In this new instalment of our 5 questions with series, we interview Kerri Neil, the owner of Downtown Comics. Located in downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Downtown Comics is an independently owned bookstore selling a wide range of new and back issue comics, graphic novels, collectible figures, mystery boxes, board games, trading cards, and more!

1. Which author would you most like to have for an event in your store (living or dead)?

Octavia Butler. It's eerie how accurate her depiction of the future was in Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. While there was a lot of chaos and challenges in her books, there was still hope and community, which I think are important things for us to hold onto as we navigate the climate crisis.

2. What attracted you to bookselling?

When my Dad suddenly passed in 2020, I was handed this opportunity that I was wholly unprepared for, but it was the community around his bookstore that really convinced me to take it over. There was such an outpouring of love for him and the space he created, it inspired me to keep it going. Five years later and I feel so blessed to spend every day with people who love to read and value the power of stories.

3. What's the toughest time you’ve had as a bookseller and how did you tackle it or what did you take away from it?

As a small store business owner, you wear many hats, but the area where I face the most conflict is definitely human resources. It's challenging to find the right fit for your business. We are a family run business, which requires navigating different relationships and expectations. I have hired friends too, which has created challenges in those relationships and not always ended well. Sometimes employees challenge each other too, and you have to act as a mediator and a counsellor. In these situations, I try to listen more than I talk and consult people I trust before I make any big decisions.

4. What is the most pressing issue facing bookselling today?

I think social media has really impacted people's attention spans, which we are seeing exacerbated by AI. I know myself, I used to read books all day, but I struggle with a very real phone addiction and I know the smartest minds of our time are working on getting me to check my phone even more often. I saw a TikTok where someone claimed they read a 100 books, but it was AI summaries of books. It felt very similar to the plot of Fahrenheit 451, which is not a direction I want society to be heading towards.

5. What forthcoming book are you most excited about?

I still have hope that we will get another Game of Thrones book. I believe in you George!!!

BONUS: What is the most surprising thing in your day to day that you spend more time on than you were prepared for?

Talking to customers! I mostly hide in the back to do administration, but I think that personal connection is so important to the community of a bookstore, and I always pop out if a friend comes by or someone has a question that staff have trouble with. I keep my door open and my ear to what's happening. It's impossible to predict what is going to come up, but I think it adds a certain spontaneity to my days that I really enjoy. I have had people pop by who haven't seen me in 5, 10, even 20 years, so I feel lucky to be in such a public space where I can interact with so many people.

Thank you Kerri for answering our questionnaire! Read more instalments of our 5 questions with series here.

Are you an independent bookseller, small publisher, or library staffer interested in being featured in our 5 questions with blog series? Send us an email!