I’ve always been a "vibe-based" reader. I might forget a specific plot point or a character’s middle name the moment I close a book, but I never forget the way a story made me feel.

I believe books are more than paper and ink; they are feelings we carry with us. They are the warmth of a fireplace on a rainy afternoon, the spark of a new idea, and the comfort of knowing you aren't alone. That’s why I’m building Fireside Books.

In an increasingly digital world, we are losing our "village squares"—the physical spaces where we can slow down, linger, and connect. Fireside Books is my mission to bring that back to Orlando.

As a writer and a lifelong reader, I wanted to create a sanctuary that prioritizes the "Slow Reading" movement. Imagine a bookstore where:

The shelves are curated by emotion: Finding your next read based on the "vibe" you need today.

The community is the heartbeat: A space for local author spotlights, silent reading hours, and cozy book circles.

A home for creativity: A gathering place where storytelling isn't just consumed—it's celebrated through workshops and local collaboration.

Starting an independent bookstore is a labor of love, and it truly takes a community to build a hearth. We aren't just looking for "customers"; we are looking for founding members who believe in the power of local literature.

Your contributions will go directly toward:

Curating our Initial Collection: Ensuring we have a diverse, hand-selected range of titles from day one.

Mobile Pop-Up Infrastructure: Before we settle into a permanent home, we’re taking the books to the people through local pop-up events across Orlando.

Events & Programming: Funding our first series of local author nights and community reading events.

When you support Fireside Books, you aren’t just buying a shelf or a stack of novels. You are investing in a local ecosystem that believes in the power of stories to build connection. You are helping create a space where the next generation of Orlando writers can find their voice and where every reader can find a home.

Pull up a chair. Stay a while. Let’s start this next chapter together.