Parisian Phoenix Publishing

What’s the difference between a book and a blog post?

It’s not a joke, but a question presented by Andy Laties of Book & Puppet Company at the Easton Book Festival’s independent academic researchers’ panel Friday night. (The event was very well attended and preceded our Juicy Bits book launch. See the video of Eva Parry and I at the party as captured on Snapchat.)

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Andy likes to talk about the permanency of books, and the ease with which an author can change a blog post. And he’s right— and discussion also followed about libraries, bookstores and historical record and the role of the written word in all of that. But, as a history nerd (I was one-third of the way through my master’s in world history circa 2016) and a formal journalist, I see the internet as a volatile yet unending source and record of society’s whims.

But that’s the beauty of a book festival, especially one like done in Easton, where events span several days and feature a variety of authors, topics and audience demographics. There is always something to think about.

So, if you haven’t joined in the fun yet, Sunday, October 22 is the last day to do so. And if you can’t get there in person, note that many events are livestreamed on the Facebook page or recorded and posted to the YouTube channel.

Tomorrow’s Parisian Phoenix Events

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Small Press and Independent Author Book Expo at Easton Public Market, 325 Northampton Street, Easton. There are nearly 30 exhibitors and almost six hours of public readings scheduled in a venue that includes decadent baked goods, pizza, seafood, noodles, flowers, beer, wine, macarons and chocolate, in an environment with a hip, urban vibe.

[Coincidentally, at 11 a.m. the Echo City Capers Duo will be at the Barnes & Noble in the Southmont Shopping Center in Bethlehem Township. Get your copy of the Echo City Capers Jr. Christmas Special!]

11:15 a.m.: Blessing and Introduction to Phulasso with author and first responder Thurston D. Gill Jr. Thurston will provide a spiritual and inspiring message to unite the artists in all of us, and offer a look into his system of living which embraces kindness to all, lending a helping hand, preparing for emergencies, and maintaining deep personal values. Easton Public Market, 325 Northampton Street, Easton.

11:30 a.m.: Angel Ackerman will read scenes from her Fashion and Fiends horror series that depict the Lehigh Valley. A sample will be included at the end of this newsletter for paid subscribers. Easton Public Market, 325 Northampton Street, Easton.

Leather, lace and compression socks

Today, Joseph Swarctz and Ralph Greco Jr. joined the Children’s Literature Festival under the umbrella of the Easton Book Festival happening at the Easton Area Public Library. Our own dynamic duo presented their tales of Echo City Capers as downtown poet Nancy Scott featured at the Stick Figure Poetry Showcase hosted by Darrell Parry.

This meant I got to attend events as a spectator, and I decided to wear the lace top and vegan leather pants that had been one of my outfit choices for the night before. I knew Nancy would enjoy the textures as I performed my duties as a Seeing Eye Human. Eva immediately asked if I were wearing leather and lace… and compression socks. I responded affirmatively, and realized that leather, lace and compression socks certainly affirms my status as a member of Generation X, and it seems like it might be the title of my poetry book should I ever write one, or maybe one of my memoirs.

Darrell inadvertently arranged the featured poets at the showcase by geographic proximity to the bookstore, so Nancy read first. The other poets— all a lot of fun— were:

• Magnus
• Christopher Moore
• R. Sen
• Bryan Franco

Speaking of Nancy, she invited myself, Larry Sceurman and his wife, Barbara, to join her yesterday afternoon to pick her brain as Larry is hoping to include a blind journalist in his upcoming novel, Mr. Albert in the House of Penguins.