SleuthFest2015 reigned supreme from February 26th through March 1. As the treasurer for the Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter, the chapter's chief photographer (thankfully, I had lots of help), and a long-standing BOA lady (we sell raffle tickets), panel moderator, and panelist, I was quite involved. I also just realized why I came home the last day exhausted!
The fun is in the work, yes, but it's also in the people we work with—ambitious and loyal volunteers one and all. I need to give public recognition to our efficient and effective Co-Chairs, Victoria Landis and Joanne Sinchuk, and to everyone else that made the event stellar.
The panels were educational, the food delicious, the scheduling superb, and the facilities appropriate, comfortable, and supportive.
GEB
But, this is about me, not about the rest of the stuff.
I HAD MY PICTURE TAKEN WITH BOTH JAMES W. HALL, my new hero, AND DAVE BARRY. I, of course, have autographed books as well.
The panels were educational, the food delicious, the scheduling superb, and the facilities appropriate, comfortable, and supportive.
GEB
But, this is about me, not about the rest of the stuff.
I HAD MY PICTURE TAKEN WITH BOTH JAMES W. HALL, my new hero, AND DAVE BARRY. I, of course, have autographed books as well.
One of the nice things about being a writer—even one of absolutely no fame—is that I can have bookmarks with my name and book titles on them. When I'm reading in paper, which I rarely do, I always use one of my own bookmarks. Gives me a smile and a lift each time I mark my page.
GEB
Another event, Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, was also entertaining in a very different way. Laurianne Macdonald, again volunteer supreme, coordinated the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts Authors' Workshops. We met on March 5th and 6th at the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center. Though not well-attended, the presentations were educational and the speakers and attendees friendly.
On Saturday and Sunday, Laurianne created an Authors' Workshop bookstore at the festival. All of our books were displayed. We hung out, sold lots of books—local authors looking for local readers—chatted up the workshops, and visited with passersby.
The people watching—which anyone who writes about people thrives on—was superb.
One young girl, perhaps 11 or 12, approached the booth and announced that she, too, is a writer. We directed her to the book published by Roxanne Smolen's granddaughters, with Roxanne as the co-author, editor, and typist. The girl's face lit. She left with both little books and an information sheet on self-publishing.
GEB
Another event, Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, was also entertaining in a very different way. Laurianne Macdonald, again volunteer supreme, coordinated the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts Authors' Workshops. We met on March 5th and 6th at the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center. Though not well-attended, the presentations were educational and the speakers and attendees friendly.
On Saturday and Sunday, Laurianne created an Authors' Workshop bookstore at the festival. All of our books were displayed. We hung out, sold lots of books—local authors looking for local readers—chatted up the workshops, and visited with passersby.
The people watching—which anyone who writes about people thrives on—was superb.
One young girl, perhaps 11 or 12, approached the booth and announced that she, too, is a writer. We directed her to the book published by Roxanne Smolen's granddaughters, with Roxanne as the co-author, editor, and typist. The girl's face lit. She left with both little books and an information sheet on self-publishing.
A second youngster approached the booth with her father, who did all the talking. We quickly discerned that the girl was very interested in writing. When we explained the two books had child authors, amazement and joy spread across her face. Her eyes visibly widened. She left with the books and the information sheet.
It's reassuring to see these children and several others who are interested in both reading and writing. High school and college age people stopped to look and talk, and the Smolen's children and young adult books sold out.
The rest of us had healthy sales, too, as adults browsed, talked, and purchased.
Then there is the pure joy of sitting on the side of the road—parking lot actually, and we were protected from both wind and rain—watching people.
Later,
Gregg
It's reassuring to see these children and several others who are interested in both reading and writing. High school and college age people stopped to look and talk, and the Smolen's children and young adult books sold out.
The rest of us had healthy sales, too, as adults browsed, talked, and purchased.
Then there is the pure joy of sitting on the side of the road—parking lot actually, and we were protected from both wind and rain—watching people.
- One older woman approached with a scowl, looked at books with a scowl, and left with a scowl. I'm glad she didn't speak, and I hope my face never freezes in that expression.
- Dogs were everywhere. It's fascinating the number who cannot walk on their own and are carried, strapped to a human, or pushed in a stroller. In fairness, one little guy looked very old—maybe sick—and his mate walked next to the cart.
- Babies! I'm a great baby watcher. I love them all. Watching their feet as they are strolled is entertaining. Little toes wiggling, stretching, getting sucked on. You get the picture.
- Seniors moved past with their walkers, canes, or relatives for support. But many looked strong and healthy, too. Many browsed our collection, made purchases, and passed the time with us.
- Snippets of conversations drifted toward us, many of which may end up in our books.
Later,
Gregg
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