16 June 2012

The Cape Town Book got off to a bustling start on Day 2 as thousands of book lovers descended on the CTICC.

There was so much happening it was hard to keep track.

In the morning, Modjaji authors and Sunday Times Literary Award nominees Yewande Omotoso and Tracy Farren spoke about their lives at Poetry Café.

Later the ladies were available to sign copies of their books at the Modjaji stand.

Another highlight was seeing acclaimed novelist Sindiwe Magona speaking about her biography at the ANFASA stand. She attracted such a thick crowd that it was hard to get close enough to hear. There was also a film crew on hand, so hopefully we’ll be seeing Sindiwe on the small screen soon.

The aisles were choc-a-block, but I managed to get some author spotting in. I ran into author Short Story Day South facilitator Rachel Zadok, Karina and Andre Brink, Tiah Beautement, Ben Williams (all the way from Joburg) and I even spotted Jo-Anne Richards in passing. Apologies to Ben for putting my foot in my mouth. I do that. A LOT. (Don’t ask)

A personal highlight was meeting Associated Magazines MD (and hero) Jane Raphaely who signed my copy of her book, Jane Raphaely Unedited. Jane is so poised and elegant, that I felt completely under-dressed in my worn jeans and alice band. Can’t wait to read her book.

I also spoke to Gabriele Lightdancer, who launched her poetry collection and biography at the Book Fair. Her journey from troubled childhood to author was very inspirational and I found that we had a lot in common. I was surprised to discover that the German born-writer lives with her husband in Pretoria.

It’s really great to see so many people excited about reading. Books were flying off the shelves. I made the mistake yesterday of seeing something I wanted and expected it to still be there this morning. Wrong!

Bargain hunters should head to the SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) stand who are selling 5 POSTERS FOR R10! Bargain Books have also got some great deals on.