A Festival of Readers

On Saturday I had the opportunity to present a one-hour talk to readers at the Iola Reading Festival held at Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas. For those who don’t know the location of Iola, Kansas—and I was among that group prior to my Mapquest investigation—Iola is approximately one hundred miles, mostly south and a little east, of Topeka. If you don’t know where Topeka is located, I’ll leave you to your own devices to check out a map. I was scheduled to present from noon until one o’clock, and then sign books for the hour following my presentation.

Thankfully, a non-writer friend offered to ride along with me. Even better, she was familiar with the area. Let me say that this friend had never before traveled with me. Those who have, or those who read my earlier blog, know that I am directionally challenged. I warned Theresa of my 'disability,' but she didn’t understand the depth of the problem until we were looking for a restaurant prior to heading home.

After asking her at every corner which way I should turn, she declared that from now on she would be praying for me every time I left town on my own. (I didn't tell her I still get lost in Topeka!) I believe she’s now convinced that without prayer, I’ll likely never find where I’m going and will surely never make it back home. In truth, I think she’s probably right! So, when I mention I’m heading out of town, please join Theresa in a prayer for my ability to find where I’m going, and then find my way back home! That said, I’m heading out next Saturday morning—by myself—so mark your calendars and lift up those prayers. Please!

Now, back to the Iola Reading Festival. The Iola Public Library was the recipient of a grant that helped them present a year long initiative to increase readership. At the end of their program, they elected to have a festival to celebrate readers. The festival featured a group of authors with a connection to Kansas—the authors were either Kansas residents or authors who have written about Kansas.

There were programs presented each hour in three different groups: Children; Non-Fiction; and Fiction. I was pleased to represent the Christian fiction genre and met some wonderful readers as well as a number of number of Kansas authors. Among them, Nancy Pickard, a NY Times Bestselling author who writes for the secular market. And for the Iowa basketball fans, I also met Paul Shirley who has written a book titled Can I Keep My Jersey. In college, he majored in journalism and is pursuing his writing career. Unfortunately, he took off before I could get a picture. All in all, it was an enjoyable Saturday—the weather was agreeable, the people I met were delightful, and I had an excellent co-pilot.

However, remember me next Saturday and say a prayer since I won’t have a co-pilot along. I don’t want to spend the remainder of my days going in circles, or like the proverbial dog chasing its tail and getting nowhere.

May you find joy as you follow God’s direction for your life. ~Judy