When you're out shopping for books the Saturday after Thanksgiving (as of course you will be), do not be surprised if some of your favorite writers are manning the cash registers or tidying up displays. Walk up to them. Ask for a recommendation. That's why they're there.

Saturday, Nov. 30, is not just "Small Business Saturday," but it's also "indies first" day — a day when writers show support for independent bookstores by helping out for a few hours. Writer Sherman Alexie came up with the plan, which has been embraced by hundreds of authors across the country. ("Hello, hello, you gorgeous book nerds," his open letter begins.)

Lists are still being firmed up, but here's what we know so far (and you can check the map to find out what's going on in your favorite store):

Chapter 2 Books in Hudson, Wis., Michael Norman and Stephanie Bodeen;

Red Balloon, Saint Paul: Debra Frasier, Nancy Carlson, Kurtis Scalleta, David LaRochelle, Brian Farrey, Lauren Stringer, John Coy

Addendum Books, Saint Paul (in a corner of SubText Bookstore): Dawn Klehr, William Alexander, Nancy Carlson, Catherine Clark, John Coy, Brian Farrey, Kevin Kling, Christopher Lincoln ("Billy Bones"), Mary Losure, Carrie Mesrobian, Chris Monroe, Laura Purdie Salas, Kurtis Scaletta, Pat Schmatz, Lauren Stringer, Stephanie Watson, Jacqueline West

Sherman Alexie.

Micawber's, Saint Paul: Peter Geye and Nicole Helget

Birchbark Books, Mpls: Heid Erdrich

Common Good Books, Saint Paul: Mary Losure and Sarah Stonich

Magers & Quinn, Mpls: Andy Sturdevant

SubText, Saint Paul: Sarah Stonich.

Valley Booksellers, Stillwater: Julie Kramer, Erin Hart, Colleen Baldrica, Stephanie Landsem, Charlie Quimby

Monkey See, Monkey Read in Northfield. Benjamin Percy

The Bookstore at Fitger's in Duluth: Erin Soderberg.