by Jen Weaver-Neist

We look forward to seeing you this weekend at PDX’s annual book festival! Wordstock hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday (11/8) and Sunday (11/9) at the Portland Convention Center, and you can find us at booth #353. The entrance fee is only $5, and there will be plenty to do once you arrive. Go to the Wordstock website for a complete listing of events. In the meantime, here are the top five reasons for stopping by to see us!

1. BIKE GIVEAWAY: For those already on our newsletter mailing list and for those yet to sign up, we invite you to come by to drop off your business card and enter to win a *NEW* step-through, 20″ Trek 7100 ($300+ value), which is no longer available in this size or in these colors. There are only two items to note: (1) you must stop by to enter the drawing, even if you’re already on our mailing list, and (2) you will have to pay a local bicycle shop to properly adjust the bike before it is ready to ride. We will announce the winner in the next issue of Inside Ink.

2. PREMIERE OF I&PG CUSTOM BOOKS: It’s official! We’re ready to properly introduce our custom publishing program for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. Our Partnership Books division for nonprofits is of particular importance to us, as we wish to share our publishing knowledge for the betterment of the community in the form of a classic, 24/7 advocate—a book!

3. HATE MAIL IS BURSTING ITS EFFIN’ COVERS: The ever-popular Jean Luc the Cat has been on the prowl for more places to leave his signature mark, landing one more insult just in time for Wordstock. Come to see him and his new American Apparel t-shirts, which will be selling at a festival special of $15 (normally priced $16.95).

4. COOL BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS: Our diverse family of books will be present and available for sale at friendly festival discounts. You’ve heard about all of them before, but here are a few links to familiarize yourself again: Kid Beowulf and the Blood-Bound Oath, Visibility, Keeper of Secrets, nothing but squares, and Hate Mail. We’ll also be offering a sneak peak at what’s coming in December.

5. WE’RE A UNIQUE & FUN CROWD: Distinctive imprints + varied personalities (much like those of the Spice Girls [you can decide who's who]) + a captive audience = a booth worth visiting. Come experience the Ink & Paper phenomenon for yourself! We promise not to disappoint.