Wordstock 2008

I've been meaning to document my Wordstock experience for a while now, but with the holidays and everything going on this time of year it has unfortunately fallen to the side. If you get a chance to check out Wordstock next year, I would highly recommend going. They have many volunteer opportunities, and it's a great chance to mingle with other readers and writers.

The way that they have it set up is very conducive to mingling. The booths range in subject from publishing companies to writers' groups. I picked up some great info at the Willamette Writers' table as well as the Women's Writing booth. It's great to see so many classes and organizations devoted to the progression of the art form.

Also saw some great lit magazines and journals being represented, I can't wait to explore those one of these rainy days.

The job that I had as a volunteer was to usher the speakers to their stages and make sure everything was organized and on time. The first group I walked with was Ellen Heltzel, Mark Sarvas, Stewart O'Nan, and Floyd Skloot. They did a panel on "The Book Review Crisis" which I found really stimulating, as I often review or recommend books on this blog. I've been a follower of Sarvas's blog for some time now and I have read a couple of Heltzel's reviews, and I was really excited to hear what they had to say. The foremost topic of discussion was the part that the internet plays in book reviewing, and what that means for authors and reviews alike. The impact that the internet has as well as the interest the industry has in how readers determine what books they will read were also discussed. Personally, I tend to get book recommendations from friends, and when I really like something, I'll post it on here. I think the interent is a great way to make books of all genres accessible to all people.

I also got to have short conversations with Kevin Cook and Jennie Shortridge, they were both very nice, and as I haven't read any of their work yet, it's next on my list.

The highlight though, was being asked by an elderly woman to walk her to the author's waiting room. I was done volunteering for the day, but still had the shirt on, and I was glad to help her as she was having a small amount of difficulty with her cane. As we walked she asked me if I am a writer. I responded that I am in the process of writing, and it's a dream I'm hoping to pursue more in the coming years. She told me I am still young, and she recommended the 'Attic workshops', she said they helped her cultivate her passion. I did not get her name, but I've been searching to find out who she is as I know she has several volumes of poetry out, and I would like to read them. Hopefully I can find out soon.

Well, that's it for now, I plan on volunteering again next year as it was extremely gratifying!