2013 TFOB

The TFOB is coming! The TFOB is coming!

The what? What the heck’s a TFOB? (And no, it’s not that thing on your pocket watch. Oh, you don’t have a pocket watch?)

No matter. The TFOB is ….

the Tucson Festival of Books!

This is the eagerly awaited and most exceptional book festival in all of Southern Arizona. In its second year, the TFOB became the third largest book festival in the country with over 100,000 attendees. In this, its fifth year, there is just no telling how many folks there might be, but it’s a celebration of books and reading the likes of which you have never seen.

And no wonder. With over 275 exhibitors and 450 authors, it’s a bibliophile’s paradise. There are workshops, panels, discussions, presentations and literary activities for the entire family. Some of the many well-known and featured authors this year are Pulitzer-prize winner David Wood, “Pearls Before Swine” cartoonist Stephan Pastis, John Sayles, and R. L. Stine. In addition to the recognizable names, there are hundreds of lesser-known but just as hard-working authors that are available to meet with folks for a friendly chat. I believe I can speak for most of them when I say that meeting our readers and talking with them face-to-face is extremely gratifying and great fun.

So when does all this happen? March 9-10, 2013 at the University of Arizona Mall in the center of town. Events start as early as 9:30am and go until 5:30pm both days. There is food, music, lots of free stuff and fun for all. If you’re in the neighborhood, I hope you’ll come on down. If you do, stop by the Author’s Pavilion West and say hello. I’ll be there from 9:45-11:45am on Saturday morning.

See you there!