Dining with Robert Redford fans ..it’s time for my long-anticipated book tour of the Middle Atlantic. I’ll be part of a story panel at the Virginia Festival for the Book on March 23. If you’re in the Charlottesville area, stop by at 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble. I’ll be a panelist with four other writers to discuss the finer points of being a short story writer in what seems a novel-reading world.
Since my first visit to the festival several several years ago, I’ve enjoyed several happy returns. At three of the past festivals, I was there to cheer on fellow writers I had met at conferences and in workshops. I dreamed that some day I might be on the VA Book agenda. Lo and behold, here I am, checking off my bucket list.
After Charlottesville, it’s on to Indiana, PA and the Appalachian Studies Conference, where I’ll discuss the work of James Agee and Harper Lee in the context of regional voice. My paper originated as a craft project for my MFA at Stonecoast, which proves how what at first seems like a chore assignment can reap big rewards.
Last on my tour are two stops in Delaware–a luncheon reading at Milford, DE and an appearance at Browseabout Books at Rehoboth Beach. I’m thankful for these exciting opportunities and those who have arranged them. I’m also thankful for a mild winter-spring…good traveling weather. Hope to see you on the road.