Rhys Reports from the Tucson Festival of Books

RHYS BOWEN: I'm checking in from the Tucson Festival of Books, a two day extravaganza bringing authors and readers together. Last year's attendance was 150,000 and it attracts some really big name authors. (read on to see who I was signing with!)

There are panels and talks going on all over the U of A campus, ranging from small poetry readings to huge auditoriums. And the kick off event last night was a fabulous reception followed by a concert by the ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS.  In case you have never heard of them, they are all famous authors: Dave Barry, Scott Turow, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, Greg Isles etc etc who get together to play charity events occasionally. They are not the world's best musicians but so much fun.
Here are a couple of candid shots I took from the back of a crowded auditorium (the distance, not the wine i'd had at the reception, explains the slightly shaky shots.) Can you imagine Amy Tan dressed like a dominatrix with whip singing These Boots are Made for Walking?

Today began with a launch party for some writers with new books out this month. J.A Jance, Cara Black, C.J. Box and I represented the mystery genre.

Then we were taken to sign in a circular outdoor area. Judy Jance pointed out the chains to me and told me it was the anchor from the U.S Arizona. After that it felt weird signing books beside something so poignant.

I only had one panel today, in a huge tent. It was on Humor in Mysteries. Lots of wind blowing but a satisfyingly big crowd that kept on growing as we spoke.

But I signed at various bookstore booths with amazing writers.
Here I am at Mostly Books from Tucson with Gail Sheehy

And late in the day found myself sitting next to Joyce Carol Oates!

I'm through for the day now, looking forward to a good dinner and a glass of wine and then much more of the same tomorrow (3 panels plus a booth signing).

Isn't it encouraging to know that so many people care about books?