Tag: Steveston Bookstore

Writers for Readers 2025

Jennifer Osuna Ausa

We celebrated another year of Writers for Readers at Richmond Minoru Public Library on October 07, 2025. They invited me as one of the local authors, marking my second time joining them. I felt privileged to meet other authors from our community and learn how they manage to introduce their books to the public. Being a self-published author was not easy, like selling books on your own or approaching bookstores to see if they could carry my books within their store. Most of the bookstore owners repeatedly rejected my requests to place my book on their bookshelf or in their in-store display. Except for Steveston Bookstore at Steveston Village in Richmond, which opened its door and put Fate Unshaken on its display near the check-out counter.

However, now that I joined the event, it was an honor to participate and talk to the public about how I ended up being a self-published author. Sharing my journey with others invigorated my passion for writing and reminded me of the importance of perseverance. Each conversation sparked new connections and ideas, reigniting my belief in the power of storytelling.

Table display of Revenge Mistaken and Fate Unshaken at the Writers for Readers 2025, Richmond Public Library Minoru branch, 07 October 2025.

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Someone took a chance on me

Jennifer Osuna Ausa

Available at Steveston Bookstore, Steveston Village, Richmond

Selling a book by an indie or self-published author is challenging. Most of the books sold were online or at webstores. I contacted local bookstores in Vancouver and Richmond for my 2022 book, “Revenge Mistaken,” but most had no room for it. On April 16, 2025, the release of my second book, “Fate Unshaken,” prompted me to revisit the bookstores in Richmond.

I visited Chapters Indigo in Richmond Centre, and the manager told me that they couldn’t accommodate me at this time. Then I visited Steveston Village with a friend and went inside Steveston Bookstore; I was so overwhelmed by how much I liked the ambience and the energy inside the store. We met the female owner who has been operating the bookstore for thirty-five years now. I asked her if she would let me sell the physical copy at her store, and she said I could bring a book or two for starters.

Today, after my appointment, I visited another bookstore in Steveston Village, but the person there declined to accept my book for a reason. After thanking her, I proceeded to my main purpose, which was to bring a copy of Revenge Mistaken and Fate Unshaken to Steveston Bookstore. I met the male owner, and he was so gracious and gave me courage to showcase my books. We talked a little bit, and I felt his sincerity and encouragement. I’m grateful he took a chance on me.

After the adrenaline rush, I treated myself to a wonderful brunch of waffles with smoked salmon and unlimited coffee from Steveston Cannery Café and met the owner. In a gesture of gratitude, I presented her with a signed copy of Fate Unshaken. It feels so nice to appreciate each other. Thank you for the sumptuous brunch.

Does someone take a chance on your accomplishment?