Remembering Gee Gee

This was not how I envisioned my second blog.

I thought I’d be continuing my conversation with you, my readers, about amusing topics and light-hearted takes on writing and self-publishing. Instead, I am writing a heartfelt tribute to Gee Gee Rossell, the founder and owner of Buxton Village Books. Gee Gee passed away suddenly at the end of January. It is a loss that is not only felt by me personally, but also is being grieved by all of Hatteras Island and beyond.

Gee Gee was an independent person, and an independent bookseller. I somehow feel the two go hand in hand. Her spirit and passion for her books, and the people she connected with those books, was seemingly never-ending. I first met her while vacationing here. Then when I would visit with my parents – who had moved to Hatteras Island in their retirement – Buxton Village Books was always on my mom’s to-do list of things she and I would share together. It was the same when my sister-in-law and nieces visited. Going to Buxton Village Books and having a chat with Gee Gee was just part of what we did, what we looked forward to, and what we’d talk about after our visits, while reading our new books.

Gee Gee mentored my mom in her journal writing, so it’s hardly surprising that after I moved to the island permanently and told Gee Gee I had an idea for a book, she took a keen interest. She made suggestions and provided plenty of encouragement. When “Storm Season” hit her shelves, she was an enthusiastic supporter, and we shared in the book’s local and regional success. 

She connected me with other booksellers on the Outer Banks. She asked me to participated in Zoom calls with other indie booksellers nationally about how I got the word out about my books, since being self-published that is sometimes a challenge. And she was sure to include my books in all of her own advertising. She placed my titles on her outdoor chalkboard, a gesture that meant more to me than you can imagine. She called me throughout the summers to sign more books, and we would celebrate each new order with laughter and friendship. When “Tangled Lines” came out and jellyfish played a role in the story, she bought me a jellyfish pin – something I now cherish. 

My books became some of her bookstore’s bestsellers. She was a constant that bolstered me when I had self-doubt. And she never shied away from constructive criticism which I thoroughly appreciated. 

There are others on the island who knew her on a personal level far better than I did, or knew her for much longer a period of time. But the impact she had on me was deep and rich and meaningful. I am grateful to have known her and to have worked with her. I hope that her spirit will continue to guide me with whatever writing is in my future.

Godspeed Gee Gee. Thank you for everything!