Author Matt Logelin to Deliver 2011 GBF Keynote Address |
 March 24, 2008, was a banner day for Matt Logelin. It was the day Matt and his wife Liz welcomed their first child into the world. Unfortunately, Matt’s joy would be short-lived. A mere 27 hours after their daughter Madeline’s birth, Liz died of a pulmonary embolism.
How does someone move on from such a tragedy? For Matt Logelin, the answer was twofold: a new daughter that needed his love and attention, and an unexpected online community that would rally around him as he struggled through some of the most difficult months of his life. He also chose to honor his wife by creating the Liz Logelin Foundation, which provides support – often in the form of financial assistance – to widows and widowers with young children.
On Saturday, May 21 at 4 p.m., Logelin will share his tragic yet uplifting story as the keynote speaker at the second annual Gaithersburg Book Festival. During his presentation, he will discuss his memoir, "Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love,” which was released last week.
In his book, Logelin shares bittersweet and often humorous anecdotes of his courtship and marriage with Liz; of relying on his newborn daughter for the support that she unknowingly provided; and of the extraordinary online community of strangers who have become his friends through his blog. It’s a community that, at its height, included an average of 50,000 visitors daily.
“While Matt Logelin’s story is unthinkably sad, it’s also inspiring and quite interesting” said Jud Ashman, City of Gaithersburg Council Member and Gaithersburg Book Festival chairman. “It’s about tragedy, recovery, fatherhood, friendship, and community. But, importantly, it’s also about how modern technology enlarges our personal world and helps us reach others who are in need. It’s a real tale for our time.”
You can read more about Logelin, Liz and Maddy, and his book at www.mattlogelin.com.
Win a Copy of Matt's Book
Check out our contest (in the column to the right) for details about how you can win a copy of Matt’s book! |
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Featured Authors Now Top 50 |
The work of our author selection committee is complete, and so is our line-up of featured authors. Since our last newsletter, we’ve added some more great, award-winning and best-selling authors, including:
 Jennifer Abernethy – Abernethy is a sales guru and the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing." Widely known as America’s Sales Stylist to professionals around the world and SHE-EO of TheSalesLounge.com, Abernethy launched her business in 2007, turning to Facebook to grow her business and brand. In her book, she shares her strategies for using social media to ultimately enhance sales. She has appeared on ABC News, XM Radio, MSN Money and FastCompany.com.
 Donna Andrews – An award-winning author of more than 20 mysteries, including 2010’s "Stork Raving Mad," Andrews is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Private Investigators and Security Association. Born and raised in Yorktown, Va., she now lives in Reston.
 Alan Cheuse – NPR's longtime "voice of books" and the author of four novels, three collections of short fiction and the memoir "Fall Out of Heaven," Cheuse’s most recent novel is "Song of Slaves in the Desert." As a book commentator, Cheuse is a regular contributor to NPR’s "All Things Considered." His short fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, Ploughshares, The Antioch Review, Prairie Schooner, New Letters, The Idaho Review and The Southern Review, among other publications. He teaches in the Writing Program at George Mason University and the Squaw Valley Community of Writers.
 Amy Dickinson – Dickinson writes the syndicated advice column, “Ask Amy,” which is published in more than 150 newspapers including the Washington Post, and read by an estimated 22 million readers daily. In addition, she is the author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, “The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Story of Surprising Second Chances,” a chronicle of her experiences and misadventures as a single mother to her daughter, Emily. Since 2006, she has been a featured panelist on NPR’s comedy quiz show, “Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me.”
 Pamela Ehrenberg – Ehrenberg is the author of two teen novels with social justice themes: "Ethan, Suspended,” which received a starred review in Booklist, and "Tillmon County Fire" (Eerdmans, 2009), which was chosen for the American Library Association's Rainbow List. Ehrenberg is an instructor for the Writer's Center in Bethesda and Writopia in Tenleytown, as well as a consultant for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her two young children.
 Stephen Hunter – Author of 17 novels, including his latest, "Dead Zero," Hunter is the retired chief film critic for the Washington Post, where he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism. He has also published two collections of film criticism and a non-fiction work, "American Gunfight." Hunter lives in Baltimore.
 Tayari Jones – Jones is the author of the upcoming book, "Silver Sparrow," her third novel. Her first novel, "Leaving Atlanta," earned numerous accolades and, upon publishing her next one, "The Untelling," Jones was named "a writer to watch" by Essence magazine and "one of the best writers of her generation" by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
 Jacqueline Jules – Jules is an award-winning author of 22 children's books, including "Zapato Power,” "Benjamin and the Silver Goblet" and "Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation." Jules’ poetry and prose have appeared in more than 70 publications, including Highlights, Cricket, Cicada, Spider, Ladybug and Christian Science Monitor.
 Thomas Kaufman – Kaufman is author of "Drink the Tea," winner of the Private Eye Writers of America's Best First Private Eye award. Kaufman is also an Emmy award-winning motion picture director and cameraman who has spent a lot of time with cops, filming "The FBI Files," "The Prosecutors" and "New Detectives" for Discovery.
 Caroline Leavitt – Leavitt is the award-winning author of nine novels, most recently the New York Times best-selling novel, "Pictures of You." She is a senior writing instructor at UCLA Writers Program online, and a book critic for the Boston Globe and People Magazine. Leavitt's writings have appeared in Salon, Psychology Today, New York Magazine, Parenting, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune, Parents, Redbook, Washington Post and New Woman, as well as in numerous anthologies.
 Kristin Levine – Levine is the author of "The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had," her first novel. Her second book, "The Lions of Little Rock," will be published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in 2012. She received a BA in German from Swarthmore College and an MFA in film and electronic media from American University. She spent a year in Vienna, Austria, working as an au pair and has taught screenwriting at American University. She lives in Alexandria, Va., with her husband and daughters.
 Ann McCallum – McCallum is the award-winning author of four children’s books, including two math fairytales and her newest book, "Eat Your Math Homework: Recipes for Hungry Minds." She is currently a high school teacher in Maryland, though she started her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in northern Canada.
 Haley Tanner – Tanner is the author of "Vaclav & Lena," her debut novel, which Kirkus Reviews gave a starred review, calling it “a terrific, enlightened debut.” Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Elizabeth Strout said, “Haley Tanner has created a world peopled with characters of great poignancy, and they will linger in the mind—and heart—long after the book is put down.” Tanner lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.
 Katherine Weber –Weber is the author of five novels, most recently "True Confections" (Broadway, 2010). Her previous novels include "Triangle," "The Little Women," "The Music Lesson" and "Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear." Her books have received a range of awards and nominations, and her work has been translated into 14 languages. Her forthcoming memoir, "The Memory of All That: George Gershwin, Kay Swift and My Family's Legacy of Infidelities," will be published in July.
Full the full list of featured authors, please visit the GBF Website. |
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Children’s Village Offers a
World of Literary Exploration
for Young Readers and Writers |
 From award-winning children’s authors who can inspire your children to family friendly, educational activities, the 2011 Gaithersburg Book Festival Children’s Village is sure to entertain.
Throughout the day, children’s authors will talk about their stories and sign books. Featured authors include 2011 Newbery Medal winner Clare Vanderpool, 2010 National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine, American Girl author Alison Hart, three-time Emmy award winner Brian Meehl, Mary Quattlebaum, N.D. Wilson, Erica Perl, Mary Downing Hahn, Wendy Shang, Pam Smallcomb, Mary Amato, Dominique Paul and several local up and comers. Also at the Pavilion will be performances by the Unicycle Lady, storytelling by Arianna Ross and a presentation to the winning class and studen of the Mayor’s Book Club reading contest.
In and around the Children’s Village, children will be able to take part in American Girl activities, enjoy arts and crafts projects, play brain games, attend story time and workshops, and donate new or gently used books at the Reading Tree booth. You might even run into the Cat in the Hat strolling around the festival grounds!
 Children ages 6-14 are invited to join Adventure Theater to learn and perform a musical number from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." In three 40-minute sessions, participants will hear a short reading of an excerpt from the original Grimm fairy tale, followed by an open dance call and musical rehearsal led by Adventure Theater’s professional summer staff – an experience that mirrors the theater’s famous summer camp. Sign-up to participate will be required, and will take place at the Adventure Theater booth beginning at 10 a.m. Each session is limited to 30 participants, who will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Other fun, interactive activities will be taking place throughout the day hosted by Washington Parent magazine, Alzheimer’s Association, Family Services Inc. and Montgomery College Early Childhood Club.
For more information on the schedule of activities, visit the Children’s Village page of the GBF Website. |
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Explore Your Inner Writer: Register Now for GBF Workshops |
Are you interested in how to turn your writing into a successful career, but not sure how to start? Do you want to know the secrets to getting your work published? High school students, do you want to know how to hone your college admissions essay writing skills, or how to use comics to promote social change?
If so, on May 21, the Gaithersburg Book Festival is the place to be. For a nominal fee – $10 for adults, $5 for full-time students per workshop – attendees can participate in hands-on workshops of their choice. Workshops are about an hour long and include:
Adult and Teen:
- “So You Want to Write a Book,” led by Barbara Esstman
- “Getting Your Poems into Print,” led by Michele Wolf
- “The Basics of Freelance Writing,” led by Marina K. Ruben
- “Comedy Writing Workshop,” led by Adam J. Ruben
Teen:
- “College Admissions Essays: What's Your Story?,” led by Kathy Crutcher
- “Creating Comics for Social Change,” led by Jack Chen
Children
- “Group Story: Kids Writing Collaboratively,” led by Kathy Crutcher
- “Handcrafting Books, an Arts Workshop for Children,” led by Heidi Bishop
Advanced registration is required for these workshops, as space is limited.
There also will two free seminars, which do not require advanced registration. These seminars will cover:
- “Five Tips to Promote Your Book BEFORE It’s Published,” led Carol Hoenig
- “Writing Images: Sequential Storytelling for Comics and Graphic Novels,” led Jason Rodriguez
For more information or to register for the workshops, please visit the GBF Workshops page online. |
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Exhibitors Flock to the 2011 GBF |
There's more to the Gaitherburg Book Festival than 50+ top-notch featured authors. As you explore the festival grounds you'll also find a host of exhibitors of all things literary. A sample of our 2011 exhibitors include:
- Michael Adler
- Joanne Atay
- Tia Bach
- John Birchard
- K. Michael Crawford
- Shanghi La Dialouge
- Dr. J. Robert Difulgo
- Melissa DiGenova
- Joseph Fleck
- Evetton & Andrea Grant
- Bobbie Hinman/Best Fairy Books
- Rev. Natalie R. Jean
- Charlie Krausse
- Mike Lamke
- Harold “Corky” Logsdon
- Keith D. Martin
- Richard Morris
- Mike Richman
- Michael Adler
- Joanne Atay
- Tia Bach
- John Birchard
- Dan Cafaro/Atticus Books
- Dr. Rose Carlin
- Gilbert Cooper II
- K. Michael Crawford
- DC Comics Conspiracy
- Shanghi La Dialouge
- Dr. J. Robert Difulgo
- Melissa DiGenova
- Tod Ewing
- E.nopi Math, Reading & Writing
- First Book – Montgomery County
- Joseph Fleck
- Evetton & Andrea Grant
- Melanie Heiser
- Bobbie Hinman/Best Fairy Books
- Rev. Natalie R. Jean
- Deanne Johnson-Anderson
- Kids Read Inc.
- Charlie Krausse
- Mike Lamke
- Harold “Corky” Logsdon
- Makon for Grail Foundation Press
- Keith D. Martin
- Maryland Humanities Council
- Gary Matthews/Booktails
- MidAtlantic Book Publishers Association
- Richard Morris
- Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy
- Montgomery County Historical Society
- New York Times
- North Metro DC Mommies
- Richard Peabody
- Linda Pickerel
- Mike Richman
- Jason Ross
- Dan Searles
- Mohsen Sharifi
- Cheryl Smith
- Louis P. Solomon
- Arthur Sturm
- Douglas Wilburn
- Seong Min Yoo
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Gaithersburg
Book Festival
___________
May 21, 2011
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an enormous undertaking, which would not be possible without the generous assistance of our volunteers.
We are continually recruiting volunteers for a number of opportunities. SSL hours are available for high school students. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
Visit the GBF website for more details.
If you're interested in becoming part of this great event, take a few seconds and sign up to volunteer. We'll be in touch soon with your assignment for May 20 or May 21. |
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CONTEST:
Win a Copy of Matt Logelin’s Book |
Were you intrigued by Matt’s story? Do you want to read his book? Here’s your chance to win a free copy!
Here’s how it works:
- Forward this e-mail to ALL of your friends and encourage them to sign up to receive the newsletter directly.
- Once they sign up, have them send an e-mail to gbfnews@ gaithersburgmd.gov letting us know that you were the one who encouraged them to subscribe.
- The person who has referred the most new newsletter subscribers by May 1, 2011, will win a copy of Matt’s book.
See, it’s easy! You don’t even have to leave your desk to win! |
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SAVE THE DATE: Dine Out on May 2 and Support the GBF |
On Monday, May 2, you'll have a great excuse to go out to lunch with your co-workers or take the family out for dinner, and then treat yourself to dessert afterwards...all at the Washingtonian Center, and all to benefit the Gaithersburg Book Festival.
All day, California Pizza Kitchen and Lilly Magilly's Cupcakery are teaming up for a GBF Fundraiser. Dine at CPK between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. and drop in to Lilly Magilly's between Noon and 8 p.m. for a decadent treat and a portion of your purchase price will be donated to the GBF.
We'll be sending more details about this fundraiser and a link to the flyer in a special edition of the GBF News. Or you can visit the GBF Blog or our Facebook page for more information in the days to come. |
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Want to be one of the first to know about the latest news from the Gaithersburg Book Festival and our featured authors?
If so, follow us on one - or all - of our social media channels - Twitter, Facebook and
the GBF Blog:
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GBF Thanks its Newest Sponsors |
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors.
We'd like to give special thanks to our newest sponsors:
Literary Sponsors
Asbury Methodist Village
Capital Bank NA
Guardian Realty Investors
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
Friends of the Festival
AT&T
Book Lover
Cheryl Kagan
The Koubek Family
The Meloan Family
Mark and Janice O'Connor
The Sesma Family
Ryan Spiegel
Fern and Dave Wolt
In Kind Sponsors
The Unicycle Lady
Tom Shroder (author)
WTOP
It's still not too late to help support the festival. There are sponsorship levels to fit all budgets. Please visit the Gaitherburg Book Festival website for more information about 2011 sponsorships. |
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GBF in the Comcast Spotlight |
Have you been channel-surfing and caught City Councilmember and GBF founder Jud Ashman on Comcast Newsmakers? If not, check out this video interview for a great overview of what to expect during the 2011 Gaithersburg Book Festival. |
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