Write on…and buy books!

I participated in Oceanside’s “Write On” event yesterday, a wonderful day that celebrates writing, books, and authors. I was part of the local author room, each of us set up with our books at a table and talking to members of the community who came through. The great thing about a day like this is that the attendees usually already have a passion for reading and books. I had many conversations with people about what they like to read (it’s my favorite thing to ask people who stop by my table at any author event), what they like to write, and many of those conversations evolved into the sharing of stories and experiences. It was a day full of smiling and laughing (and—bonus—selling books!) and I felt so grateful to be there.

One of the great things about an event like that, particularly if it features a room full of authors, is that the mix of the types of books in the room will be so deliciously varied. So for the book lovers who attend, they basically have their pick of any number of genres, styles, and formats. And this time of year, that means extra good news not just for book lovers, but also for people buying gifts for book lovers. Hence the pictured sign, a reminder I always like to display around this time of year. So for anyone on your list who loves to read, buy them books! They don’t have to be mine—if I learn anything at author events, it’s how many people prefer books that are NOT the kind I write—but celebrating the written word, giving your friends and loved ones the opportunity to escape, to dream, to laugh, to cry, to remember, or to clearly imagine alternative realities, is among the most thoughtful of gifts.

The event yesterday also inspired me to get the last of this new manuscript written. I’m very close to being done, and I was reminded yesterday of how satisfying it is to express on paper the words you wish to convey. There were a few contest winners announced yesterday, various members of the community who had submitted stories, essays, and poems around certain topics, and it warms my heart to know there are others out there who choose to spend a portion of time (which is precious to all of us) putting their thoughts to paper.

So write down some thoughts, maybe even consider sending them out into the universe, or at least your community. Find some libraries and bookstores to go to as you consider holiday shopping and the book lovers on your list. And please promise to spend some time this season curled up with a new book yourself, or becoming reacquainted with an old favorite. Happy reading!