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So….the question is…..what did I do with my Saturday???
No, I didn’t actually go to the Writer’s Conference, but I went to the book fair part of the conference. This is something that I’ve never done! As I’m driving to Bellevue, WA on beautiful sunny day, I was wondering if I’d lost my mind. I’m a quiet, relatively shy person who is happy to sit in my comfy chair and read books by my favorite authors – and find some new-to-me authors. I’ve never actually met any of my favorite authors in person! I’ve never gone to a book signing.
Not sure what I was expecting, but this event was huge! I got there early and spent some time outside the ballroom where the signings were to occur. It was fascinating to watch the people, some standing and chatting, some, like me, simply waiting for the doors to open and the event to start. Some of the people waiting were readers – huge fans of some of the authors inside, waiting to get books that they brought with them signed. (some were carrying shopping bags full!) Some were conference attendees waiting their turn to wander through. Looking at nametags, I was able to match some names with some faces. I was reminded again, how anonymous blogging and twitter is. I saw several twtter “friends” wander by, with me too shy to walk up and say hi.
The doors opened and we were admitted to the motherlode of authors, books and swag!
The first person I ran into was Ann Charles, author of quite a few books including, Nearly Departed in Deadwood and her newest book, Dance of the Winnebagos. I know about her and her books through the Indie Book Collective, but have never met her in person. She gave me some swag for a future giveaway, so stay tuned!
I then found Amber Scott, author of Soul Search, Play Fling, Fierce Dawn, Irish Moon, Wanted and others. Like Ann, I’ve “talked” to Amber through e-mail as she is also part of the IBC, but it was delightful to meet her in person! She has also give me some swag for a future giveaway! I also had the opportunity to talk to Jacquie Rogers, author of several books including Much Ado About Marshals (which is currently on my TBR pile). I had the opportunity to meet Minnette Meador, who has appeared on this blog several times through Goddessfish Promotions.
Her books always have such yummy men on the covers! She is just as kind and gracious in person as she has been on my blog. I was so happy to be able to have a few words with her!
I then when shopping for some more books and some presents. All the while trying to figure out how I was going to sneak everything back into the house without DH noticing….
I got a copy of Lord Langley is Back in Town autographed by Elizabeth Boyle. What a yummy cover to this book! We had a brief discussion about the lovely men on the cover of romance novels and the merits of the “puffy shirt” vs. simply a leather vest. I’ve added this book to my TBR pile and hopefully I’ll post a review and giveaway early in the new year.
I picked up an autographed copy of Tempting A Proper Lady by Debra Mullins. I enjoyed being able to have a few words with Ms. Mullins. I haven’t read any of her books in a while, and I’m looking forward to reading this new book that I’ve picked up!
I had the great honor of meeting Julia Quinn – one of my all time favorite authors! I’ve read and reviewed all of the Bridgerton series as well as several of her newer books! I was able to get an autographed copy of Just Like Heaven. This is her latest book that I suppose is sort of part of the Bridgerton series as it features the Smythe-Smiths. You will remember them if you have read any of the Bridgerton series!
What an amazing experience! I truly enjoyed the honor of walking around a room full of such talent and meeting some amazing storytellers! This event will be on my calendar for next year and I encourage all in the area to drop by and support these authors!
