Monday, January 28, 2008

Feria de Libros

One of the biggest events of the year in BA is the annual book fair. Yes, it sounds odd even writing it down but I guess in a country with more than a 90% literacy rate and free university education it makes sense the people here love to read. Last year more than 300,000 argentines stood in line for hours to get in to the fair. The event lasts two weeks and is packed with workshops, seminars and a huge exhibit hall of vendors.

This year I'll be a participant not just a spectator at the Feria de Libros in May. Thanks to one of the well connected members of my writers group, we will present a one hour workshop (sponsored by the US embassy - they're also bringing Tom Wolfe down for a keynote sesssion) on How to Launch a Writing Career in Buenos Aires Using the Internet. For my piece, I'll give a how-to on blogs and show ArgentineDreams. Others in the group will cover how to get exposure and earn money entering writing contests, doing freelancing work and the other online resources available to writers today. Did I mention the session will be in spanish? or in english with simultaneous translation if necessary but I am going to try and go full Portena.

Also, our group decided to put together a booklet of our recent work. Each of us will submit 2 or 3 pieces (short stories, poems or for a few - an excerpt of their in progress novel). The embassy agreed to pay for the printing and will hand out copies at their booth. So, if not already, after May 7th, each of the 7 of us will be officially "published" writers.

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