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An exciting announcement about a new bookish event.

Exciting news today: I’m participating in a fun new bookish event in Raleigh in September and you’re all invited.

It’s called Triangle Reads, and it’s the love child of the Southern Independent Bookseller’s Alliance and the terrific book site She Reads.

triangle reads

Triangle Reads is the closing event for the closed-to-the-public SIBA trade show taking place that weekend. They’ve never had an event before that’s been open to the public: this is something new, and it’s a big deal in the industry. I’m delighted to be a part of it, and I can’t wait to meet you there.

The event will fill a Sunday afternoon. It kicks off with a “Moveable Feast”—a sit-down lunch where authors rotate through the tables, coming to sit at your table and talk books with you while you eat. (See the full list of the two dozen attending authors here, including Elin Hilderbrand, Kim Wright, and Billy Coffey. I’m also excited for the late addition of Joshilyn Jackson to the list.)

There will be a variety of author panels to choose from. To give you an idea of what to expect, some of the topics will be: Tell Me Something True: The Power of Story in Memoir, Only in the South: The Enduring Magic of Southern Stories, and It’s a Woman’s World: The Power of Women’s Fiction. Author signings will follow each panel. (View the full schedule here.)

The headline event is a conversation with Elin Hilderbrand and … yours truly. I am thrilled about this. I heard her speak at BEA about her latest novel The Rumor, and she was relatable, funny, and self-aware about her books and her writing process. She’s the perfect author for this event, and I can’t wait for you to meet her. (I also want to hear all your great questions—what should I ask her?)

Attendees will get to meet the featured authors in person and hang out with their fellow bookish kindred spirits. There will be times to listen and learn, times to browse the on-site book tables, and times to mix and mingle with like-minded readers. (There will be a pre-event meet and greet at a local restaurant Saturday afternoon, and a cocktail hour with authors and attendees will close out the formal event on Sunday.)

If you’re local, this would be a safe place to come solo for the afternoon. If you’re traveling, it would make a fun girls’ weekend. (I’ve never been to Raleigh, but early fall sounds like the perfect time to go, and I’m reading up on what to do and where to eat while I’m there.)

Tickets are $99, and include lunch and a $20 voucher to spend on books at the event. Seating is limited to 100 people so get yours quick—they won’t last long.

I’ll be there the whole weekend, and I hope you can join me. Get more info and get your ticket right here.

 

39 comments

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  1. Troy Miller says:

    This sounds like a great event! I will have to see if my partner and I can make it. We can drive from Ohio, I love a good road trip! I will make him read to me the whole way! HAHA!

    • liz n. says:

      We do this! During the boring bits on road trips, when there’s no scenery…I read aloud while my husband drives. He calls it Audio Books Live, lol.

  2. Eileen says:

    Please visit Raleigh’s downtown area. The Hilton is not in a walkable area and not near downtown (and I wouldn’t even call it Midtown). Lots of restaurants in downtown Raleigh. Here’s a better link to what Raleigh has to offer: http://www.visitraleigh.com/things-to-do/ rather than that other (with a photo that is def not Raleigh!). I 2nd the recommendation for Quail Ridge Books.

  3. Kelty says:

    You’re coming to Raleigh?!? How exciting! Any chance you’d be up for a coffee shop meetup before or after the event to meet area blog readers? 🙂

    I second the Quail Ridge Books visit recommendation.

  4. liz n. says:

    If my schedule allowed, I’d be there in a heartbeat!

    I’m absolutely certain that you and all the Modern Minions who will flock to see you will have a grand time!

  5. Ang D says:

    There are so many great places to eat in and around Raleigh. It really depends on the type of food you want. What is your favorite type? If you want to eat at one of Raleigh’s traditions The Angus Barn. Our chef won Iron Chef. You’re guaranteed a fabulous meal there.

  6. Cindy H. says:

    Very cool. Once I saw “Triangle”, I was like, “umm, is this in Raleigh?” And sure enough, it is!

    I won’t be able to attend but I am a Raleigh-ite so I am super excited to have you visit are big little city.

    As others have noted, Quail Ridge is our local book store where we like to see authors come to sign and talk about their books. I used to be a volunteer for the Quail Ridge Teen Writer’s Club there; it’s still going on today with a (not-so-new) volunteer, and a new breed of talented writers. The teens I worked with are now sophomores and graduates of college.

    There are so many great things to eat, drink, do, and see in Raleigh. You’ll probably have enough time filled with this bookish event. I’m thrilled you’ll be doing it here!!

  7. Ellen says:

    This sounds wonderful! My family moved to Raleigh about 8 years ago, and we will never leave. I love the idea of a reader meet up. Pretty please? For the best burgers, fries, and shakes you will ever eat, try Chuck’s downtown. I’m talking three different kinds of aolis for your fries, etc. Very fun!

  8. Valerie says:

    We lived in Raleigh for ten years, and just this winter left NC. I wish I could be there. I was also going to suggest Quail Ridge Books, but I see that’s already been done! Have fun.

  9. Heather says:

    First of all, I was SO sorry to hear about your sweet puppy. Just awful. Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with your family.
    On a happier note, I think we’d emailed about this event before. I live in Raleigh and I’m really excited about it. Sounds phenomenal! So excited you’re a big part of it too. I hope I can adjust my work schedule to be able to attend part of it. Feel free to email me with any questions about the Raleigh area!

  10. Stacy says:

    Raleigh! I second the idea of a meetup for local readers. I grew up in Louisville and now live in the Raleigh area. You’ll feel very at home here.

  11. Elizabeth says:

    *Having a quiet adult temper tantrum*

    So wish I could attend, I live in Raleigh! But I don’t think I could swing it, other obligations. 🙁 I hope this happens again!

  12. Hope you’ll get a chance to catch my weekly column on local book clubs in The News & Observer with the catchy title of “Triangle Reads” 🙂
    More than 80 Triangle and area book clubs have been profiled since Feb. 2014 at nando.com/trianglereads.

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