Wanna Hear Jamie Ford Speak?

by Elizabeth

Living in greater Dallas, we sometimes feel like we have an embarrassment of wonderful author opportunities. In various groupings, the six of us have seen terrific writers speak, and those author events are among my favorite meetings our group undertakes.

One of the best opportunities, in my opinion, is an annual celebration of a writer sponsored by the Richardson Library. That library is not only home to The Writer's Guild of Texas, where the six of us had our first taste of professional presentation as writers early this year, but just a great place to go, hang out, relax on couches, and read. I'm lucky enough that I often swing by while my son takes Tae Kwan Do two freeway exits south, though it's not quite as close for some of the others.

The writer event the library sponsors is Richardson Reads One Book. To give you an idea of the caliber of this annual event, take a look at the writers featured in past years:

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2010)
Three Cups of Tea by David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortenson (2009)
Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian (2008)
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (2007)
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (2006)
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2005)
Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde (2004)

Hardly a shabby list.

Jamie Ford

When the 2011 selection was announced, we here at WWW felt a special jubilation, as Joan had bestowed an honorary tiara on Jamie Ford here at the blog. Way back in 2009 we knew he was something special!

Next Tuesday, most of us will convene at Richardson High School, a mere three miles or so from the Richardson Library, and join some two thousand other happy readers to listen to Jamie talk about his book. Tickets are long gone, but there's still a chance to join us (and the rest of the crowds) if you live close or close enough to make the drive. The Richardson Library has kindly allotted us two pairs of tickets to hand out to our readers, and the first two commenters who want 'em, get 'em. Post a comment asking for the tickets, include an email, and I'll get in touch with you and pop your pair into the mail.

And while you're at it, share your favorite author encounter if you feel inclined. Mine? Well, did you read the blog Monday? I'd have to say that right now, it will be Tuesday, when I get to see my new favorite author in person for the first time since she signed a deal.