We started in the exhibition hall visiting the various publishing houses. After making it through and purchasing the latest book by Ron Rash - Burning Bright, as well as his bestseller Serena, and what will probably be her break out book - Bloodroot by Amy Green. Then we headed to lunch.
After lunch we met up with my our friend Bill and managed to get Ron Rash to sign our books. Then we sat in on a section about the history of the NAACP and human rights with historian Patricia Sullivan and SC Native Son and professor of Literature Jack Shuler. It was very interesting to hear the discussion on these histories. Did you know that Woodrow Wilson was the person to introduce segregation into the federal government? Yeah I didn't either. I usually just think of Wilson as the man who got us through WWI and planted the seeds for the future United Nations.
Next up, and most exciting for me, was to sit in on the session with the Lee Bros. and Brian Dukes. Before the session though I had to go and buy their latest book: Simple Fresh Southern. And ah hell, while there I couldn't resist buying yet another book: Pioneering American Wine, a collection of writings by one of America's first viticulturalists.
It was a really interesting session. The Lee Brothers are both extremely personable. As the panel came to an end the audience were given the opportunity to ask questions. I asked two.
The first question, as I told the panelists, was probably more important than the second. Tomato, Mustard of Vinegar? I got more than a few chuckles and claps and all three did their best to avoid the answering the question and decided to divvy it up each taking a sauce without admitting what their preferred sauces were. The second question was about heirloom foods, a concept that all three panelists endorse.
After the panel I ran to the signing area and waited in line with the gaggle of other folks for an autograph... but I had a plan. I told my friend from Greenville and he laughed - brilliant. I made it to the front of the line and as I presented the book for signature reminded the Lee Brothers that I was the one that asked the BBQ question. I didn't have to remind them, they knew. I told them they didn't have to say it out loud, but if below their signatures they would put a T, M, or V that's all I needed to know. Ted didn't bother with the letter but wrote the word out. Matt on the other hand, hesitated - unsure if he should really put it down. I told them their secret would be safe with me, and he wrote it down. Success.
At this point in time it was getting late, the festival was drawing to a close. But I was still lacking one signature - Amy Green. Only the week prior she was on NPR, her book has been gaining critical acclaim. I coveted that signature.
It was 5:00pm there was only 20 minutes left and she was participating in a session and would be signing outside of the room. I slipped into the room and heard the last few minutes of the session. As it was concluding her companion author Charles McCain was invited to ask a trivia question for the folks in the room if you got the answer you won a prize, a book! Despite only being their for five minutes I raised my hand was called on, and won. After that I slipped back out the room and waited for Amy - she signed my book.
The day was a total success.
SVILUPPO: Many many apologies to Author Chalres McCain, since he was the one who asked the question and I mentioned it here. It is only fair to mention that he is the author of An Honorable German. It should be noted to from that session I also learned two very important styles of fiction writing - those based on free form, Ms. Green, and those based on meticulous accuracy, Mr. McCain.
As for the question - what is the Latin Motto of the State of South Carolina - Dum Spiro Spero... here's to Boy's State! Mr. McCain class of '73, myself '00.
2 comments:
well darn, Matthew, since you won the book from the trivia question I asked could you at least mention the name of my book? I won't do that here since I do have some self imposed limits on my self promotion.
I'm glad you remembered the state motto in Latin of all things. It is the only thing I remember from Palmetto Boys State in 1973
Charles, many apologies - you'll note that the post has been updated!
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