The Wordsmiths Project Journal

Back in April, I was thrilled and honored when Lance Fensterman of Book Expo America told me that BEA Cares (Book Expo’s charity arm) would be providing The Wordsmiths Project pro bono exhibit space at Book Expo. It was the best news I had heard in a long time; I would be launching The Wordsmiths Project and promoting the Writers Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF) at North America’s premier publishing industry trade show. However, I had no idea all that would be involved in organizing, preparing and mounting the exhibit in New York City’s Javits Center. The past couple of months have been a hectic pressure cooker, which is why I haven’t had the time to journal recently. But the result, at last week’s Book Expo 2007, was wonderful and worth all the sleepless nights.

The space BEA Cares gave us was right in front of one of the main entrances to the trade show – near the BookTV bus and the Pen American Center table. (And, yes, BookTV did do an interview with me, but I’ve yet to find out when it will air.) So, we had a very nice amount of traffic. Initially, people walking by weren’t quite sure what the exhibit was all about, but they were drawn in by the pictures. Once there, I could tell them about WEAF and hope that those who took the envelopes will send in some donations. In addition, I asked folks for nominations of people I should consider photographing for The Wordsmiths Project. The nominations we received are quite interesting. But, please remember, The Wordsmiths Project will be ongoing for at least another year or so (as long as I’m enjoying myself and it’s doing some good). So, I’ll welcome nominations at any time. (Click here for how to nominate.)

I had a great time at Book Expo, seeing old friends and photo subjects and meeting all kinds of new interesting people. My only disappointment was that I was so busy at the exhibit, I didn’t have time to check out all the conference discussions and other events.

I’m thrilled to report that Book Expo, the publishing industry’s primary trade show in the U.S., has acknowledged The Wordsmiths Project, and the work we are doing to get the word out about the Writers Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF). BEA has put a link to The Wordsmiths Project on the BEA Cares page of their Website. And they are providing us with display space at Book Expo, which is at New York City’s Javits Center this May 31-June 3.

The WEAF provides emergency grants to help professional writers in crisis to continue to be writers. (While the WEAF is run by the American Society of Journalists & Authors, grant recipients don’t have to be members of ASJA.) The whole idea of dedicating The Wordsmiths Project to the WEAF was to raise the publishing industry’s awareness of the important work the WEAF does. I am also donating the proceeds from The Wordsmiths Project receptions, exhibits and sales of pictures to WEAF. If you wish to donate directly to the WEAF, please use the link at the bottom of every page on this Website.

I am very pleased to have The Wordsmiths Project receive the recognition of BEA. I know it will help make the publishing industry more aware of the WEAF — and hopefully will get people in the industry behind WEAF’s work.