B is for Brika the Bookseller

Brika is a Demalion bookseller. We first met her in MARABELLA, DISCOVERING MAGICS. She drives her book wagon throughout Common Valley dispensing the joy of the written word. (And sometimes she uses it to help her friends move) Brika is easy to recognize by her big floppy hat and easy smile.

Author: Thank you, Brika for taking time out of your route to speak with me.

Brika: Oh, thank you for having me.

Author: Have you always been a bookseller? And when did you start?

Brika: Well, let me see. When I was young, like so many of the girls, I wanted adventure. I grew up near the coast so as soon as I was old enough I went to sea. It was thrilling for a while but I soon discovered that it was not for me. I had always been something of an academic and a family friend had a book wagon. I traveled with her and her husband for a season as they were getting on in years. To make a long story short, it stuck. I’ve been a bookseller since.

Author: Where do you get the books you sell?

Brika: There are publishers in the larger towns in the Valley; Dune Town has a small press, River Mouth, Riverton, and Drosia have larger publishers. Though I don’t go to Drosia anymore; because of the unrest and violence against Demalions. I also get volumes from Mirador each season. And of course I trade in used and rare books. Folks seek me out when they need one or have one to trade.

Author: Speaking of the unrest in Drosia, how is it that you have traveled safely up and down the Common Valley without an escort?

Brika: Lucky, I guess. (grins and tips her hat)

Author: Some of my readers have asked why you gave Marabella that little book of Demalion stories when she was a child. You didn’t know her, did you?

Brika: I did not know her. However, I did recognize her green eyes and knew immediately that she was Demalion. A book of Demalion tales seemed appropriate. Besides, a little girl caring for a toddler needs more than blocks.  

Author:  You said that you dropped Drosia from your route because of the unrest. Have you added any towns or areas?

Brika: I stopped going to Drosia because it is no longer safe for Demalions and few people in the area feel safe trading with Demalions. I have not added to my route. As a matter of fact, I am seriously considering setting up a book shop someplace and taking it easy. The traveling is getting tough on my old bones.

Author: Just one last question. What did you think of my first book, MARABELLA, DISCOVERING MAGICS?

Brika: Well, I prefer philosophy and poetry but it was a good story. I liked it well enough. Your portrayal of the people I know was accurate and your writing isn’t bad. When can we expect the next one?

Author: I’m working on it.  #amwriting Thank you for your time.

Brika: Thank you. This was fun.