Long overdue event recaps

I've been to a ton of signings over the last month or so, and it's time I shared some of those pictures with all of you! So here goes...

Way back when on the first Saturday of this month, I headed over to Books of Wonder for a fun event featuring authors Sarah Beth Durst, Kristi Cook, Kit Grindstaff, Phoebe North, Jonathan Maberry, and Nancy Ohlin.

Kristi Cook, Phoebe North, Jonathan Maberry

Sarah Beth Durst, Nancy Ohlin, Kit Grindstaff

The authors all talked briefly about their books before doing a brief Q&A with the audience. I had a lovely time chatting with the wonderful Sarah Beth Durst!

Then, that evening, I went to BookCourt in Brooklyn for the launch of Kass Morgan's debut, The 100.

Kass Morgan

There was a huge turnout, which is always great to see. I really enjoyed getting to hear Kass introduce her book and read a small segment from her novel. I hung around a little while after the main event was over to chat with my former boss from my Scholastic internship.

The following Monday, I went to the Barnes & Noble in Union Square for a really great event with David Levithan, Robin Wasserman, Natalie Standiford, and Kass Morgan.

Natalie Standiford, Robin Wasserman, Kass Morgan, David Levithan

Each author read from his or her new book and chatted a bit amongst themselves before opening the floor to Q&A with the audience. With four particularly awesome authors, the event was quite packed, and I had a lovely time hanging out with bookish friends Renee and Nicole as well as authors Alison Cherry and Courtney Sheinmel.

Then, on that Wednesday, I headed over the the NYPL branch at Jefferson Market for September's Teen Author Reading Night with six wonderful authors (three of which I'd seen a couple of days before at their event at Barnes & Noble).

David Levithan, Natalie Standiford, Arin Greenwood, Melinda Taub, Robin Wasserman, Sarah Polsky

The format for Teen Author Reading Night is almost always the same, and includes a brief introduction to each author, a short reading from his or her new book, some Q&A from the moderator (usually David Levithan), and then Q&A with the audience. I love coming to these events every month because there's always an interesting mix of authors and I always get to chat with some of my favorite bookish people!

The following week, I braved the G train to go to the bookstore WORD in Greenpoint for Leila Sales' launch party for This Song Will Save Your Life.

Leila Sales

Tragically, I had to leave early, so I was only able to stay long enough to hear Leila read from the first chapter of her book. Nonetheless, the short amount of time that I spent at the event was wonderful; I especially loved getting to hang out with my bookish friends Renee, Marisa, and Nicole as well as authors Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, and Michael Northrop.

Then there was the Brooklyn Book Festival, but I'm going to save that for an entire other post!

The last Tuesday of the month, I went back to Books of Wonder for an event I'd been eagerly awaiting for a long, long time: Ally Carter's NYC event! There were other authors there as well, including Amy Christine Parker, Elizabeth Kiem, and Kass Morgan (yep, the same one I'd see two other times this month!), but to be perfectly honest, I was mostly there for Ally.

Ally Carter, Amy Christine Parker, Elizabeth Kiem, Kass Morgan

I was so excited that I dressed up for the event with my friend Renee. We'd like to think that we're Gallagher Girls. We even made pins with the Gallagher Academy crest (and gave one to Ally!). Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Gallagher Girls!

Whew, that was a bit of a marathon! But at least I ended this post on a particularly high note (i.e. my Gallagher Girl dreams coming true!).

The last couple of events that I went to

If you couldn't tell, I'm a little behind with scheduling posts here, so to buy myself a little more time, I'm going to tell you all about the last two book events I went to.

A couple of weekends ago, I went over to Books of Wonder for a fun event featuring a ton of authors! Yep, there was a grand total of nine fabulous authors there, including Evan Roskos, Michael Northrop, Lindsay Ribar, Corey Ann Haydu, Katie Sise, Jennifer H. Lyne, Lili Peloquin, Paul Hoppe (who is actually an illustrator), and Shawn Goodman.

Shawn Goodman, Corey Ann Haydu, Paul Hoppe, Michael Northrop

Lindsay Ribar, Evan Roskos, Katie Sise, Jennifer J. Lyne

Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the lovely Lili Peloquin as my view of her was obstructed by a pillar, but despite that, I had a wonderful time at this event! Each author talked a bit about his or her book, some chose to read, and then they did a bit of Q&A. For the first time in a while, I had books to get signed (Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos and Catch Rider by Jennifer H. Lyne), so I chatted with them as well as other featured authors Lindsay Ribar, Michael Northrop, and Katie Sise.

Then, the following Friday, I headed over to the bookstore McNally Jackson for the launch event for Fire with Fire by the inimitable duo Siobhan Vivian and Jenny Han.

Siobhan Vivian & Jenny Han

The event overall was just loads of fun. Most of it was, quite obviously, the hilariousness that each author brings to the table. It's probably impossible not to laugh at one of their events! That, and these ladies really know how to entertain a crowd, from fun banter, games, snacks, and even themed goodie bags. What's not to love about a match book that says "Karma can suck it"?

I had a most lovely time at this event hanging out with my bookish friend Kaila, chatting with the all around fabulous Siobhan Vivian, and catching up with other bookish friends Julie, Danielle, and Charlee.

Tale of a book signing with Corey Ann Haydu

A couple weeks ago, I headed on over to my (newly, since I moved) local independent bookstore, BookCourt, for the launch event for OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu.

Corey Ann Haydu

Corey read a little bit from her book and then took a bunch of questions from the audience before signing. I was thrilled to see the store so packed and to hear so much enthusiasm for Corey's debut novel, especially from other authors in the audience including Lindsay Ribar and Alison Cherry—clearly I should get my hands on a copy soon!

In all, it was a great event, and I look forward to more awesome events at BookCourt soon (I hope!).

Openly YA recap

A couple of weeks ago, I went to McNally Jackson for what I knew would be a fascinating panel. Authors Aaron Hartzler, Bill Konigsberg, David Levithan, and Alex London participated in this event as part of their Openly YA tour.

Alex London, Bill Konigsberg, Aaron Hartzler, and David Levithan

The authors each read a bit from his new latest book (or in David Levithan's case, both his newest book and his first), and then they got down to discussion. As someone who is deeply interested in expanding representation and diversity in young adult, I really enjoyed getting to hear these authors talk about the history and evolving presence of LGBT in YA. It was especially cool that all of these books are so different: Proxy by Alex London is a dystopian featuring a gay protagonist (where being gay is not central to the plot), Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg is about labels and identity, Aaron Hartzler's Rapture Practice is his memoir about growing up in a very Christian family, and David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing bridges the gap between different generations of the gay community and the differences in their respective experiences. So really, there's something for everyone, and that's really exciting!

I had a great time listening to these wonderful authors chat at this event and was happy to run into my former boss from when I was interning at Scholastic (she is Bill Konigsberg's editor). In all, it was a really wonderful event!

A few good book signings

In the month or so that I was away from this blog, I still was out and about at some fun book signings!

About a month ago, I went to the Barnes & Noble in Union Square for the New York City stop on the Life, Actually tour, featuring Lurlene McDaniel, Shawn Goodman, Anna Jarzab, Alyssa Sheinmel, and Elizabeth LaBan. As you can probably guess based on the name of this tour, these authors' books are contemporary.

Elizabeth LaBan, Anna Jarzab, Alyssa Sheinmel, Lurlene McDaniel, and Shawn Goodman

Each author chatted briefly about his or her newest book, why they decided to write that particular story, and why they write contemporary fiction. Then they took a few questions from the audience and signed their books. I got a copy of Lurlene McDaniel's latest book, The Year of Luminous Love, signed for a good friend whose been a Lurlene McDaniel fan for a very long time.

Skip ahead a couple of weeks to post-BEA, and there I was at another book signing. This one was at Books of Wonder for six great authors, including Ransom Riggs, Tahereh Mafi, Elizabeth Norris, Lauren Oliver, David Levithan, and Andrea Cremer.

Lauren Oliver, Ransom Riggs, Tahereh Mafi, Elizabeth Norris, David Levithan, and Andrea Cremer

This even was extremely packed (to no one's surprise, considering the popularity of all of these authors), so I stood in the back to listen to these authors chat about their books and take some questions from a very eager audience. I didn't have any books to get signed, but I hung around for a little while to chat with my bookish friends Eunice and Adam, the lovely Elizabeth Norris, and others (whose names presently slip my mind since this was a couple of weeks ago!).

Then, skip ahead another week and a half, and, you guessed it, there was another book signing. This one was at PowerHouse on 8th, a cute little offshoot of the independent bookstore PowerHouse Arena. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures, since the event space was so small and I didn't want to stick my camera in the faces of everyone at this small gathering.

The featured authors, Melissa Walker, Michael Northrop, and Barry Lyga, each read a few pages from his or her latest novel and then had a discussion that covered everything from research to past pets to book titles. This was a more casual event, since we were all sort of gathered in a little circle, but I had a great time listening to everyone talk and chatting with authors Marianna Baer and Kathryn Holmes (who, I learned that night, just found out that she was going to be published HarperCollins).

In all, it was a very successful month of some very interesting and fun events, at both old favorite bookstores and new (to me) ones too!

A weekend of wonderful book events

Last weekend, I split my time between more scholarly duties and, you guessed it, a couple of awesome book signings!

On Saturday, I headed down to Books of Wonder for a great event with authors Lauren Appelhans, Kate Ellison, Adele Griffin, Lauren Morrill, Lauren Oliver, Jess Rothenberg, and Rachel Shukert.

the authors above, in alphabetical order!

The event space was pretty crowded by the time I got there (late, as per usual!), so I stood in the back to listen in. The authors all chatted a little bit about their writing and most recent books, and then they took questions from the audience.

I had a great time hanging out with some of my favorite book people, including bookish friends Adam, Jennifer, and Jen; blogger Melody from Hollywood The Write Way; and authors Lenore Appelhans and Adele Griffin.

Then the next day, I went to McNally Jackson Books, a wonderful bookstore in SoHo that I've been to many times but never for an event! Thus, I was very excited to go there for a YA panel moderated by David Levithan and featuring authors Jennifer E. Smith, Elizabeth Eulberg, Caela Carter, Barry Lyga, Lindsay Ribar, and Jessica Verdi.

clockwise from top left: Jessica Verdi, Jennifer E. Smith, Barry Lyga, Elizabeth Eulberg, Lindsay Ribar, and Caela Carter

Each author read a short segment from their newest book, and all the readings were wondering in very different ways. Then they answered some questions from David, and then took questions from the audience. The entire event was thoroughly entertaining, because the authors have such varied mix of personalities and books!

I hung around the event for longer than I intended to after, chatting with the lovely authors, especially Lindsay Ribar, as well as author Alison Cherry and blogger Khy from Frenetic Reader.

Needless to say, these events were a fun break from the craziness of the impending end of my college career!

Tale of a book signing with Jen Calonita, Elizabeth Eulberg, & Jennifer E. Smith

Last Tuesday, I made my way down to Books of Wonder for a fantastic event titled "Girls Get Real." The panel featured authors Jen Calonita, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Jennifer E. Smith and was moderated by Sarah Mlynowski. I've been fortunate to see all of these authors before, so I knew that I was in for a treat (and I was right, of course!).

panelists Jennifer E. Smith, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Jen Calonita & moderator Sarah Mlynowski

To start off the event, each author introduced herself and her most recent book, and then Sarah got down to asking questions. The discussion was fantastic and included everything from why they write realistic fiction to their inspiration and research to, of course, how they write realistic boys. Then they took questions from the audience, including an interesting one about sexual content and why they do or do not include it in their books.

In all, the event was fascinating, informative, and most of all very fun! I had a wonderful time hanging out with my fellow publishing intern Eunice and getting to chat with the featured authors, particularly Elizabeth Eulberg and Jennifer E. Smith. And since last Tuesday was also one of my good friend's birthdays, I got a copy of Jennifer E. Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight signed for her, too.

Tale of a book signing with Marissa Meyer

A couple weeks ago or so, I found myself on the G train, which is basically my least favorite NYC subway line ever. What required such personal sacrifice, you ask? Why, this was an important trip to a part of Brooklyn only accessible by that train, where the super awesome bookstore WORD is, for an even more awesome fairytale-themed event!

I make a lot of sacrifices for book signings.

(But actually, the trip wasn't too bad, thankfully).

Ellen Datlow, Marissa Meyer, & Genevieve Valentine

This event was a panel-slash-conversation with Ellen Datlow, who has edited many fairytale anthologies; Marissa Meyer, whose YA novel Cinder is a futuristic, cyborg version of Cinderella; and Genevieve Valentine, who writes for adults and is very interested in fairytale retellings. What was interesting about this event was that it really spanned audiences and genres for a broader discussion of fairytales and their retellings.

There was also some fairytale trivia for prizes, including a some cool sweatshirts. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I did not win anything, despite the fact that I am currently enrolled in a class that's basically about fairytales. Unfortunately, I haven't read the version of Sleeping Beauty where Aurora is only woken up from her slumber when her child sucks a splinter from her finger (which apparently does happen in one early version of the tale!).

I had a wonderful time at this great event, both listening to the panel and chatting with great people afterwards, including my favorite marketing and publicity people from Macmillan; a lovely Macmillan editor; as well as bloggers Julie from Bloggers[heart]Books and Danielle, who I've seen around at several events but never formally met until then.

In all, it was a fantastic event, and one well worth the trip!

A couple of book events

Last weekend, I made my way down to Books of Wonder, post-Snowpocalypse, just so that I could go to Victoria Schwab's only NYC book signing!

Victoria Schwab

Victoria read briefly from the prologue of her new YA book, The Archived, and then took a number of great questions from the audience. I loved getting to hear her talk about her inspiration for The Archived as well as her reasons for doing certain things stylistically with the book. I have to say that I'm impressed by the diversity of Victoria's writing: her first novel was a fairytale-esque YA, her second is a the start to a new YA series, her upcoming book is an adult novel about supervillains, and after that, she'll have a middle grade trilogy about guardian angels. That's a lot of worlds to keep track of!

Then, a couple days ago, I went back to Books of Wonder, arriving just in time for the Breathless Reads event featuring authors Fiona Paul, Lili Peloquin, Beth Revis, Morgan Rhodes, Elizabeth Richards, and Jessica Spotswood.

Fiona Paul, Lili Peloquin, Beth Revis, Morgan Rhodes, Elizabeth Richards, & Jessica Spotswood

Moderator Breia Brissey, an associate editor at Entertainment Weekly, asked a lot of fun questions for the six authors (such as what each author's ideal job would be if she weren't a writer—Beth Revis's answer was Indiana Jones). Then the authors took some questions from the audience, which led to a discussion of how these authors have time to watch so much TV and what their favorite TV shows are (it was a big surprise for everyone to learn that Elizabeth Richards has a thing for Extreme Couponing). Unfortunately, I had to leave the event early, so I missed the signing portion of the event, but I have to say that the entire 45 minutes or so that I was there were thoroughly enjoyable and full of laughs.

A couple of book events

After a long vacation in California (and consequently, a long hiatus from book signings), I've returned to the NYC book signing scene.

A couple weeks ago, on an extremely chilly night, I headed downtown to Books of Wonder for the launch party for Melissa de la Cruz's Gates of Paradise, the seventh and final book in the awesome Blue Bloods series. I have long enjoyed de la Cruz's fascinating and original take on vampires, even if I haven't quite kept up with the series, so I was quite excited for this event.

Melissa de la Cruz

Instead of reading from her new book, Melissa entertained us with an inside look at writing the Blue Bloods books over the years. Did you know she collaborated with her husband through the entire project? She also shared her initial aspirations for Blue Bloods as a 9-book series, with three trilogies, and how she realized while writing the third book that she didn't want to wrap things up just yet and that she wasn't interested in writing a prequel trilogy. That's why the series only has seven main books and two companion books.

Melissa also mentioned her upcoming new series, Frozen, once again written with her husband (and his name is officially on the book this time!). It's a futuristic, end-of-the-world sort of story about how magic is brought into the world—or Lord of the Rings in reverse, in Melissa's words. But the part that I'm probably most excited for is New Vegas (which I believed it was called). Is it weird that I think futuristic interpretations of Vegas are the coolest thing ever? Because I totally think it will be a gambling hotspot regardless of worldwide crises and/or catastrophes.

Anyway, the next week, I found myself back at Books of Wonder for another event, this one featuring five authors: Brodi Ashton, Jocelyn Davies, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Teri Terry. I arrived a little late due to train delays, and when I finally got to the bookstore, the event was already packed!

Brodi Ashton, Jocelyn Davies, Cynthia Hand, Teri Terry, and Jodi Meadows

Unfortunately, due to my lateness, I missed Jodi Meadows' and part of Teri Terry's introductions. But I still thoroughly enjoyed hearing the rest of the authors discuss their newest books, including their inspiration for writing them. After that, the authors took questions from the audience. Before the signing portion, Jodi Meadows, Cynthia Hand, and Brodi Ashton all had a few trivia questions for the audience for prizes. (Sadly, I didn't win anything. That's probably because I haven't read Jodi Meadows' books and it's been a long time since I read anything by Brodi Ashton and Cynthia Hand).

And that's all for now! I've found that I've needed to become pickier about which book events I commit to attending because I need actually reserve time for other things (like homework!). No need to worry, though—there are definitely a few great book events coming up in my (and consequently your) future!

A few good book events

Over the last week, I had the pleasure of attending a handful of great events!

Last Saturday, I headed over to one of my neighborhood indie bookstores, Bank Street Bookstore, for a book signing with Daphne Benedis-Grab and Deborah Heiligman. It was great to hear both of them read, especially after running into them previously at the launch event for Soho Teen.

Deborah Heiligman & Daphne Benedis-Grab

When I got to the bookstore, a few minutes before the event was scheduled to start, the event space was already packed! There seemed to be tons of family and friends of the authors, including authors David Levithan, Donna Freitas, Eliot Schrefer, Judy Blundell, and Carolyn Mackler. Each featured author read from her most recent, or in Daphne's case upcoming, novel, and then they took questions from the audience. In all, it was a fun event (and a great study break, since it was less than a five minute walk from where I live!).

Then, the following Wednesday, I went on down to the Jefferson Market branch of the NYPL for the last Teen Author Reading Night of the year! This great event featured many authors, including Colleen Clayton, Leanna Renee Hieber, P.G. Kain, Suzanne Weyn, Eliot Schrefer, Daphne Benedis-Grab, Amy McNamara, and Margaret Stohl.

Colleen Clayton, Leanna Renee Hieber, P.G. Kain, & Suzanne Weyn

David Levithan, Eliot Schrefer, Daphne Benedis-Grab, Amy McNamara, & Margaret Stohl

As always, each author introduced and read from his or her latest book, answered a few questions from moderator David Levithan, and then took questions from the audience. I have to say that one of my favorite parts of that evening were Eliot's responses to David's pants label prompts (since the story of Endangered came from a pants brand called Bonobo): Dockers is about a futuristic world where the emergence of a highly dangerous strain of bacteria that affects boats has led the the creation of genetically engineered dock workers, and Lucky Jeans is about a fortune cookie factory where fortunes really come true—but since people can only eat so many fortune cookies, the factory workers decide to sew fortunes into the inseams of jeans. I'm sure my little summary doesn't quite capture the entirety of Eliot's brief story pitches, but I assure you they were much funnier than they come across here!

I had a wonderful time chatting with authors Eliot Schrefer, Daphne Benedis-Grab (whom I got to see three times in one week!), and Michael Northrop, as well as my favorite bookish friends Sam of Living Little Women and Ruth.

Then, the next day, I went to my favorite bookstore haunt, Books of Wonder for yet another book signing. This one was for Colleen Clayton, Amy McNamara (yes, I totally saw both of these authors the night before), E.C. Myers, and Tiffany Schmidt.

Colleen Clayton, Tiffany Schmidt, E.C. Myers, & Amy McNamara

Each author read briefly from his or her newest novel, coincidentally all scenes involving cars, before taking questions from the audience. I bravely volunteered for the first question: I wanted to know how the title of Amy's novel Lovely, Dark, and Deep came about, since I recognized it as a line from a Robert Frost poem. In fact, his poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" features into a key moment in the story.

After the main part of the event, I mingled a bit, chatting with Amy about how excited I am to pick up her novel at some point (I wanted to buy it then and there, but unfortunately, I won't have time to read until winter break, and I won't have any room for books in my suitcase—good thing there are bookstores in California!), another publishing Rachel, as well as authors E.C. Myers and Lindsay Ribar.
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Finally, the day after that (yesterday), I went back to Bank Street Bookstore for another event, this one a Victorian-themed party to celebrate the release of The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart by Leanna Renee Hieber. As you can see below, Leanna was quite appropriately decked out for the occasion.

Leanna Renee Hieber, in Victorian-themed garb

I've heard Leanna read multiple times before, and since it's always such a treat, I had to take a video:

After reading, Leanna took some questions for the audience and then generally chatted about why she loves Gothic fiction and sets all her books in the 1880s. I didn't have any books to get signed, but I did snag her attention to let her know that, coincidentally, I'm writing my thesis on Gothic feminism, which she thought was great considering that's part of her niche market. Hopefully I find it just as exciting when I actually have to get down to writing it!

Events recap

Last week, I made it to two pretty fantastic events!

On Sunday, I was almost late to Libba Bray's event at Symphony Space (I had thought that I had enough time to go to Trader Joe's beforehand, drop off my groceries, and get to the event, but unfortunately, I was wrong and ended up taking my groceries to the event). Fortunately, I made it there in time and tried to make it as least awkward as possible that I was the only person who was toting a shopping bag.

I snagged myself a good seat close to the stage and settled in for the show. And what a show it was! Not only is Libba Bray one pretty hilarious and witty woman, but Maureen Johnson, our emcee for the evening, was also there to entertain us with her wonderfully ridiculous costume, props, and comments.

Maureen Johnson & Libba Bray, in spectacular 20s attire

Maureen Johnson is not pleased with her fake cigarette 

Maureen Johnson & Libba Bray, lying on the stage

The audience was also treated to a short reading from The Diviners by actress Ella Rae Peck (think Gossip Girl) and a couple of era-appropriate musical numbers by Dandy Wellington and his Band. In short, it was quite entertaining and spectacular.

Then, on Tuesday, I went to another very fun event—one for which I even dressed up. This was a spooky middle grade event featuring Claire Legrand, Nikki Loftin, and Adam-Troy Castro.

Claire Legrand, Adam-Troy Castro, Nikki Loftin

Each author introduced his/her new book and read a small section which thoroughly creeped out the audience (at least, most of these readings creeped me out!). Then they took some questions from the audience. I asked Claire how it felt to be covered in cockroaches, since she dressed up like Mrs. Cavendish for the event. She said it was kind of gross, because the fake cockroaches were so realistic!

me in witch hat & Claire Legrand as Mrs. Cavendish, covered in fake cockroaches

I had a wonderful time meeting Nikki Loftin, getting to hear Claire read from The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls since I missed her reading at her launch party and getting to chat with her, and hanging out with my lovely boss, among others.

Also, did I mention there was candy? Though it was probably a good idea that I didn't actually eat any myself, having listened to Nikki read about the more sinister side of candy...

Fierce Reads tour recap

As you may or may not know, I was the featured blogger for the final stop on the Fierce Reads tour this season, at Books of Wonder in NYC. Now, what does that mean? Well, aside from getting the fancy title of "featured blogger," I also got to chat with the four authors on tour, Gennifer Albin, Leigh Bardugo, Caragh M. O'Brien, and Marie Rutkoski, before their event started.

Since everyone was a little worn out (the authors from their tour, and me from my homework), we just sat together and had a casual conversation. I learned that despite a few snags (like how Gennifer Albin could have gotten arrested!), their tour had been going great so far. Here are a few other things that I learned:

(1) Caragh O'Brien came in third place in a state fencing competition.
(2) Leigh Bardugo almost died from being dared to eat an entire calla lily when she was 7.
(3) Gennifer Albin is afraid of going down escalators, especially with luggage.
(4) Marie Rutkoski has large sections of dialogue from The Princess Bride memorized.

One of these things is actually not true. If you can figure it out (or guess correctly), then this might work in your favor for what comes at the end of this blog post (I'll give you a very obvious hint: contest!).

Anyway, after our little chat, the authors and I headed to the back of the bookstore for the actual event.

Caragh O'Brien & Gennifer Albin

Marie Rutkoski & Leigh Bardugo

Each author introduced her new book and talked a little about how those stories came to be. The Q&A with the audience then led to a lot of lively and interesting discussions about inspiration, writing process, YA, and reading audience. Needless to say, everyone was thoroughly entertained at this event. I especially had a great time talking to each of the featured authors, especially the lovely Caragh O'Brien who I've met before a couple times.

I wasn't able to stick around through the whole signing due to other commitments, but fortunately for me, my "featured blogger" status meant that I got to get my books signed before the event started. And by my books, I actually mean your books. That is, Macmillan was lovely enough to donate a set of these Fierce Reads authors' books for me to give away on the blog.

CONTEST CLOSED

(1) lucky winner will receive signed copies of Birthmarked, Prized, and Promised by Caragh M. O'Brien; The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski; Crewel by Gennifer Albin; & Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
courtesy of Macmillan



Other details:

• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest ends 11/10/12, at 9 p.m. EST.

Remember, you must complete the form to be entered, and only one form submission per person will be counted. If you have any questions about this contest, see my contest policy, or contact me and ask away.

A couple of book events

Last week, I made it to two fantastic events in two days:

Last Tuesday, I headed on down to Books of Wonder for a signing featuring six great authors, including Lara Avery, Gwendolyn Heasley, Jeff Hirsch, Kody Keplinger, Michael Rubens, and Eliot Schrefer.

Eliot Schrefer, Lara Avery, Jeff Hirsch

Kody Keplinger, Michael Rubens, Gwendolyn Heasley

Yes, I have seem four out of these six authors multiple times before, but that didn't make this event any less enjoyable. (Let's be honest, I never tire of people talking about books). Each author introduced his/her new book with a short reading or just a chat, and then they all took some questions from the audience.

I had the loveliest time talking with the lovely Kody Keplinger and also Eliot Schrefer, to whom I lamented the fact that I had once again forgotten to bring my slingshot monkey to his event (the first time this happened was at BEA). But it's okay, because I'm pretty sure that I'll see Eliot at another one of his NYC events...and this time I'll remember...I hope.

Anyway, the very next day, I went to the Jefferson Market branch of the NYPL for October's Teen Author Reading Night.

moderator David Levithan & authors Jeff Hirsch, Aaron Karo, Alyssa Sheinmel, and Jocelyn Davies

This month's featured authors were Jeff Hirsch (yes, I did in fact see him two days in a row), Aaron Karo, Alyssa Sheinmel, Jocelyn Davies, and E.C. Myers. Unfortunately, as you can see from the above picture, E.C. didn't quite make it to his own event (due to transportation troubles, I later found out). Each author introduced and read from his/her new novel (yes, Jeff Hirsch read the same passage he read the day before, but it's okay because he read it with equal gusto). Then they answered questions from David and a few from the audience.

After the event, I hung around for a bit to chat with my favorite book friends Sam and Ruth; authors Jon Yang, Lindsay Ribar, and E.C. Myers (who finally made it to the library after the event ended); and E.C.'s literary agent.

In all, great events, as always! I'm a little sad that I won't be going to any events for a couple of weeks...I guess I should take this time to get ahead with my homework so that I can go to more events in the future? We'll see!

A week of book events

I was fortunate enough to make it to several great book events last week! Here's what happened:

Last Saturday, I went on down to Books of Wonder for a signing featuring Sarah Beth Durst, Karsten Knight, Malinda Lo, and Jessica Shirvington.

Sarah Beth Durst & Karsten Knight

Malinda Lo & Jessica Shirvington

Though initially the authors didn't seem to know how to proceed with the event, things quickly got underway as each introduced his/her new book with a reading or just a brief talk (in Jessica's case). Then there was a quick Q&A with the audience, and then it was time to sign books.

I had a great time at this event getting my copies of Adaptation by Malinda Lo and Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst signed (and I can't wait to read either—if only I had more time!), hanging out with my friend Kelsey who blogs at The Book Scout, my favorite editor at St. Martin's, and one of my former bosses at Lee & Low.

The very next day, I went all the way to Brooklyn for the annual Brooklyn Book Festival. I went for the first time last year and had a great time, so I knew this year's event would be a good excuse to get out. I attended the last four panels at the Youth Stoop, featuring many, many YA authors. 

Jeopardy: moderator Zoraida Cordova & panelists Natalie Standiford, Libba Bray, and Daniel Nayeri

It's a Hard Knock Life: moderator Jennifer Castle & panelists Susane Colasanti, Louise Rozett, and Barry Lyga

Ghosts, Goddesses, and Wolves: moderator Jessica Shirvington & panelists Kendare Blake, Andrea Cremer, and Malinda Lo

As you can see, there are only three pictures even though I attended four panels. That's because between the first and second picture, while I was at the Love Will Keep Us Together Panel featuring Simone Elkeles, Carolyn Mackler, and Melissa Walker and moderated by Christopher Grant, I somehow forgot that a) I had a camera, and b) that I should take pictures. But let's just blame it on me being in the sun for too long.

As I was chilling in the shade in between panels, I spotted a handful of other authors in the crowd, including Gayle Forman, Jon Yang, Alison Cherry, and Lindsay Ribar. But as I had a pile of homework to get back to, I kept my socializing, sadly, to a minimum.

Finally, last Tuesday, I returned to Books of Wonder for the launch party for Burn for Burn by Siobhan Vivian and Jenny Han. Before the event actually started, everybody mingled about and sampled from the ice cream bar (yum!).

"Revenge is a dish best served cold," at the ice cream bar

Siobhan Vivian & Jenny Han

Then Jenny and Siobhan sat to introduce the audience to their new book. Each read a brief segment from Burn for Burn, from two different characters' perspectives, and then they took questions from the audience. It was very interesting to hear how the two worked together in drafting and revising the novel and how they got into the perspectives of certain characters to the extent that they would argue with each other, like those characters!

I had a fabulous time snacking on some ice cream and chatting with some very lovely people, including authors Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, Adele Griffin, Courtney Sheinmel, and the most wonderful Siobhan Vivian; favorite publishing people from Macmillan, Disney, and Simon & Schuster; and others.

I also managed to snag (and get signed) a couple of super cool Burn for Burn posters:

I'm obviously keeping one, but the other one is totally up for grabs here!

CONTEST CLOSED

(1) lucky winner will receive a signed Burn for Burn poster

To enter this contest, please fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFFuV1lOLW9NOHNic19SM0w4eUZSamc6MQ

Other details:

• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest ends 10/09/12, at 9 p.m. EST.

Remember, you must complete the form to be entered, and only one form submission per person will be counted. If you have any questions about this contest, see my contest policy, or contact me and ask away.

A couple of book events (mostly featuring David Levithan)

Over the past week, I made it to a couple of different book events, including Teen Author Reading Night for September as well as a signing with David Levithan and Maggie Stiefvater.

A couple weeks ago, I made my way down to the Jefferson Market branch of the NYPL, for my monthly Teen Author Reading Night fix, of course. This time, David Levithan both hosted and read, along with authors Tara Altebrando, Kate Milford, Sarah Beth Durst, Gordon Korman, and surprise guest, Libba Bray.

Tara Altebrando, Kate Milford, Sarah Beth Durst, Gordon Korman, Libba Bray, & David Levithan

As per usual, each author read from his/her new book (thoroughly entertaining the audience), answered questions from David (or, in David's case, questions from the other authors), and then took questions from the audience. I had a great time chatting with authors Sarah Beth Durst and Alecia Whitaker before heading on my way to be a responsible student and doing my homework...

But then, the very next week, where was I again but at another book event. This one was a book signing at Books of Wonder for David Levithan and Maggie Stiefvater.

David Levithan (again) & Maggie Stiefvater

I somehow managed to snag a seat in the very crowded room (which was not surprising, since both authors have a huge fan following). David and Maggie read from their new books, Every Day and The Raven Boys, sort of reader's theater style, which was thoroughly entertaining because they both got really into it. Then the authors interviewed each other, which was also interesting since David is Maggie's editor. Finally, they took questions from the audience and Maggie gave away a framed still from her book trailer to the event attendee who traveled the farthest to attend (all the way from California!).

I hung around for basically the entire event, chatting up some of my favorite book people including authors Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, and Michael Grant (well, in passing); favorite publishing people including my former boss at Lee & Low and a fantastic Scholastic publicist; my Spanish teacher and YA fan Sarah; and book bloggers (current and former) Cialina from Muggle-Born.net, Khy from Frenetic Reader, and Mitali from Teen Author Carnival.

Tale of a book signing with Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Last weekend, I headed over to BookCourt in Brooklyn for the launch event for Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. I previously heard Emma read at Teen Author Reading Night and quite enjoyed what I heard, but the real reason I made the trip was for my sister, who is a huge fan of this writing duo.

Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus chat about Over You

To start off the event, Emma and Nicola chatted a bit about the ideas behind Over You (i.e. getting over heartbreak). Then they each read a section from their novel (with exceptional personality and gusto!) and took questions from the audience. I stuck around and got a copy of Over You signed for my sister, but, you know, after hearing the authors read, I think I may dig into it first before handing it over...