BEA Newb No More: A Recap Part II & Wait For You Giveaway

Friday, May 31
Again with the butt crack o'thirty. Although it took Jen and I a bit longer to get going this morning, we again hit that 6:20 a.m. ferry and arrived at the Javits around 6:45. After checking our large rolling suitcase, which we shared each day, we got in line to get in to the children's author breakfast. I was very excited for this, because Octavia Spencer, Mary Pope Osborne, Rick Riordan and Veronica Roth were speaking. Talk about an all-star line-up!

Upon entering the event hall, we saw our chairs draped with Heroes of Olympus t-shirts, copies of The Case of the Time Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer and Divergent by Veronica Roth on our chairs and a cool Magic Treehouse mug by our place settings. But, before the breakfast started, Jen and I were on a mission. I'm not ashamed to say that we totally stalked Megan Spooner and Ami Kaufman, waiting for them to arrive so that we could deliver the secret password and receive these cool necklaces from their book These Broken Stars. Finally, mission accomplished!

The speakers were all amazing. Mary Pope Osborne read some letters she's received from kids over the years. Rick Riordan reminisced about first getting published and what his life has been like since. And Veronica Roth talked about the importance of remaining humble and appreciating constructive criticism.

Mary Pope Osborne, Rick Riordan and Veronica Roth

 After breakfast, we hit the floor. I met Susan Dennard when she signed my copy of Something Strange and Deadly. Immediately after, I got in line an hour early for the Harlequin Teen Hour. Good thing, too, because when the signings started, it looked like this:

The long wait was worth it! I got to meet Katie McGarry, Amanda Sun, Julie Kagawa and Elizabeth Scott. It was so exciting!

Katie McGarry

After picking up our copies of Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout, who wasn't able to be at BEA due to a family emergency, I met Denise Grover Swank, Liliana Hart, Sylvia Day and Mari Mancusi.

This was the longest day for us, but for me anyway, it was the most productive. I met more authors and came away with more books today than any of the other days.

Day 2 Book Haul

Saturday, June 1
For our last day, Jen and I slept in an extra hour and took our time getting to the city. We got in line with Jessica from A Midsummer Nights Read and enjoyed passing the time with her and her cousin. When the doors opened, Jen and I split up right away with her going to the Harlequin booth and me heading to get in line to meet Sylvia Day again and get my copy of Entwined With You. While in that line, I realized I was right in front of Yara from Once Upon a Twilight!

Me and Yara

My wait ensured that I would miss the signings for Reboot and The Ward, which bummed me out. But, not stressing about the books that got away is part of the BEA game, and a part I had to learn quickly. I did manage to meet Jonathan Maberry and Cora Carmack, which was so cool.

Cora Carmack signing Faking It

Then, toward the end of the day, as I was wondering through the HarperCollins booth, I decided to just put myself out there and ask if they had any copies of Reboot or The Ward leftover from their signings. The amazing publicist I spoke with turned around, reached in a cabinet and handed me a copy of BOTH books, saying they were the last ones they had. I think I nearly hugged her, which would've been totally unprofessional. But, in my head, I was thinking, "IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou!"

Jen and I hopped in the car then and drove home where we engaged in much book petting and started nursing a severe BEA hangover.

Day 3 Book Haul

SO... interested in a BEA book giveaway? They say that caring is sharing! So, for my first post-BEA giveaway, I'm offering a signed copy of Wait For You by J. Lynn/Jennifer L. Armentrout.

 

I may even throw in some swag! Unfortunately, I have to limit this giveaway to my US peeps due to shipping charges.  So sorry, international friends - I'll have something for you soon! Fill out the Rafflecopter for a chance to win this awesome new adult book that isn't due out in hard copy format until September!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BEA Newb No More: A Recap, Part I

BEA 2013 has now come and gone. It's hard to believe after all those months of planning and anticipating the big event that it's over now. But, what an exciting and crazy three days it was. Here's a blow-by-blow account of how it all went down.

Wednesday, May 29
I embarked on this whirlwind adventure from the very beginning with my good friend Jen from At Random. She and I arrived in NYC mid-day on Wednesday and immediately headed to the Javits Center to register early and take a look around. This was the first thing we saw when we walked in, and I had a bit of a fangirl moment:

Then, we wandered around New York for a bit, taking in the sites before heading back to our hotel and preparing for the big day the next day. 

Memorial at Ground Zero

Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty

Day 1:  Thursday, May 30

Day 1 dawned at butt crack o'thirty. We stayed in Weehawken, NJ and took the ferry over to the Javits every morning. Jen and I caught the second ferry out at 6:20 a.m. and arrived at our place in line around 6:45. We weren't the first in line (about a dozen back), and most certainly weren't the last. This is what it looked like an hour later, which was still almost an hour and a half from go-time. 

The time passed quickly for Jen and I. We perused the PW Show Daily, chatted with fellow bloggers and channeled our alter steampunk egos, courtesy of some cool 'staches from Spencer Hill Press.

When the doors opened, everyone was off on their respective missions. I headed to meet Jane O'Connor first. My 7-year-old daughter is a HUGE Fancy Nancy fan, and I wanted to do that for her before I got anything for me. After that, I tried to stick as closely to my schedule as I could. Amazingly, due to lots of pre-BEA obsessing and making nice with the incredible people I met in line (like Chaz and Taschima from The Bloody Bookaholic, Lili from Lili's Reflections and Hannah from The Irish Banana), I got to do more than I expected! I met some amazing authors, like Ami Kaufman and Megan Spooner:

Ami Kaufman and Megan Spooner

Sarah Maas, Cinda Williams Chima and Abbi Glines:

Abbi Glines

Day 1 even held a few surprises, like meeting Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon, the authors of Doon and scoring my own signed copy and happening by a galley drop of Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles. Fangirl squeal!! My one main regret from day 1 was missing Antigoddess by Kendare Blake. I should've gotten in her line first, and then jumped to Jane O'Connor, but by the time I realized my mistake, the Antigoddess line was completely REDICK.

By 4 p.m., I was kinda dead on my feet, but the day wasn't over yet. We headed downtown to a party thrown by the fine folks at Kensington Publishing where a good time was held by all.

Me at the Kensington Publishing party

 
By 10 p.m., it was time to stick a fork in me. I hadn't had a proper meal all day long, my feet were killing me, and I was so sleepy. But, before I succumbed, I made time to pet each and every book I brought back that day. Priorities, y'all.

Day 1 book haul

I reset my alarm for 5 a.m. and got ready to do it all over again...

BEA Newb Notes #5 - My Final Thoughts

I'm headed to BEA 2013!

I've got my registration confirmation and my hotel room. So, now what?? This will be my first time there, and I always approach new experiences the same way - research, research and more research. And, the more research I do about this amazing event, the more overwhelmed I feel. So, I plan to break down my schizo thoughts in an attempt to:

A.  Get organized

B.  Gather comments from seasoned BEA professionals

This will be my last Newb Notes post. Why, you ask? For the simple reason that, in less than a week, I will no longer be a BEA newbie! That's right - BEA starts next Thursday. Six short days from today. I feel like I'm eating, sleeping and breathing BEA at the moment. It's exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time. Despite all the planning and research and education I've done over the past six months, I'm trying to keep in mind these final thoughts.

1. Don't Sweat It

Fact:  I will not get every book I want.
Fact:  I will not meet every author I want.
Fact:  My life will not end because of these things.

My husband will attest to the fact that I have this annoying habit of planning things within an inch of my life, and then when things don't go exactly according to my master plan, I become the fiery emo pit of doom. Despite the fact that I KNOW I can't be in three places at once (and, really, at BEA, how freaking cool would THAT be?), I will still be disappointed when the real fact that I can't astral project bitch slaps me along side my head. I refuse to be that girl. I will be ecstatic with every book I get, every author and blogger I meet, and every moment I spend there soaking up all the booky vibes. The experience alone will be worth it. So, if I miss the galley drop of The Iron Traitor or don't get to meet Diana Gabaldon in person, so what? It's just a good excuse to do it all again next year.

2. Have Fun, Dammit

This is New York City, for cripes sake! Yes, my feet will hurt at the end of the day. Yes, I will be zombie tired. But, I'll be husband-less, children-less and surrounded by hundreds of people who can instantly tell you the difference between NA and YA and who know, between Veronica Rossi and Veronica Roth, who wrote what and who the best book boyfriend is between them (PERRY!). Revel in it. Soak up the bibliophile vibes. Sing some bad karaoke with people you don't know. Wait. Scratch that last one. Keep in mind that these are also people who have blogs and vlogs - chances are, pictures of your half-drunk self will end up on the interwebz in some form or another.  This will be an experience like none other, and I want to treat it as such. I can't wait to meet all my new friends.

3. Learn Something While You're At It

Okay. Imagine you're stuck in a room with a bunch of big name publishers and super popular book bloggers all of whom are willing to let you pick their brains in order to make your own blog achieve rock star status. Oh yeah. THAT'S REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN. So, don't clam up and act all introverted. This is my big chance to find out what publishers really want to see in the blogs that do so much of their grassroots marketing. What do I need to do to secure my spot on some of the bigger blog tours? What blogs have some amazing ideas for increasing traffic and making my blog something that people actually WANT to read every day? These are all things that I know I can learn about as long as I open my mouth and speak.

So, wish me luck! And, stay tuned, because the next BEA-related posts you see will be re-caps with plenty of pictures and stories to tell.

BEA NEWB NOTES: Authors I MUST See

I'm headed to BEA 2013!

 

I've got my registration confirmation and my hotel room. So, now what?? This will be my first time there, and I always approach new experiences the same way - research, research and more research. And, the more research I do about this amazing event, the more overwhelmed I feel. So, I plan to break down my schizo thoughts in an attempt to:

A.  Get organized

B.  Gather comments from seasoned BEA professionals

So, today, I want to talk about the authors I would give my right arm to see. Have you taken a look at the list of authors who will be appearing in the author signing area? This was me when I saw it:

Yeah. Pretty freaking excited. So, now comes the arduous task of whittling down my list to the authors that are a top priority and trying to maintain some semblance of decorum and professionalism when I don't get to see them all. Because, I am realistic. I do know that I won't see everyone I want to, despite planning this thing within an inch of its life. So, this is my Dream Team. My Ultimate Wish List.

1. Richelle Mead - This kick ass chick is numero uno on my list. She lives on the west coast, so seeing her is going to be difficult at any local events. Plus, she wrote the Vampire Academy series and is in the middle of the Bloodlines series, two HUGE obsessions of mine. I expect to see some ARCs of her new series, Gameboard of the Gods there, but if the BEA author signing list is correct and she has The Fiery Heart available, I might just hyperventilate myself into a coma.

2. Diana Gabaldon - I've been a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon's for a long time. She's another west-coaster, so I don't know when I might have another chance to see her. She should be signing the latest book in the Outlander series, Written In My Own Heart's Blood, which is a MUST for my bookshelf.

3. Jennifer L. Armentrout - Jennifer Armentrout doesn't live too far from me. In fact, I've seen her twice before. But, she's signing Frigid, which isn't due out until November. I really want that book. And, I think Jennifer is pretty frikkin' awesome, so I love any chance I have to get some face time with her.

4. Cinda Williams Chima - I have loved everything written by this woman. Her fantasy series, The Seven Realms, is the best I've ever read. When I heard she was going to continue the Heir Chronicles series, I was so stoked. When I heard that she was going to be signing copies of The Enchanter Heir at BEA, I totally fangirled.

5. Rick Riordan - Greek mythology is one of my favorite things to read, and the Percy Jackson series is one of the most creative and entertaining adaptations of Greek mythology I've ever read. I already have plans to hear him speak at the Children's Author Breakfast. My goal is to get his John Hancock of one of his books - specifically The Serpent's Shadow!

So, there you go - my favorites list. Wish me luck as I make my plans to stalk my favorite authors (in completely socially-acceptable ways, of course!)!

BEA Newb Notes: Books I Need to Read

I'm headed to BEA 2013!

I've got my registration confirmation and my hotel room. So, now what?? This will be my first time there, and I always approach new experiences the same way - research, research and more research. And, the more research I do about this amazing event, the more overwhelmed I feel. So, I plan to break down my schizo thoughts in an attempt to:

A.  Get organized

B.  Gather comments from seasoned BEA professionals

So, today, I want to talk about books that I NEED to read before I leave.

Books To Read Before I Leave for NYC

1. The Mark of Athena, by Rick Riordan - I'm signed up to attend the Children's Author Breakfast on Friday morning, at which I will hear Rick Riordan speak. I'm so excited for this event because I LOVE Rick Riordan. I've read all his Percy Jackson and the Olympians books. I've read all his Kane Chronicles books. And I've read all his Heroes of Olympus books. Except the most recently released one. I even own it - it's been sitting on my bookshelf since November. I just haven't gotten to it yet.

2. Down To You, by M. Leighton - I just found out last week that M. Leighton will be at BEA. I've been meaning to read one of her books since I started reading more New Adult. And, I keep hearing about her Bad Boys series and how good it is. I feel like I need to see for myself.

3. Ten, by Gretchen McNeil - Gretchen McNeil will be at BEA signing copies of her new book 3:59. I have never read anything by her, but I have a copy of Ten that I haven't gotten to yet. I've heard good things, so I look forward to catching up.

4. The Goddess Inheritance, by Aimee Carter - Although it hasn't been confirmed yet, there seems to be a strong feeling that Aimee Carter will be attending. I've read The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted and loved them both. I'm a sucker for anything related to Greek mythology. I'm dying to see how Kate and Henry's story ends, and The Goddess Inheritance just came out last week.




I'm sure this list will continue to grow as I learn of more authors that will be attending. Have you read any of these books? Which books are on your TBR-Before-Leaving -For-NYC list?

BEA Newb Notes: What to Pack?

I'm headed to BEA 2013!

I've got my registration confirmation and my hotel room. So, now what?? This will be my first time there, and I always approach new experiences the same way - research, research and more research. And, the more research I do about this amazing event, the more overwhelmed I feel. So, I plan to break down my schizo thoughts in an attempt to:

A.  Get organized

B.  Gather comments from seasoned BEA professionals

So, today, I want to talk about what to pack for a day on the floor.

What To Pack to Survive the Bibliophile-Infested Waters

1. My Kindle 3G - I hear that I will be spending a lot - I mean, A LOT - of time in line at BEA. And, while I do plan to make the most of my time in line and chat it up with other bloggers and book fans, I know I will also have a lot of downtime. I plan to load up my Kindle with books before I leave so that, perhaps I can get some reading done while in line. And, if I find I really want a book, like NOW, I can always download it with my 3G connection.

2. Snacks - In keeping with the theory that I'll spend a lot of time in line, I doubt that, should I need to get in a line at 11 a.m. for an author I'd give my right arm to see, and I'm still in line at 1 p.m., I will want to give up my spot to go spend $10 on a bag of chips and a soda. So, I plan to bring in a bunch of filling snacks like LUNA bars or Cliff Bars and trailmix. Hopefully that will stave off the hungries until the show winds down and I can go somewhere to spend $20 on two pieces of pizza.

3. Filtered Water Bottle - Staying hydrated is very important - speeding from galley drop to galley drop is bound to make a girl thirsty. I'm going to bring along my filtered water bottle so that I can refill it in the bathrooms if I need to.

4. Notepad and Pen - I intend to meet tons of amazing bloggers and publishers at BEA. I know most will have business cards to pass along to me (and I plan to have some of my own to pass on), but in case I want additional information or if someone has run out of cards, I can still collect information from people I meet so that I can follow up with them later.

5. Side-load Plastic Envelopes - Ever the consummate marketer, swag holds a big fascination for me. I intend to collect a lot of it. And, I don't want cool bookmarks getting lost in my bag and crumpled by the books that I will also have in there. So, I will put all my swag in an envelope like this so it can stay all nice and pretty. Pretty swag is good swag.

6.  Cute Ballet Flats - I know I don't technically "work" in the book industry. But I want to represent this blog well, so I want to dress nicely. But, I'd be completely insane to try and spend all day in a pair of heels. So, I need to find some cute ballet flats that I'll be able to walk around in for an entire day without killing my feet. Insoles are an option, but many times those make your shoes not fit quite right. Comfort and cuteness are key.

7. Big, Honkin' Backpack - I've seen on BEA's Web site that roller carts/bags are prohibited. I also know that in previous years, some people have defied that rule and gotten away with it. I have never been a rule breaker (drives my husband nuts sometimes - he says I need to take more risks *rolls eyes*), and I don't intend to start now. But, that leaves me with a dilemma. What do I use to tote around all the books I plan to pick up? The best answer I can come up with is a very big padded backpack. Perhaps like the kind you use for oversized laptops. It won't exactly be the prettiest accessory to go with my cute ballet flats and nice clothes, but hey - a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do when books are involved. Right?

Okay. So, it's your turn. If you've been to BEA, please tell me if I'm missing anything important. Heck - even if you've never been there either, what do you think of my list? My anal-retentive self needs validation that I'm on the right track here.

And, don't forget to check back in next week for another BEA Newb Notes post. I have a lot of thoughts rolling around in his head of mine!