One-hundred-and-fifty local authors will come to Kirkland this weekend. But it’s not to draw inspiration for their literary masterpieces.
The “Northwest Bookfest 2012 – It’s Raining Books!” will host book signings, feature exhibitors, booksellers, readings, children activities, live music, food and drink, and yes, author appearances.
“(This event) is for anybody that’s interested in books or literary,” said Bookfest organizer Sheryn Hara.
Hara says e-book lovers are welcome too.
Last year the event drew 3,000 people and Deborah Schneider thinks that’s because the freeway was closed. Schneider is the public programming coordinator of the King County Library system. But this year, she believes Bookfest will draw up to 10,000.
Aspiring writers can participate in 26 writing workshops, which include creating a photography book to tips on editing, book design and character development.
Bookfest will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Park.
Bellevue author Robert Dugoni and Kirkland author Yasmine Galenorn have had their work recognized by the New York Times. Both are involved in the event, among many other Seattle authors.
Galenorn is a self proclaimed shamanic witch who writes about urban fantasy and mysteries. Parkplace Books will host a book signing with Galenorn on Sept. 23 at 2:15 p.m. at the Queens of Romance Tea.
Parkplace Books is one of many venues for Bookfest and will host writing workshops, as well as “Meet the Author” opportunities.
“(Bookfest) brings a lot of people to downtown Kirkland,” co-owner Mary Harris said. “And of course it brings a lot of new people to the book store.”
Harris said she and her co-owner think the amount of work and collaboration that have gone into Bookfest are “remarkable.”
Parkplace Books is providing books for all of the 150 authors, as well as books for self-published authors.
Six local poets will also attend as a part of Wine and Words, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Food vendors Paris Productions, Lumpia World, Raney Brothers BBQ and Crisp Seattle will be available to feed the bookworms and writers throughout the weekend.
For more information, contact Sharyn Hara at sheryn@nwbookfest.com or call 425 483-3040.
