I volunteered at the Virginia Festival of the Book this weekend. I had a great time meeting up with old friends and also meeting some new ones. There was every genre of book you can imagine, and many of the authors were signing them as well. I love going to this venue every year as it gives me a chance to take in what is new in the writing world, and it also allows me to do some networking between members of the Virginia Writers Club and those outside of the club. You never know who you may run into or meet at the Festival. I have been going for the last 10 years, and I have enjoyed it every time.

At my very first Festival, I met CJ Lyons. I had read two of her medical series and eagerly bought the third one at the festival. Of course, I had brought all of them for her to sign. She signed the first one with "Thanks for all the lives you have saved." We both talked about out medical background and how it books really identified with our particular professions. She is an ER Physician; I am an OR Nurse. I enjoyed meeting her immensely and as a result, I have every book she has written.

Another interesting author I met at the Festival is Kathy Reichs. She is a forensic anthropologist, and writes the stories that the show BONES is based on at present. She was super sweet and answered my many questions while signing my books for me. She had just come from a formal lunch at the Festival giving a talk on her profession and what she does to truly help solve particular crimes. She is truly a very remarkable woman.

So next year, if you get a chance, check the Festival out on several different days as it runs for five days from Wednesday to Sunday. There are plenty of workshops and talks to interest everyone. It is also a great place to meet up with friends and meet an author or two that you really admire.