This isn't how we *thought* we'd be starting this newsletter, but first thing's first, we want to say to everyone -- you matter. Queer people have always been here, and we will always be here. The historical fiction genre tells us so. To our trans and gender-nonconforming pals, we are loving on you in particular, and we are reconfirming our solidarity. We won't stop fighting for you.

Right now, queer stories are more important than ever. Reading can be affirming. It can expand and challenge our views. And I've always believed it can change the world. Today in particular, I hope that a new book can bring a little joy to your day, because sometimes that's enough to get us through.

To that end, please use the code: JUSTUGH (because UGH) for 25% off books on our website until November 11. Free local pick up is now available as a shipping option when you check out, I will reach out via email to arrange your pick up time and date. We're also offering free shipping within Canada on orders over $100.

If you haven't yet, may I also suggest channeling some of the emotions of the day into an advocacy email from you to the premier of Alberta and your MLA's. Here's a link to a tool that will make it quick and easy.

Here's the short version, keep scrolling for more deets!

1. November markets

2. Pop-Up Book Club updates

3. Ordering for pick up made easier!

4. You can support us on Libro.FM

5. Wait, who am I speaking to?

6. Alphabet Soup in the wild

7. Featured book

1 - November Markets

Thank you so much for supporting us at our markets in October!

We have two big markets for you in November. These are going to be the perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping!

First up, the Geeky Gift Holiday Market is on November 16th (10am-7pm) and 17th (10am-5pm). There's a $5 entry fee for this massive market at the Edmonton Expo Centre, but with more than 200 vendors, you'll find some of the most fun and nerdy merchandise out there (I've been pre-shopping on the vendor discord so trust me, this thing is gonna be awesome. You will not believe how cute the hand made dice are).

On November 24, you'll find us at Festive AF at the Bellevue Community League! We got our start at Gay AF in June, and it was an absolutely amazing time, so we couldn't be more excited for this market!

2 - Pop-Up Book Club October Recap

We had such an amazing time at our first Pop-Up Book Club event in October! Honestly, we were so touched by the turn out. We had ten amazing friends show up to read with us, and we were #blessed to sell ya'll a few new books as well. It was really such an honour to bring people together around a table to read queer books, we had non-fiction, horror, poetry, fantasy, romance, classics -- and we also chatted and had snacks! And everyone was nice! Not scary at all!

2 - Next Pop-Up Book Club Dates

November Pop-Up Book Club
November 28 will run the same as the first, with dedicated reading time and a group table + pop-up shop. I promise I will read more this time and chat less.

Happy Holidays with Alphabet Soup
December 12 will run a little differently, with a holiday book swap/white elephant book exchange! Bring a new or used book, or buy a book from us on the day. Wrap it at home, or at the cafe. Add a description of the book. Everyone will read the description for the book they brought and we'll do a white elephant style exchange.

Given time, we'll also have a chance to read our new books!

3 - Ordering for Pick Up

It's now *super* easy to order pick up. After much experimentation, we've added "Local Pickup Only" directly to our shipping options at check out. Your order will process with free shipping, and we will get in touch via email to arrange a time for pick up!

Additionally, we're also offering free local shipping on orders over $100 to help with your holiday shopping.

A note on holiday shopping: we're limited in how much stock we can bring in as a small business, but if you have a specific book in mind please get in touch and we'll make sure we order you a copy and set it aside! I am anticipating that our November markets might wipe out our available stock a bit so it never hurts to let us know if you are looking for something specific.

4 - Alphabet Soup x Libro FM

Are you more of an audiobook person??

We get it. Luckily, you don't have to support Amazon with your audiobook subscription, you can support *us*.

Make the switch to Libro.FM using the link below, and your audiobook subscription and purchases will support Alphabet Soup Bookstore! We'll do our part by including audiobook links on our product pages, and curating playlists on Libro.FM so you can always find a great queer book to listen to.

5 - Wait, Who Am I Speaking To?

6 - Alphabet Soup In The Wild

• Catch me on the Dog-Eared Radio Book Club podcast talking about Alphabet Soup and "Most Ardently"

• Did you see our article in the Gateway paper on the U of A campus? Pick it up this month only! You can also read it online, here.

7 - Featured Book