This weekend is a major milestone for me, my first book signing at the LA Times Festival of Books! I’m super excited to have been invited to have my debut signing experience in the Sisters in Crime booth on Saturday, from 2-4 pm. As a newly published author, this is a dream come true for me. When I began my writing journey in 2016, I never imagined how much joy, comradery, new friendships, and adventure I was to experience in this journey. The support of my husband, friends, family and cats has been a true blessing 🙂
The LA Times Festival of Books is held at the University of southern California campus and offers readers, writers, editors, publishers, and people who just want a fun experience, a chance to gather together and celebrate the love of the written word! From their website:
“The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books began in 1996 with a simple goal: to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. Since then, the festival has grown into a vibrant celebration of all of the arts, and of our dynamic, innovative and unique metropolis. Each year, over 150,000 people come to the University of Southern California campus to experience a gathering of writers, poets, artists, filmmakers and musicians like no other. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the largest festival of its kind in the United States and is The Times’ annual gift to our city.”
I’m amazed at the line-up of fabulous authors at this years festival, celebrities of course, it’s LA: Maria Shriver (I’ve Been Thinking); Valerie Bertinelli (Valerie’s Home Cooking); Mayam Bialik (Boying Up: How to Be Brave, Bold and Brilliant); Danica McKellar (Ten Magic Butterflies–I bought this book for my granniekids, it’s wonderful! ) Scores of other fabulous authors and storytellers, vendors, publishers, writer’s groups (Sisters in Crime/LA is fabulous, Mystery Writers of America, Independent Writers of Southern California) will be at the event too—it’s a writer’s dream 🙂
It’s not all about the books though—cooking demonstrations, art displays, music, film and TV shows, and food, food, food will also be available to attendees of the event. There will be live improv events and book readings, and panel discussions galore (including politics—but why ruin a great weekend…). Don’t forget all the great give-aways, bring an extra bag 🙂
I’ve always been a believer that your education never ends, no matter what profession you choose. It’s incumbent upon you to define the learning path that works best for you, whether that’s formal training, university, networking, professional societies. Since I’m new to the writer’s world, an event like the LA Times festival of Books is a rare opportunity to interact with fellow writers, publishers, and writing organizations I’m interested in joining. I can’t wait to learn about all the things I know nothing about. It’s a challenge I gladly accept. 🙂
So I’m reading up on the event, learning the schedules and agendas, mapping out all the booths I want to go to, and prepping my signature. My husband and cousin Janie are going to the event with me this year (yes they will be taking pictures of me in the booth serving as my publicity team). I feel like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time—it doesn’t get any better than being surrounded by books in my world. I hope if you live a drivable distance you’ll consider attending this event. And if you come by booth 367 between 2-4pm on Saturday, I’d love to meet you!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. LA Times Festival of Books this weekend, April 21-22 at the USC campus—check it out! Also, many thanks to Sisters in Crime LA chapter, and Mystery Ink bookstore in Huntington Beach! Gemma would approve 😉