Book Convention

Books, books and more books. We’ve just returned from the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association 2011 Trade Show in Minneapolis, which was held this year in a delightfully renovated downtown train depot.

For those who believe the book, one with real paper, is dead, recall what Mark Twain once said about his own demise--the information is considerably exaggerated. Books, publishers, independent book store owners, book distribution companies, librarians and authors prowled the aisles of exhibits for new ideas, connected with old friends, discovered new book titles, and generally had a great time, my wife and I included.

I was in Minneapolis promoting my new book, CAMPFIRES AND LOON CALLS, (Fulcrum Press), but I was also introducing two new books that will appear in 2012. The first is GARDEN WISDOM (Wisconsin Historical Society Press), which comes out in January, 2012. The book was a family project. I wrote about my many years of vegetable gardening; Ruth included some of her favorite garden recipes and Steve snapped the photos.

My second new book is RURAL WIT AND WISDOM (Fulcrum Press). This book is a complete re-do of an earlier book, with a third new material, new photos from Steve and lots of wit and wisdom from the country. It’s due out in June 2012.

An unspoken but important theme for the MIBA show: continue to support your independent bookstore and your local library. They are both treasures that we too often take for granted.

CHECK THIS OUT: I learned this past week that there are a few more slots available for my Saturday, October 29 writing workshop at The Clearing in Door County. It’s all about writing stories from your life. Go to The Clearing’s website for more information: www.theclearing.org.

THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Books do not scold when you blunder, laugh when you are ignorant, or hide when you seek them.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 1, Family History Fair, Walworth County Genealogical Society. Faith Christian School, HWY 67, Williams Bay, WI. 9-3. (Speaking at 1:00) Horse Drawn Days.

October 2, Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, WI. Barns of Wisconsin, Horse Drawn Days, Old Farm.

October 4, Union Grove Library. 1:30 p.m. Horse Drawn Days, 6:30 p.m. History of Cheese Making.

October 8, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Speaking at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. Horse Drawn Days.

October 15, Wade House, Green Bush, WI. 1:00 p.m. Horse Drawn Days.

October 18, New Holstein Library, 1:00 p.m. Book talk featuring Cranberry Red. 6:30-8:30 Writer’s Workshop.