This coming weekend on the UCLA campus is the annual LA Times Festival of Books. In past years, I’d take note that it was happening, but I wouldn’t haul myself over there to check it out (it’s FREE — well, aside for the cost of parking!).
But last year, the fact that a couple of friends were going to be there signing motivated me to finally check it out.
It’s very cool! Attitude-wise, that is. Last year, the day I was there it was rather warm. I went on the Saturday (I had a conflict for Sunday).
The first friend I’d expected to see there was Blake Snyder, author of Save the Cat! I’d expected to find him at the booth for the Writers Store. If you’re a writer, the Writers Store is the coolest emporium you can imagine: the computer programs you need, and just about any book on writing (film stuff mostly, but plenty on everything else). They are very neat people, and I’ve patronized the store frequently over the years. As it turned out, Blake was going to be appearing on Sunday rather than Saturday. That was a disappointment. I consolded myself by buying a couple of books that were new to me.
James A. Owen
I then trudged back up the hill, to the booth that James Owen was going to be at (I’d missed his earlier signings at other booths). I’d “gotten to know” James online in the months prior to this, and he was “my sort of people” (especially a similar sense of humor). But this was my first encounter with him in person. My first thought on meeting him was “Tall. He’s really tall.” (I’m 5’8″ in my bare feet, and in Hollywood, most people I meet, men included, rarely top 5’10” or 5’11”. James is well past the 6′ mark. 6’4″, if I remember correctly.) Anyway, he got down to the business of signing copies of Here, There Be Dragons and his book on pirates of the Caribbean, and he was very entertaining to watch. In between the autograph seekers, we had an amusing conversation.
All in all, an enjoyable excursion.
This year, I’m going for various reasons. Making some connections with the Writers Store folks (hey! I have a book coming out soon). Also, checking out the various things that publishers are putting out right now. I’m looking at buckling down on several writing projects, and it would be a good idea to see what is happening in the various markets.
And then there’s that Owen fellow again, who is out promoting his second engaging novel, The Search for the Red Dragon. Maybe I should hire myself out as a professional shill.
Anyway, I’m going to be wandering around books and books and books this weekend. Happily, my state tax refund came today! I’ll have some spending money! Color me happy! If you’re going to be in the LA area this weekend, you should check it out too!
