In the tradition of the annual Authors and Editors reception hosted by SFWA in New York City, Western Regional Director, Sheila Finch is putting together an Authors and Booksellers event in the western region.

The Capstan Club on the Queen Mary in Long Beach harbor has been booked for Sunday, September 19, 2004, 4 pm to 7 pm, for a cocktail party to honor those in the book selling business who do so much to get books into the hands of readers. Light refreshments and beer, wine and sodas will be served, with other liquors available for purchase. The Capstan Club has its own, private little deck where guests can sip their drinks and admire the Long Beach skyline. 

The hotel is giving a parking discount for the event, and there may be a special room rate for those who stay overnight on the ship and explore its attractions. The Queen Mary is easy to reach from the 405 and 710 freeways, and the harbor area now boasts a brand new dining and entertainment area which includes the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

All SFWA members are invited to the party, and Sheila is developing a list of booksellers, bookstore owners, and event coordinators at the chains in the region to be guests.

To help explore ideas or volunteer to help, please contact Sheila Finch at wr@sfwa.org.

Posted February 7, 2004