Jessica Jordan
E-mail | Web site Jessica is the Editor and Producer for NH.com and The Telegraph. She has a BA in Creative Writing from Chester College of NE, and is motivated to alert New Hampshirites to the hottest goings-on in the state. She is happily married and a proud mama of one perfect baby boy born in September of 2010. Her interests include cracking the spine of a good book, writing, painting and cuddling with baby on the sofa while some terrible reality TV hums in the background. |
A Latte and a Book at NH AuthorFest!
Monday, April 11, 2011
I ventured out to AuthorFest this past Saturday, April 9th, at Barnes & Noble, South Willow St., Manchester. The bookstore was buzzing with readers of all ages thumbing through their freshly autographed books and rubbing elbows with favorite New Hampshire authors.
First mission of business, as always, was to find my way to the café for my "browsing latte," I wouldn't be able to aptly browse without it! The lovely 60+ degree weather this Saturday inspired not only my first jacket-free day of the season, but also the "iced" modifier for my grande, non-fat, white-mocha, no whip coffee selection.
With clattering iced coffee in my stroller cup holder, I was on my way! First stop was the children's section. My 7-month-old son now has his first autographed book! We picked up Cat in the Clouds, by Eric Pinder. Inked in green on the title page, Eric's message to my son included "climb every mountain!" Eric lived and worked at the weather observatory on the summit of Mount Washington for seven years; his experiences there inspired several books including Cat in the Clouds, which was his first children's book. He also teaches writing courses at Chester College of New England, and just happens to have been a professor of mine during my undergrad program! Eric also introduced me to Renee Mallett, a fellow Chester College alum, who has authored several local interest books and books on mythology and folklore. Her forthcoming non-fiction book covers the traditions and artwork surrounding Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday, Dia de los Muertos.
In total, nineteen Granite State authors sat and stood behind tables scattered throughout each genre section. The broad theme variety of represented New Hampshire literature included everything from children's, to screen-play instruction, to fitness, and even a couple of murders. After picking out a couple titles for myself, I spoke with Jessie Crockett, a nearly life-long NH resident, and author of recent Live Free or Die: A Granite State Mystery, an arson-murder thriller. Along with a blurb postcard with an enticing book summary, Jessie also, so appropriately, handed me a book of matches, with the abbreviated summary on the back!
At around 4:30pm, the event was winding down toward a close, but not before a very honorable mention to one of their own. The Leaders Inspiring Readers award was presented to Denise Carter. New Hampshire AuthorFest (NHAF) Executive Director, Jeremy Robinson, introduced Denise as a pivotal inspiration behind the creation of the NHAF organization. His story included a Rochester, NH Walden Bookstore Manager, Denise, who bent the rules for an impromptu book signing and co-founded the Rochester Book Festival, from which NHAF blossomed. Denise is also known for the "Read to Your Child for 20-Minutes a Day" program, and other literature and education programs which provide to books to children without. Hugging her award, she remarked that the best compliment she ever received was last week in the grocery store, when someone saw her and called out "there's the book lady!" Her final acceptance sentiments included "find someone, and teach them the love of books... " Along with her plaque, Denise was awarded with an amber-filled basket of New Hampshire maple syrup!
NHAF anticipates another event to be held this fall. They are looking for even more New Hampshire authors to attend. If you are, or know a New Hampshire author, contact NHAF at info@nhauthorfest.org. You may also nominate someone for the next Leaders Inspiring Readers Award. Created in 2009, the award means to honor those who go 'above and beyond the call of duty' in their devotion toward improving literacy in their community. Whether a librarian, teacher or volunteer, this award is given to the most outstanding individual promoting the cause. Nomination forms may be sent to NHAF for review.
Authors from the Spring 2011 AuthorFest bash are listed below. I strongly urge you to check out some of these amazing Granite State artists; appreciate the talent grown right here at home!
Use a printable book fair flyer for ALL your Barnes & Noble purchases through April 14th. A percentage of the net sale will be contributed to your school/organization!
Spring 2011 AuthorFest Authors
Jennifer Vaughn
Walt Schnabel
Denise Robbins
Tom Mungovan
Josh Judge
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