Haven Hollow Bookstore, "dedicated to independently published authors," will open next month at 102 East Main St. in Martinsville, Va., the Roanoke Times reported. Owner Amber McCain, a self-published author, has a goal of welcoming customers in November after renovations are completed.
In a social media post, McCain wrote, in part: "As a self-published author myself, I know firsthand how much heart, dedication, time, and hard work go into bringing a story to life. I also know how difficult it can be for independent authors to get their books onto bookstore shelves, reach new readers, and find spaces where their work is truly celebrated. That's why Haven Hollow was born....
"I wanted to create the kind of bookstore I wished existed when I began my own publishing journey. A place where indie authors aren't an afterthought. They're the very heart of everything we do. And now, that dream is becoming a real brick-and-mortar bookstore right here in Uptown Martinsville."
McCain also noted that her goal is to create a "cozy, welcoming space where readers can discover their next favorite indie author, writers can connect, friendships can grow, and our community can gather for book clubs, author events, creative activities, and a little everyday magic."
The bookstore's plans center on a curated collection of independently published books and a reading lounge called The Hollow, the Roanoke Times noted, adding that the business has also launched the Wandering Hollow, a traveling bookstore for events.