Nacogdoches hosts annual Pulpwood Queen's Girlfriends Weekend

NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) - Hundreds of book readers and bestselling authors, wearing tiaras and pink boas, are attending the annual Pulpwood Queen'ss Girlfriends Weekend.

The unconventional dress portrays the fun found in Pulpwood Queen Book Clubs. There are more than 400 chapters and thousands of members around the world.

The founder is Kathy Murphy of Jefferson, The flamboyant woman's humble beginnings to now-celebrity status has caught the attention of Hollywood.

There isn't a publisher in New York City who doesn't know the name Kathy Murphy.

The former hairdresser with flair has a connection with book club members.

"My book, 'The Pulpwood Queens Tiara-wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life,'" Murphy said. This is about you."

The book made Murphy a star. Soon a Hollywood star will portray this fun loving East Texan in a movie.

"Oh my gosh," Murphy said. "It could be nothing but good."

That's what a screenwriter and executive producer who cut a film deal with DreamWorks entertainment are wanting.

"We're here to absolutely capture the details and the spirit of pulpwood queens that's absolutely blowing me away," said Clare Sera, a screenwriter.

Murphy is blown away too.

"It pretty much buckled me to my knees," Murphy said.

The first person she called with the news was author Jamie Ford. The "New York Times" bestseller knows a good story.

"It's empowering," Ford said. "It's a story of sisterhood. It's a story sharing and i think it's the kind of story you want to hug."

Murphy was determined to develop a book club that spelled fun.

'This is not going to be your mother's book club," Murphy said.

Fun dress doesn't get in the way of serious discussion with noted authors. Murphy's suggested books can become bestsellers. The secret is to stay connected with the readers.

"You guys, I listen to you," Murphy said.

"It's not really about a book group, but really about the stories that are shared not only in the books that they read, but the stories of their own personal lives that they share with one another," said Lauren Taylor, an executive producer.

If that happens, Murphy will be pleased.

"You do the thing you believe in, good things will come, and that's what happened," Murphy said. "Our dreams came true."

The pulpwood queens are about to start a "block party." Downtown merchants have their stores opened and decorated for the guests. Panel discussions with authors continue tomorrow. The weekend ends Saturday night with a "Great Big ball of Hair Ball" where guests dress up as characters out of their favorite books.

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