I confess. It wasn't until last weekend I finally went to my first book festival. I've been meaning to go to one for some time now, to see what they're like, find out what they're about.
If you have never gone to a book festival, go. It's an absolute must!
I was only able to go for about 2 hours of the 3-day event. I arrived with my incredibly sweet sister who cleared her schedule on fifteen minute's notice to go with me. When we got there, knowing time was short, we decided to focus on the interviews I wanted to garner for Novel Journey. Next year, I'll plan accordingly. There were authors giving sessions, book signings, vendors including small and independent presses, book swaps, discounted books and information on writing groups in your area. (The best part was being with people walking around with armloads of books. A lovely sight in and of itself.)
If you've not yet gone to a book festival . . . make a special point to find one near you and go.
To find where one is happening near you, try The Center for the Book – Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/bookfair.html
Here's a few upcoming ones:
Nov 3-4, Texas Book Festival
Nov 4-11, Miami Book Fair International
Nov 3, Louisiana Book Festival
Nov 9-11, Wordstock, Portland OR
Nov 2-3, Vegas Valley Book Festival
Nov 3 Delaware Book Festival
Nov 3 Buckeye Book Fair, OH
Nov 10 Kentucky Book Fair
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Friday, October 19, 2007
The Southern Book Festival
nothing a little closer to CT?
ReplyDeletesure looks like fun! thanks Jess.
I spoke at the Southern Festival. Were you in the room, Jessica? If so, I'm sorry we didn't get to talk. I was rushed out to the signing by the moderator (even though all the people were there already in the room...blah!).
ReplyDeleteIt was a great time, though. I love the Festival.
Boy, now that's a festival I could get lost in! I wish there was one closer to me. So who'd you get for interviews, hmm? :o)
ReplyDeleteHow can a book festival possibly be called "Southern" if there aren't any in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, or North Carolina???
ReplyDelete;)Karri
--- If this comment comes through twice sorry ---
ReplyDeleteHa, great comments guys!
Too funny, Eric! I was on target to be there while you spoke, but my sister and I couldn't find the the exit to Charlotte Ave. We took the wrong highway and had to backtrack and then parking took another half hour.
I was standing at the book fair 20 minutes after you finished. Ah well! I tried. Honest.
Ane, I got some interesting interview possibilities. . . I'll tell you about later . . .
Janet, try one of these:
Connecticut Children's Book Fair
Storrs, CT
phone: 1-800-U-READ-IT / e-mail: coopbks@uconnvm.uconn.edu
http://bookfair.uconn.edu/
Nov
Connecticut Storytelling Festival
New London, CT
phone: 860-439-2764 / fax: 860-439-2895
e-mail:csc@conncoll.edu
http://www.connstorycenter.org/festival.html
Apr
Baltimore Book Festival
Baltimore, MD
phone: 1-877-BALTIMORE
http://www.bop.org/. Click on BOPA Events.
Sept
Thanks for the great info, Jess.
ReplyDeleteI was there, Jessica! I went to hear Shannon Hale's talk...wish I could've gone to more. I'm going to have to plan better next time it's in Nashville (I think it's in Memphis next year...?).
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica. Great Article. I participated in Wyoming's Book Fest in September (The next one will be held in 2009). It was a great experience and I would suggest attending a Book Festival to any writer. Especially if you cannot attend a writing conference or are looking to save money. Book Fests are usually free! Plus, they are geared toward writers AND readers. They bring the two together.
ReplyDelete