Humor the Antidepressant: Two Sides to Book Festivals

Sierra Vista Herald ^ | Elizabeth Cowan

[SandRat]

Have you ever attended a book festival or book fair?

It is a safe bet that people who do love to read. They certainly do not go with the intention of finding their soulmates or even a last minute date. Although, stranger things have happened. You can always hope, but hold off making reservations for dinner.

Many go to support their friends or family members who happen to be authors. Since writing is a solitary profession, authors spend hours, days, weeks and months alone in a more or less quiet room.

It is fortunate for everyone's peace of mind that their families learned to ignore the occasional screams of frustration emanating from the quiet room. And that is why book festivals and fairs come in handy. Such events force writers away from their keyboards to reconnect with their families, other humans in general, and the reading population specifically.

The opening lines describing a recent book festival would read, “The cold, rainy and cheerless day held no resemblance whatsoever to spring. Even the sun turned over and huddled behind the clouds. It was a perfect day to stay home, build a fire in the fireplace, and curl up with a good book.”

But the weather did not affect the excitement and enthusiasm of the authors prepared to talk to festival attendees and, ideally, sell their books. Rows and rows of tables filled the arts center as authors bustled about preparing their displays.

When the clock finished striking 11, the authors expelled a collective breath they were unaware of holding. All eyes took surreptitious glances at the doors, fully expecting a throng of eager readers. But Mother Nature managed to sabotage the anticipated rush, turning the expected crowds into more of a trickle than a raging river.

From a positive perspective, authors had a great opportunity to wander from display to display, visiting with other authors and discovering books for their growing TBR (to be read) lists. In addition to the writers present, a magician performed feats of magic on stage, leaving the audience awestruck. Later he was seen working his magic while visiting various displays.

A crowd favorite was the fantastic balloon man. To say he made things out of balloons is almost an insult to the artist. He created elaborate hats, baskets, flowers, and even swords out of simple balloons. The perfection and intricacy of his creations left people smiling in delight.

The folks brave enough to wear the balloon hats and post pictures of themselves on social media compelled their family and friends to chime in with witty comments. One husband stated emphatically that his lovely wife would not be wearing her balloon chapeau to an upcoming event. Poor fellow needs to lighten up. powered by

This writer wore her favorite leopard top which compelled the leering balloon man to ask, “Are you a cougar?”

“I’ve been married for several decades. So, no,” the non-cougar replied with a smirk. “Besides, cougars are solid tan in color without spots.”

“I was just joking,” he replied with a grin.

Dressing up for such events allows each of us to show off our flair or warped sense of style. In the case of this vertically challenged writer, dressing up meant wearing high heeled boots. They are cute, stylish, and can navigate water puddles Mother Nature thoughtlessly scattered everywhere.

Authors had the choice of sitting behind their displays while interacting with browsers. The leopard lady decided to stand. The rationale behind standing places one on an even footing, and more or less at eye level, with visitors.

Five hours of standing on a concrete floor took its toll. The feet were beyond unhappy and in severe pain. The surprise came that evening. The bottoms of those unhappy tootsies were swollen and resembled bear paws without the claws. It took an entire day of soaking and TLC to get the swelling down and not walk with a limp.

Some recommended carrying a rubber mat to the next event. However, we are on the hunt for a cute pair of comfortable shoes that still give the illusion of style and height to the wearer.

ELIZABETH COWAN is an author of romantic suspense novels and humor books, which are available at amazon.com. Visit elizabethcowan.com to learn more.