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March 12, 2007
University of Central Missouri Book Festival
I think Naomi Williamson wears a Superwoman cape under her clothes. She must to be able to manage over 40 authors and 6,000 school children in the space of two days. Though she is much too diplomatic to say so, I would imagine she finds it easier to deal with the thousands of kids than the authors! (Just kidding. But you should have seen her trying to get the 40+ of us organized for a group photo!)
The UCM Book Festival is in its 39th year but this is the first year I've ever participated. Even though my plane was hours and hours late, the volunteer who picked me up was as cheerful at midnight as he was every other time I saw him over the next few days. I have never really thought of Missouri as the South, but they have definitely mastered southern hospitality.
Coincidentally, dear friend and neighbor Janet Carey also attended (and was swarmed with fans; her Wenny Has Wings was a Mark Twain winner in 2005). She was the only other participant I knew before arriving but it didn't take long to make new friends. Since I'd missed the introductory dinner the night before (thank you, United Airlines!), I didn't know any of the folks sitting at the tables around me, enjoying the lovely breakfast at the Comfort Inn. From their conversations, I was pretty sure they were my fellow presenters. As I at my yogurt, I debated: go over and introduce myself or sit here in a shyness stupor. The urge to get acquainted won out. I walked over to the table and said hello. Room was quickly made at the table and I found I was sitting with quite the celebrated crowd: Stephanie Tolan, Joan Carris, Jeanette Ingold and Patricia Hermes. Later, I got to meet Barbara "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" Robinson -- I tried not to look too starstruck -- who is not only funny and warm, but tied with Pat Hermes for the most stylish footwear of the event. Vivian Vande Velde is not only a terrific writer, she's a terrific photographer and did her best to capture us all with mouths closed (hard to do with all the chatting going on). I am in awe of D. Anne Love who works to make sure she has one new book each year (I felt like such a slacker). Mary Cassanova and I compared notes and discovered our writing journeys held many similar twists and turns.
This entry would be far too long if I tried to list each of the wonderful authors I met -- but the few days with them showed me, once again, that children's book writers and illustrators are about the nicest folks in the whole wide world.
Go check out the entire cast of fine writers who attended this year's festival. Now that I've had a chance to get to know them as people, I can't wait to get to know them better through their writing. I'd encourage you to do the same!
Personal note: you won't hear from me for awhile. But when you do, expect some highlights from a trip to New Zealand, including meeting renowned YA author, Fleur Beale.
Posted by kirby at March 12, 2007 01:48 PM
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