Selling Books Is Not the Only Reason Writers Attend Book Festivals

I’m still glowing from my three-day weekend at the Tucson Festival of Books, where I joined seven other authors in the second annual Adoptee Author Booth (organized by adoptee and editor Diane Shifflet, of Rainy Day Freelance).

In March of 2024 I was invited to participate in the debut of the Adoptee Authors booth. Unable to attend due to a previous commitment, I did however send in my first two books: Twice a Daughter (May 2021, She Writes Press), and my collection of essays, Belonging Matters (November 2023, Muse Literary) to be sold in the booth. Despite modest sales, because of the notoriety of the Tucson Festival of Books, I eagerly marked my calendar with hopes of attending in person 2025 when my new book Twice the Family would be available for sale.

(pictured from left to right: Ann Fessler, Julie McGue, Diane Shifflett; Adoptee Authors: Ken DeStefano, Jean Widner, Susan Ito, Ann Fessler, Monica Hall, EM Blake, Maryann Novy, not pictured Ann Haralambie; Julie McGue with Susan Ito)

Wow, wow, wow! What an incredible experience. I’m so glad I was able to attend this year.

Even though I knew what to expect, having previously participated in other book and LitFest events, planning for such venues like Tucson Festival of Books means transporting book stock, toting along swag like autographed bookplates, stickers, bookmarks, biographical materials, and acrylic book stands, etc. The commitment also entails readying the booth a day prior, manning the booth during long festival hours, supporting the other authors by learning about their books, attending panels, and participating in organized social events.

Before heading to the festival, I marveled at the company I’d be keeping—fellow women writers who had blazed the trail by informing society about the complicated world of adoption and publishing definitive works. Ann Fessler, an artist and author, published what is considered by many to be ground-breaking work or the “adoption bible.”  Her title, The Girls That Went Away. has over 10K reviews on Goodreads. Susan Kiyo Ito, a Japanese American adoptee, wrote a spectacular memoir, I Would Meet You Anywhere. Marianne Novy, an adoptee, educator, and writer, had her 2024 work, Adoption Memoirs, earn her a coveted spot on a panel with Susan Ito. One of my favorite moments was having Ann Fessler sign the well-worn copy of her book that I had brought from home (see above photo).

Meeting with the adoptee authors at the rooftop restaurant in The Graduate Hotel, just minutes from the University of Arizona campus, was one of the highlights of the weekend. The camaraderie, shared experiences, and discussions about writing and adoption made the festival an unforgettable experience. There was something truly magical about exchanging stories with people who understood the intricacies of adoption, identity, and belonging.

Beyond the booth and our author gatherings, the festival itself was a vibrant, literary wonderland. Hundreds of booths lined the University of Arizona mall, featuring authors from every genre imaginable. Attendees eagerly browsed, met their favorite writers, and attended insightful panels and book signings. The energy was infectious—everywhere I turned, I saw conversations buzzing about books, storytelling, and the power of words.

For me, one of the truly memorable moments was attending Susan Ito and Marianne Novy’s panel discussion. The conversation delved into how adoption narratives have evolved over time, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the responsibility writers have in shaping cultural perceptions of adoption. Hearing different perspectives and engaging in thought-provoking dialogue left me feeling even more inspired and grateful to be part of this community.

Another unexpected but delightful part of the weekend was the readers I met, who came browsing by our Adoptee Authors’ booth. Some had already read my books and stopped by the booth to share how my words had resonated with them. Others were discovering my work for the first time, intrigued by the themes of identity and belonging. Their enthusiasm and heartfelt conversations reminded me why I write—not for the sales, but for the impact stories can have on people’s lives.

Attending book festivals isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building connections, celebrating literature, and finding a community that understands and values the stories we tell. It’s about learning from fellow writers, being inspired by readers, and immersing oneself in the collective passion for storytelling. As I packed up my books and prepared to leave Tucson, I knew that this experience had left an indelible mark on me. 

And without a doubt, I will be back.

UPCOMING EVENT

BOOK NEWS

Twice the Family, which released on Feb. 4, 2025 (She Writes Press), continues to receive notable accolades. Besides the Gold Winner in Nonfiction from NFAA, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in Memoir 2025, this week my book received two awards: the Nonfiction Winner in the Great Midwest Book Festival, and a Red Ribbon in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

Follow Me Here

April 8 & 29 from 1:30-2:30 ET Julie will teach a webinar for the Author Learning Center, titled “How to Write Memoir That Reads Like Fiction.” You can sign up, here.

April 9: Julie will discuss her new book Twice the Family with the Longboat Key Club (LBKC) Book Club from 12 noon to 1:30 ET. Members can sign up on the club website.  

April 10: Julie will participate virtually in a Hinsdale IL Book Club discussing her new book, Twice the Family.

April 17: Vine & Verse: A Night of Wine & Words from 6-8 at Lum’s Cellars in Maplewood NJ. Julie will join fellow authors, Laura Gaddis (author of Mosaic), Kathleen Somers (author of Barely Visible) and Joanne De Simone (author of Fall and Recovery). Each author will discuss their book, do a short reading, and participate in a Q&A. (Words) Bookstore will be on hand to sell books at the event. Register here.

April 28: Julie and her twin sister Jenny will participate together in the APOM (Austin Parents of Multiples) Twin Panel at 8 PM ET. 

May 24: Twice the Family is the “Book of the Day” at the OnlineBookClub.com. 

June 18: Julie has been invited back to the Pottawatomie CC Book Club in Michigan City, IN at 6 PM CT to discuss her recent release, Twice the Family.

Aug. 13: Julie will join the Adoption Knowledge Affiliates Book Club at 7 PM CT to discuss Twice the Family.

Aug. 24-28: Julie will attend the HerSpirit Writing Retreat at the Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, CA organized by StorySummit.

If you missed Julie’s participation in the virtual author panel: Inside the Adoption Experience on 3/11, you can listen to the recording here.

Follow Julie by visiting her website, subscribe to her bimonthly newsletters, and listen to previous podcast recordings where she discusses topics like adoption, identity, family relationships, sisterhood and belonging.

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