Page 71 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘To Nate,’ chorused Bea and Leo, clinking their glasses together.
‘Let’s not forget Bea and her book wagon!’ said Nathan.
‘To Bea,’ repeated Tori and Leo.
‘It looked like you were really busy at the fête. My niece, Lara, can’t stop talking about it; she said you’re going to her school in a couple of weeks?’ asked Leo.
‘Ah, yeah! I’m looking forward to it,’ said Bea, smiling. ‘I don’t want to jinx things,’ she continued, crossing her fingers, ‘but I sold way more than I expected, I’ve already had to order more stock. I’d have been happy just to break even after the pitch fee, but I actually made a profit,’ said Bea.
‘Tori said a famous author was there?’ said Leo.
‘Yeah, and she featured me in her newsletter too, which has definitely helped,’ said Bea. ‘There isn’t room to stock everything I’d like to in the wagon,’ Bea continued, ‘so I’m hoping I can persuade Archie to build me an online store sooner rather than later.’
‘You know…’ said Tori, thoughtfully. ‘You could always have some shelf space at the Cosy Cat if you’ve got any cat-themed books or gifts?’
‘Ooooh, that would be amazing,’ said Bea, excitedly. ‘I’ve seen some gorgeous cat bookmarks and notebooks on one of the wholesaler websites, and there’s loads of books I can think of. Not just fiction, but books about how to care for your cat.’
‘Sounds perfect,’ said Tori.
‘And look at this,’ said Bea, pulling out her phone to show Tori a picture of a tote bag with a cat sleeping on top of a stack of books underneath a slogan saying, ‘Easily distracted by cats and books.’
‘Oh my God, I love that,’ said Tori, enthusiastically.
‘I’ve been thinking about the subscription boxes too. I’m going to have a different theme each month and, if I can sort them out in time, subscribers will get a signed copy of the book, as well as goodies themed around that month’s pick: bookmarks, chocolates, wax melts, that kind of thing. Everything you need to create the right mood to relax and enjoy a good book at home,’ Bea explained.
‘Great idea,’ said Tori.
‘And I was thinking I could do an online book club for subscribers over Zoom, perhaps even see if I can get the authors to join?’ said Bea, her eyes shining with excitement.
‘I’m sure you’ll get loads of people joining if it’s free,’ said Tori.
‘Hopefully, yes. I just need to cost it all out. Postage and packaging is the tricky bit – the heavier and bigger the parcel, the more it’s going to cost – so I’ll need to do some research. But I’ve seen loads of similar services, so it’s definitely viable. I just need to work out what my USP will be,’ said Bea.
‘What’s a USP?’ asked Nathan.
‘Unique selling point. You know, what’s going to make my subscription boxes stand out from all the others,’ Bea explained.
‘Sounds like you’ve thought of everything,’ said Leo, impressed.
‘I’m trying to. Oooh, maybe I should talk to the owners of that gift shop, the Pink Ribbon, is it? Perhaps they’d be up for collaborating with me?’ said Bea.
‘Yeah, Anya and Simon are lovely, they’ve always been really supportive of the café, I’m sure they’d be up for it,’ said Tori.
‘Good to know,’ said Bea, topping up her prosecco glass.
‘And what about your book club idea? Any more thoughts about that?’ asked Tori.
‘I bumped into Phoebe in Rye the other day and she’s agreed to supply the wine at a really great price, so I just need to ask you actually, Nate, if I can buy some cheese?’ Bea asked.
‘Hang on, what’s cheese got to do with a book club?’ Nate asked, confusion etched on his face.
‘Well, I want to run a book club with a difference, you know?’ said Bea. ‘Something that feels a little bit more like a proper night out. So, I thought it could be a cheese, wine and book thing,’ she explained.
‘Ah, that makes sense. Great idea, but isn’t the wagon a bit small for that? You wouldn’t get many people in it,’ said Nathan.
‘If it was just during the summer, when it’s nice weather, we could sit outside with deckchairs and picnic blankets, though? Maybe on the village green? Or, if the weather’s bad, and in the winter, in the village hall if it’s free?’ said Bea.
‘And there’s the problem,’ said Tori.
