BALTIMORE (Map, News) - A successful author has to be more than the introverted wordsmith, consumed by the story.

The writer must become the extrovert, marketing the story to audiences, said Gregg Wilhelm, president of CityLit Project, a nonprofit that promotes writers in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

“You really need to know how to read and entertain and perform,” he said. This ease comes with practice, he said.

Several writers had a chance to test their voices at the 11th annual Baltimore Book Festival on Sunday in Baltimore City.

Creative Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes the arts, partnered with CityLit to bring writers to the festival, where they read their work to their peers and curious passers-by.

Their voices competed with the rising din of the festival as handfuls of people wandered by the tent, stopping to listen.

Others sat quietly, filling the two dozen or so chairs, their heads tilted slightly to the side as they listened.

“This was a good little break-in for me,” said writer Judy Turner, who read aloud Sunday for the first time, adding that she was nervous and excited. Turner joined fellow writers Nancy Greene, Paul Lagasse, Eric Goodman, Barbara Friedland and Fernando Quijano, all participants in the Creative Alliance’s Write Here, Write Now workshops. The workshops create a community of writers in Baltimore, where they can get support, feedback, editing and revising.

“If people meet you and don’t like you, they won’t buy your book,” said Christine Stewart, host of Sunday’s panel and one of eight artists-in-residence and the only writer at Creative Alliance. “You’re like a walking ad.”

The readings were among dozens of events at this weekend’s Book Festival, which was expected to draw about 50,000 people, said Tracy Baskerville, spokeswoman for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.

The clear weather, as well as the much-anticipated appearance of Elmo and the man behind the monster, Kevin Clash, brought the crowds Sunday for the final day of the festival.

smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

4:05 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 16, 2008 re: "Eight days of carnival rides, hot dogs, funnel cakes and fun"

Examiner Reader said:
wow thats amazing but why would that many people actually come to one single carnival

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1:44 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 27, 2007 re: "Book fest gives writers public voice"

Vita M. King said:
The city of baltimore is growing,in what manner?Some people don't welcome the change,the new condos.The prices the go with them the rebuilding,yes the areas look great looking at the big picture.And the people that have to move,out of there surroundings,well some know no other way of life.What will happen next only time will tell,my self I welcome the wonderful condos,the picture book look,but that is only my eyes.The new things that will come about,that have been over due for some.New people out front now new faces that are of old.Get ready Baltimore hold on for the ride.The city already looks like another place,and where are some of the old faces,they have faded.

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4:24 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"

Melanie said:
Nice to see Polish pride alive and thriving in Baltimore!

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3:43 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"

Examiner Reader said:
Found this on Examiner.com's Event Calendar: Polish Festival Jun 1, 2007 - Jun 3, 2007 At Patterson Park's Pulaski Monument (Eastern Avenue at Linwood Avenue), join The Polish Community Association of Maryland for ethnic music, dance and perogis. Admission ranges from $2-$4. Children under 12 are free with paying adult. Specific scheduling information can be found on the Web site. Location: Patterson Park, Eastern Avenue, Baltimore 21231

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3:42 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"

Examiner Reader said:
Yes, what if we're not Polish but want to attend this fesetival? The food sounds great. Please help us know where to go for the festival.

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1:55 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"

Mel Lingerman said:
You never give the location of the event in the article.

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