It’s a marathon, not a sprint – Book Expo Part 1

UnknownBook Expo may have started last Wednesday but my preparation began long before. Every day I read several newsletters about upcoming book releases, literary awards and what’s hot in the world of books. I have my eye out for titles I’ve been hearing about or favorite authors with new or upcoming releases. A month in advance, Book Expo releases online listings of more than 500 authors who will be autographing their books at the event. There are hundreds of exhibitors with thousands of new titles they are looking to bring to the attention of the attendees, so developing a plan is really key.

Before leaving home, I built an agenda with the authors/titles I wanted to bring home, knowing that many were at the same time or required tickets. Of course, all these plans play a distant second once it’s time to navigate the show floor. IMG_3994This is a view from above of a section of the exhibition area. As many of the big publishers have consolidated (think Penguin and Random House), their booths have become larger. Some small/independent presses are finding it too costly to attend or share booth space with others.  There are also consortiums, smaller presses who band together for purposes of marketing and distribution. And the best information really comes from the seasoned professionals who really know their titles and will take the time t o share their knowledge.

The big guys have a lot going for them – high traffic locations on both sides of the aisle creating a showroom rather than a booth. And they have carpeting with padding.  That may not sound important but each day attendees walk miles from booth to booth AND spend as much as an hour at a time waiting for a signing. Comfort underfoot is a real draw. And of course, there are the books.  The larger publishers give away more titles and have big authors signing in their booths. They often have ridiculously long lines as well.

It takes great restraint to turn down free books when they are offered, but it is vital for survival. I know I won’t be reading dystopic fiction or most graphic novels, and the “all romance, all the time” booths hold little attraction. While my tastes run more to literary fiction, memoirs and narrative history, I do love a good mystery and an occasional thriller. I only pick up young adult (YA) titles and children’s books if I plan to gift them.IMG_4002 I try to be critical as I place the books in a (branded) tote, knowing that I have to either carry them or ship them home. I flew Southwest to Chicago in anticipation of filling a small duffle with my Friday afternoon gatherings and dropping them at curbside check-in.  The books I sent by UPS will arrive tomorrow.

Next up is the post on the Adult Book and Author Breakfast.

By Friday, look for “What the heck is Book Group Speed Dating?”

Please let me know if there are books you are just waiting to see published.  You never know, I may have a copy!

 

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V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!

IMG_3210Just one view of New England from the passenger seat.  After eight days, 1400 miles, 9 states, visits with friends and family, our summer vacation is over.

Laundry’s done, mail sorted and life is returning to normal.  Mid-August is when I start reaching out to my book groups to start prepping for fall and September promises to be a very busy month.

Before I’m totally back in the swing of things there are reviews to write and some bookish reflections on the people and places we saw along the way.  So hang in there, it’ll be worth the wait!

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Road trip – I brake for bookstores!

Screen Shot 2015-06-26 at 3.43.28 PMCome summer it is time to get moving and time to chill out. Whether on vacation or just eking out one more experience with the extra hours of daylight, the pace definitely changes.

My reading changes as well. Summer is a catch up time when I have fewer book group titles to read and prepare. IMG_2926After going to Book Expo, it is also the opportunity to search for the yet-to-be-released jewel I can share with my book loving friends.  Right now I am reading Alice Hoffman’s The Marriage of Opposites. Its historical fiction set in the Caribbean and France in the 19th century and tells of the family origins of Camille Pissarro, the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painter.

We’re off on a road trip and have already picked out  (thanks to www.indiebound.org) the independent bookstores we’ll be stopping at en route through North Carolina. I’ll let you know where I go and what local gems I find.

Speaking of sharing, I’d like to ask for your feedback. I’m so pleased when someone tells me s/he has been reading this blog. It may come as a surprise but information on who and how many people are looking at the blog is very difficult to come by.  Since you are reading this could you please let me know you are out there? And to make it more appealing to everyone, let me know what you are reading now and I’ll put a list in an upcoming post.

If you are seeing this via email, either reply or comment.

If you read this on Facebook, comment with a title or PM if you’d prefer to remain anonymous. If you like what you are seeing here I’d be thrilled if you’d share it so others can see it as well.

And if you happened upon the post some other way, welcome and I’d love to know how you found me.

Thanks for joining on my journey!

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Ellen in Wonderland – Day 1

imageIt doesn’t get much better than this.  Having arrived in New York midday, I set out to explore Chelsea and the Flatiron imageDistrict, the neighborhoods around my hotel. Timing being everything, Madisonimage Square is having a monthlong festival Mad. Sq. Eats bringing a pop-up food truck and cafe area to the vibrancy of Madison Square Park.  Add that to the amazing art installation for a terrific afternoon.  There was even time for knitting in the park.

Just across the street is Eataly, the enormous new Italian market/food hall/ destination. image Everywhere you look there is another amazing counter.  Me, I am always partial to a beautiful produce or fish display.  I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

My evening plans were extra-special.  Over the last few years I’ve had several opportunities to reconnect with childhood friends and fellow New Rochelle High School classmates.  Tonight three of us had a dinner/theatre evening.  Thanks to my daughter, Miriam, we snagged tickets for Hand to God, a provocative and very well-acted play.  Meri, Debbie and I had a blast.image  And I had the chance to introduce my daughter to these lovely women – priceless!

Tomorrow starts the main event – Book Expo America.  And I can’t wait!

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Turning in my snow boots for sunscreen

IMG_0005It’s been some kind of winter when Alaska has had less snow than many of the northeastern states and only Florida and Hawaii haven’t really experienced the brutality of the winter. In our house, the first sign of spring is a trip to Viera, FL to see the Washington Nationals in spring training. There is something about ratcheting back the daily grind a few notches, sitting in the stands looking at a wide expanse of green, watching first-timers and veterans alike getting ready for a season full of promise. It’s the big leagues in very neighborly parks where the players are just inches from the fans and the wise cracks shouted from the stands can be heard on the pitcher’s mound.

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The laid-back attitude carries over to the entire trip. When I travel to new places there is always somewhere else I want to go – another museum, a walking tour, a historic district to explore. Not during spring training. I’ll take the short walk to the local Starbucks or, if I am energetic, walk the 3 miles to Space Coast Stadium.  Maybe I’ll spend some time with my face pressed up against the fence watching a pitching prospect or see batting practice and warm ups from the stands. There’s a camaraderie at the park with most people either playing hooky from their regular routine or enjoying their retirement. Traffic jams in and out of the park last about 5 minutes and many rain showers are not much longer.

By the end of the day, I’ll have had my fill of sunshine.  All that time relaxing at the park is tiring. An early dinner, some reading or TV and I’m usually ready to call it a night. We are very fortunate to have friends to spend time with during spring training. And each year more fans from the DC area head down, drawn by good weather and good baseball – certainly a winning combination.  So if you are at the park next weekend, please look for me.  I’ll be in the stands and I may be wearing my gnome hat.  Go Nats!

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