When people think of Austin, Texas, they often think of our big music and film festivals—ACL and SXSW. But for Jeff and me, those are simply weekends to stay at home. Our favorite festival weekend in Austin is—no surprise here!—the Texas Book Festival. This was our third year to attend and it seems to get better each time. Every year I discover authors I haven’t read before and end up reading not only their current book, but some of their previous books as well. (These authors have included Lelia Meacham, Susan Orlean, and Sarah McCoy.)
So the last weekend in October we spent two glorious days—70-75 degrees under a bright blue sky—celebrating authors and books in and around Texas’s beautiful capitol building. Here are some of my 2019 highlights.
First, of course, were the sessions. Seriously, there was only one that was just okay. The others were amazing. Spellbinding. Inspiring. I love hearing other writings talk about their writing processes, the sparks for their stories, and the writing life as they live it. And the session with two long-time editors–one from Random House and one from the New Yorker–talking about language and grammar proved to be exactly what the title of the session claimed it to be: Word Nerds. The room was packed to capacity and many were turned away! Who knew there were so many!
Our biggest fan moment was getting to hear Alexander McCall Smith speak. It’s our second time to see him and he is simply delightful—just like his books. (If you haven’t read The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, you should!)
All the other sessions I attended were authors I had no knowledge of previously. And yet I came home excited about their books, some of which I bought immediately, others of which I put on my list of books to read. (These were in the bought immediately category. Some mine, some hubby’s.)
Beyond the books and authors, though, were the friends who experienced them with me. Three years ago, at our first Texas Book Festival, I had noted on my author Facebook page that we were there. A reader of my books messaged me saying she and her daughter were also in attendance and would love to meet me in person. Not only did we meet, we attended a session together and began to get to know each other. I met up with Staci Scott and her daughter, Gretchen, again last year as well. And then this year, even though the Scotts had moved to the Dallas area earlier in the year, we were able to connect in a session. Such fun to catch up and continue our tradition.
Also this year I got to see with fellow author Becky Wade! She was signing books in the RWA exhibition tent and we got to hang out and attend a session together. I’ve missed spending time with Becky since we moved away from Dallas. It’s always a joy to get caught up on each others’ family and work.
Finally, a new friend of mine in Austin, a lovely young lady the age of my daughter, made it out to the festival on Sunday afternoon after hearing me sing its praises. She and her friend met me at a session featuring two historical novels. It was fun to have people to talk about it with afterwards.
Of course Jeff was there all weekend, too, but we usually only end up at a few sessions together. He goes to what interests him; I go to what interests me. Sometimes those overlap. But when we come together to walk home at the end of the day, it makes for all kinds of interesting conversation as we tell each other about the rest of our day.
I’m already looking forward to 2020! But first, I have a lot of reading to do.
Have you been to a book festival? What authors have you heard speak about their books? Have you discovered new authors to read this way? Share!
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This sounds like an amazing event, Anne! Ken and I may have to add it to our next road trip itineraray! Thanks so much for sharing about it!
It is so fun! You should come!
I love that you share the book festival with your husband, Anne! What a special treat. I always love it when my hubby tags along when I’m doing a speaking engagement or workshop, but it’s a rare treat. I doubt I’d get him to a book festival. He likes to read, but he’s more of a computer nerd than a book nerd. How wonderful to meet up with Becky and other reader friends, too! Sounds like a wonderful time. I’m going to need to get down there one of these days. Maybe when I retire from the day job. 🙂
Yes, you need to get down here. And I do love it that hubby and I share a love of books. Although it does mean there are no checks and balances when it comes to book buying! 😏
I see Between Shades of Gray in your pile. It was a fabulous book! Move it top the top of your TBR
Yay!!! I loved hearing her talk about her new book, but by the time we got to the book selling tent is was sold out. I was happy to get Between Shades of Gray, though, because she talked about it a little too.
Thanks for sharing your post. I haven’t been to a book festival, yet it sounds quite intriguing. I’ve discovered a lot of new authors from reading the posts from Inspired by Life and Fiction. BTW, I moved from the big, diverse, wonderful state of Texas last year; I miss the weather (and friends, of course 😮).
I’m sure Texas misses you, too, Donna. Inspired by Life and Fiction is also a great place to discover new authors and books!
It sounds like fun. It’s been on my bucket list for a couple of years. I have attended the book festival in San Antonio, TX, a lot smaller, though. I fanned out when I met Susan Meissner and her speak 😉.
I so wanted to go to San Antonio to see her! I can’t remember what conflict I had but it was so frustrating. You should definitely try to get to Austin next year!