Wordstock 2009 is right around the corner, and we need stage managers and stage assistants!

Stage managers and assistants are in the center of it all. They greet and assist authors before their readings; help with stage logistics; and run the stage computer. Plus, they have the added benefit of getting to listen to author readings for free!

Stage experience is not required for these positions (we provide training); however, if you have been a stage manager or assistant before or have previous experience working with sound equipment, we would love for you to volunteer for either of these positions.

(Please note, the stage manager position requires you to volunteer all day and attend a mandatory training session a week prior to the event.)

If you are interested in either of these volunteer opportunities, click on the following link to fill out the volunteer application form. (You can also access the form through Wordstock’s website. Click on the “Get Involved” tab on the right of the hompage, and then click on the “Volunteer Signup” tab on the left-hand side of the page.)

Please direct questions to the volunteer coordinators at volunteer@wordstockfestival.com.

It seems the folks at First Books have an excellent idea going. They are running the 2009 edition of, “What Book got you Hooked?” An exciting question as the answer says so much about a person. But not only does this program ask the question, but it asks for you to vote for a state that will receive 50,000 new books from First Books.

Directly from their website:

“What Book Got You Hooked?” invites readers everywhere to celebrate unforgettable books from childhood and help provide new books to the children who need them most. First Book asks visitors to share the memory of the books that made them readers and then vote for the state to receive 50,000 new books from First Book, helping to get more kids hooked on reading.

Past winners include Oklahoma in 2007 and Kentucky in 2008, with each state receiving 50,000 new books for children in need.

Join us this year in sharing the joy of great books with kids who need them most.”

List your book and Vote.

Speaking of the book that hooked you. I’ve been hearing a lot of anecdotes of kids that wouldn’t read books until the Twilight or Harry Potter series, that now enjoy reading all kinds of books.

Read: Dan Wickett’s take (DZANC Books) on his Emerging Writer’s Network site.

Anyone have a similar story?

Did we mention we will have a lot of Young Adult Authors at Wordstock this year?

Wordstock knows that you would never judge a book by its cover, but sometimes it helps to see the cover, right? And interesting covers lead to great adventures in reading. That’s why we’re so excited about our new bookshelves at Powells.com – fiction, non-fiction and poetry. All the books from this year’s festival authors in one spot. See the covers, read the reviews, and buy the books. Because when you buy a book off of Wordstock’s shelves, Powell’s will donate a percentage of the sales back to the non-profit Wordstock. As if you needed more reasons to buy books from Powells!

As if the week long celebration of this year’s Wordstock and surrounding events was not enough, it now looks like the Man Booker Prize winner will be announced on Oct. 6th, a few days before the festival really kicks off. So when you are at Wordstock and hanging around all those books, perhaps some these will be around for your bibliophilic needs.

The Man Booker Prize 2009

Curious about the judges? We are. Find out who’s reading these great titles.

Judges

Speaking of Literary Prizes, did you catch the Morning News’ Tournament of Books this last spring? Why can’t there be another one this fall. Nothing gets the blood moving like a healthy debate over amazing books.