Savannah on My Mind

I've got it bad. Savannah fever, that is. We're leaving Friday morning to head to Savannah for the Savannah Book Festival. Some of you might remember that we went last year. And we had a GREAT time.

This year's keynote speaker is Roy Blount, Jr. I'm ashamed to say I've never read any of his books, but of course I know who he is. I'm very excited to hear him.

And while one of my favorite poets, Starkey Flythe, will not be in attendance there are lots of other authors I'm very excited about. In fact, I already have my whole day planned out, jumping from one tent to the next as there is someone speaking that I want to hear at every time slot.

I'm particularly excited to meet -- again -- Kathy Hogan Trocheck, aka Mary Kay Andrews. I loved her Callahan Garrity mysteries she wrote as Kathy Trocheck and then fell in love with her writing all over again when I discovered her books as MKA. She has a really funny blog, if you want to check it out. She gave me some great writing advice about how to write a book-- "sit down and write a page a day. At the end of the week, you'll have seven pages." I don't have the heart to tell her that I still haven't written a single page. Unless you count this blog. But she probably won't ask, so I think I'm in the clear.

Also in attendance will be Natasha Trethewey, former UGA Cheerleader turned Pulitzer Prize winning poet. That's right. I said Pulitzer Prize winning former cheerleader. Not that cheerleaders can't be smart!! I'm not saying that. Also, she probably wishes people would quit harping on that, but COME ON! The jokes practically write themselves, people!! Anyway, she must be brilliant and I can't wait to hear her speak.

There's tons of other great people planning to attend. Bailey White. Ferrol Sams. David Bottoms -- Georgia's Poet Laureate.

So, if you're in the area, come on down! I'd love to hang out with you!