We're there in spirit, right guys? I must admit I'm a bit jealous, and next year I'd really like to go. But for now I'm sitting in my armchair, pretending.And reminiscing...
About the time I went to an author signing for Jennifer Weiner's book Best Friends Forever. That was the first author signing I'd been to and I didn't know quite what to expect. I wasn't disappointed.
She was a hoot, and I seriously felt like I was at a comedy club and should have paid an admission fee; that's how entertaining she was. She spoke for an hour, and I laughed so hard I cried. Raunchy is not even the word to describe her speaking manner.
Then, talk about contrast(!), last week I saw Laura Bush speak about her new book Spoken From the Heart. She was just as entertaining, but in a soft-spoken, polite, southern way.
I don't know if it's considered an author signing when the books are pre-signed, but I'm sure it had to do with security - and the sheer number of people. There were secret service and police scattered throughout the library where it was held. Still, I loved it, I loved her. She answered questions from the audience and was so down to earth. I wanted to be her friend. I'm reading her book now, and I love that I can hear her speaking voice through the words...like she's sitting next to me, telling me her story. The part about her childhood friend that was killed in an accident she caused is sad. And such a fluke the way it happened. I had no idea.
That's it as far as my experience with author signings. I can't wait for more. Richard Russo will be here next week, but I think I'll be at Lake of the Ozarks. Darn, that would have been great.
So Armchair BEA buddies, are you jealous you're not in New York or are you okay with your in-home, virtual journey? Do you plan to go next year if at all possible? With all the hoopla surrounding the event this year, I don't want to miss out again!
14 comments:
I am crying a bit for the fact that I am missing BEA again. I swore last year I would go this year, but alas, I am not there, lol. I am from IA, so a bit hard to find the funds to get there. One day, I swear I will get there!!
I love your post on meeting authors. I have never had the chance to meet an author in person, unfortunately - another downfall of living in cornfields, lol. I have met tons of awesome authors online and made friends with many, however, and that is so overwhelmingly awesome to me!
I've been to a few author signings, but would love to see Jennifer Weiner! Maybe she'll come out here for her new book this summer...I can just imagine how much fun she'd be. Thanks for sharing your stories!
Great post, Lynne. I enjoy author readings but I really don't care about signings all that much. I have a wonderful indie store about 20 minutes from my house that hosts several authors a month. I saw Jean Kwok (Girl in Translation) a few weeks ago and they will host Sebastian Junger (War), Jenna Blum (Stormchasers), Joshilyn Jackson (Backseat Saints) among several others next month. I love to hear them read their books and do Q&A.
Too bad you'll miss Russo. He's a fav of mine and has been in my city a couple of times over the past 4-5 years and I haven't been able to go.
I've only been to two signings.
Hey you have an iPad? Mine is still on order. Here is my first Armchair BEA post
I'm sad to say I've never been to an author signing.
I'm hoping to change that this year!
I haven't read Laura Bush's book yet, but I just watched a bunch of blooper videos of George W. Busch. I don't care what anyone says, I love him because he's down to earth and can make me laugh.
How cool that you met the former president's wife!
I just went to my first author signing over the weekend and there were 3 authors there. FUN!
Melina
I'm at home too!
And love the Weiner photo ... I bet she is a hoot! If I ever have the chance, I'll have to try and see her. I'd love to see Jen Lancaster too ... I bet they are very similar!
I would have loved to attend Laura Bush's book signing. Not many authors come to my neck of the woods, but when they do, I try to go.
You DOG! and I mean that in the nicest way. I would have loved to hear her speak and have a signed book. Truth be told, I have a sort of crush on her hubby, a from a far, you go tell him Bushie, school girl crush.
I watched her interview on Oprah, a show that I never watch. She was so gracious.
As a dog owner, I love your blog header!
Sounds like you had good experiences with these two author signings, although they were very different.
I'm ok with being part of armchairBEA instead. Maybe one day I'll go to the actual BEA. When the time is right, I guess.
I would have love to go to an event featuring Laura Bush. I really liked her as First Lady. She seems like a very neat woman. I look forward to knowing what you think of her book.
This past fall, I went to three fabulous author signings, and all three authors were different. It was fun, and intimate which I like so I am not certain if I would like BEA, but most likely I would. :)
I definitely hope to go next year! I would love to meet Jennifer Weiner. She sounds like a fantastic person!
OH! I'm in St. Louis too! I'm planning to make the Richard Russo event next week and I am SO excited.
I couldn't make the Laura Bush event but it sounds like she was wonderful.
And, I've heard that Jennifer Weiner is an amazing speaker ... I'd love to attend an event with her!
After reading this, I think that we may be in the same area!!! We may need to talk more!! Email me!!
tiftalksbooks at gmail dot com
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