The first-ever River City Reading Festival is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H. The daylong celebration of reading will bring together dozens of authors and performers, most of whom have strong connections to Kansas. One of those is keynote speaker Jim Lehrer, host and executive editor of “The NewsHour” on PBS, who was born in Wichita and released his 18th book, “Eureka,” this month. Chat with Kassie Edwards, one of the organizers of the festival, about the event, its featured authors and reading in general.

Moderator

Thanks for joining us for today’s chat. We’re talking about the first-ever River City Reading Festival. We’re joined by Kassie Edwards and Julie Tollefson, two of the event’s organizers. Thanks for taking the time to tell us more about the festival, Kassie and Julie.

Kassie Edwards

Hi, we’re pleased to be here.

Moderator

Before we get to reader questions, can you just set the scene a little by telling us what to expect when we arrive at the festival?

Kassie Edwards

It will be at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 NH. We’ll have tents set up outside for food vendors, exhibitors, children’s activities, authors, and book sales. Inside, we’ll have presentations and workshops all day.

ChristyLittle

Who will be some of the local and Kansas authors participating in the reading festival?

Kassie Edwards

Most all of our authors have a local or Kansas connection! Kansas Poet Laureate Denise Low, Stephen Johnson, Alice Bertels, Brad Sneed, Lisa Harkrader and the list goes on. The full schedule is available at www.RiverCityReadingFestival.org. More than 55 authors and presenters will participate.

booklover

I noticed that there will be activities for children. Will there also be activities for teens?

Kassie Edwards

I like that question! Yes! Ande Parks will be doing a workshop called Behind the Scenes of a Comic Book, Susanna Pitzer will lead Playing Your Thoughts, and Barry Barnes will present a drumming and poetry workshop. Teens may also be interested in Stephen Johnson (How I Create Children’s Books).

crosswalker

How did festival organizers decide on Jim Lehrer as the keynote speaker?

Kassie Edwards

We made a list of well-known authors with a Kansas connection and then asked him if he would be interested. We’re lucky to have him. There’s a great article about him and how he enjoys his time in Kansas in today’s Pulse section.

trombeck

Can you please explain the ticket situation for hearing Jim Lehrer?

Kassie Edwards

All tickets were distributed on Sept. 28. Tickets hold seats util 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Unfilled seats will be filled at that time. We’ll also have an overflow room with seating for 100, which will have a live video feed of his presentation.

DennisAnderson

Our children have so many options for their time – homework, after-school activities, TV, the computer, video games, etc. – what advice do you have for parents to get their youngsters more excited in reading?

Kassie Edwards

Come to the festival! We hope that meeting authors and seeing fun presentations (like the Vodvill Klown) will get kids excited and connected to books, authors, and reading.

Moderator

We have several questions about scheduling, so I’ll funnel them into one. Why did you decide to have the event on a Sunday, when many people have church obligations?

Kassie Edwards

In scheduling any event in Lawrence, there will be conflicts. Our hope is that with a full day of events (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), people will find time to meet all obligations and still come to the festival.

jkealing

What can people expect to take away from the reading festival? How would you suggest people who might not be able to make it downtown participate in the reading festival?

Kassie Edwards

A connection to authors, renewed interest in reading. Our workshops are informative and great opportunities to learn something new (book appraisals, caring for your books, submitting your writing to literary journals, and more).

ChristyLittle

Would aspiring writers have an opportunity to talk with some of the authors present, or are they only presenting?

Kassie Edwards

Yes! Authors will be available to talk one-on-one with attendees during their book signings. Eight authors each hour, every hour, are scheduled to sign books in the Authors’ Tent. 12 authors will be reading from their works in the Authors’ Reading Room throughout the day.

Moderator

We’re all out of questions. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Kassie Edwards

Just a reminder, the festival is a FREE event. Books and yummy food are available for sale. I’ve had people ask me, “I don’t read that much. Why would I attend?” There are great performances (Diane Eickhoff as Clarina Nichols), which you can come and watch. If anyone is interested in volunteering to work at the festival, send an e-mail to Sally Brandt at volunteers@rivercityreadingfestival.org. Thanks!