About Me:

Aloha! I'm Wendy Kennar. I'm the mother of a seven-year-old son and a wife living in Los Angeles. I was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave my teaching career.

I've always been described as "quiet" - really, I'm just biting my tongue. I've got lots to say, and lots of thoughts to share, I just prefer to write them. That's the purpose of this blog. Each Wednesday, I post a personal essay offering my observations and thoughts.

A few fun facts about me: I've wanted to be a writer since second grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, made me a "book" with a yellow construction paper cover. I have never learned to whistle, have always preferred sunflowers to roses, and have spent my life living within the same zip code.

Through the years, my writing has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, GreenPrints, L.A. Parent, DivineCaroline.com, RoleReboot.org, XOJane, and Brain, Child Magazine. Additionally, my personal essays have been included in several anthologies, including: The Barefoot Review, Beyond the Diaper Bag, Lessons From My Parents, Write for Light, Being a Grown-Up: A User's Manual for the Real World, Ka-Pow!, How Writing Can Get You Through Tough Times, Breath and Shadow, The Grey Wolfe Storybook, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found.
I am a regular contributor at MomsLA.com, and you can also find me at Goodreads.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Feel free to comment and share my blog with others!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Buying Books


   I love books, and I appreciate a good bargain.  Those two facets of my personality mean I buy books where they are most affordable.  Many times, I have found that books are cheaper in places other than a bookstore -- whether it be Target, Costco, or online at Amazon.  But that doesn’t stop me from spending time, and money, in my neighborhood big-chain bookstore.  

   In all fairness, I think shopping in a brick and mortar store has just as much value as shopping online.  So, let’s review the pros of each one, and what I mean when I say “value.”

   Online:  Most times, I can find a better price online.  If I add enough books to my virtual shopping cart, my purchase qualifies for free shipping.  I could theoretically shop for, and receive my books, in my pajamas.  Because I am trying to qualify for the free shipping, I am more inclined to buy more, to search around for another book that intrigues me.  

   When the package does arrive, I still feel a little rush and a jolt of surprise, even though I know full well what I have ordered.  It’s like Christmas morning, when you’ve asked for a specific gift, you see a wrapped package that looks exactly like the shape of the gift you want, but you’re still surprised and delighted to unwrap it and find it is the coveted present.

   Bookstore:  I have purchased plenty of books that I didn’t even realize I wanted until I discovered them while browsing through a bookstore.  Covers entice me from their perches on a bookshelf, I read the summary and the first page, and I’m hooked.  

   I continue to write and am working towards the day my own book is published.  Being in a bookstore, surrounded by all these published books, is an affirmation.  These authors did it; I can do it too.  And, as I am increasing the number of publications to my credit, there is a thrill, a shiver of pride, that surges through me when I walk by a shelf, pick up a certain book, and find my essay inside.

   So, when the time comes, the plan is to make my own books available for purchase in a variety of settings -- traditional bookstores, within general buy-everything-stores, and online.

3 comments:

  1. I also love looking at books and have quite a collection.I like to find them for good prices and they usually vary from store to store.I can't wait for your book to be published and it will go on my mantel where I now have 4 other books that have your essay's published in them.You are a very talented writer and I love reading your work.I love you and I am very proud of you.
    love,mommy

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  2. Buying anything on line is an adventure. Most times the purchased item is better than advertised, occasionally an item does not meet expectations, I have been able to return items, no questions asked. the bad thing is the waiting, unlike a regular store where I can purchase the item and walk out with it. I will purchase your book on-line or at a store. I am very proud of your accomplishments.

    Love, Dad

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  3. Honey,
    You are an amazing writer and your book is going to be wonderful. I can't wait to see it on the book store shelf for sale! I am so proud of you.
    I Love You,
    me

    ReplyDelete