MEET THE BOOKSELLER: Becky Lucas, Shakespeare's Bookshop
Every thriving reading community needs good bookshops, and good booksellers. In our Meet the Bookseller series, we introduce you to some of Australia’s most loved booksellers.
This week, meet Becky Lucas, co-owner of Shakespeare's Bookshop in Blackwood. Many thanks to Wakefield Press' own Elizabeth Hutchins, who suggested that we feature Shakespeare's Bookshop.
In her nomination, Elizabeth says that Mike and Becky 'are inspirational supporters of local authors, regularly hosting launches and other events. As well, Mike is a fledgling writer and Becky runs a booking agency for authors. Both are strong supporters of the Ekidnas group (writers for young people).' If you’d like to nominate a bookshop or bookseller to be featured, please let us know in comments, or email maddy@wakefieldpress.com.au.
How long have you been a bookseller?
We emigrated from the UK to Australia in 2010, and after only three months of being here we signed the lease for our first shop in Port Noarlunga. It was always our dream to own a bookshop and we opened Shakespeare’s with absolutely no idea of how the industry worked. Seven years ago we relocated the shop to Blackwood, and we have gone from strength to strength since then.
What do you love about being a bookseller?
Blackwood has a strong, loyal community feeling about it. I know most of of my customers and I love how they know me too, and trust me to make personal recommendations according to their tastes or to suggest the perfect present for their loved ones. It’s always a wonderful feeling when a customer tells you how much they enjoyed the book you recommended, or how their grandchild loved their latest picture book.
What was the last book you read and loved?
I am currently reading Trent Dalton’s short stories about love which will be released this week. It is a beautiful read and had me weeping after the first few stories. It will be a big seller this Christmas and will make the perfect gift for many people.
What’s special or distinctive about your shop? 
Firstly, I am married to a published children’s author, Mike Lucas. I am also a booking agent for many of the well known published children’s authors and illustrators in South Australia and other states. Finally, we have a furry four legged local celebrity that comes to work with me each day, ‘Holly the Bookshop Dog’.