Okay, so I MAY be only just realizing that I am going out of town, to Austin, TX, in just a couple of days. Whoops! Kind of snuck up on me. But I am super pumped to attend the Texas Book Festival for the first time. I have heard GREAT things and there are going to be so many awesome authors there! Total disclaimer: when I saw Tom Perrotta’s name, I squealed a little. I will have to work MIGHTY hard not to totally stalk him while I have the opportunity. I mean, who knows when I will get another chance?
(To clarify, by “stalk” I mean attend his event, sweat nervously, and wish I had the nerve to gush about how amazing I think he and his books are but never actually do it. Just so we are clear.)
Another great thing about going to Austin is that it’s where they filmed Friday Night Lights. Everyone here already knows I am obsessed, but I have not been to Austin since I got crazy over the show. My friend Melissa Walker already sent me directions to Panther Field: I know Susane Colasanti made a pilgrimage there when she was last in town, and posted pictures. I would just about DIE to stand anywhere that Tim Riggins and Coach Taylor breathed air, so I will have to figure out a way to get there. When I’m not, you know, totally stalking Tom Perrotta.
The official site of the festival is here. And here’s where I’ll be. I get to talk with Libba Bray!
Saturday, October 22nd, 3:30-4:30 pm
Sarah Dessen and Libba Bray in conversation
First United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center 1300 Lavaca St.
Austin, TX 78701
Signing at the Book Sales and Signing tent to follow
I’ll also be at the YA Event that evening at the Texas State Cemetery, which sounds super spooky and totally fun. It starts at 9, which is late for me as I usually go to bed around then. But how often do I get to hang in a cemetery? I’m so in!
The only downside to all of this is that I’m leaving my husband to parent alone while all our babysitters are on Fall Break. Whoops. Maybe I can bring him something super from Texas, like boots or a hat, to make up for it? I remember the cobbler in Austin being AMAZING. Wonder how I could bring some of that home….
Have a good day, everyone!
I am of conflicting emotions at the moment: SO excited for you to get to come to Austin and go on some FNL excursions. [It's looking like the weather will be nice too, at least for Austinites. I'm sure you've already got your fall weather!] On the other hand: SO sad that I may not get to make your panel with Libba – which TOTALLY bums me out. When I was looking at the schedule a few days ago, I was so so so stoked to see that you’d be paneling together, and then devastated to check the date. Fingers crossed my dance students finish their performance on time and I can maybe make it downtown!
All in all, enjoy your trip to Austin. Go back to Chuy’s, if you can!!
Hi Sarah–I don’t know if you watch the CW show “Ringer” but tonight’s episode features an appearance by Jason Dohring (aka: Logan from Veronica Mars!) I haven’t seen him in anything post VM so I may have to tune in.
Sounds like you’ll have a great time.
I am sure you will have a fabulous time at the Texas Book Festival. I lived in Austin and the Austin area for 18 years and worked downtown on Guadalupe, but haven’t been back since I moved to East Texas in 1992 except for Texas Library Association conventions and the Texas Book Festival while I was a youth librarian. I am now in Access Services, which is really just Reference and Circulation combined and I do interlibrary loans, so I won’t be going to any more conventions or the Texas Book Festival. That is a real letdown for me
, even though I do love my job, and still read YA books whenever I can.
Anyway, have fun!
OMG can’t wait to see you in Austin! My mom and I are flying down just for the day (it’s going to be a very long day, starting at about 4 am and ending probably about 24 hours later) and just so I can see you. It’s going to be amazing!
Love, love, love Austin! I went for the first time last summer and as another FNL obsessive, I spent an entire day driving around with my best friend looking for all the locations from the show. Yes, I was the crazy lady pulling up in front of the Panther Fieldhouse and the Taylor and Saracen houses (to name just a few) to take a picture! It is a kick to be there and see in person all the places you recognize from the show, although I was a little disappointed Tim Riggins didn’t pop up, just to say “hey.”
O MY GOSH ! ! ! my cousin was in Friday Night Lights. just the movie though. he’s lucas black and he plays #20 on the team. he didn’t do the show because…uh……WHO KNOWS!!
anyway, sarah dessen is SO AWESOME!!! i love just listen the most(havent read too many though,soo). Ur……um………just wanted to say, HUGE FAN!!
Can I come?!?!?!?!
well most parents parent by themselves, it is do able.
Sounds like fun! Have a great time!!
My mom and I are driving down just to see you. Ill also be trying MIGHTY hard not to stalk you. I’m kidding of course. Kind of. But really; I’m very excited to meet you. The nighttime thing will be veryy creepy! But so exciting! I hope you have a safe flight!
Meet you there!
You can visit Panther field?? If I’m ever in Austin I am so going!! That sounds so exciting!!
Hey I’m just a huge fan of yours! I just wanted to say that I think you’re an amazing author. I’ve read every single one of your books and just can’t wait till the next one comes out!
~Janel~
I’m at the book festival. Flew in from Colorado and can’t wait to attend your session. Attending the book festival is something I try to do every year. You will have a wonderful time.