The Vegas Valley Book Festival, sponsored by the Nevada Humanities Committee, returns for a second year of workshops, readings and various literary pursuits at several locations around town. This year's keynote speaker is Rudolfo Anaya, credited as the founder of modern Chicano literature. Other guests range from former Mystery Science Theater 3000 stars Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy to political cartoonists Ted Rall and Tom Tomorrow to local writers including H. Lee Barnes, Dayvid Figler and John L. Smith. All events are free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 23
10:30-11:45 a.m. Unveiling the Truths About Romance Stories. Presented by the Romance Writers of America, Cactus Rose Chapter. Paseo Verde Library.
Noon-1:15 p.m. Writing Just for the Sell of It. Marketing yourself and your writing. Paseo Verde Library.
1:30-2:45 p.m. The Writers Life. A discussion with poet Marvin Bell. Paseo Verde Library.
3-5 p.m. Writing for Prime Time. Workshop with Lee Goldberg and Bill Rabkin, writer/producers of Diagnosis Murder. Paseo Verde Library.
7:30-9 p.m. Dead Man Poems. Reading by poet Marvin Bell, author of 15 poetry books and a faculty member at the University of Iowa writers workshop. Marjorie Barrick Museum Auditorium, UNLV.
Friday, October 24
10:30-11:45 a.m. So You Want to be in Pictures. Screenwriting discussion with Bill Rabkin and Lee Goldberg. Paseo Verde Library.
Noon-1:15 p.m. What's So Funny About That? Kevin Murphy and Mike Nelson of Mystery Science Theater 3000 talk about humor writing. Paseo Verde Library.
1-2:30 p.m. To Afghanistan and Back. Discussion with political cartoonist and commentator Ted Rall, who reported on U.S. military activity in Afghanistan. CCSN West Charleston Campus, D Building Auditorium.
1:30-2:15 p.m. The Suspense is Killing Me! Tips on mystery writing from Tod Goldberg and Jerrilyn Farmer. Paseo Verde Library.
3-4 p.m. Alternative Publishing Options. Learn about print-on-demand, self-publishing and e-books. Paseo Verde Library.
3-5 p.m. Teacher Workshop. Using literature to motivate reluctant readers and writers. Paseo Verde Library.
4-5 p.m. Short Stories, Big Ideas. Reading and Q&A with fiction writer Ron Carlson. Marjorie Barrick Museum Auditorium, UNLV.
7 p.m. Keynote Address. Rudolfo Anaya, considered the founder of Chicano literature. Artemus W. Ham Hall, UNLV. Tickets required; call 895-2787.
Saturday, October 25
10 a.m. Let's Get Real: Life Beyond the Strip. Discussion with Everett Overstreet, Geoff Schumacher and Hal Rothman, moderated by Robert Fielden. Henderson Multi-Generational Center.
10 a.m. Mysterious Women. Discussion with Jerrilyn Farmer and Lucha Corpi. Paseo Verde Library.
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Children's Stage. Appearances by Nancy Robinson-Masters, Baje Whitehorne, The StoryGenie, Richard Peck, David Winkler, plus a special appearance by Harrah's comedy magician and all-around wacky guy Mac King at 11 a.m. Liberty Pointe Plaza.
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Poetry Tent. Readings by Bruce Isaacson, Jarret Keene, Steve Abee, Catherine Daly, Ken Waldman, plus open mike and Henderson slam poets. Liberty Pointe Plaza.
11:15 a.m. Brevity is the Soul of Wit. The short stories of Mary Yukari Waters, Aimee Bender and Ron Carlson. Paseo Verde Library.
11:15 a.m. Is Las Vegas Really Different? Discussion on community in the urban West with Eugene Moehring, Marc Cooper and David Schwartz, moderated by John L. Smith. Henderson Multi-Generational Center.
12:30 p.m. How Can You Live in a Metaphor? Discussion on Las Vegas as symbol in literature and film with Dayvid Figler, H. Lee Barnes and geographer Gary Hauslauden, moderated by Michael Green. Henderson Multi-Generational Center.
12:30 p.m. Revenge of the Moviegoers. A satiric look at American movies and culture with Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Paseo Verde Library.
12:30-1:30 p.m. Writing Between the Lines. Insiders and outsiders in the stories of Jose Skinner, Richard Yanez and Rob Roberge. Henderson Multi-Generational Center.
1:45 p.m. This Modern World. Political satire with cartoonist Dan Perkins (aka Tom Tomorrow). Paseo Verde Library.
2:15 p.m. Understanding Chicano Literature. Panel discussion with Rudolfo Anaya, Lucha Corpi, Richard Yanez, Jose Skinner. Henderson Multi-Generational Center.
3:15 p.m. Search and Destroy: Questioning Authority for a Living. Editorial cartooning and commentary with Ted Rall. Paseo Verde Library.