Fellow Boomer Writers! Many of you may remember my posting last Fall regarding my attendance at this event in Waynesboro, VA. It was really a fantastic event and I really had a wonderful time meeting other authors and participating on one of the panel discussions. It was my first book-signing and one I will NEVER forget. My good friend author P.M. Terrell - who is a founder and major organizer of the event - and I shared a table and really got to know each other a lot better.

ANYWAY - she has sent out the first press release to the news media for this year's event and I've "cut and pasted" it below for your info. Anyone who CAN make it SHOULD try. It's a good cause and a great chance to meet some wonderful writers. I've already signed up and I know "The Queen" (JJ) has as well. Hope to see many of you there!

NEWS RELEASE

AUTHORS NEEDED FOR BOOK ‘EM 2005
The Book ‘Em Foundation, whose slogan is “Buy a Book and Stop a Crook” has begun plans for the Second Annual Book ‘Em Event, and is actively seeking authors who wish to participate in signings and readings. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2005 in Waynesboro, Virginia.

The event highlights a partnership between law enforcement and the literary community to bring attention to the connection between high illiteracy rates and high crime rates. Proceeds from the sale of books at the event will be used in increasing literacy, reducing crime, and raising public awareness.

Last year’s event attracted 52 authors from all over the world, representing mystery/suspense, romance, children’s books, nonfiction, historical, and other genres. The keynote speaker was Diane Fanning, who traveled to Virginia from Texas to discuss her book, Into the Water. Dirk Robertson, author of Highland T’ing and Bad Day for a Fat Boy, had the distinction of having traveled the furthest to participate in Book ‘Em, traveling to Virginia from Edinburgh, Scotland. Dirk will also be with us for the 2005 event.

Authors will be provided with tables and chairs at no charge. Instead, The Book ‘Em Foundation is asking that at least 40% of the sale of each book be donated to The Book ‘Em Foundation, who will divide the proceeds between the Shenandoah Valley Reading Council, Friends of the Library of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro, and Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers.

If an author is unable to attend but would like to contribute, we are accepting autographed books to be sold at the event. To date, we have received donations from best-selling authors David Baldacci, Brad Meltzer, David Morrell, Dave Pelzer, Jeff Shaara, and Scott Turow. A complete list of donations and attending authors can be viewed at www.bookemfoundation.org, as well as pictures and information from last years event.

Book ‘Em has already received a great deal of publicity, including television shows, radio interviews, and newspaper articles. The exposure could be invaluable to authors and their publishers, whether it is for a back listed book or a new release.

For additional information and to download a registration form, go to www.bookemfoundation.org; telephone Officer Mark Kearney of the Waynesboro Police Department at 540-942-6683 or via email at kearneymp@ci.waynesboro.va.us; or contact author p.m.terrell at patricia@pmterrell.com or by telephone at 804-778-7711.

great opportunity for authors. Wish I could attend.

I wish you could too Vicki!

i hope to be retired by then, who knows?

Maybe next year when I'm published .
I'd like to go just to meet you and JJ, Pam.
Have fun!
Sherri what did u mean by retired by then?
chickadee

Wow, I just looked it up and I'm only 4 1/2 hours from there. The chance to meet Miss Pam and Da Queen! I'm going to give this some serious consideration! You just might see me there ladies!

Well the more Boomers the better I say! I'd love to see and meet as many of you who can make the trip. I bought several books there myself from fellow authors - nice to chit chat AND get an autograph.....

Anyway ladies - should you think you'd like to attend, you can be there for ONE day or BOTH days....it's a Sat/Sun. event. All the info is available on the website link in the press release posting above!!

Are you going to be there both days?

Chick,

I am waiting on word if I get a voluntary seperation, early retirement, but now today they found something to hit me with, so may not be working anyway! Supposed to know by the end of day, could get a verbal warning, 3 day suspension or be fired. When it rains it pours, we should know if the 16 of us that was denied early retirement by next Weds. Hope I'm still there.

The Book-'Em event sounds like a blast, and it would be great fun to attend. And meet other authors.

It is a blast Dian....I really had fun last year and can't wait for this year. I was a member of a panel discussion on "the path to publishing" which was as educational for ME as it was for the audience I think!

Right now I'm planning on attending only on Saturday vs. both days. I was exhausted after one day last year but then again - a lot of that was nervous exhaustion (my first signing!).

Sounds great, Pam. I'll do what I can to attend, and I'll definitely send some books.

Joyce

WONDERFUL!! There were two HUGE tables full of books last year from authors who were unable to attend but who participated by sending books. It's a very worthy cause and was very well attended by the public last year.

[ February 01, 2005, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: Pam Kimmell ]

Sherri, saying a prayer for you here. Hope it all works out in your favour.
Pam, "my first signing" are nice words aren't they. Can't wait til my time comes to say that. Soon, soon I hope.
You guys have a great time.
chickadee

You are right Chickadee....they ARE nice words but wanna know what's even MORE fun to say? "My first AUTOGRAPH"....hahahahahaha Now THAT was something I will never forget either - having the very first person say "will you please autograph my copy of your book???????"......

I have had local signings and they are a rush! I even had people come to my table and tell me they had seen me in the local newspaper. Talk about getting a boost! I recommend it to all who haven't. It is fun, and it's important to get your name in front of the public. I only have 17 books left so am not planning on a book signing right now. Working on writing the second draft of my novel, and other tidbits for other publications.

Sherri,

I collect poetry books. E-mail me if you would like 2 trade poetry books, thanks.
I will be at the BOOKEM event. I hope 2 meet you Pam, & Jawjaw:)Trish has become my new buddy.
We are staying at the same hotel in Waynesboro!

Caged, I can't find your e-mail address on the sight. You can e-mail me at dancer6477@insightbb.com. I am interested in trading books. I have only 1 right now.

Sherri

Great Cagedbird! We'll be sure and look you up there...so glad you can make it.....the more the merrier.

Pam-- I would LOVE to do this event. I downloaded the registration form and filled it out tonight. Hope there's still room. Plus, how could I pass up the chance to meet you, JJ and P.M. Terrell?

I sense a PAR TAY coming on....


JJ

Prill that is WONDERFUL news! I'm just so very happy that I (we) will get to meet you - I feel like I already know you so it will be like "old home" weekend in Waynesboro. Now I'm starting to wish I was going to be there all weekend instead of just Friday night and Saturday.....I bet you BOOMER PAR-TAY girls will go crazy and I won't be there to supervise!!! WHAAAAAAA......

[ February 02, 2005, 10:10 PM: Message edited by: Pam Kimmell ]

ahhhhhhh.........sigh..........now I don't know whether to be happy for you gals.......or insanely jealous.........sigh............woe is me

Evie-- Don't be insanely jealous. Who knows what's in store for you that week. Maybe something equally glorious. You just wait and see, girl.

Pam & JJ-- I've got my party hat and my fairy wings ready to go.

Ok, I am thinking of trying to do this, but the registration didn't go to the site so someone help me!! I am planning on being retired by then, going to Cancun in May to be with my sister who will be getting married there...I will probably have to get a part time job if I take retirement, or else my writing will have to start paying!!

CAGEDBIRD, you have a new screen name!

Sherri, you need to "copy & paste" the registration form into a NEW email to register. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could make it! Sounds like there will be a LOT of us Boomer Chicks there - Prill's even bringing her party hat and fairy wings!!!

And I'm bringing my crown and my dragon...no wait, that my butt that's dragon...get it? draggin'? hahaha....teeheewhahaooo....ahem..ahem..

Sorry...Sherri I'll keep my fingers crossed you can come and oh Evie! I so wish you could be there! And everybody else too!

JJ

"ooohhh,,,I'm dragon my life away...waiting for another day.....to see the Queen....oooohh...I'm dragon my life away....."

WHAP!!

Ouch, her royal highness's royal sceptor hurts when its slapped up the not so royal head.....

oh gees louise...everybody's a comedian....

JJ

Well we TRY to be comedians Madame Queen, but we KNOW who's DA QUEEN OF COMEDY among us - how could we forget??????

ATTENTION BOOK 'EM BOOMERS! Trish Terrell was on her way out the door for a weekend trip but passed on this info which I'm in turn passing on to all of you coming to Book 'Em in October:

The Quality Inn, Waynesboro at 640 West Broad Street has offered a discount to all authors attending the event. The rate is (she thinks) around $65/day or $75/day for double occupancy with 2 double beds. You must mention that you are an author with the Book 'Em Event when you make your reservation. Their phone number is 540-942-1171. There are other hotels available (but this is the only one offering the group discount) - there's a link on the Book 'Em website for other hotel info.

[ February 11, 2005, 09:24 AM: Message edited by: Pam Kimmell ]

how 'bout us 'author groupies', Pam? I wanna hang out where ya'll are hangin' out.

Well, the hotel couldn't POSSIBLY know if you are or are not an author attending Book 'Em now could they???? HAHA

This is a great chance to not only meet any Boomer Chicks attending, but LOTS of great authors who will be there to autograph books and give lectures, etc. Unique, you might like to check out the "authors attending" link on the BookEmFoundation website to see if any of your favorites (other than us of course!!) are going to be there!

http://bookemfoundation.com

The Book 'Em Foundation website indicates that while a LOT of authors are unable to attend in person, they have donated books (some autographed!).....they include David Baldacci, John Connolly, and Scott Turow who just happen to be three of my favorites....wish they could have come to the event. They set up a section in the gymnasium last year where all of these donations were available for purchase. I plan to bring a LARGER "mad money" supply with me this year so I can buy more books than last year. It's a book lovers' dream come true!

Hey Boomer Girls....just thought I'd RE-POST the address and info on the Waynesboro motel that has given authors attending "Book 'Em" a discount rate. I know if I post something new it will move this topic back up to the top of the "Writing" thread!!

The Quality Inn Waynesboro
640 West Broad Street
$62.86 for single $71.36 for double
Phone: 540-942-1171
Mention you are attending "Book 'Em" event!

Hope to see some of my Boomer Sisters there.....

Pam,

No where could I find a registration fee? Is there one? Do we have to take books or can we just attend? Does anyone want to share a room?

Just thinking ahead.

Hi Sherri! There is no registration fee for the authors or entry fee for those coming to meet authors or buy books. The public is invited to attend and it's well advertised in the area and out of the area. Last year I did meet a few authors who attended and hadn't brought books to sell or participate on a panel, etc.....they just wanted to meet some of their favorite authors and get some autographed copies of their books.

I don't know if anyone is looking for a "roomie" but hopefully if they are they will let you know!!! Would love for you to be there with us Sherri....

I have been to Waynesboro Pa. My husbands Aunt lived there . I think your nearist Airport is Pittsburg PA . Nice airport . But check it out when you get your tickets.

Have a good trip . Lets hear all about it.

I am laughing also. I need that this have been a rough week for me. I did not know there there was a Wayesboro VA. Is there and airport in Richmond VA That was funny that would be something .

I new years ago I was going to Clarksville WVA on the bus and the ticket gal said and glad she asked are you going to Clarksville MD or West Virginia . that would have been a laugh I would not have gotten out of the state of MD . Ha!

Have a good trip.

[ February 22, 2005, 11:07 PM: Message edited by: Nancy50 ]

Yuhooo...just thought I'd let you all know that Pam and I changed our reservations from the Quality Inn to the Holiday Inn Express...Reason being the Quality Inn had a low rating and the review said they had lots of nasty bugs, etc...so we changed out reservations...just a heads up.

JJ

That's a good heads up. I can put up with a lot of things, but BUGS in the BED ain't one of 'em. Thanks, Jaw Jaw!

Brenda, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is 24 miles away from Waynesboro but not sure how BIG the airport is.....you could do a "search" on a travel website to check all of that out I'm sure.

The website for Book 'Em Foundation is working fine today - give it a try again for more info and to register!

http://bookemfoundation.com/

I would still love to have someone to share a room with me if I could go. Let me know.

Sherri I have a friend from home traveling with me (we're driving up) but if something happens she cancels, I would be tickled pink to have you stay in my room. I'll let you know but as it stands now, she's going.

JJ

I am going to attend this event I've decided. I just can't pass it up - I plan on going for both days to soak up all the knowledge I can and buy some books. And I'm bringing my camera to get pics of my boomer pals. Trish - thanks for bringing this to our attention. It's on my calendar, and I'm psyched!

Sherri - I'd be glad to share a room ... just email me, dian@handsforhope.com

Dian I am just thrilled that you will be coming along to join us. Glad for the opportunity to meet you in person!

What colleges are near the event? Big, small, state, private. It doesn't matter. We'll be looking at colleges with two of our children in the fall and maybe I can tie this all together.

Dotsie I suspect Trish might be the best one to answer this one about nearby schools....She knows Waynesboro a lot better than I do!

Ladies I'm bringing this topic back up because we've had SOOOOOO many new Boomers join us lately I want anyone who might be interested in attending this great event to know about it! Please forgive me for "hogging" the space yet again.

Anyone who wants more information on "Book 'Em" can visit their website at:
http:www.bookemfoundation.org

You can sign up to attend until early September, but the sooner the better! I highly recommend it - I was at last year's event and it's truly amazing.....our very own Boomer, and author (currently our Featured Author) P.M. ("Trish") Terrell is one of the founders of this great cooperative group so I'm sure if you have a question you can't find an answer for she can get one!!