Southern Indiana Bookstores: The Magic of Books—Fantastic and Fantasmic

The Magic of Books was started in the middle of the pandemic, a bold and inspiring endeavor that uplifted the small-town community of Seymour, Indiana. I was delighted to be at its grand opening! Location and ownership have changed since then, and it’s a more welcoming environment than ever. It's remodeled with a theme of underrated creatures—frogs and possums decorate a color scheme of black, purple, and green.

Magic of Books keeps some new books in the main front foyer of the store, and I’ve been enjoying watching it fill up with local authors. Magic of Books can order in new books they don’t have in stock for their regular price, but most of the stock is used. There's even a free shelf in the back!

When you enter, to your left you will find a glittering cavern known as Rural Witch Co., where a charming local jeweler sells her wares and perhaps some fortunes. I recently bought a labradorite necklace I love. These artsy tarot cards were a treasure I hunted there, as well. 

One of mymost recent experiences involved a miniature Renaissance Faire and some spontaneous LARPing. Their writing group is on the 2nd Saturdays of the month, and I’m delighted to be in attendance. There are some very good people and we’ve had some heartfelt conversations. The structure is fluid in accordance with the conversations and needs of attendees. Sometimes we do write-ins, sometimes we share, and sometimes we compare notes about writing processes. 

I crave a local critique group down to my bones; maybe that can happen at one of my local bookstores or libraries soon. 

The Magic of Books will be changing location again in July, and I hope to update on it then!