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Keynote speakers for this year’s event are best-selling authors Fannie Flagg, Pat Conroy and Rick Bragg. In addition, Robert Leleux, author of The Memoir of a Beautiful Day, has been chosen to co-host the event with Kathy Patrick, owner and founder of Beauty and the Book salon and store and Girlfriend Weekend. “I have invited some of the best authors in the country to come to Jefferson for this event,” said Kathy. “If you have never attended, be prepared for an experience to last a lifetime!“ The weekend hosts several unique opportunities for readers to meet and interact with their favorite authors and fellow readers. Guests of the Girlfriend Weekend will be treated to an Author Dinner Theatre where an author, who happens to be a chef, prepares dinner. Playwright/Author Michael Listor will perform a play with his fellow authors, and the rest of the authors will fill in as the wait staff. Who knew that your favorite author would someday be serving you sweet tea!? The theme for this year’s convention is It’s All About the Story. Guests are urged to dress like their favorite book author, character or as the entire “slew” of characters from their favorite novel. According to Kathy, Beauty and the Book is the only hair salon and book store in the world. Kathy began her venture in January of 2000, and in the last 10 years, the salon and book store has rolled out their leopard print carpet for numerous authors and salon divas. In addition to owning her own book store and hair salon, Kathy has started her own book club; one for girls and one for guys in Jefferson. Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs have grown to 300 different chapters across the United States with 10 chapters in foreign nations. The Pulpwood Queens live by the motto: “Where tiaras are mandatory and reading good books is the RULE!” This book club is unlike any other book club (ummm…can I please wear a tiara?!), but their mission is simple: promote books, literacy, reading, and great authors. “When I started this book club, I threw out all of the rules! My book club was going to be fun, not homework. As I always say since turning the BIG FIVE O, if it isn’t big time fun, then why do it,” said Kathy. By becoming a member of a Pulpwood Queen or Timber Guy Book Club Chapter, you will be able to join in on the Early Bird Specials for the Girlfriend Getaway since most of the events in 2010 were sold out. In addition, there will be a Pulpwood Queen V.I.P. room for Head Queens and Authors. Head Queens are those who start a Pulpwood Queen Chapter in their community. In the V.I.P room, Head Queens will be provided refreshments, treats and individual time with the authors at the event. The combination price for the weekend is $150. It includes entry into all of the Friday and Saturday panels and Friday and Saturday night entertainment. The weekend will end with the annual Great Big Ball of Hair Ball. To join in on the fun and become an official member of the Pulpwood Queen or Timber Guy Book Club or to reserve your tickets for Beauty and the Book Girlfriend Weekend, call 903.665.7520 or visit www.BeautyandtheBook.com.
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 Pat Conroy, a New York Time’s Bestselling Author, will be a Keynote Speaker for the 11th Anniversary Beauty and the Book Author Extravaganza and Book Club Convention. |
