Book lovers flock to annual Book Fest

Book lovers flock to annual Book Fest

BY CONNIE MCFALL CLARK Star Contributor

Saturday’s cooler weather brought out the crowds for the annual Boerne Book Festival.

Every writing genre of fiction and nonfiction seemed to be represented at Main Plaza Park. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators featured hundreds of children and youth books, with a special appearance by The Book Fairy. She enchanted the littlest attendees in her fairy princess dress, crown and wand.

Panel discussions were held throughout the day -- ending with a wine and whiskey tasting, compliments of Bending Branch Winery during the last program.

“Pastures of the Empty Page” is an essay from writers who knew the late author Larry McMurtry. It talks about his history, the popularity of his novels and movies, his methods and habits, and the many ways he inspired their craft.

Editor of the book, George Getschow, moderated the panel of authors Stephen Harrigan, W.K. “Kip” Stratton, Doug J. Swanson and Sherry Kafka Wagner. They each read one of their passages from the book and told antidotes about McMurtry.

One of the most popular programs was presented by Stuart Gibbs, bestselling author for middle grade kids’ books, who started his literary career as a graphic novelist.

He has penned several series of books for children and fielded questions from fans about upcoming books, what characters he loves to write about, and what happens in the future for some of them.

The line for his book signing was extremely long – obviously a favorite for Boerne kids.

Cindy Bonner and Jo-Ann Power talked about their books in the “Women and War Stories” panel. Each explained how they researched for the novels and how the war stories shaped their lives and what they write about.

“I’m a resident of Boerne … I’ve been included in the book festival several times; it is thrilling to talk about what you love and to people who need to love books,” Power said.

Bonner also has a long history in Boerne and now lives in Ingram.

Kathryn Adam-Hurst led a historical-related panel about the book, “Comanches, Captives, and Germans.” Daniel Gelo, Bryden Moon and Christopher Wickham, the co-authors, guided attendees through a handout explaining the research conducted, complete with photos and maps.

For conservationists, Paul Barwick discussed “Armadillos to Ziziphus” with author David Hillis. The book goes through species of plants and animals in the Texas Hill Country from A to Z. Barwick said the book is something every property owner should read before digging up and cutting down species that are essential to the environment.

The “Obsessed with Texas” panel consisted of moderator Becka Oliver and authors Kimberly Garza, Stacey Swann, and James Wade. They delved into the character development, settings, and themes for their latest novels.

Each novel centered around places the authors knew or where they grew up in Texas. Wade said his character is based on his own experiences. In writing the feelings of the man, he felt it was like a good self-therapy session.

The Boerne Book Festival benefits the Boerne Library with books from the panelists that are sold. Several vendors had booths with additional books for sale.

Writers, editors and authors mingled, spoke with and posed for pictures with the attending visitors and residents of Boerne in attendance.

One visitor was Eddie Lanham, part of the Wild West History Association which has a YouTube Channel that includes clips about Texas history. He recently discovered his great, great uncle Samuel Willis Lanham was governor of Texas at the end of the Civil War.

He said he also is related to former Texas Rangers. His visit to the Book Fest was to find people to interview about their history in Texas. He interviewed the writer of “The Boy Captives” recently and visited the gravesites.

The association is restoring markers along the Great Western Cattle Trail, of which three are located in Boerne.