What are you doing Oct. 3-4? I'm guessing you're not straying too far from home, in these COVID times, so why not join me at an online book festival? The Deep Valley Book Festival is going virtual this year, and it will offer a variety of panels and events over two days.

The keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author Matt Goldman, is a playwright and Emmy Award-winning television writer (Seinfeld, Ellen, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency) who now writes the Nils Shapiro private eye series. Other participating authors represent a variety of genres, including nonfiction, fiction, children's, YA, and fantasy & sci-fi. 

You can even hear dead authors come to life, as living history actors portray five Minnesota authors from the past: Maud Hart Lovelace (one of my childhood favorites!), Sinclair Lewis, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Wanda Gag, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

I'm excited to be on both a history writers panel and a creative nonfiction & memoir writers panel (we recorded the discussions earlier this month). I'm also participating in a live panel discussion about writing and publishing. 

Here's where you can find me on the schedule:

Saturday, Oct. 3:

• 11 a.m.: Writing the Truth: Nonfiction and memoir writers discuss writing about real events and people, and some of the unique challenges posed by writing real stories. 

Panelists: Christine Bauer, Phyllis Cole-Dai, Mary Losure, Joy Riggs, Jonathan Sweet

Moderator Rachael Hanel

• 4 p.m.: Writing History: History provides rich fodder for stories, both real and fictionalized. These authors will discuss how they use history as the basis for their writing.

Panelists: Susan Hvistendahl, Terri Karsten, Joy Riggs, Bryce Stenzel, Dale Swanson; Moderator: Danelle Erickson

Sunday, Oct, 4:

• 4 p.m.: LIVE Q & A with Festival Authors: DVBF authors will be available to answer audience questions about the writing process, the path to publication, and the writing life.

Panelists: Raven Eckman, Julie Holmes, Terri Karsten, Thea Kvamme, Joy Riggs, Bryce Stenzel, Dale Swanson, Susan Stradiotto, A.J. Sullivan; Moderator: Rachael Hanel

Be sure to check out the website for the full schedule. You can also shop for books online, and purchase them directly from authors or from partner bookstores.

Although the event is free, a donation of $25 or more makes you a Festival Friend, which gives you access to additional benefits: you'll be entered into a drawing for a DVBF Friendship bag filled with autographed books, and you'll be invited to an exclusive conversation with the keynote author.

The all-volunteer organizing committee has worked tirelessly to make this a quality event, and I'm looking forward to spending two days celebrating books and connecting with other readers and writers. Hope to see you there!