James Preller's Blog

Come join us for the 1st Annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, May 16th. I’ll be there along with actual luminaries, such as: Donald Crews, Michelle Knudsen, Fran Manushkin, Emily Arnold McCully, Coleen Paratore, Charles Smith, Seymour Simon, Hudson Talbott — and many, many more. The event will feature the usual book signings and book buyings, but also hands-on workshops, individual author presentations, and panel discussions on a variety of topics: the creative process, female characters by female writers, reluctant readers, first amendment rights, and getting published.

I’m always discovering new authors at these events — completely amazing, talented folks whom I’ve never, ever heard of. But then: It’s not my job to keep track of this stuff. So while there are some more established names that might be more familiar, here’s a great opportunity to catch some rising stars.

A lot of people have put in a tremendous amount of work in an effort to pull this off — starting something from nothing always takes guts, and more time than you ever expected — so come on out to Hudson and lend your support. Bring the kids! Bring the grandparents! Bring the checkbook!

And please, say hello.