Jim and Cynthia McGillen opened the festival schedule of events with this passage: "By participating in the first annual Carmel Authors and Ideas Festival this weekend, we all become part of Carmel's rich literary history. A bohemian spirit and rich, deep running creative wellspring have always been at our doorstep. The tradition of Robinson Jeffers, Frank Powers, Mary Austin and George Sterling continues, with Steinbeck, London and Stevenson serving as the pillars that support this tradition. Roam about and literally breathe in and partake of the writer's spirit first hand, as we share these wonderful moments and celebrate the genius of more than thirty award winners of virtually every prestigious literary award, including Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes. Thank you for joining us to enjoy a true Carmel experience!"
It began Friday evening with registration and a reception to meet the authors, with the opening speech by Frank McCourt, billed as the finest storyteller of our time. With his Irish brogue and sharp wit, telling story after story of his poor Irish childhood and teaching school for thirty years in NYC , among other fine tales, McCourt set the pace and the tone for a swiftly passing two days. He was so captivating I knew I was in for a weekend like no other.
I was not disappointed. The first breakout session Saturday morning I heard Jason Roberts recount an unlikely tale of how a blind man traveled around a world before automobiles. THEN, Elizabeth Edwards was whisked in by the FBI to talk about her "Saving Graces" during her battle with breast cancer during her husband's run for the vice-presidency. A beautiful, gracious, incredible human being. And it just kept getting better and better.
For a complete list of the authors and more details about the festival, please go to www.carmelauthors.com
Thanks to Jim and Cynthia McGillen for one of the best weekends of my life. I was entertained, inspired, and elated, not to mention that I met a slew of wonderful people - authors and attendees, friends, volunteers and presenters - bought several great books and had them autographed, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
It's true, "Storytellers rule the world."
