MPLA conference and exhibition

We set up our booth for the MPLA (Mountain Plains Library Association), which includes twelve states, at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City Monday. With as many books 4RV now has, the job was a big one for three rather mature women, none of whom is in the best of health. However we succeeded.

All books from our company were on display, but I'll have to admit Confessions of a Former Rock Queen was the focal point.


We did have a few purchases, but most libraries must send us a PO in order to order. Many seemed quite interested and took notes of which books they wanted, and the fact we offer a 30% discount for libraries, schools, and museums interested them more.

Galand Nuchols traveled from her home in Texas to join us, and she may not have worked an event like this before but showed many "experienced" authors how to do the job. She approached visitors as soon as they entered the door (our booth was just inside one set of doors), gave them her card, and told them not only about her book Second Chance, but also about the other 4RV titles.


Several librarians showed an interest in Elysabeth's series about the states, as well as other titles that can be used in their programs.

Many want to know as soon as Shirl Yancey's book comes out because it sounds interesting and like a great resource. Shirl prepared a framed copy of the cover for Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia and had business cards beside the framed copy. On the photo of the table for 4RV Publishing at the right end, the framed photo can be seen.

Suzy and Shirl

Suzy Koch joined us for part of the days we were exhibiting. She greeted some of the librarians, too, as did Lisa Willis on Wednesday.






I hobbled home exhausted and barely able to walk. Jacque Graham, Galand, and Shirl nearly tied me to my chair, trying to keep me off my feet, but those who know me understand that's difficult for me.


Yes, it's a joke, but they did manage to some extent.

Jacque greets libarian, Lisa in background

Speaking of Jacque, she was on hand working much too hard, too -- as usual.

I didn't get a picture of Eric Mathe, who came to help us take everything down and reload in my van.



I'll end with a couple of shots of the very large area used for the exhibition. We did enjoy meeting people from Oklahoma and many other states. Several of us have appearance dates set as a result. 4RV has been invited to Denver, Colorado for something (we're supposed to receive an email with information).

Both pictures are taken from our table and give such a small view of the space used.



I have many other pictures taken during the MPLA exhibition. Maybe I can use them another time.


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Only 2 weeks to Heartland New Day BookFest

Although the book fest is not part of 4RV Publishing and 4RV is not a sponsor, 4RV Publishing is registered for the Heartland New Day BookFest, along with four other publishers, sixty-five authors, seven illustrators, and three literary groups.

I'm personally one of the organizational committee members, and we're meeting weekly now that the festival will be April 9 and 10. However, our meeting today had to be canceled. The first day of spring brought a winter storm with already over seven inches of snow.

Here are a few photos of our last meeting: Suzy Koch and Bill VanOsdol discuss the football (signed by OU Heisman winners) which is a door prize for the festival. Other door prizes include two $25 savings bonds from Citizens' Bank of Edmond and a Day of Beauty, provided by Lynn M. Center and Hair by Shad.





Shirl Yancey is secretary of the committee, and she took the opportunity to show off the cover of her book, which will come out later this year, if all goes well. More information can be found on her website, vehoae conscience.








Committee member John LaGroue and festival director Suzy Koch discuss plans.




Friday, April 9, several attending authors and illustrators will visit schools in the area and will speak to students about writing and illustrating. Then that evening, a dinner will be held starting at 6:30. Jordan Dane will be the keynote speaker, and awards will be presented to students who placed in the essay contest and to authors whose books placed in the published book competition. Reservations for the dinner can still be made. Details can be found on the Heartland New Day BookFest website, on the Dinner page.

Saturday, April 10, the book festival is open to the public from 9 AM - 3 PM. Of the sixty-some authors present with their books, several are best-selling and/or award-winning authors. Two of the publishers will take pitches from writers hoping to have books published. See the Publishers page on the website for information.

All but a couple tables are reserved for the book festival itself, two slots per table. Anyone wanting to register need to do so quickly.

I hope everyone in or near Oklahoma will make a trip to the Heartland New Day BookFest and meet us.



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