LA Times Festival of Books...Michael J. Fox, Henry Winkler, Brook Shields, Gore Vidal, & Tori Spelling to appear! April 25th & 26th...

Well, if you're an autograph hound, or like to hang around celebrities, the Festival of Books kicking off this weekend at UCLA (April 25th & 26th) is apt to provide a lofty climb or two.

The big thrust, of course, is on a myriad of publications from all genres - from kids' illustrated books, to romantic novels, and rare comics - that will be artfully displayed in picturesque tents about the well-manicured grounds.

In addition, the spotlight will be tossed on a thought-provoking series of panel discussions, and high-profile celebrities who will be heading them up.

Got to lure John Doe in the gate, somehow, eh?

Well-known actors like Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future), the Blog Queen (Not Perez Hilton, silly) Arianna Huffington, and a handful of popular radio talk show hosts and columnists will all be touting something or other like snake-oil salesmen.

Like you, I'll be front-row-center, devouring all the delicious offerings.

Entrance to the Festival grounds is free.

Golly, a number of the panel discussions are gratis, too.

However, it is important to note that while a handful of tickets for indoor panel events are free, they must be picked up in advance at ticketmaster.

Drats!

Those blood-suckers are going to charge 75 cents a pop for each ticket scarfed up!

There will be six outdoor stages, as well, where in-your-face stars such as Tori Spelling (spoiled little rich girl, I expect), Maureen McCormick (Brady Bunch aficionado), and Oscar-Winning actress Cloris Leachman will kick up their heels.

Who knows, in view of the fact the Festival is strewn about such a wide expanse on UCLA campus, the seasoned pros may turn up in sensible walking shoes!

I'll cast a blind eye in that event, ladies!

The sponsors are reminding book-lovers and celebrity stalkers alike to drag along a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottles of hydrating water ((especially in view of the fact the mercury has been soaring in recent days).

See 'ya there!

Info: http://www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks

http://www.julianayrs.com

The Big Read...excerpts of Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless me, Ultima" to be performed in West Hollywood. Sunday Nov. 16th! National Endowment of Arts...

"The Big Read" - an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts - was designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in American Popular Culture.

In a NEA report in 2004, it was revealed that there has been a critical decline in reading for pleasure in American Adults in recent years.

The Big Read addresses that problem by providing citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.

When I encountered the Director for the program at the West Hollywood Book Fair a few weeks ago, he invited me to read an excerpt from Rudolfo Anaya's Novel - "Bless Me, Ultima" - slated to be performed over a several week period by a handful of readers.


"A novel is not written to explain a culture, it creates its own," author Rudolpho Anaya asserted in publicity hand-outs.

In essence - "Bless me, Ultima" - is a coming-of-age novel about a young boy's loss of innocence and approach to maturity.

In addition, the entertaining novel also deals with tradition and education, faith and doubt, and the concepts of good and evil.

No one in "Bless me, Ultima" doubts the existence of mystery and magic, notes the publisher.

Miracles, signs, and symbols form a rich part of the New Mexican Catholic Culture of Anaya's world, after all.

Much of the main character's struggle stems from a desire to understand the "correct" source of miracles - whether it be the Catholic Church - or the "curandera".

The curandera character (a witch) - Ultima - acts as a guide for the troubled Antonio man on his spiritual quest.

Along the way, the seeker learns about herbs and remedies of the ancients, and comes face-to-face with stirring legends about the "Weeping Woman" and the "Golden Cup".

Ultima does not tell Antonio what to believe, but how to make choices.

Anaya spent seven years writing the book, which was later published by a small Berkeley Press known as Quinto Sol.

When "Bless me, Ultima" was printed, the author received a $1,000 prize.

Warner Books later acquired the rights.

Since 1972 the novel has become part of the of high school English and University Chicano Literature classes.

Writer Tony Hillerman crowned Mr. Anaya the "Godfather and Guru" of Chicano literature sometime thereafter - which is a honor - that has stuck.

Mr. Anaya was born in the small village of Pastura near Santa Rosa (Mexico).

It is alleged that when Anaya was born to a young farm girl and cowboy father, that the local cunandera (who assisted with the birth) set out tools of both family trades near the newborn.

To the surprise of everyone present, the child reached for a pencil and paper.

At the University of New Mexico, Anaya found a strong voice with the El Movimiento, a Chicano Civil Rights movement in the 1960's.

At this juncture, Anaya was encouraged to pen books that explored his cultural heritage.

After graduating with a B.A. and an M.A., he proceeded to teach at middle schools, high schools, and Universities.

A distinguished career in literature followed.

Indeed, to date, Mr. Anaya has penned at least thirty-five books that fall into three basic categories: novels, stories, and essays.

A first excerpt of "Bless me, Ultima" will be read on Sunday November 16th at the West Hollywood Public Library at 4 p.m.

Location:
647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA, 90069

Info:
323.848.6534

This event is free and open to the public.

Light refreshments will be served.

Greater Los Angeles Writer's Society...Beyond the Draft panel discussion. October 18th!.

Calling all writers!

Professional editors and writers from the Greater Los Angeles Writer's Society are holding a panel discussion on Saturday October 18th which is open to all writers and the general public.

"Beyond the Draft (The Final Art of Editing a Novel)" will be a focus on how to turn a writer's rough draft into a masterpiece worthy of publishing.

"Every writer knows the first draft of anything from a short story to an epic novel needs polishing," one panelist noted in the teaser which arrived by e-mail this past week.

Is the whole process "part luck" and "part Voodoo"?

Find out for yourself.

The program commences at 3 p.m.

The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring writers on all levels in the craft of writing, providing continuing education, and a forum for the marketing of their work.

This mission is in concert with the California Writers Club founded in 1909 by Jack London.

The "greater" refers to the general geographic area where most of the members are located - and not to any claims of "grandness" - their promo for the event joked.

In fact, the association not only welcomes writers from all over Southern California, but all kinds of 'em as well.

They extend their reach from aspiring students to best-selling authors, from industry professionals, to a dabbler in the throes of learning their craft.

Their motto is a simple straightforward one.

"Writers mentoring writers of all disciplines."

GLAWS holds monthly informative meetings - and on occasion - Nationally-known guest speakers turn up to share their expertise.

But, the association also manages critique groups, offers advice in the craft and business of writing, conducts special events (including writers conferences and seminars), and promotes its vision through many business and social opportunities.

General Meetings of the Greater Los Angeles Writer Society are typically held the third Saturday of the month, ten times a year, except during December and August or July when the society holds a picnic or party.

General meetings are held at the Palms-Rancho Park Library in the Ray Bradbury Room.

Info: http://www.glaws.org/

Jack London