Virtual Texas Book Festival announces programming schedule

The 25th annual Texas Book Festival will be a virtual event. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.

The Texas Book Festival recently unveiled its full 2020 schedule, detailing author panels, cooking demonstrations, solo author sessions, kids’ activities and more during the two-week virtual event. The Festival begins on October 31 with young adult and Texas Teen Book Festival programming, followed by kids’ programming from November 2 to 6, and adult programming from November 6 to 15, including Lit Crawl Austin and the annual First Edition Literary Gala. This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary. The full schedule is available online.  (Texas Book Festival, 2020)

Teen & Young Adult Programming – Saturday, October 31- Keynote: Elizabeth Acevedo in Conversation at 10a.m. When a plane crashes with their father on board, two sisters who have never met discover all the secrets that connect their lives, their grief and their future paths as they figure out where to go from here. Taking readers deep into a tangled knot of sorrow, jealousy and love, National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo’s newest novel in verse offers a moving testament to the power of sisterhood.

Children’s Programming – Monday, November 2. Raúl the Third: “¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat.” Jon Scieszka and Steven Weinberg: “AstroNuts Mission Two: The Water Planet.”

Adult Programming – Saturday, November 7 at 4p.m. Matthew McConaughey in Conversation with Ethan Hawke. Austin icon and Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey shares wisdom and inspiration in his new book “Greenlights,” based on thirty-five years’ worth of journal entries and observations.

7p.m. Literary Death Match. Four authors. Three judges. Two finalists. One really epic finale. Part literary event, part comedy show, part game show, Literary Death Match brings together today’s finest writers to compete in an edge-of-your-seat read-off critiqued by three judges and concluded by a slapstick showdown to decide the ultimate champion.

Friday, November 13 at 4p.m. “Elsewhere:” Dean Koontz in Conversation with Jeffery Deaver. Dean Koontz, the author of many number-one The New York Times best-sellers, presents his new novel, “Elsewhere,” a technothriller about a father and daughter who discover a strange and highly coveted device that could reunite them with dearly departed Mom. Fellow best-selling author Jeffery Deaver leads the discussion.

The 2020 Virtual Book Festival will take place from October 31 through November 15 and continues to be free and open to the public thanks to generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers. The 2020 Virtual Texas Book Festival is co-presented by H-E-B and AT&T. Other major sponsors include Brigid Cockrum and Family, Kirkus Reviews, Tocker Foundation, Tapestry Foundation, Texas Monthly, Buena Vista Foundation, Still Water Foundation, C-SPAN 2/Book TV, Central Market, Austin American-Statesman, Pentagram, Jordan Foster Construction, and Loewy Law Firm.

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages to love reading, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming.

“We’re excited to bring the Texas Book Festival into the homes of readers across Texas and beyond. Because of our virtual format, it’s never been easier to attend. I encourage everyone  to visit our website and the Texas Book Festival Crowdcast page to register for sessions to make sure you don’t miss a single minute of this huge free event.” – Lois Kim, Texas Book Festival Executive Director

Texas Women for the Arts opens 2021 grant in support of local arts organizations

Texas Women for the Arts opens its 2021 grant application program. Photo: Texas Cultural Trust, used with permission.

Texas Women for the Arts (TWA), a membership program of the Texas Cultural Trust, recently announced the opening of its 2021 grant application. Applications will be invited and accepted through December 1, 2020 by 5p.m (Texas Cultural Trust, 2020)

Through this grant and since its inception in 2005, TWA has distributed more than $2.9 million to over 200 Texas organizations. Applications must be sponsored by a current member of TWA and must reflect their mission to “awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child.” Organizations are encouraged to identify and request sponsorship from local TWA members. Applicants can submit their grant proposals through the Texas Cultural Trust website.

TWA unites the financial forces of more than 240 Texas women annually in support of arts education programs. These influential women represent all corners of the state and their investments have impacted more than a million Texas children. The program is currently accepting membership renewals and welcomes new membership applications. To join or learn more about the program, visit Texas Cultural Trust online.

Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the Texas Cultural Trust include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, Partners in the Arts and Arts Access. Texas Cultural Trust efforts are amplified by its partners who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy, and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.

Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) is a statewide giving circle and membership program. Since its inception in 2005, this philanthropic force and champion for the arts in education has awarded over $2.9 million to more than 200 arts organizations, impacting more than a million Texas children

Upcoming release: ‘Fine’ by Amylea Murphy

Amylea Murphy’s debut novel ‘Fine’ will be available starting November 17, 2020. Photo: amazon

Author AmyLea Murphy has always been passionate about helping young people mature into successful, confident, and contributing members of society. Enthusiastic about empowering others to be their most authentic and best selves in spite of the challenges life presents , her compassion and grit shines through her storytelling. Her debut novel “Fine,” is set for release on Tuesday  November 17, 2020. This YA novel is an intimate glimpse into the private world of two teenage girls struggling to be themselves in a demanding and unforgiving world. Inspired by the resiliency of the human spirit, AmyLea Murphy writes about life-changing moments in the hope of empowering her readers to embrace life in all of its messiness. (Black Château, 2020)

“Fine” is the story of Anna Williams, a straight-A student, cheerleader and all-around golden child who vanished six years ago. After all these years, no one knows what happened or why. Her younger sister, Katie, has drifted through life ever since, wracked with guilt, grief and anger over Anna’s unsolved disappearance. But when her future reaches a breaking point, Katie takes the investigation into her own hands. Searching for answers in her sister’s missing person’s file, she discovers that some questions aren’t so easy to answer. Through police memos, interrogations and excerpts from Anna’s diary, Katie peaks behind the carefully crafted façade Anna left behind and uncovers the dark truths of her life in the months before she disappeared. Unsettling and surprising, “Fine” is a mystery that will break your heart and put it back together again.

“Fine” blends the mystery of “Sadie” and “Vanishing Girls” with the poignancy of Sarah Dessen. Inspired by Gayle Forman and Jennifer Niven and written for all ages, “Fine” is a reminder of the resiliency of the human spirit and brings out the inner teenager in everyone. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Briscoe’s Sips and Sounds of the West series

Sips and Sounds of the West of the Briscoe this Friday October 16. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is offering guests the opportunity to kick back and kick up their heels on the banks of the River Walk with its new Sips and Sounds of the West series. Debuting Friday, October 16 in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, Sips and Sounds of the West features live music, drinks and food under the stars and the watchful eyes of the fantastic bronze sculptures that call the garden home. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

The first of the planned quarterly music series features Clint Tomerlin, a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, aspiring author/poet and occasionally funny man who has performed with and opened for artists including Wade Bowen, Bruce Robison and Drew Kennedy. Tomerlin’s music will fill the air as everyone enjoys a socially distanced evening featuring a cash bar with specialty cocktails and tasty treats from food truck Mi Taquito Arandas Jalisco. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with music, drinks and food until 8:30p.m.

Sips and Sounds of the West will take place in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, a lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs and benches to rest and enjoy the view. With the lights of downtown in the background, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.

Advanced tickets for Sips and Sounds of the West are $12 per person and include three drink tickets, as well as an admission ticket to come back and enjoy the rest of the Briscoe during regular museum hours. The event is free for museum members. Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis to guarantee a safe, socially distanced event and members must RSVP to attend. To safely ensure proper social distances are maintained, groups are asked purchase tickets in one transaction. A minimum of two tickets must be purchased to ensure guests are seated appropriately. Groups of three to five will be seated at a larger round table. Groups of two will be seated at intimate cocktail tables. Tickets will be available at the door but will be $20 per person.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat debuts Hiatus Everyday product line

Hiatus Everyday product line includes Friday Happy Hour, Saturday Pastime and Sunday Matinee. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning Texas day spa with eight locations across the state, is excited to announce the launch of the Hiatus Everyday product line, which is now available at all locations and online. The product line features two collections, The Weekend Collection and The Spa Day Collection, and includes over 20 products, such as aroma oil, hand and body wash, body butter, charcoal scrub and more. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2020)

Created to embody each unique day of the weekend, The Weekend Collection features the Friday Collection, the Saturday Collection and the Sunday Collection.  Each day of The Weekend Collection features two unique aromas in the following products: aroma oil, hand and body wash, body butter and charcoal scrub.

The Friday Collection features uplifting and invigorating aromas with Happy Hour, a blend of blood orange, cardamom and pine needles, designed to put a smile on your face and leave you sparkling and Recess, featuring  white sage, eucalyptus and spearmint, inviting you to exhale and hold space for whatever comes next.

The Saturday Collection blends soothing herbal and calming floral notes in the aromas with Pastime, a blending of layered florals with Amyris and citrus for an interesting yet playful aroma; and Daydream, a combination of lavender, bergamot, and chamomile for a soothing way to rest the senses.

The Sunday Collection brings warming woods, earthy herbals and a hint of sweet citrus to the aromas with Take Five, a comforting, warm, slightly herbal aroma of frankincense, petitgrain, and sandalwood; and Matinee, a balanced blend of clary sage, lavender, and cedarwood with a hint of floral.

In addition to The Weekend Collection, Hiatus is also debuting The Spa Day Collection featuring three products, including a Margarita Lip Scrub that was inspired by the sweet and tangy grit of margarita salt; Mojito Lip Balm, a velvety balm with refreshing cucumber and bergamot for a fresh take; and All-Clear Aroma Mist, a smudge in a spray with a balance of sage, sweet orange, and cedarwood to bring a moment of ritual to your everyday routine.

Hiatus Everyday products are now available online and in all eight Hiatus locations with product prices ranging from $7 to $27. Throughout the month of October, Hiatus invites guests to Spa for a Cause with $1 from the sale of every Hiatus Everyday product benefitting Peabody Fund: The Cancer Vaccine Project. The packaging design features watercolor images that mimic the art in each of the spas created by Texas-based artist Jan Heaton. The Weekend Collection features colors that are representative of the day of the week–Friday is green, which evokes life; Saturday is blue, which has a calming effect; and Sunday is terracotta, which grounds the soul. The team at Hiatus is excited to continue to grow the collection with additional products in the future.

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle. 

“Five years in the making, this project is truly a labor of love. Our debut line is an extension of the Hiatus experience, made to enhance daily health and wellness rituals—hence the name Hiatus Everyday. We selected the cleanest natural ingredients and were grateful to have found a Texas partner who crafts exquisite, sustainably sourced, small-batch products, which help to incorporate our core principles into everyday life.” – Hiatus Co-Founder Sheila Garrison

Taco Cabana’s new seasonal margaritas

Taco Cabana’s Blood Orange Margarita is one of the new seasonal margaritas along with Sour Gummy and Pumpkin Spice. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Just in time for fall, Taco Cabana is launching three new seasonal margarita flavors. Starting this Monday, guests can enjoy Pumpkin Spice, Sour Gummy and Blood Orange frozen margaritas. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

The Pumpkin Spice flavor is synonymous with fall and Taco Cabana is excited to introduce its first-ever Pumpkin Spice margarita. The three new margarita flavors join the current Taco Cabana margarita lineup of Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Green Apple and Mangonada, which all remain available on Taco Cabana’s menu. Chamoy can still be added to any margarita at no additional charge. Margaritas are available for purchase all day, every day (starting at 10a.m. on Sundays) at all locations in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio.  

All of Taco Cabana’s margarita flavors are available with food purchase via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App or online. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.  Taco Cabana margaritas are available for delivery in San Antonio only via online ordering using the MYTC! App or online.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining and drive-thru windows. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 146 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

“Taco Cabana guests have enthusiastically responded to our margarita lineup all summer long and we are extremely excited to continue our Taco Cabana flavor innovation with the launch of our three new seasonal margaritas.” – Rich Stockinger, CEO and President of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. 

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser for student hunger relief. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This month, as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, Whataburger is partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to help fight hunger and provide meals for San Antonio’s most vulnerable, as there are 50,000 more children in need since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

From Monday, October 5 at 3p.m. through Friday, October 30 at 12a.m., customers who donate $1 or more to the San Antonio Food Bank at any Whataburger location across San Antonio or Schertz will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. The $1 donation provides seven meals from the San Antonio Food Bank and helps reach their goal of providing 350,000 meals to local children.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 46,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

“A few weeks ago we pulled the trigger on preparing thousands of meals a day for kids who were struggling with food. We needed a miracle to cover our unexpected expenses. Whataburger provides the opportunity for the magic, but the customer will be the real miracle maker. I have full hope that our great community will come through and make it happen.”-  Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

“Too many families in our community struggle to put food on the table for their children, and since the pandemic began, we know more children than ever are facing food insecurity. We started the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program to remove obstacles for our students, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the San Antonio Food Bank to support families at a critical time, and get kids the nutrition they need to be healthy and successful.” – Rob Rodriguez, SVP and Chief Restaurant Operating Officer of Whataburger

Book review: ‘The Napkin Art of Tim Burton’ by Tim Burton

‘The Napkin Art of Tim Burton: Things You Think About in a Bar.’

Tim Burton is an American filmmaker, animator and artist who is best known for his gothic, fantasy and horror films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Sweeney Todd: The Barber of Fleet Street. He wrote and illustrated the poetry book “The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories” in 1997 and “The Art of Tim Burton” in 2009, a compilation of his drawings, sketches and other artwork.  He followed the latter with “The Napkin Art of Tim Burton: Things You Think About in a Bar” in 2015, which contains sketches he made on napkins at bars and restaurants he visited.

“The Napkin Art of Tim Burton” begins with a note by Tim Burton where he explains why he likes to draw on napkins.  Simply put, he likes to draw on whatever surface happens to be available when he gets inspired. With all the traveling he does, he is usually in restaurants and bars and the easiest blank surfaces are napkins. He also wants to encourage others to create, “however, wherever possible” because art is mostly about the process of creating, not so much the result. Opposite that page, is a picture of a blank napkin, so the reader can draw on it if the mood strikes, along with any other surface of the book.

This being Halloween season, fans of Tim Burton might want to take notice of this art book.  It is smaller than most books, about a 6 X 6 square and weighs 1.58 lbs. but for hardcore fans, it is a collectible.  The artwork is typical Tim Burton, most are in black and white, but there are some colored ones. Notable napkins include those from Bar Vendôme and Hôtel Ritz and Paris and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  Sometimes he even uses the logo as part of the drawing, which is highly inventive.  One of his best drawings is that of a one-eyed green monster with a real cherry as the pupil. “The Napkin Art of Tim Burton” is a small but valuable book of art by the master of fantasy films and is recommended for genuine fans of his work.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

North Star Mall food drive to benefit San Antonio Food Bank

North Star Mall be be hosting a food drive on Friday October 30 during which those who donate five or more items will receive a Cowboy Boots Fiesta Medal. Photo: North Star Mall, used with permission.

North Star Mall is holding a food drive on Friday, October 30 from 10a.m. to 4p.m. to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.  A San Antonio Food Bank truck and red donation bins will be on site to receive food items all under gray tents with orange trim — the orange symbolizing hunger awareness — at the corner of Rector and San Pedro. North Star Mall staff and volunteers from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Society for Design Administration (SDA) will man the contactless collection point.  While supplies last, they will also be handing out a commemorative, limited edition, Fiesta Medal of its iconic Cowboy Boots, including stars that light-up, to those donating five items or more. (North Star Mall, 2020)

The San Antonio Food Bank’s 12 most wanted foods are: peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, mac ‘n cheese, canned chili and soups, baby food, canned meats, pet food, full meals boxed or canned and pop top food items.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security.

 “We created the medal to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots, along with the memory of its creator, the late Bob ‘Daddy-O’ Wade. It was our intent to offer the medals during Fiesta, but no one could foresee the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic also affected our ability to host CANstruction, an event where we would have typically partnered with architects, engineers and contractor teams representing the San Antonio chapters of the AIA and SDA. The event benefits the SA Food Bank during Hunger Action Month. This is our way of giving back to the community and helping such a worthy cause.” – Brenda Crawford, Sr. General Manager, North Star Mall.

Texas Book Festival announces two ticketed events

‘A Conversation with Matthew McConaughey’ is one of the ticketed events and will feature the actor talking abut his new memoir ‘Greenlights.’ Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.

As part of the 2020 Virtual Texas Book Festival, the festival is announcing events with Matthew McConaughey and Jodi Picoult as they present their most recent books. McConaughey will discuss his memoir “Greenlights” with actor Ethan Hawke on Saturday, November 7 at 4p.m. and Jodi Picoult will discuss her new novel “A Book of Two Ways” with author Amanda Eyre Ward on Wednesday, November 11 at 6p.m.  Tickets for both events are required to attend both events and are now available via the Texas Book Festival website. (Texas Book Festival, 2020)

In ‘A Conversation with Matthew McConaughey,’ the Academy Award-winning actor and beloved Texas native will present his new memoir that is filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction. McConaughey will be in conversation with Ethan Hawke. The first 350 ticket buyers for this event will receive a copy of “Greenlights” with a signed bookplate.

In ‘A Conversation with Jodi Picoult,’ the bestselling author will discuss her new novel “A Book of Two Ways” with bestselling author Amanda Eyre Ward. Picoult is the author of twenty-six novels, including #1 bestsellers “Small Great Things” and “A Spark of Light” and several short stories and novellas. Picoult’s new fiction delivers a riveting story about the choices that change the course of our lives. The first 100 ticket buyers for this event will receive a signed copy of “The Book of Two Ways.”

Tickets are $41 for each event and include the cost of the book, processing fees and shipping. Tickets for the event featuring McConaughey are available via the Crowdcast page and tickets for the event featuring Picoult are available via the Crowdcast page. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Texas Book Festival’s literacy and outreach programs across the state and help keep the Festival free and open to the public every year. 

For book lovers who want access to all ticketed sessions, Texas Book Festival is offering Festival Friends Passes for a $100 minimum donation. The passes provide access to all Virtual Festival headlining author ticketed sessions (books not included), acknowledgment on the TBF website and one year of Texas Monthly home delivery and subscriber-only digital access. Donors of $150 or more will receive a commemorative 25th Anniversary enamel pin and donors of $200 or more will receive the enamel pin and a special edition TBF tote bag.

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages to love reading, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries and year-round literary programming. The 2020 Virtual Texas Book Festival will take place from October 31 through November 15. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.