Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Schedule

Hey bibliophiles!
While I know that some of you are returners to the TBF scene, I also know that some of you may be TBF first-timers. So for those of you who haven’t had the delight of attending our earlier Teen Book Festivals, this post is dedicated to explaining how the day flows. 
10 AM The authors arrive! At TBF, we treat our authors right. The authors arrive in style, driven from their hotel to Nazareth in a limo (or two!). A red carpet is laid down, Hollywood stars line the walkway, and the authors’ arrival is accompanied by a band or group of cheerleaders. It’s a blast – and a great photo opportunity!
11AM The opening panel begins. Teen moderators ask the authors questions submitted by real teens. Previous questions have ranged from “What one word would you use to describe yourself as a teen?” to “How do YOU eat an Oreo?” I love hearing the author’s answers and it allows their personalities to shine through. If your undecided as to who’s breakout session to attend, the opening panel can help you make the decision.
12:10 PM-3:20 PM Four breakout sessions are held during this time. Each author presents at three of these sessions so be sure to check the official schedule handed out that day and plan your lunch break accordingly! At the breakout sessions, enjoy hearing each author speak a little bit about their writing process, their teenage years, or their novels. If you’re lucky, you might even hear an author read an excerpt from an upcoming book! This year we have several special breakout session groups. A. S. King, Robin Brande, and Lisa McMann will be presenting a panel entitled “How Daily Humiliation and Mortification in High School Turned Us Into Successful YA Authors.” We’ll have another new author panel featuring Sarah Ockler, Martin Wilson, Kay Cassidy, and James Kennedy. We’ll also have a historical fiction room where Alisa Libby and Marissa Doyle will present together. 
3:30 PM During the autograph session, you’ll get the chance to meet our authors up close and personal. Our authors will be spread throughout a large room (most likely the gym of the Shults Center) and TBF attendees will get the opportunity to line up and have books, tee shirts, and autograph books signed. 
Ahhh! Just writing about the day makes me even more excited for TBF 2010. I can’t wait to meet as many of you as I can! I think I’ll wear a button that says “Hi! My name is Carly Reads” so that you know how to find me!
Only 136 more days!

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