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| Nancy Gideon, Elizabeth Alsobrooks, and Rob Tucker at The Tucson Festival of Books, 2018 |
So what’s so great about book
fairs? Well, if you’re a reader, you’re in Valhalla. Not even the biggest
bookstores have the diverse collection of books you will find at a large book
fair, and you will get to have many of them autographed by your favorite
authors. If you’re an author, nothing is ever better than being surrounded by
avid readers and fellow writers. 
Book fairs have more than books,
too. There are panels of authors discussing a myriad of topics from how and why
to write particular genres to talks on cooking, gardening, crafting, parenting,
and pet care. Both nonfiction and fiction books of all genres are represented,
including comic books and graphic novels. Along with hundreds of book tents
hosted by large and small publishing companies, and even individual authors,
there are tents with artists and craftsmen, offering their designs from jewelry
to pottery and new age wares. You can learn to manage your finances or get your
fortune told. 
Book fairs have something for
everyone. You can meet storybook characters, comic book heroes, and even Darth Vader
and a movie star or two. Spend the afternoon watching children dance an Irish
jig, a Mexican folk dance, or demonstrate a Karate Kota. Listen to bagpipes,
rock bands, and marching bands. Visit the juggler, or the aerobatic performers.
Getting hungry from all that
walking around browsing and shopping? Let’s not forget the diverse ethnic food
booths. Mexican, American, Thai, Italian, BBQ and Creole, just to name of few
of the hot meals to be had. If you just want a quick snack, they have yogurt, gelato,
salads, popcorn, corn on the cob, wraps, and smoothies.
These pictures and video are from the Tucson Festival of Books, held on the University of Arizona campus every March. It's the third largest book fair in the country and well worth the visit. If you get the chance, visit a book fair near you, and if you're an author, by all means participate. Nothing beats meeting fans first-hand.
6 comments:
And a wonderful time was had by all!! The young readers are a special treat. Love seeing kids get so excited by books and parents who encourage them.
Book fairs are fun! Last year, I did 7 plus a craft show as an author. Fun, yes. Profitable ? I enjoyed meeting readers. Sales were minimal. Yet, I was thrilled when a woman ran home (literally) from the library to get money for one of my books. I won't forget her. I've often thought I should be writing either kiddie lit or YA, since they have so much fun meeting authors. Glad you and Nancy had a great time.
OH! How I did miss this year's event in Tuscon! Won't let that happen next year as I know what a great time it is indeed. Glad the group had its fill of great moments in the world of readers.
Francesca Q.
This is great- looks like so much fun and I enjoyed the photos!
Not only is the Tucson Book Festival big, busy and fun, it's been my most profitable fair every year. I had one title and sold 50+ books both years.
Thanks, Nancy. Wow, Diane, that's incredible! What fun. Glad you liked them, Maureen. Wow, congrats, Sandy! Had to lose out when you have nearly 140,000 readers on hand!
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