A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 17, 2025

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Author Archives: Jennie Cottrell

Geoff Rodkey Waxes (Hilariously) Poetic about His Latest Book

Those of you lucky enough to be on Geoff Rodkey ‘s email list have already seen this. Those of you who haven’t are in for a treat. Read on… ————— Dear Friend/Relative/Texas School Librarian: Great news! Blue Sea Burning , the thrilling conclusion to the… Continue Reading

Q&A with Carl Hoffman

Carl Hoffman is a contributing editor at National Geographic Traveler and the author of “Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism and Michael Rockefeller’s Tragic Quest for Primitive Art.” His second book, “The Lunatic Express: Discovering the World Via It’s Most Dangerous Buses, Boats, Trains and Planes,” was named one of ten best books of 2010 by the Wall Street Journal and was a New York Times summer reading pick. His first… Continue Reading

How to Get Your Poetry Published

A workshop led by Michele Wolf Years ago, once I had started to submit my poems to literary journals and anthologies, a classified ad in a prominent writers magazine caught my attention. The ad sought poems, fiction and photographs for… Continue Reading

Q&A with Children’s Author Uma Krishnaswami

Uma Krishnaswami is the author of numerous critically acclaimed books for young readers, from picture books through novels, including the multiple-star-reviewed book, “The Grand Plan to Fix Everything,” which Kirkus Reviews called “a delightful romp.” Her latest novel, “The Problem With Being Slightly Heroic,” is a sequel to “The Grand Plan to Fix Everything”… Continue Reading

Q&A with Mary Kay Zuravleff

Mary Kay Zuravleff ’s latest novel, “Man Alive!” tells the story of a Bethesda psychiatrist who is struck by lightning and now only wants to barbecue. The Washington Post called it “a family novel for smart people,” and named it a 2013 Notable Book. People… Continue Reading

A Testimonial to the Strength of 2014’s Children’s Line-Up

It’s always nice when we get positive feedback about what we’re doing, which is why we can’t resist posting an email received recently by our festival chair. (Reprinted with permission.) The email is also a testimonial as to why anyone… Continue Reading

Q&A with Children’s Author Jacqueline West

Jacqueline West is the author of the award-winning middle grade series The Books of Elsewhere. The latest in the series is “The Books of Elsewhere, Volume Four: The Strangers.” The first book in the series, “The Shadows,” garnered starred reviews, several state award nominations and a spot on the New York Times… Continue Reading

Who is helping give out half a million free books across America on April 23rd?

On April 23, 2014, members of the Gaithersburg Book Festival committee will join other volunteers in cities across America to give away half a million free books. World Book Night (WBN) is an ambitious campaign to give away free paperbacks to light or non-readers.… Continue Reading

Q&A with Sierra Prasada

Sierra Prasada is the co-author of “The Creative Compass: Writing Your Way from Inspiration to Publication” and “Creative Lives: Portraits of Lebanese Artists.” She is adapting the bestselling novel, “The Journeys of Socrates,” into a screenplay — and blogging about it. A freelance journalist and editor, Sierra spent several years living in and reporting on the Middle East. She previously has taught… Continue Reading

Live in the Children’s Village… the Penny Theater Puppet Show

by Karen O’Keefe The Penny Theater puppet show is coming! The Penny Theater puppet show is coming! This year’s festival-goers – both children and the adults who tag along with them — are in for a treat. If you live… Continue Reading