Bio: Shelley Macbeth has been the owner of Blue Heron Books in Uxbridge since June 1994. Her background before that included management, sales and marketing, with a degree in psychology. Business savvy and insight into the human condition—a perfect blend for a bookstore owner! In Shelley’s case, it shows: Blue Heron is a two-time winner of The Libris Award (Best Bookstore in Canada) and was named as a favourite by the legendary Stuart McLean. The store services over 100 area schools and 27 book clubs, not to mention being a long-time friend and partner to the WCDR. Shelley is a big believer in working with authors. Regarding the Book Drunkard Festival, a Blue Heron event that gives readers a chance to hear from the authors of their favourite books, Shelley had this to say: “I think the triumvirate between the author, the reader, and the book or bookseller is really important because it broadens the experience of the book.” Blue Heron is a hub for the Uxbridge community and a bastion of calm chaos where everyone is welcome.

Blue Heron and the WCDR:

Over the years, Blue Heron has:

– showed up at in-person meetings with book displays including the authors’ books, books about writing, journals, etc.

– instituted a loyalty program for WCDR members

– provided authors for meetings and events

– hosted numerous writing workshops, often using contacts with big-name authors, editors, etc.

– hosted writing classes in various genres and arranged for the ’top student’ to meet with a Penguin Random House Acquisitions Editor

– happily support and promoted self-published books

– hosted numerous book launches, providing guidance as well as a location

– worked with us in many other ways!