Get your bookmarks ready and lightly lick your page-turning fingers; it’s time once again for Northwest Bookfest. This year, a coalition of nearly 100 Northwest authors will gather in Kirkland on September 22 and 23 for a weekend of readings, writing workshops, and panel discussions on everything from digital marketing and rights to young adult fiction (oh great, more shiny vampire talk). This literary mass includes headlining authors David Guterson, Ivan Doig, J.A. Jance, Jim Lynch, and Elizabeth George. All NW Bookfest events are free and will be held in and around Peter Kirk Park in downtown Kirkland.

Highlights of Northwest Bookfest 2012 include:

Sept 22 & 23
Parents needn’t find a babysitter to experience NW Bookfest—there's plenty of family-friendly programming on the docket. The Story Tent hosts readings by children’s book authors and Carter Family Puppets will perform Cenerentola (the Italian Cinderella) twice daily (10am and 2).

Sept 22 at 7
Everything is better with some wine and appetizers, including author presentations. The popular “Wine and Words” event returns on Sept 22 at 7 with the night’s festivities will be spread across three locations: Parkplace Books hosts Carol Frieberg, Jill Lightner, and Steve Roberts; Milagro welcomes Shelli Stevens and J.D. Munro; and poets David D. Horowitz, Greg Bee, R.R. Seitz, Jeannine Hall Gailey, and Jack McCarthy will be at the Grape Choice.

Sept 23 at 1
For those looking for a lighter imbibing experience, “Queens of Romance Tea” will be held at Parkplace Books. Romance writers Yasmine Galenorn, Elizabeth Boyle, Teresa Meyers, and Susan Wiggs will discuss the ins and outs (pun!) of their genre over a spot of tea.

Sept 23 at 11:30am
Jack Prelutsky, the first U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate, will perform his poem "Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant," accompanied by a five-piece band. Earlier this year he performed the light-hearted piece at the Kennedy Center.

For a full list of events visit NWBookfest.com.

Northwest Bookfest 2012
Sept 22 & 23, Peter Kirk Park, Kirkland, free.