“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
– Garrison Keillor

Hello Precious Readers!

That’s right! 2 Posts in 1 week! Who knew it was possible? I’m writing this special blog post in honor of the Evergreen branch of the Romance Writers of America‘s Waterfront Book Festival (RWA), held yesterday in Everett, Washington!

Pilot, my friend Caring*, and I headed up to the Everett Marina in The Cranberry** yesterday afternoon. Spending a good 45 minutes first at The Everett Farmers Market browsing the various vendors vending their volume vestige.

Yeah! How do you like that alliteration? Vindicated! (Mwahaha!)

Although we didn’t purchase anything here, it was fun to check out the stands.

Admittedly, there were a few items I wanted to buy, but I had limited funds put aside specifically for the book festival.

After perusing, we entered Lombardi’s, an Everett Italian restaurant, right there on the marina, and then just outside the restaurant, down the line of the group of vendors. Lombardi’s was kind enough to host the authors in case of inclement weather. After a dry summer, we ended up with torrential rain and blustery winds causing several power outages in Western Washington State. Even now, in the afternoon, I’m still reading posts on Facebook about people still without power on Day 3. I got to see some of my favorite local authors again (Wendy Delaney and Lori Lyn) from the Greater Seattle RWA’s annual Emerald City Writer’s Conference back in October 2014. I also got to meet some of my favorite authors for the first time, and got to meet authors I hadn’t heard of yet for the first time! I also ended up with a huge haul of freebies.

Which is never bad. Am I right?

I’m lamenting the lack of photos, but I was waaay too nervous to think of taking more pictures.

I purchased a couple of books for my friend Caring and I, and then our little group skedaddled out of there.

Should you get the opportunity to go to any book fairs, sales, etc. I always recommend going. Especially if the authors themselves are in attendance! Even though I was nervous, it never ceases to amaze me how warm and inviting the authors are! They’re people, just like you and me, other than the fact they’ve been published – sometimes several times over! I’m always grateful when they deal with a bundle of nerves like myself and still treat me normally.

It’s greatly appreciated to be treated normally when one clearly is not.

Here are some photos from the event!

(From Left) Jacquie Rogers, Caring, myself
I’m holding a bunch of free stuff from Jacquie and Wendy Delaney (not pictured). Wendy made those earrings! They’re exact replicas of the cover of one of her books!

(From Left) Me, Sabrina York
Word of warning, her books are not for the faint of heart! They’re high-octane romance.

My haul of freebies!
…aaaaand that may just be a giant Star Trek mug off to the right.
#NerdGlassesOn, #MyNerdinessIsShowing

If you’re looking for more book events, I know of one that will be hosted during this year’s Emerald City Writer’s Conference for the public. It’s not a book sale. They’re GIVING AWAY FREE BOOKS!

Again, GIVING AWAY FREE BOOKS!

Here’s a link to their event:
Passport to Romance: Free Reader Appreciation Event!

I’m working my way to get to the entire conference, but I’ll at least be at the FREE BOOK event!
October 17th, 2015 (Saturday)
6:00PM – 8:00PM
Bellevue Westin Hotel Grand Ballroom
(No cost to go, but bring cash for raffles!)

Do you know of any other local Washington State book events?
Which authors could you talk to again and again?
Who are some of your favorite Washington authors?
Do you ever road trip to other states to meet your favorite authors?
Do you prefer general book events, or book events with specific themes and genres in mind?

Check out:
Jacquie Rogers
Wendy Delaney
Lori Lyn
Darlene Panzera
Sabrina York
Anna Alexander
Terri Meeker
Lynn Moen & Judith Laik
Shannon Kennedy
Jennifer DeCuir
Eldritch Black
Lucy Carol

…and apologies to anyone else I missed who was there!

*Name has been changed for privacy.
**The Cranberry is the name of my car. Sometimes called the Cherry Tomato