One of the great developments for writers in recent years has been the inception of state-wide or regional book festivals across the country. Mississippi holds its @MSBookFest in August on the Capitol lawn, and I’ll be there next weekend, August 17, for the fifth year. My first time, I went as a volunteer. My second year, I went as a writer with Barrier Island Suite, and for the past three years, I’ve gone to represent The W with our magazines, writing programs, and the Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium at an organization table. I don’t get to hear as many of the great readers that way, but I do get to meet a lot of people and talk about writing and publishing in our state.
The readings take place inside the capitol building in the air conditioning. Our tables are outside in the shade, so the heat is never too unbearable, though last year we got some rain! Here’s some of what I’ll be missing out on inside. Mary Miller will read from her novel Biloxi, Kiese Laymon will read from Heavy. They will both also be at the Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium this fall, so I will get a chance to hear them in October. There are many other panels with luminaries liek Joyce Carol Oats and Ann Patchett, as well as writers you may not have heard of, but whose work will delight.
John Bateman and T. K. Lee will be outdoors with me on Author’s Alley, where small press writers can represent their own books, and there are bookstores, food tents, and live music. It’s a great way to end the summer and start off the school year (if, like me, you’ll be heading back to classes soon). And it’s free! The only things you’ll need money for are books and food. Come enjoy a lovely Saturday (here’s hoping for good weather again!) in Jackson, Mississippi. And if that’s too far for you to travel, find the book festival in your state! More and more, it seems like something states are doing, and that’s great news for books, reading, and culture!
Kendall Dunkelberg 