Friday at the Virginia Festival of the Book was almost as long as Thursday. I didn't manage to get to a 10am program (I worked instead), which is too bad because I later met a couple of the panelists and realize the panel would have been quite interesting), but I did arrive in time for Bella Stander's lunch (Bella is Book Promotion 101) where I sat with Katharine Weber and my friend Jessica Handler. After a lively discussion, I hurried over to Barnes & Noble to hear "Virginia Stories" (a panel on which I think my book would have fit well, and, as it turned out, there was room because Peter Neofotis canceled). Josh Weil and Sheri Reynolds gave excellent readings.
Then it was back downtown for "The Business of Book Reviewing" moderated by Bethanne Patrick (aka "The Book Maven"). The panel consisted of Rebecca Skloot, Ron Charles, Katharine Weber, and David Montgomery. I don't know that I heard anything I didn't already know or suspect, but all of the panelists spoke well and were interesting. I'm especially impressed by Rebecca Skloot, whose book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is getting so much attention. (I later bought the book and got her to sign it.)
When that was over, I realized I was done for the day and headed back over the mountain, which means that I missed some other interesting programs and a dinner.
1 comment:
Aww, Cliff! Thanks for the shout out! I was so glad to see you, and to be able to sit with you at the outstanding Paramount reading. Thanks, too, for guiding me past the stanchions to say hello to Liz and Lee.
Always find friends at festivals. They're more fun that way. Good luck in Rehoboth Beach!
Post a Comment