Crime novelist Peter Robinson talks about how his character Inspector Banks has evolved over 21 years; shares writing tips that he teaches in his classes; and reminiscences about the writers who influenced him, including his tutor who became a world renowned author.

"Credit is evil," says author and financial expert Michelle Singletary. She explains why credit has been abused by individuals, corporations and the federal government; tells how Americans can survive the current economic crisis; and highlights the spending differences between men and women.

Crime novelist Peter Robinson talks about how his character Inspector Banks has evolved over 21 years; shares writing tips that he teaches in his classes; and reminiscences about the writers who influenced him, including his tutor who became a world renowned author.

Biography

“Friend of the Devil” (HarperCollins/William Morrow, 2008) marks Peter Robinson’s 17th installment of his Inspector Banks series. His best-selling novels have been honored by Publisher’s Weekly and the New York Times. He is also the recipient of many awards, including an Anthony, an Edgar and a Macavity. He divides his time between North America and the United Kingdom. Robinson will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

“Credit is evil,” says author and personal finance expert Michelle Singletary. She explains why credit has been abused by individuals, corporations and the federal government; tells how Americans can survive the current economic crisis; and highlights the spending differences between men and women.

Biography

Michelle Singletary is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post. Nominated for a Pulitzer, her award-winning column, “The Color of Money,” is carried in about 120 newspapers across the country. She hosts a live online chat on washpost.com and has a widely read electronic newsletter distributed by The Washington Post. She is a regular personal finance contributor for National Public Radio’s afternoon program “Day to Day.” Her books include “Spend Well, Live Rich” and “Your Money and Your Man” (Random House/Ballantine, trade paper, 2007). Singletary will appear in the Home & Family pavilion.

Geraldine Brooks explains why she must first find the voice in her stories and talks about her latest book, "People of the Book."

When writing a novel, Geraldine Brooks loves to fill in the gaps in history with her imagination. She illuminates her writing techniques, explaining why she must first find the voice in her stories; talks about her latest book, “People of the Book,” that provides the reader with a vivid lesson in history; and tells how she weaves fact with realistic fiction in her storytelling: “When you run out of facts, that’s when you try to create plausible fiction that engages the reader.”

Biography

As a journalist, best-selling author Geraldine Brooks covered hot spots such as Bosnia, Somalia and the Middle East for the Wall Street Journal. She received the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her second novel, “March,” where she retells the beloved American classic “Little Women” from the father’s perspective. Her latest book is “People of the Book” (Penguin/Viking, 2008). Brooks will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

After garnering international fame as a singer, five Grammy Awards and 60 charted hits, music legend Dionne Warwick says she is still reaching for her dream. She reveals why she wrote a children’s book instead of an autobiography of her life; discusses her global humanitarian efforts; and explains the genesis of her mantra: If you can think it, you can do it.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts has become an expert on the nation’s founding mothers. She dispels some of the misconceptions about them and shares insight into her early years spent in the halls of Congress.

"I have always been word obsessed," says Marisa de los Santos. She talks about the music of language; shares little-known details about her third book; and reveals why learning about the human side of Clara Barton, Joan of Arc and Helen Keller inspired her.

After garnering international fame as a singer, five Grammy Awards and nearly 60 charted hits, music legend Dionne Warwick says she is still reaching for her dream. She reveals why she wrote a children’s book instead of an autobiography of her life; discusses her global humanitarian efforts; and explains the genesis of her mantra: If you can think it, you can do it.

Biography

International music legend Dionne Warwick has added children’s author to her long list of accomplishments. Her status as both a musical icon and humanitarian is legendary. With her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she works tirelessly with various organizations dedicated to empowering and inspiring others. Her book, “Say a Little Prayer” (Running Press, September 2008), is a picture book that encourages kids to find their own talent in life and embrace it. She will appear in the Children’s pavilion.