A decade ago, the Washington Square Mall was home to the typical retail chains found at the majority of shopping centers across America. Today, small independent businesses run by local entrepreneurs take up most of the mall’s retail space. Across from a Western clothing store and near a nail spa sits one particular establishment that has caught the attention of the local literature lovers. Maleah Solange Books sells works from independent authors across the Midwest and gives readers opportunities to connect with the writers they love via weekly book signings and events.
Antwan Floyd Sr., the owner of Maleah Solange Books, says his store grew out of a small kiosk in the mall that sold only nine titles. As a writer, Floyd wanted to find a way to sell his own work while creating a marketplace for writers in Indianapolis. Today, his bookstore carries a large number of titles from a variety of genres including children’s literature, romance, fiction, poetry and science fiction. Floyd thinks his level of community engagement is what makes his bookstore unique. Authors often set up booths outside the store to engage with potential buyers.
“I have different authors here every weekend, so I’m different in that way, because I support a lot of independent authors. The fact that people get to meet the authors when they get new books makes this bookstore unique. I try to have them every Saturday,” said Floyd.
Floyd also plans events to raise awareness of his bookstore and to give book-lovers a fun night out. He has hosted an open mic night, co-hosted the Circle City Author Fair and is currently planning a writers symposium to teach aspiring authors to self publish and self promote their work.
“I am always trying to come up with different ideas and to be creative and get the community involved. I’m trying to find ways to get the word out. It’s been a good impact on the community, because people are excited to come out and see what we have to offer,” said Floyd.
Maleah Solange Books is located at 10202 E. Washington St., inside the Washington Square Mall. Floyd says writers who want their work to be sold at
Books by local Black authors to check out
Overdrive by Carmen K. Glenn
Indianapolis is the perfect city for Victoria Jackson — it’s where they drive fast, live fast and excel even faster. The senior executive is married to William, and the couple seems to have a perfect life. Nothing can stand in Victoria’s way of becoming CEO, except feelings erupting with a new member of the executive team. Ride along with Victoria as her detour with the handsome and devilish co-worker heats up.
Put Some Shoes On by Ro Townsend
It’s an emotional and gripping story of one little girl’s journey through heartache, rejection, abuse and turmoil. Chronicling her path from scared child to anointed woman of God, the author shares the most intimate moments of her life with refreshing transparency and soul-stirring honesty.
Both books are available at Amazon.com.
Maleah Solange Books should contact him online at facebook.com/maleahsolange or by calling (317) 606-6988.
