Last Monday I mentioned I’d be at the SoKY Bookfest this past Friday and Saturday as a reader. It’s always one of my favorite weekends of the year – kind of feels like I’m surrounded by my tribe. I only bought two books – cue the gasps of disbelief. But I tried to buy more, I swear. One of the authors sold out of the book I wanted – yay for him. Another author was unable to come, and I’d read several of the others featured. So I did my best.
I watched several young adult panels filled with some of my favorite authors. Those always inspire me, and I never tire of hearing writers talk about their books, origin stories, what they’re working on, etc. Over eight hundred students from grade school through high school attended on Friday – I love to see kids with books. They also attended the panels and asked some of the standard questions – where do you get your ideas, are any of your characters based on you, what’s your favorite color – but some of the questions were impressive. Do you read negative feedback about your books and if so, how do you deal with it? What’s your method for creating characters? Maybe the teachers supplied them ahead of time, who knows. One of the author’s books was set during WWII and several kids had questions about it. They had a genuine interest in that time period and it showed.
Has anyone watched The Company You Keep on ABC? I’ll watch anything featuring Milo Ventimiglia (Jack from This Is Us), but even hubby likes it (and you know how difficult he is with shows). The cast also includes Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead) and William Fichtner (he’s good in everything). Here’s the description: A night of passion leads to love between con man Charlie and undercover CIA officer Emma, who are unknowingly on a collision course professionally. While Charlie ramps up the family business with sights set on getting out for good, Emma works to close in on the vengeful criminal who holds Charlie’s family debts in hand — forcing them to reckon with the lies they’ve told so they can save themselves and their families from disastrous consequences. The series is based on the Korean Broadcasting System series entitled “My Fellow Citizens.”
Have a great week!
Books and Such 
I find kids often ask amazing questions during school presentations. I’m always so impressed. Sounds like a fun time. Are you sure you only bought two books?
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They really do, Darlene. I couldn’t remember all of them, but a couple of questions even stumped the writers for a minute. And only two books! I felt like a failure as I left the bookfest, lol.
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Wow, that’s great that so many kids and teens showed up! I bet that was quite the lively atmosphere! I actually haven’t watched that show. I just finished the first season of Class of 07 on Prime.
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I pulled into the parking lot Friday morning and buses were lined up all the way around the building to drop off students. And it sure was lively! I keep getting emails from Prime about that show. I might has to add it to the list.
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Oh holy moly! That’s intense. You survived!
Yeah, it’s a good mix of apocalypse and funny that made it lighter throughout. Hope there’ll be a second season!
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It’s okay that you didn’t pick up as many books as you intended. I’m sure your TBR is already huge. It’s cool that you got to see so many authors answering questions on panels.
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Gargantuan is an apt description, Priscilla – but I still keep buying, lol. I always enjoy the panels – inspirational and amusing.
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It sounds like the book fair was a lot of fun. I’m glad you got to attend, Teri. Have a great new week. Hugs.
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It’s always a good time, Teagan. Books, readers, authors – what’s not to like? Only good snacks could make it better. Hugs!
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I love The Company You Keep. I’m a couple of episodes behind, but I agree with Milo and William (they’re both great in everything). I hope our mutual enjoyment of the show doesn’t get it cancelled.
Glad you had a good time at the fair!
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This doesn’t bode well, Staci. Hope their ratings are strong enough to survive both of us watching, lol.
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Glad the book fest was good….but only 2 books?! 🤣
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Right? Felt like I was doing the walk of shame up to the checkout line, Caro.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing, Michael!
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Only two books? Glad you explained how that ended up happening or I wouldn’t have believed you. 😉
Kids often have some great questions. And, I agree: it’s great to see kids with books, and having a clear interest in them.
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I had a list going in, Tori, and kept thinking I’d missed a couple authors at their tables, but some were unable to come. And I knew I should have bought one of the author’s books on Friday instead of waiting until Saturday. I should kick myself for that. Seeing all those kids with books in their hands sure puts a smile on my face.
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What a fun weekend, Teri! I am amazed that you left with only two books. Kudos to you! I love seeing kiddos interested in reading and in the writing craft. All good stuff!
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I bet next year I make up for it, Jan, lol. I’ll probably have a stack of around 8-10!
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It sounds like you had a wonderful time at the book festival, Teri, even if some of the books you wanted were sold out.
I can’t say I’ve ever seen the show you referenced, but I do see it advertised a lot. It appears to be getting good buzz.
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Since Staci and I are both watching it, it’s not a good sign. We seem to be a curse for new shows. It’s got a stellar cast, so I’m hoping the ratings are good.
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I am also enjoying The Company We Keep. It is top-notch. I’m glad you enjoyed your weekend, Teri.
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They’ve got a great cast, and that’s the biggest reason we gave it a try. It’s always a struggle to get hubby to try new shows, but this one seems to be a winner for him.
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I agree.
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Only two books? LOL Glad you had a good time. Sounds like a fun event for all.
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I know! I mentioned to Caro above about my walk of shame in the checkout line, lol.
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I’m glad you had such a good time at the SoKY Bookfest, it sounds like a lot of fun.
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I’ve been going for years, Wendy, and I’ve met so many wonderful authors. Always a good time.
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Kids and books, always a winning combination!
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Exactly, Deby!
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Sounds like a great event. I’ve seen the ads for the show you mentioned, but haven’t taken the leap yet.
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Just watched the new one last night – I DVR them or we watch on Hulu.
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Hi Teri, how nice that you attended a book event with kids present. I am going to an event in Cape Town in early May. My sister has recently moved there (14 hour drive from where I live) so I am taking Mom to see her and I’ll attend the event. We are flying – smile!
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I was thinking how miserable it would be driving 14 hours – so glad you’re flying. Hope you have a wonderful time, Robbie!
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Hi TEri, we will be driving down in December but it will be a road trip so we will only travel 3 -4 hours a day and visit interesting new places. I am looking forward to it.
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Now that, I could handle. Much more pleasant.
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The Company You Keep sounds interesting. I hope they release it on Netflix or Amazon.
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I bet it will eventually make its way to one of them. Seems like everything does.
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