Gaithersburg, MD Book Festival

What an awesome event! This was my first book fair and I must say it was everything I believed it would be. My son and I met some wonderfully enthusiastic authors, some of whom happen to be our neighbors. Donna Andrews (best selling author of The Meg Langslow series) was our first encounter. She was especially encouraging to this first-time newbie (encouraging me to consider membership in “Mystery Writers of America”) and hails from Reston,VA (literally a hollar away from Sterling-our home). Next on our list was Barry Nove. What an interesting, informative individual. Most know him for his Highmage’s Plight and Dare 2 Believe series, but what was most beneficial to me was his The Ellis Island Experience. The fair was the weekend prior to my families trip to New York (writer’s conference) and armed us with a knowledge of how to make our experience completely enjoyable. He also buoyed my self-esteem regarding my venture into the writing world. Heading over to the “children’s/ya” area we met a beautifully energetic young lady named Kelly Ann Jacobson. She wasn’t displaying any of her work, but was volunteering for the DMV booth. We happened to recognize her from her web-page and were excited to meet yet another ‘neighbor’. Then we were on to Krystal Wade (Darkness Falls series and infused with an infectious personality) and her cohort (at least at the sales table) Ryan Hill (whose book happens to be getting an award for design and writes both children’s and y/a books). With our bag chalked full of books, and our pockets (wallets, billfolds, fists…) emptied we left the fair with only one regret…we never took our camera out to take photos. Aaarrrggghhh!!!!  Next time…     If you ever have the chance to attend I suggest you grab your keys, slip on your comfy walking shoes, hit the atm (or at least have your credit card) and join in the fun 🙂