Stepheny’s New Bookstore: Breathing New Life into an Old Shotgun House

I’ve always wanted to own and operate a bookstore. The kind of store you read about in fiction, the cozy setting, the store cat, a gathering place for reader’s to share their discoveries. A location close to Main Street. First choice, a shotgun house repurposed in a settled neighborhood. For fun, I’ve written the opening to a novel capturing this bookstore of mine, while preserving a significant architectural jewel of Rocky Mount housing. Preservation, Restoration and Repurposing is the background music I continue to hum.

PROLOGUE

The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the Bookstore, nestled snugly in a repurposed shotgun house on the corner of Pine and Magnolia. Its narrow, charming façade welcomed visitors with a deep red door and a hand-painted sign that swung in the breeze. As the door creaked open, the little brass bell chimed a bright, inviting note, signaling the start of another day.

Inside, the bookstore was a cozy labyrinth of literature. Shelves lined every wall, with books of every genre, their spines forming a vibrant mosaic of colors. The original wooden floors creaking softly underfoot, adding to the nostalgic charm. To the left of the entrance, a small sitting area with overstuffed armchairs and a weathered coffee table, perpetually adorned with a selection of classic novels and a pot of fresh-brewed tea if requested.

In the corner by the front window, a large orange tabby cat named Conroy slept in the sun. He opened one eye lazily at the sound of the bell, then resumed his nap, his tail twitching in contentment.

The first to enter was an elderly woman with short silver hair. She wore a black cotton turtle neck shirt with comfortable, high-waisted jeans. A lightweight cardigan was draped casually over her shoulders. What was most noticeable were her eyes bright with the eagerness of a true bibliophile. Mrs. Thompson, a regular, made her way to the historical fiction section, her fingers brushing the spines of the books as if greeting old friends.

Behind her, a young couple stepped in, their hands intertwined. They were tourists visiting North Carolina bookshops on their vacation. The young man had a camera slung over his shoulder, while the woman wore a broad-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses As the bell stopped tingling, they were instantly drawn in by the quaint interior.

On their heels, a Wesleyan College student entered, juggling a backpack and a steaming cup of coffee. She glanced around the store with wide eyes, clearly a first-time visitor. Her attention was immediately drawn to the table of contemporary fiction near the entrance. She carefully set her coffee down and began to leaf through the pages of a new release, the instant classic, Amor Towles, Gentleman in Moscow. Stepheny, the store’s proprietor, emerged from the back room with a welcoming smile. She greeted each of them, her presence as integral to the store’s charm as the books themselves. (If you are the author you can write things like that.) The bookstore returned to its peaceful rhythm, the kind that bookshops can provide.

CHAPTER ONE

Stepheny had always dreamed of owning a bookstore, a cozy haven where stories could find their perfect readers. One sunny afternoon she wandered a few blocks from Main Street looking for a bookshop location. She found a quaint shotgun house nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Its faded paint and overgrown garden spoke of neglect, but to Stepheny, it held the promise of endless possibilities. She could envision a yellow house with a red door and a garden.

The house was a narrow structure with a simple charm, its architecture a remnant of a bygone era. She could almost hear the echoes of laughter and life that once filled its rooms. The front porch, though weathered, had a welcoming feel, complete with a swing that creaked. She paused, envisioning a transformation.

Inside, the house was a blank canvas. The original hardwood floors, though scuffed and worn, hinted at the elegance they could regain with a bit of care. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting golden patterns on the walls. Stepheny could see rows of bookshelves lining these walls, filled with treasures waiting to be taken home.

In her mind’s eye, the living room would become the heart of the bookstore. Comfortable armchairs and a vintage sofa would create a welcoming nook for readers to meet and talk or lose themselves in a good book. The small kitchen at the back would be perfect for brewing fresh coffee and tea, the aromas mingling with the scent of old paper and ink.

She imagined the hallway transformed into a literary corridor, each niche and alcove housing different genres, inviting exploration. Book Clubs and small events could take over the largest bedroom and discuss their latest reads, or solve the problems of the world. The back yard, overgrown and wild, would be tamed into a serene garden where patrons could sit on nice days.

As Stepheny stood on the creaky front porch, she felt a sense of certainty. This shotgun house, just a few blocks from the revitalized Main Street, was the perfect spot for her bookstore. It was more than just a building; it was a place where stories would come alive, where people would connect over a shared love of reading. With a smile, she turned the key in the door, ready to breathe new life into the house and begin the next chapter of a dream.

CHAPTER ONE

From years of visiting bookstores, Stepheny had stowed away impressions that taught her that the heart of a bookstore is its unique blend of atmosphere, community, and purpose. A proper bookstore is a sanctuary where the love of reading and the exchange of ideas are nurtured. The ambiance is crucial. Warm lighting, cozy seating, the scent of books, creating a welcoming environment where visitors feel at home. A bookstore is a hub for like-minded individuals. Book clubs, author readings, and community events foster connections among people who share a passion for literature. Stepheny was especially interested in the children of the neighborhood coming in after school for help with their school work and borrowing one book at a time to read at home.

Stepheny was a prolific reader, but even that left her woefully unread. Thoughtfully chosen books reflect the personality of the bookstore. The shelves tell a story, offering a mix of popular titles, hidden gems that cater to the diverse tastes of readers. To an extent she could recommend titles and summarize a story, but the customers themselves were her best authorities. Like the scene in the Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks movie, The Shop Around The Corner, Meg is sitting in the children’s department of the new big box book store taking it all in. She tells a customer when the salesman fails to recommend a book, “I suggest Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield, my favorite of the Shoe books.” This personal knowledge and enthusiasm for books enhance the experience. Recommendations, engaging conversations, and personalized service could make each visit special.

Stepheny’s goal was developing loyal patrons who visit frequently, finding comfort and joy in the familiar space. Their presence would add to the bookstore’s character and sense of continuity. There must be a store cat, in this case one named Conroy, for Pat Conroy, a most favored author.

The design and décor, would be quirky and eclectic, making the bookstore more than just a place to buy books. She wanted a living, breathing space where stories come to life and a community of readers could thrive. More than anything, to bring recognition and pride to the neighborhood where a small business abides in a shotgun house.

I had such fun with this, I might have to write more. What do you think? A fictional book shop straight from my imagination in Rocky Mount, NC? A tip…summer time and the living’ is easy…read your 1st book bought from Stepheny’s new bookshop.

In the Comment section below I urge readers to share their own bookstore dreams