When you gather quirky Texas authors, sunny weather and good taste at the state capitol, you’ve got the makings of a great weekend. When you add food trucks, live music and a sea of literary enthusiasts to the mix, you’ve got the 18th annual Texas Book Festival.

The festival, which is much more than a celebration of words, began Friday Oct. 24 and ran through Sunday, covering several streets and amassing thousands of book-lovers, publishers and authors alike.

Book sellers and publishers like Book People and Barnes & Noble crowded the streets with stands and tents lined with tables displaying books spanning more genres than you could count on your fingers and toes; from fiction to non-fiction to the more specific genres of romance, western, environmental, and sci-fi, and many more.

There were enough books to sate even the most voracious and diverse of literary appetites, even for those readers who have a very specific hankering for young adult police poetry–if you could imagine it, they had it.

The variety was endless and the writers were happy to talk without regard to the time or the surrounding crowd about their work, their lives, or even things not pertaining to their area of expertise. The people behind the books were simply people; with a passion for sharing and informing, and a manner that encouraged and inspired their readership.

Of the more charming authors, freelance writer and Texas native Melissa Gaskill shares her adventures on Mexican and American coasts in her newest book, “A Worldwide Travel Guide to Sea Turtles.”

The book, which is aimed at supporting the preservation of sea life, catalogues the best conservation sites for sea turtles, which rely on money from tourists to sustain their efforts.

Her advice for aspiring non-fiction authors: “Write about the topic you’re interested in for a magazine or journal. It gives you credibility. Becoming an expert on your topic really helps.”

Another illustrious bunch, the literary journalists, did not cease to provoke conversation.

Michael Barrett, father of the new literary journal, “The Austin Review,” proudly explained the purpose of his fresh publication, which features interesting cover art and beautiful typography. His goal is to give new authors, particularly locals, a space to feature their work and get noticed in the community and elsewhere.

“I felt that Austin had room for a new literary journal,” said Barrett. “One of our main goals is to help Austin authors gain visibility.”

The non-profit publication also features authors from other parts of the country and relies on submissions from all over. Barrett encourages strong writers to submit their work and tell their friends about the “Review,” because the next Hemingway or Steinbeck may very well be uncovered in the next issue.

If you missed this year’s fest, don’t panic–it’s here every year, and best of all, it’s free! If you attended the fest and are looking for more, visit and support your local bookstores and look out for visiting authors and book signings around Austin.

Follow Victoria on Twitter @viacavazos