Paranormal Erotica at Chapters February 21
I had an amazing customer experience at the St. Catharines, Ontario Chapters and it was because of Patti, an employee at that location.
I met a friend at the Starbucks inside, only interested in a big latte, a comfy seat and good company. Well, apparently a lot of people had the same idea and alas, there were no available seats. Instead, my friend and I decided to stroll the store and catch up. We talked and walked, stopping at interesting books but mostly stood talking. It wasn’t until we crossed Patti’s path that I seriously pondered buying a book.
Patti noticed us carrying empty Starbucks cup and delightfully pointed out the location of two garbage cans. We got into a conversation about how rude it is when people leave their garbage around (I used to work at Costco, so I could sympathize).
Patti: Is there anything I can help you find?
Me: No, thanks. We are just enjoying the atmosphere.
Patti: *with devilish grin* Could I suggest something to you?
Me: *looking at my friend * Sure; what is it?
Patti: Paranormal romance.
Me: *looking confused*
Patti: Follow me.
Honestly, the one thing that made me follow was Patti’s enthusiasm. I HATE pushy salespeople and would never in a million years think of that genre (who knew it existed?) However, she was not selling me; she was totally sincere. It definitely intrigued me; I want ed to know what she was all giddy about.
We followed her just around the bend and she pointed me to Sherrilyn Kenyon novels. Patti proceeded to explain the concept behind the Dark-Hunter novels, the history of the books and their characters. Truthfully it reminded me of World of Warcraft but for chicks. And I LOVE World of Warcraft.
This doesn’t just stop at books. She explained about this whole sub-culture; a big enough culture to put Ms. Kenyon on the New York Times best seller list. I was getting seriously excited. Not just for the books, but I was thinking of all the blog posts I could write about - my experience, reading the books, this underground subculture (I was certain there was a group in Facebook).
I was sold. I had Patti choose a book for me and she put great thought to it. When she finally decided on “Night Pleasures” she read the back cover to us. She read it as if she were on stage, reciting a soliloquy. How could I not fork over the cash for the book?
It is so refreshing to come across someone like that. It is unfortunate that so many people have such bad customer experiences and it is especially important for companies to create good brand experiences. Even more so when you consider the big hit that companies like Chapters are facing with online shopping and e-books.
Patti created such a positive experience that it compelled me to write and also contact Chapters. She needs to be recognized and hopefully given the opportunity to be a role model for her coworkers. And if this book is a success I will be back to buy more.
So, if you are interested and live close by St. Catharines I recommend you visit Chapters and ask for the “Vampire Lady”. Trust me, they’ll know who you are talking about.
Kee Hinckley Feb 26
That is an awesome customer experience, and I commend you on following up with a note. That’s something I’m lousy at, although I have no excuse, my father does it all the time.
But actually, the reason I’m commenting is more on the genre. It seems to be growing incredibly quickly. I think Laurell K. Hamilton was probably the real leader of it, and I still like her books, although she’s kind of worn out the series. Part of the problem is main characters who have simply become to knowledgeable and powerful. Plot and character development have pretty much been replaced by heavy angst and lots of slow boiling erotic foreplay. I really enjoyed her earlier books though.
Interestingly, there’s also a serious amount of stuff in the young-adult category that borders on this. The same themes, just tamer romance. Both my daughters are really into books by authors like Stephenie Meyer, Holly Black, P.C. & Kristin Cast and Karen Chance.
Zoe Feb 26
hi kee, thanks for the visit.
It is fascinating how big these ‘little’ niches actually are. Just doing a quick search on facebook turned up amazing results and I have a friend of mine looking for Dark-Hunters in Second Life.
I will definitely look into those other authors you suggested. I’m almost done my first book.