Cape Town Book Fair - Day 1

Joe's Book Fair Diary - Day 1, 16 June 2007

Well having just barely survived day 1 of the Cape Town Book Fair I returned home heart-warmed and overwhelmed at the day's events.

First up I was asked to join a discussion on Fantasy Literature, featuring brand new up-and-coming fantasy author Greg Hamerton, as well as winner of last years Short-Story comp, Sarah Lotz . It turned out to be a huge amount of fun and garnered us some new fans and some face-to-face contact with some of our old fans.

To all the readers who came by and said hello, thank you, it really means a lot to us when we meet the fans. Our job is very quiet and isolated, so these opportunities we have to interact with you guys are always great.

After having spent the day running around and accosting media representatives, chatting to writers, artists and readers we finished up at the official launch of Mamba #5.

Cartoonists Zapiro, Stephen Francis, Rico and others were on hand to congratulate Andy Mason on the fifth issue of his inspiring Mamba. Books were sold, cards were swapped and free booze was inbibed.

Some of the awesome South African Produced Comics, Mags and Graphic Novels featured at the Mamba Launch.

We were also thrilled to bump into Jesca Marisa, the phenomenal artist who illustrated Sarah Lotz 's winning story Perfect Man in Issue 1 . Jesca has also done the coer for Issue 4 of Something Wicked.

Our very own Vianne (left) discusses the finer points of promoting local art and literature to Issue 4 cover artist Jesca Marisa standing on the right. Notice the brand new copy of Something Wicked Issue 3 sticking out of her bag. Trying to look nonchalant is Damon Berry - reader of Evan Morris' The Breeding Season Podcast.

Tomorrow promises to be another insane day, and hopefully I'll see more of you.

I've been asked to join in on a Terry Pratchett discussion at 12 midday at the Science Fiction Stand (L6). After which I will be walking around meeting fans and trying to get new ones. Come on down, it's always great to meet you guys.
Cheers.