We had the good fortune of connecting with Colter Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colter, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?

Small Print Books came out of the vacuum of the pandemic, the isolation, the inability to connect with those outside your bubble. I missed interaction, I missed talking to twenty strangers in passing ways daily. I missed small conversations, I missed getting lost into larger conversations, suggestions, debate, sharing ideas and ideals. I love sharing; stories, films, tall tales, music, everything. Language is the most important technology we’ve ever developed, and it is something we take for granted.. But when we locked down, I think we all felt it’s absence.

Books, in my opinion, are the fastest means to both sharing and experiencing. We vicariously experience all things through the written word. It’s amazing. We get to escape, focus, internalize and externalize. With Small Print Books I wanted to make it easy for people to pick up a book, to have that option without necessarily going shopping. I’m always surprised by how much impulse buying of books I’ve seen. Runners regularly slow down, grab a book and run away with their purchase. It is just like eating healthy foods, people want books if the option is readily available.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a writer and filmmaker as well, and I’ve always loved research, reading, learning and relaying information. When it comes to Small Print Books I want to share information as fast as I can, so when I learn about something new, or discover a story worth telling, the first thing I want to do is push that experience to others. I want to get out there. I didn’t find just myself running Small Print Books, I made it happen. I love books, love reading, I love learning, so the main push is the ability to share that experience, to share knowledge. If I’m not writing, reading or on a project it’s second nature for me to be out and about talking and sharing stories. I’m just fortunate enough that it can be my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really love the walkability of the East Side. It’s getting more expensive almost by the minute, but I really have a soft spot for Echo Park, Silver Lake, Highland Park and more. I’d for certain do a highly caffeinated tour through sunset junction, getting coffee at what seems like every business, and an Acai Bowl at “Naturewell”. A carrot sandwich at “Cookbook” for lunch and either sit at the Silver Lake meadow or somewhere in Elysian Park. Walking the reservoir is really nice too, as are hikes through Elysian Valley. Maybe hike to Chinatown through Elysian Park to hit up “Pearl River Deli” for lunch, or if it’s a weekend “Nawal” in Solano Canyon for amazing Syrian street food. For dinner hands down my favorite spot is “Mini Kebab” in Glendale. Depending on if any bands are in town, find a show or just house party with friends somewhere and see what we find ourselves getting into. Of course a smash burger from “Burgers Never Say Die” would make an appearance as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few books that, as pretentious as it sounds, have changed my life for the better. Perspective, opinion and outlooks that you may never have had access to, or grown up around are all hidden in a book’s pages. Books can and will literally make you a better person. A single book can change your life, save your life, shift your life. Imagine if listening to a single album, or seeing a certain movie could actually make you a better person, wouldn’t you do it? I know my life is better with books in it, and I really wish that for everyone. All that being said, I cannot suggest “You are Here”, by Thich Nhat Hanh enough.

Website: www.smallprintbooks.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_print_books/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colter-freeman/

Other: www.colterfreeman.com

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