From Bookstore Owner to Author: Annie B. Jones on Owning The Bookshelf & Her New Book
Jamie Tarence sits down with her niece-in-law, Annie B. Jones—writer, podcaster, and owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia—to talk about all things books, business, and embracing a simpler, ordinary life. Annie shares how her independent bookstore has become a beloved spot for locals and long-distance book lovers alike, and how her journey as a reader and writer has shaped her debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put.
Whether you are an avid reader, enjoy supporting indie bookstores, or are figuring out how to be content right where you are in life, this episode has something meaningful for you.
Episode at a Glance:
- How Annie became the owner of The Bookshelf 13 years ago and how it has grown to serve readers across the nation
- The Bookshelf’s book subscriptions, podcast, events, and gift ideas for kids
- How her daily writing practice during Lent kickstarted her first book
- What the writing process looked like—writing a book proposal, working with literary agent and Creative Director Jonathan Merritt, and choosing a meaningful title
- What inspired the title Ordinary Time and how it reflects her message of finding beauty in everyday, ordinary life
- How being an Enneagram 5 shaped her writing voice and creative process
- Annie’s top book recommendations for adults and children
- Info on The Bookshelf’s Reader Retreat and how to sign up for the next one in October
Who is Annie B. Jones?
Annie B. Jones owns The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in downtown Thomasville, Georgia. She is the host of the podcast From the Front Porch, which explores books, small business, and Southern life. Annie’s work has been featured in Southern Living and Country Living, and her debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, is available now!
Books & Authors Mentioned:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
- Children’s books:
- Sandra Boynton books
- Giraffes Can’t Dance
- Goodnight Moon
- Each Peach Pear Plum
- It Looked Like Spilt Milk
- Pat the Bunny
- Guess How Much I Love You
- Paddington stories
- Annie’s favorite authors:
- Marilynne Robinson
- Elizabeth Strout
- Anne Patchett’s nonfiction books
- Lyndsay Rush’s poetry
Resources & Links:
- Annie’s Podcast: From the Front Porch
- Buy Annie’s Book Ordinary Time from The Bookshelf OR Amazon (available on Kindle & audiobook)
- The Bookshelf Subscriptions
- Annie’s Website
- Join From the Front Porch‘s Patreon Book Club
- Reader Retreat | Be sure to subscribe to their newsletter for retreat updates!
- Book Tour & Virtual Event (May 8)
Liked this Episode? Check These Out!
Let’s Talk: The Bookshelf Thomasville with Annie B. Jones
How to Become a Writer and Publish a Book with Jonathan Merritt
Where to Listen?
Find this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Want to support The SavvyCast? The best way is to subscribe, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and follow along for future episodes!
