Normally, I attend the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., but this year, I was asked to join a panel of Book Bloggers at the Baltimore Book Festival. Instead of exhausting myself even more this Sept. after an extended visit from my parents and brother, I decided to stick to one event this year.
I’m not the most talkative person and I often shy away from public speaking if I can help it, but this sounded like a good opportunity, and I got to hang out with some of my favorite bloggers in person — Swapna, Julie, Candice, Heather, Nicole, and Allie. The other bonus for me was being able to talk about blogs and how they can be used to provide greater coverage for poets and poetry; something I hope I accomplished.
I want to thank Heather for setting up the great panel and for the detailed instructions and preparation that she did. Wonderful job. Also, I want to thank the Baltimore Book Festival personnel for being so kind and helpful when I couldn’t find the reception room for panelists! The room was gorgeous in an older Baltimore home turned publisher’s office, and the food was delicious. They even offered Mimosas, but I had to decline or I would have giggled my way through the panel.
Prior to the book festival, I tagged along with Anna, her family, and my hubby as we checked out the Walters Art Museum. I left my hubby in charge of photos this time around. I’d like to have more time to check out the museum, but the rare manuscript and book room was fantastic. I’ll provide you with a slide show for both the museum and blogger panel.
I was nervous as expected, but once I met everyone on the panel — or should I say met Celeste and David whom I did not know before — I was more at ease. The panel talked about the basics of book blogging, author/publisher relationships with bloggers, and much more. Heather did a great job keeping us on track, but the questions from the audience were few. I’m also not sure how helpful I was about cybersecurity for the woman working with Montgomery County Public Schools and other student-teaching programs. I think I would have liked more questions, so if you have any, feel free to ask them here.
Here are some synopses from other sources: Reading Local, Baltimore Sun (I’m even quoted in this one and my name is spelled correctly), Read Street, and I’m sure there are others I may have missed (please send links and I will add them).
And here’s the slide show you’ve been waiting for, I’m sure:
It was great weekend, wasn’t it? And Heather was fantastic as a moderator. The best though was getting a chance to hang out with everyone.
That was fun. Nice and casual.
Thanks again for being on the panel – you really did a great job! I hope that it will bring a bit of extra attention to poetry. And thanks for posting the photos too!
Thanks for all the work you did on the panel. It was fun.
Congrats on the panel discussion! Loved the photos, I’ll add the Walter to my MTV (list of museums-to-visit)
If you’re ever in Baltimore, the museum is great.
What a great opportunity!!
It sounds like a wonderful adventure! I’m sure you did great too.
For someone who said she was so nervous you didn’t seem it at all. But I was upset that you turned your head when I took your picture. 😛
LOL you know I look dumb in photos…especially when I know people are taking them! LOL
Looks like the book fest was wonderful! Although I have to say you don’t exactly look thrilled in some of the photos. 🙂 I would have been a wreck if I were in your shoes, so I’m glad you made it through the whole public speaking thing!
I never take great photos. This is why I usually take the pictures. I deleted the really awful ones my hubby took. I was making all kinds of strange faces while talking. LOL
This is so very cool! I am so glad that you were able to attend and got the chance to speak as well. I recently went to my first bookish event and met some great bloggers, so I know just how fun and exciting it can be. I am so glad that you had a good time there!
The first time you meet other bloggers in person can be daunting, but then it’s like meeting old friends. I’m so glad you had that opportunity.
Sounds like you all had a great time. Wish I could have heard you on the panel!
I think Allie of Hist-Fic Chick took some video. I dunno if she posted it though.
It was so nice spending some time with you. I thought you were fantastic on the panel and said so many intelligent things!
It was great seeing you for a sort of relaxing period of time and chatting. I’m glad you enjoyed the panel and that I didn’t sound like a dope.