|
Did Wonder Woman hide slit wrists under her bracelets?
Poet Hilda Raz asked the startling question at the 2009 Nebraska Book Festival, where writers, readers and publishers gathered to celebrate the state's literary presence.
To see and hear Hilda Raz read "Wonder Woman's Bracelets," click here. Photo Slideshow: Rob McLean"It's an adornment," Raz said, "but also a weapons deflector."
Ten authors read their work at the festival. Mary Jo Ryan, communications coordinator for the Nebraska Library Commission, said organizers used two criteria to consider inviting readers: All were Nebraskans, and all had a book published this year.
This Book Festival was different from those of previous years. Most years have featured a keynote speaker, such as 2008's Kent Haruf, award-winning author of "Plainsong" and "Eventide," but organizers did not invite a keynote speaker this year. Panel discussions are another usual feature, but this year's event included only one roundtable discussion.
Writers came from across Nebraska for the readings and workshops. Tammy Wright, an aspiring writer who teaches Spanish and speech in Neligh, Neb., came for Harley Jane Kozak's workshop. But Wright could only get on the waiting list.
Ryan said workshops were full before the event, but Kozak asked organizers to bring in more chairs. Ryan estimated 50 people ended up attending.
Chairs were in demand at another popular program: Attendants filled every seat for the roundtable discussion between three Nebraska poets: Ted Kooser, William Kloefkorn and Don Welch.
Ann Billesbach, curator for the Nebraska State Historical Society, estimated that more than 100 people attended the discussion.
It followed Kooser's award at the Nebraska Center for the Book luncheon, where he was presented the Mildred Bennett Award, which celebrates a significant contribution to Nebraska's literary tradition.
Kooser reflected on his Nebraskan writing life, noting, with tongue in cheek, that no one might have read his work had he lived in New York City.
Vendors set up at the festival Saturday. Photo: Rob McLean, NewsNetNebraska
"I think the vendors are a huge success," Ryan said.
One vendor was author D.R. Haskin, who promoted his historical novel "The Hills of Mars." Haskin combed death, probate and marriage records while researching the novel, but some of his research might be considered morbid.
"Went through old cemeteries," he said. "Spent hours and hours in old cemeteries looking through that."
This year's attendance grew to 318 people by mid-afternoon. Ryan was elated to hear the news, saying between 150 and 200 attended last year's festival.
Ryan said organizers already are talking about next year's festival. She said they are tentatively considering the first weekend in November next year.
But at the end of the day, Ryan's thoughts remained on this year's festival. She was hoping people would sign-up to speak at an open-mike reading scheduled for Saturday evening.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
