This Saturday

You're coming, right? We'll see you this Saturday, October 5th, at the Duarte Festival of Authors. It's free and I promise you'll enjoy it.

The festival is sponsored by Friends of the Duarte Library and held at Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Avenue, between Huntington Drive and Central Avenue in Duarte. Follow the signs to parking. It's easy, and I've never had to walk more than about 50 feet from my car to the gates of the park.

Margaret Finnegan and I will share table #8. She'll be selling her book, The Goddess Lounge, and I'll be selling my book, Camelot & Vine. Lessee, what do these books have in common? A strong female protagonist and a sense of humor. Everything else is up for grabs.

Oh, plus, we're going to read your Tarot cards. I don't know if Margaret knows how to do this, but I promise you I do not.

I'll be appearing on a panel! Yup. at 1:15 p.m. at the Pergola Stage, I'll be part of the group of authors discussing the topic, "What's Your Story?" I don't know if we're going to tell our stories or if this title is code for something else, but don't you worry about me. I can talk about pretty much anything, from how to make bubblegum to the best way to sing Welsh torch songs. There's nothing in the paperwork that says I have to know what I'm talking about.

Let's Hang Out This Fall

this chess set-up is no longer in the Lower Arroyo

Do you mind if I share some calendar information? I'd love to see you, so please come out.

October
Script Kitchen starts up again this fall. Instructors Tara Samuel and John Sandel (you might know him) lead you through the process of building your story into a viable film script. I highly recommend this class for any writer/storyteller. I never would have been able to write a novel without John's teaching.

October 5
The annual Friends of the Duarte Library Festival of Authors is a low-key, fun book festival in Duarte. I'll be sharing a table with Margaret Finnegan. Margaret and I are going to read your Tarot cards at the festival! I don't know how to read Tarot cards, but I have a deck so why should that stop me?

Other local authors at Duarte will include Anne Louise Bannon and Kerry Reis. Lots and lots of authors will be there, local and otherwise, and there will be panels and bookshops (like Vroman's) in the park.

October 12
When you sign up for Free Book Friday you can win free books, like my novel, Camelot & Vine. I know, I know, October 12th is a Saturday. I'm not sure how they work it but I'd suggest you sign up before then. The date is subject to change, and I'll notify you if it's not going to happen the week of the 12th.

October 18-20
Anime Fusion. What's an author doing at an anime convention? you ask. Well, besides writing Camelot & Vine I voiced a popular anime character, Ryoko the space pirate, in an anime series called "Tenchi Muyo!". "Tenchi" has become a classic, and I love going to conventions and meeting people who love the show.

November 7
Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeeshop is having a party sort of evening. I'll be there from 7:00-8:45pm signing books, meeting people and reading from Camelot & Vine. More details to come on what looks like a fun time in this gorgeous store.

There's more in the new year, with a reading at San Marino's Crowell Public Library January 13, a chat with members of Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeeshop's Brown Bags and Books reading group February 5th, and GATOcon, an anime convention in Kingsville, TX February 22nd & 23rd.

Then maybe your book group, your con, your something-or-other. You never know 'til you ask.

By the way, books make fine holiday gifts!

Duarte Festival of Authors

I'm sorry if you missed it. Hell, I'm sorry I missed it for the last eight years. It was the 9th annual Duarte Festival of Authors, aptly named because it was indeed festive and there were indeed authors--lots and lots of authors.

I wasn't able to stay all day but I was able to enjoy a lovely park, beautiful weather and table after table after table lined with books and authors galore. Galore, I tell you! I even knew some of the authors, which was exciting, because they're all celebrities to me. And I met some local writers who I hope will join us in the future as guest authors here on the old blog.

The festival, put on by the Friends of the Duarte Library, included local and nationally-known authors. I already checked the website for information about the 10th annual because I want to mark my calendar now. Nothing's posted yet but I'll be sure to let you know.