OK, here's something stupid. I held off writing this post for at least a month because I couldn't decide which of those two to write about, and thought both would dilute it.
So my plane departs in eleven hours, and I'm still conflicted, and going with both.
Richard Linklater is the longshot. I don't even know if he still lives in Austin, much less is coming to the Texas Book Festival. But he did live there for ages, and he's a bright guy, so you never know. He's one of my favorite film directors, and what a thrill it would be to chat him up. I'm not much for being starstruck--I don't really get the concept of autographs--but actually talking to him for a couple minutes, that would be cool.
Laura I probably will get to meet, I'm told, though she will be in short supply, and it might not be more than a handshake. I'll take that, though. I really like her. I didn't always. 
When George was first elected--running, actually--I wrote her off as a kewpi doll. Figured: the fratguy would grab a trophy wife. It actually took me a couple years to grasp the obvious. She was no idiot. I kind of was for making that assumption.
I think now, that she was just kind of shy. She's smart as hell, though, and gracious and warm-hearted. A thoroughly wonderful human being, as far as I can tell--and what I'm told by people who have spent a lot of time around her.
And she has worked her butt off for literacy, and attracting kids and adults to reading. She started the book fest in Austin when she was first lady of the state, and it's a huge event now, with over 200 writers, lots of big talent. (Unfortunately, I'm on at the same time as one of them: Richard Russo. Damn. I think he will outdraw me. Massively. But it's cool to be appearing at the same event as people like that.)
(BTW, I'm on at 10 a.m. Saturday, in the state capitol building in Austin. Signing at 11.)
I posted on my facebook page that I wanted to meet her, and took a bit of flack for it. I don't get that. So you don't like her politics, or her husband's. Life is not all politics, and I have really come to admire Laura. And I am in her debt for creating this festival, which I am really looking forward to.
I hope to get the chance to tell her so.
And maybe Richard will show up, too.
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Comments
It is interesting country and mentality. However, you can never discount a person or their efforts. We all have dark and light corners.
Thanks for being open to seeing her light!
i'll tell her hi, deborah.
mypsyche, i hope to see u. i like the idea of literates roaming the place, too.
my presentation is at 10 am tomorrow, signing right after. i'm in Capitol Extension Room E2.016
I went to here Frank McCourt read. Then I celebrated with an afternoon at Fado's (an irish Pub). Turned out, so did Frank. The bar was empty and I had the entire afternoon with him.
The great thing about the Austin Book Fest is that is an entirely up-front and personal afffair. Remember that and enjoy the hell out of it. I'll bey Laura is accessiable; as all the authors will be.
I am finally finishing Columbine Dave. I am blown away. It is a fantastic feat. Expect your own adulation and be prepared to handle the throngs and HAVE FUN!