At the Book Signing

I always wanted to go to a book signing.  I have my list of authors I would love to "meet" and get the scribbled autograph of.  Yet I have never been able to make it to one.  Needless to say, it did bum me out.

This last Thursday, I decided I had to go.  In my local Powells there was to be a signing, by six awesome YA authors.  Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Ally Condie, Beth Revis, Margaret Stohl, and Sara Zarr.  How could I pass that up?  These authors are on a tour together, called the Smart Chicks Kick It tour.  And boy, do they kick it.

As soon as hubby got home from work, I literally booked it out the door.  I had been on pins and needles all day.  Even tweeted about it.  (Can you believe I have been pulled into that world?  It's true.)  I completely became a giddy fangirl when not only Beth Revis, but Carrie Ryan also retweeted something I said.  I just needed to go!

Come on, in this world of ours, the authors are the major celebrities and we are the adoring fans.

After snagging my youngest sister-in-law, we made our way to Powells.  Man, there were people there.  Tons of them.  I have seen book signings there before.  There are usually empty seats and a quiet crowd.  This time?  They were setting up more chairs and all the people there were chattering and excited.

As the authors finally filed in, everyone started to applaud.  The signing started with a Q&A, interspersed with fun games and joking around.  I, of course, was clicking away on my camera.  (There are even more photos than the few with this post.  I will be adding them to my FB page... someday.)

I wish I had sat and taken notes on everything these women said.  I just want into their heads.  They shared their thoughts on rejection, on books, on hobbies.  And the best part: They are just as human and nervous and silly as the rest of us.

Then came the actual signing.  My sister-in-law and I were in the back, so we had to wait for a bit.  We passed the time with cracking jokes about glittering vampires and what magical spells Wizards might use... in... bed... Yes, we went there.

 

The book that was officially on tour was Enthralled.  It is a collection of short stories written by these and more YA authors, mostly for the funding of this awesome tour.  I bought it.  And of course got it signed.  I also bought a copy of Beautiful Creatures.  I have seen my sisters-in-law reading this book, and have wanted to myself.  Well, since the author was sitting right now, I figured it was about time to get it.  And get it signed!

Along with that, I brought along my Matched and Across the Universe books, to get them scribbled in as well.  Allie Condie is a sweet heart.  I loved talking with her.  Her answer for what she would be doing if she didn't have writing: Her kids would have scrapbooks.  Don't worry, Allie.  It will happen.  Someday.

Beth Revis was a bundle of happy as well.  I was able to talk to her for a bit as the line slowly moved.  It was awesome.  It is so great to see authors appreciate and love their fans like these women do.  And Beth, next time, don't forget about your flight!  It would have been such a bummer to not see you there!

 

I forgot to bring my copy of Wicked Lovely, so sadly that book remains lacking.  Yet I did snag a good bundle of swag from this signing.  Signed bookmarks, signed posters, some tattoos and a bracelet.  Do I sense a potential Give-Away in the near future?  Oh yes.

All in all, this was an awesome awesome night.  I hope more tours and signings come to my area soon, because I am addicted.  These authors are what make me want to write.  Listening to them talk, I felt that fire under my butt again.  They have been rejected.  They have received bad reviews.  But they have gone on to be amazing.  And to sign my books.

Thank you sister-in-law, for going with me.
And thank you authors, for always creating!

Happy Writing!