u/MattAdore2000

So this is the last time I'll remind everyone of the amazing book event we're having tomorrow at Delta College from 10AM to 3 PM. We're going to have free craft tents where you make your own book accoutrements, local authors vending, and national bestsellers present, too... There's going to be panels, and contests, and youth poetry winners... We got tacos, and Pitch Slap!, and a couple of open mics (musicians welcome). So if you love books of any genre then join us at the Dolores Huerta Forum to support Stockton's literary community, present and future!!!

Also, there’s raffle baskets and both entry and admission are totally free!!!

Less than two weeks to go!

The countdown's begun for Wordstock209, the Central Valley’s premier literary festival arriving at Dolores Huerta Plaza at San Joaquin Delta College on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is completely free and the entire celebration is designed with families in mind, offering an accessible day of culture, creativity, and community.

Alongside book arts demonstrations, artisan vendors, and food trucks, guests of all ages can enter to win amazing, themed raffle baskets packed with local goods and literary treats—with absolutely no purchase necessary to participate.

This year’s festival boasts an exceptional lineup of talent, connecting grassroots valley voices with literary heavyweights. Readers will have the rare chance to engage directly with national bestselling authors across interactive panels and signings, while poetry enthusiasts can experience powerful live readings from six distinguished poets laureate representing communities across the Central Valley. Aspiring novelists will also have their shot in the spotlight during the high-energy "Pitch Slap!!" competition, where one talented writer will win a comprehensive editorial package to help bring their unpublished novel to market.

Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of storytellers, Wordstock209 also spotlights youth voices through dedicated fiction and poetry contests for secondary and high school students (let's support the kids!!!!). Winning student writers will have their work celebrated on stage, giving emerging valley talent a platform alongside seasoned industry professionals. For complete competition guidelines, schedule updates, and festival details, visit tuleburgpress.com or visitstockton.org.

Calling all aspiring authors in the San Joaquin Valley! Pitch Slap is now one month away! If you, or someone you know, dreams of being a published writers this competition's for them. What is it, you ask? Well, it's basically a literary Thunderdome where unpublished writers submit the first chapter of their manuscripts, then at Pitch Slap (Oct 3rd, 2 pm at Delta College/Wordstock209) they'll be read anonymously to a panel of industry professionals.

But here's the catch:

Whenever one of the panelists would stop reading they sound their buzzer, the team discusses the piece (it's strengths and weaknesses) then we move on to the next contestant. The writer who goes the longest wins an editorial package from Tuleburg Press which includes... developmental, line, and copy editing, light proofreading, cover critique, and blurb creation. It's basically everything an aspiring writer needs to prepare their work for the reading world.

So, if you or someone you know dreams of being published, this is your chance!!!

I finally finished the sequel to Old Debts after two long years. It was like giving birth, only much, much harder (my wife agrees, her labor was only twelve hours, lucky!). Anyhoo, if you ever see me at Barnes & Noble or Mr. Otto's throw me a high-five, I both need it and deserve it.

And as a reminder, Wordstock209 is coming up!!! If you got the itch to write a novel yourself, there's a contest called "Pitch Slap" where unpublished writers will compete for an editorial package from Tuleburg, but either way it will be fun for readers of all ages. And heights. Seriously, no matter how tall or short you are, if you like books this will be great!

Wordstock209 will be happening in Delta College on October 3rd. Come and celebrate the vibrant literary voices shaping the Central Valley. Readers can connect directly with a fantastic lineup of published authors and gain practical craft insights across dynamic industry panels. Aspiring storytellers of all ages take center stage through dedicated elementary and high school writing contests highlighting brilliant young talent. Attendees also have the chance to win amazing raffle prizes packed with exclusive book bundles and literary goodies throughout the day. Mark your calendar to join fellow book lovers for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community. And not only is it going to be an amazing time, but it's free!!!!