Cincinnati's Book Festival

I blogged about my weekend experience at The Cincinnati Book Festival that was held on October 22nd here as it relates to Marketing for those of  you who are published and interested in such things. There's even more though that doesn't necessarily relate to marketing, but relates more to being passionate about words and books and how they make us feel and what they make us think about. If you want to read up on what was happening and who was there here's a link, BBTB.

 The first night we went to the author reception at The Mercantile Library. I've lived in Cincinnati for thirty one years and I had never been in that library. I loved disappearing from the crowd to sit in the stacks of this incredible library, which is located on the eleventh floor and you can get a pretty good idea from the link what it looks like.

 I wanted to curl up in one of the big chairs and read a book. Knowing that I was going to be at this huge event the next day I really had to push myself to socialize. I'm more introverted than extroverted so I have to make sure I get alone time to energize or power up.There wasn't a big author turnout, but a lot of library people who worked hard to put this event together showed up.

My hubby and I were thrilled to get a chance to talk to Dennis Lehane who had come to the reception as well. I did pick Dennis' brain for awhile and asked him to sign my copy of Shutter Island. He was a gentleman and willing to talk about what to expect at a big book signing, etc. But then I spent more time talking to the catering folks and a woman I didn't know from my suburb who was providing transportation for a couple of the authors. I just felt very relaxed and enjoyed myself and spending time with hubby, without getting all freaked out about trying to fit in with the crowd or how stressful the next day might be.

The next day at the event was great. I was assigned to a table with Donna MacMeans, Redeeming the Rogue who is an author from Ohio Valley RWA where I'm also a member. Then I met Regina Jeffers, The Phantom of Pemberley and then sitting next to me was Carrie Bebris, Deception at Lyme. All delightful women. The picture as the right is my friend Donna MacMeans, awesome assistant that day for us was Tracy and then me. You can tell from our smiles that we were enjoying ourselves.

The crowd was wonderful and I had a wonderful time talking to everyone who stopped at our table. Gina in the picture with me to the left is an enthusiastic reader that I enjoyed spending time with and there were many more. I think my main point here is to say that it's just fun sharing your passion with others who, "get it." :) They all read and love books. Some write, some don't, but in the end we all  have passion for words.

Do you remember the last book event you attended? Where was it? Did you go as an author or reader? Why did you go? What drew you there?