In the Company of Writers and Readers

The Colorado Book Festival was this last Saturday - and again I was struck by the myriad of wonderful people I met. The first hour and a half was spent checking people in, setting up displays and . . . visiting. I ran into a fair number of friends I had met through various writing organizations, and there we all were, gathered in one place. In my area, I was seated in close proximity to another historical fiction writer - Jennifer Kinchloe, a fantasy writer, young adult writer, science fiction, espionage and another author who writes about Colorado and of a gay young man coming of age.

Then the readers came in. Fabulous people - some of whom I have met before at talks I have given and various other activities. They were able to ask me about writing, I was able to give recommendations, I sold a fair number of books and made some new friends.

My takeaway is this - that writers and readers tend to be pretty awesome folk to hang around. I'm always surprised by the generosity of spirit and general helpfulness I encounter, and I try to pass that along. Don't ever be hesitant to go to festivals or workshops or conferences by yourself - you'll make acquaintances of some pretty good people.

And you'll find some pretty good books as well.