Archive August 2010
Three Book Festivals, Two Free Lunches, and a Thousand Words in a Weekend
First, the festivals:
I spent Saturday morning celebrating books at the Purple Cow in Tooele, Utah, for their 2nd Annual Children’s Book Fiesta. One reason why I love the Purple Cow bookstore is that you can tell right away how much the owner and employees love books. Not just like them. Not just work with them. They love books down to their core. And as a fellow book-lover, being around other people like that just makes me happy. The festival was a wonderful—if windy—success. There were lots of families who came to have brunch with the authors, draw with some fabulously talented professional illustrators, and listen to some expert, live storytelling sessions. I can’t wait to go back next year!
I spent Saturday afternoon celebrating books at the KSL Book Festival. This was the first year for the festival and—wow!—it was huge! Held on the University of Utah campus, the booths and tents surrounded the library with awesome things to do. I had the great joy of presenting a writing workshop with my good friend and fellow author, Becca Wilhite, where—with the help from the audience—we outlined an entire book in 20 minutes. I love brainstorming sessions and the kids in the crowd had some great ideas (accidentally ingesting a science experiment leads to unexpected super powers—Yeah, I’d read that book).
I spent Saturday night celebrating books with a crowd of some of the best book bloggers in Utah. We had a picnic in the park and spent a lovely evening talking about books and blogging. (I even picked up some excellent pointers on how to be a better blogger. Here’s hoping I can actually put those pointers into action!) We had a book swap, which was surprisingly civil considering we were all presented with the opportunity to grab a free book. I ended up with TWO books! And one of them was from my friend Emily Wing Smith. I’ve had my eye on her book for a while—and now it’s mine! Yay!
As far as the free lunches go—one was for my brother to celebrate the fact that he has finished writing his own first book, and the other was for me—Thanks, Mom!
And cheer with me, folks, even with three festivals on Saturday, I still wrote another thousand words over the weekend. Watch out Forgotten Locket—I’ll finish you yet!
Festivals Galore!
I wanted to let everyone know about some upcoming book festivals this Saturday, August 28th.
I’ll be spending the morning at The Purple Cow bookstore in Tooele as part of their 2nd Annual Children’s Book Fiesta.
I attended last year’s fiesta and had a grand time! And this year there will be more authors, more food, more fun—and lots more talking about books!
Right after that, I’ll be attending the KSL Book Festival at the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City (my alma mater!).
Not only will I be signing books, but at 3:30, my friend and fellow author, Becca Wilhite, and I will be on stage at the Children’s/Teen area to talk about writing and books—and show you how easy it is to get your own book started.
So pass the word along about both festivals, and I hope to see you there!