2012 was another great year for the Texas Book Festival. Tons of
authors, no rain, comfortable weather, lots of readers and book buyers, and
much fun.
I'm one of three co-chairs of the Author Escort committee. We
coordinate a huge number of volunteers who escort the authors from the Author
Escort area to their events then to their book signings.
Last year we were located in a tent outside on Congress Avenue, right
in front of the capitol. Problem was, it was so hot we all sweated and wilted.
This year we were inside the capitol, which was great. The Speaker of the House
generously offered his apartment. I don't think it's an actual apartment (I'm
guessing here), but more of an area right next to the House Chambers. It was
perfect. We had a large area for authors, moderators and escorts to gather with
a kitchen, restrooms, chairs and tables, and a private elevator. I say, thank
you, thank you to the Speaker for his generous offer.
In addition to my chair duties, I also got to moderate Steven Saylor's
talk. Although I've read Steven's books, this was my first time to meet him.
He's funny and sooo interesting. I just finished his latest book in the Roma
Sub Rosa series, The Seven Wonders. This
one is a prequel to his series set in ancient Rome and starring Gordianus. I
definitely recommend it.
A really big thank you to all the volunteers, especially those who were
the Author Escorts. And a thank you to all the authors who came. To the few who
had to cancel because of the hurricane in the northeast, I hope you're safe and
keeping dry.
If you didn't come this year, make plans to attend next year. There are
books and authors for kids, adults and tweens. And if you want to volunteer and
meet authors, remember to volunteer to be an Author Escort!
Glad it was a success! And that you got to be inside.
ReplyDeleteInside, we had air conditioning. Outside last year, we had really hot weather. And the big tent we were in, even with all the flaps and sides open, was sweltering!
DeleteThank you Alex. It wasn't hot this year, but even so, this was a great area for authors, escorts and moderators to meet up.
ReplyDeleteI think moderating would be fun!
ReplyDeleteIt was, Diane! First of all, Steven Saylor is brilliant and interesting, as I learned both while walking him to his event and while listening to his talk. Secondly, it was fun to introduce him to the standing room only crowd and to hear their questions.
DeleteBeing an escort is on my list of things to do at the next conference I'm at.
ReplyDeleteI think you would enjoy being an escort. It's fun just to get to talk to the author as you walk. (I was rather scared I'd get us lost as I worked my way from the second floor down to Level 2 in the Capitol basement area.)
DeleteGlad you had a great time and in better conditions! Even the weather cooperated. :)
ReplyDeleteIt did, the entire weekend. I got outside a couple of times, helping to walk authors to the book signing tent. I even hurried through the exhibitor tents to give a hug to authors Sylvia Dickey Smith and Russ Hall who had a table there. The tents were all cram packed with people!
DeleteI didn't make it this year. Sounds like you got everyone organized and where they needed to be. This is a great event - wish it was closer to Fort Worth.
ReplyDeleteAnn
My guess is that it will stay in Austin. The Book Festival does other events around Texas, so you might keep an eye on their website.
DeleteI'm with Ann. We had so much fun the year we went. But gas and distance to Austin makes it a big adventure. Maybe next year. Glad it was a success for you folk.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne. We had some authors who couldn't make it and had to cancel at the last moment. They couldn't get out of the northeast because of the storm. Hope they all made it through safely.
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