Festival features something for everyone

Have you always dreamed of writing a novel? Perhaps you already have a bestseller sitting in your closet. Now it's time to consider publishing. Or maybe you need to learn how to write for the web or illustrate a children's book.

These topics and hundreds more are part of the exciting lineup of workshops, panel discussions, readings, activities and events featured at this year's Tucson Festival of Books. Mark your calendars to attend the Festival March 13 and 14 at The University of Arizona.

More information about all of the events can be found on the Festival's website, tucsonfestivalofbooks.org. The comprehensive line-up of activities includes experts in every genre imaginable, from comedy to mystery, memoir and nonfiction to poetry. This year's festival will feature more than 450 authors and presenters.

For example, on Saturday you could attend a "how to" workshop on creating a believable private investigator in your fiction, or learn more about the art of science fiction in the "Star Trek, Star Wars, and Writing in Someone Else's Universe" in a discussion featuring authors Timothy Zahn and John Vornholt.

On Sunday you can join Hollywood screenwriter John August ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Big Fish," "Go") in a discussion about Hollywood and his successful career in the film industry.

If you plan to spend the day at the Festival make sure you come hungry. The UA mall will be filled with local food vendors bringing the best of Tucson cuisine to you. Eatery participants include Beyond Bread, Brushfire BBQ, Frost A Gelato Shoppe, Zivaz, and more.

Activities for youth and children include poetry slams, arts and crafts, music and the opportunity for younger kids to meet some of their favorite storybook characters, including SkippyJon Jones, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Curious George.

You are invited to volunteer

Volunteering at the Tucson Festival of Books is great way to be a part of the community and experience the satisfaction of supporting literacy.

Spots are limited, so sign up today! It takes less than five minutes to register as a volunteer and it can all be done online through the application form. More information about volunteering can be found on the Festival volunteer page.

Tickets available for The Author's Table Dinner

Make plans to attend the Tucson Festival of Books' Author's Table Dinner, Friday, March 12, on the University of Arizona campus. This is your chance to dine and socialize with dozens of America's leading authors - and to hear from keynote speaker Scott Simon, the Peabody Award-winning host of National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition Saturday."

Each table at this relaxed, business-casual evening will include one of the authors from the Festival. Tickets are $125 each, $55 of which is tax-deductible. Follow the link to order tickets online.

Meet author Elmore Leonard

Elmore Leonard began writing in the 5th grade and never stopped.

He is the author of best-selling westerns and crime novels including "Bandits," "Touch," "Freaky Deaky," "Killshot," "Get Shorty," "Maximum Bob," "Rum Punch," "Pronto," "Out of Sight" and "Cuba Libre."

Success has followed Leonard to Hollywood as well. Released in October 1995, the film "Get Shorty" starred John Travolta and was an immediate critical and commercial success; the same is true of "Out of Sight," which starred George Clooney and was released in June 1998.

Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino ("Pulp Fiction" and "Inglorious Bastards") directed "Jackie Brown," a film based on Leonard's novel "Rum Punch."

Meet author Philip Caputo

Philip Caputo is an author and journalist who earned a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of election fraud in Chicago while reporting for the Chicago Tribune.

"A Rumor of War," a memoir of his service during the Vietnam War as a Marine lieutenant, has become a classic with more than 2 million copies sold since its publication in 1977.

Caputo is also the author of "Acts of Faith," "Horn of Africa," "DelCorso's Gallery," "Indian Country," "Means of Escape," "Equation for Evil," "Exiles," "The Voyage," "In the Shadows of the Morning" and "Ghosts of Tsavo."