A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the Decatur Book Festival in Atlanta.
I'd never attended this festival before and oh boy did I not know what I was missing! There were tons of authors doing lectures as well as exhibitors and events. Rest assured that I'm adding this to my annual list of must attend festivals!
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to see everyone. I did enjoy Joshilyn Jackson's talk to a packed house with standing room only. She brought along a quilt make by artist friend Pamela Allen and based on one of her books. You might want to look hard at this picture for a human tooth!
Joshilyn's quite an entertaining speaker and I'm lucky enough to get another chance to see her when she comes to Macon next month for the Crossroads Writers' Conference.
I also got to attend a session entitled Of Hissy Fits and Hairdos featuring authors Doug Crandell and Ceilia Rivenbark. Both were thoroughly entertaining speakers that had the audience in stitches! The very bald Doug handed out some truly adorable promotional combs that I've promptly put to work fluffing up my creatures. I haven't read his books yet but I've added them to my list.
Listening to Ceilia was like watching a stand up comedian. Those of you who want to learn more about the hilarious side of The South might want to pick up some of her books. With titles like Bless Your Heart, Tramp and We're Just Like You Only Prettier: confessions of a tarnished Southern Belle, you really can't go wrong!
Now folks, the real reason I attended this event was to see this pretty lady here. Sarah Addison Allen got added to my favorite authors ever list last year with her debut novel Garden Spells. She cemented herself on that list with her followup novel The Sugar Queen. I briefly reviewed these books here and here.
I was lucky enough to get to chat with her for a few minutes before her session. Her delightful writing was so entertaining that I couldn't help feeling slightly in awe of her. And, of course, very grateful. Perhaps I gushed too much in the presence of such a literary rock star but I desperately wanted her to know how thoroughly I enjoyed her books. Y'all, I felt like a rock star groupie!
Sarah's lecture was more like a chat among friends over coffee. She was refreshingly honest about how she writes, develops characters, and how tough it is to be a writer. A totally groovy person indeed!
That's awesome! I love those authors. Also I went to that college, Agnes Scott. I loved Decatur.
Posted by: Erin K | September 18, 2008 at 08:35 AM
i'm not too familiar with many of the authors you listed, but i loooove book festivals and library book sales and authors giving speeches and lectures and just literary type stuff in general.
another reason to move to decatur (something i've been considering). this and that dekalb farmers market which i love so much.
Posted by: fly tie | September 18, 2008 at 09:06 AM
That was an awesome quilt and I noticed the tooth right away. What is the story behind it or isn't there one?
Posted by: Dayna/Scottie Acres Boutique | September 18, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I have been fortunate enough to work with several very well known people on my showroom, but the only one I have ever been toungue tied with was author Terry Kay - I love to read and I'll be looking for those books in the library
Thanks for stopping by today.
Posted by: teresa atkinson | September 18, 2008 at 02:44 PM
What a great event!!! I love to read, but it seams like forever that I've actually had the time!! I will have to make time to check out some of these books.
I think I might just log onto my library account and put some on hold right now. Thanks.
Posted by: DeeLight | September 18, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Very cool!
Posted by: Carrie K | September 18, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Wow -- that's awesome! Did you get to see Billy Collins? He's amazing -- his poetry comes. to. life. when he reads it!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | September 18, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Thanks for stopping by the circus.
Looking at your furry creatures reminds me of the trouble with tribles or something like that, it's a Star Trek reference.
Posted by: Jenny F | September 18, 2008 at 08:57 PM
That's pretty cool you got to meet the author who wrote a book you love. Looks like a fun time!
Posted by: KnitPastis | September 18, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Great photos! Looks like you had a wonderful time!
Posted by: Darren/violinTide | September 18, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Lots of new authors for me to check out. Good for you to talk with her! I'm always tongue tied in the presence of rock stars of all varities.
Posted by: stephanie | September 19, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Lucky you, why doesn't our community have anything great like this!? And even luckier you for getting to meet so many great writers. I've known Joshilyn and Pamela online, never had the pleasure yet to meet either in person, for many a year. I will definitely have to check out Celia Rivenbark, she sounds like a hoot! I read Garden Spells and enjoyed it.
Posted by: Laume | September 19, 2008 at 06:08 AM
Felicia... It's been WAY too long since I visited you!! This summer has been crazy and now we've had a big adjustment back to school. Looks like you've been busy and as usual, I love all your new creations!
Posted by: bethany | September 19, 2008 at 09:00 AM
How wonderful! I LOVED Garden Spells...I've passed my copy around and can't wait to read her new one!!
Posted by: sadira | September 19, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I loved "Garden Spells" and recently loaned it to my sister. I know my copy will be making the rounds too.
I'm looking forward to reading "The Sugar Queen".
Posted by: Lena | September 20, 2008 at 04:37 AM