out. In our post-lapsarian age? Every time I try to get in that way, I find my path blocked by an Angel "at whose Front a flaming Sword, / In signal of remove, waves fiercely round." :-( Angel? Wrong Eden! Well, maybe books are the way to find a "Paradise within thee, better far." :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madelaine McMasters Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: LaskyaClaren wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: I still have that McCall's pattern book I got from you. Took an age to find the three yards of latex needed to make the cover ensemble, but it was worth it. Mmm, yes it was. Maddy, I found my way out. So can you. Just walk towards the big red light that says "Exit." Right next to the table full of herbal teas, "50 Shades of Grey" coffee mugs, and "Twilight"-themed potpourri. You didn't mention the fine print on the "Exit" sign. "to Eden" is a way in, not out. In our post-lapsarian age? Every time I try to get in that way, I find my path blocked by an Angel "at whose Front a flaming Sword, / In signal of remove, waves fiercely round." :-( Angel? Wrong Eden! Well, maybe books are the way to find a "Paradise within thee, better far." :-) If boosting me up to see over the hood of a Corvette is "paradise" (I'm not yet convinced) then yes, books are the way. Preferably large ones, with soft covers... like a phone book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooja Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Madelaine McMasters wrote: "to Eden" is a way in, not out. Wooja...thinktheeaglesknewwhattheyweretalkingabout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenMichelle Lane Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Oh Yeah! Wooot Wooot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Torvalar Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 It is of little wonder that the Vicomte's presence is sought at Court and among the best of society. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaskyaClaren Posted March 14, 2014 Author Share Posted March 14, 2014 Derek Torvalar wrote: It is of little wonder that the Vicomte's presence is sought at Court and among the best of society. Someone should write a book about your interesting adven . . . Oh. Wait. Someone DID! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Torvalar Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 Hmmm yes. A somewhat inaccurate retelling of some of my exploits, manufactured for dramatic appeal, even pathos perhaps, by the author. I do hope my reputaiton has withstood his artifice. Shall I tell you what the young whelp said to me as he gasped his last breath after feeling the full thrust of my blade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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