As soon as I posted that I was going to the Dark Days tour with Tahereh Mafi, Cynthia Hand, Veronica Rossi and Brodi Ashton, friends started asking if I could pick up books for them. At first count, I was going to have 36 books for the four ladies. It ended up being 19 to bring, with 11 to pick up.
We started up to Huntington Beach early, hitting the store around 4. We had front row AND Jeanne was super awesome and set aside the books we needed to purchase day off.
We went to buy the books we needed and headed back upstairs to flap everything. While we waited, we met up with Kristin and chatted about everything and anything book related. It was also good to see Crystal and finally meet Beverly.
The authors got there just after 7. There was a moderator from Harper Collins and a designated blogger who would also have questions.
The first question of the night had the authors explaining their books as if they were texting their best friends. So there were some BRBs, a LOL and an OMFG.
During questions, Brodi said that she “didn’t like reading”, but actually meant that she didn’t like reading educational materials. She then implored everyone to NOT tweet that she hated reading.
Tahereh fell over in her very tall shoes when she learned that she could have a “pants optional” job.
And now the questions:
Explain the most exciting part of your book:
V: that she got to play with opposites. Two protagonists, two societies, and an Amazing Race of two worlds, who will survive.
T: Chapter 62
C: the question of destiny versus free How Clara has to face that over and over and decide what she believes in.
B: Nikki and Cole both so certain in their reasons and so morally upright. She loves exploring their relationship.
What kept you going from book 1 to book 2?
B: Candy
C: Deadlines
V: Wine
T: Coffee
How did you come up with your villain?
C: Didn’t do a lot of research until the end. Knew she wanted a complicated villain and while reading the Book of Enoch, found the name Samjeeza.
T: Thinks its important to create someone who isn’t easy to hate. She wants to ask “wait. What are your motivations”.
B: At first Cole was the love interest. And that’s it.
V: Would second everything already said and then added that she thinks Kelly Slater [the professional surfer] is Sable.
After publishing, is there anything you would want to change?
V: The opposite. Finds that it’s exciting to go back and the story inspires itself.
T: Exactly what Veronica said
C: Loves revising. She sees that things should have changed [mostly the language]. Sometimes a reader will point something out that will make her imagination go.
B: Once the story is in book form, it’s over. But it still lives in her head. There’s a specific scene that she hates and when she relives it, Nikki says and does the right thing and its frustrating.
After about 30 minutes, the signing started. I stood off to the side to be last since we had so many books to get signed.
As the lines started dwindling, the handler came over to me and said that I could head over to Brodi to start.
First off, Brodi is adorable and absolutely hilarious. She asked if I was a blogger. When I said yes, she asked if I had included the comment about her reading. I said that I did, but would gladly take it out if she wanted me to. She laughed and said no.
Cynthia was next. I had the most books for her — 11. I didn’t have them organized very well, so it took a minute for me to realize that it would be easier for Cynthia to sign the same books together, since different colored markers were used.
After that was figured out, it ran smoothly and I was able to get them all taken care of.
Up next was Tahereh. I had asked if she was ready and she opened her arms and said “My body is ready!” I had quite a few for Tahereh as well. When she got to my copy, I asked if she would deface it. She said because it was for me, of course.
I had a book for my HBIC and asked for a special inscription. Not only did Christina get the special inscription, but Tahereh also used my phone to text Christina.
We took pictures and hugged many times. And she told me that she expects to see me at every LA event that she does. I happily said that I would be her stalker if she was okay with it.
And last but not least was Veronica. We also hugged many times. We started out with the books and then it morphed into a serious discussion about Kelly Slater and Snarkles who was there with the HC woman [and I didn’t catch her name].
She mentioned how many books I had and asked if someone had recorded how many it had because it had to be a record.
We were the absolute last people there and said goodbye to all four ladies a few times as we left the store. Huge thanks to Brodi, Cynthia, Tahereh and Veronica for making the trip out. And extra special thanks to Jeanne at BN for being so amazing.
Now.
Want a signed copy of the first book from each author? I’ve got ’em. Just enter below to win!!
Rules are listed on the “terms and conditions” section of the Rafflecopter widget! Good luck!
You go to so many signings, I'm jealous. Wish I could have gone to this one and met you. :) thanks for the giveaway!
When I heard you were going tonight, I was sad I hadn't previously arranged with you to get some books signed for me…then I saw that picture and was okay we hadn't arranged anything. I would've felt SUCH GUILT.
I'm most excited for a signed copy of Unearthly as that is the only one I am desperate for from this pile.
Wow, that's a lot of money you spent on books.
The four ladies sound amazing, but I didn't expect any different considering who they are. Specially Tahereh, I've met her and she is just the best <3
Glad you had a nice time :D
what an incredible and wonderful story!! I can't thank you enough and OMG Jealous of your defaced copy of Unravel me!!!
xoxo
jaime
Perhaps at CC this year? I think I saw you in passing with Michelle [were you dressed as the Doctor?].
You're very welcome for the giveaway, thanks for entering and good luck!
I would have happily gotten you books, you should know that by now. :D
All four of the ladies are amazing. So so so much fun. And it was a lot of money, I had to purchase 11 when I got there and actually had a shopping basket to carry them around in.
Thanks for entering and good luck!!
Hi Jaime!!
I am quite in love with my defaced UM. I almost want to leave the cover off of it. Your books should go out in the mail today, I'll DM you with the tracking number.
<3
I really want to read Everneath! :DD Thank you for writing down what happened in the event ;)
I haven't read Unearthly yet, but I LOVED the other three – Shatter Me was in my top 5 of 2012. Looks like it was a wonderful event – totally wish I could have been there!
I am so glad that you and “the wife” had a great time last night. I adore Tahereh and I am so sad that she isn't coming to my area this time.
I haven't read Unearthly or Under The Never Sky, but I LOVED Shatter Me and Everneath! It sounds like the event was so much fun, wish I could have been there!
I actually haven't read any of them. I know, I know! Don't hate me! So I'm excited about all of them!
I'm excited for ALL OF THEM. I'm attending the February 7th event with these ladies and I was all smiles when I read this post. Like, I might be tearing up a little because I am so excited to meet them all! Also – Tahereh defaced your copy!! OMG I might have to work up the nerve to ask her to do mine… I wonder if she'll do it!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! Also – what was in the bowl between Cynthia and Tahereh?? Curious minds would like to know!! :)
They are all a lot of fun! The bowl had chocolate in it. :D
Ok, seriously, I'm going to be staring at these photos for the rest of the night, don't mind me. :):):)
EVERNEATH!
OMG looks like so much fun!!!
Shatter Me and Under the never sky. Great giveaway!
Veronica Rossi.. I have heard nothing but good about this book..
EVERNEATH!!! Looks like you had a lot of fun!
How fun!
Everneath
I haven't read Everneath yet, it looks great! Thanks for the awesome giveaway and post!
I'm so JEALOUS. It looks like you had a great time and I wish I'd been there.
I have been dying for a copy of Everneath!
I just HOPE that All this authors will come here in the Philippines too…:))
I am equally excited for all! I've not read Shatter Me or Everneath yet.
EVERNEATH.
Definitely Unearthly or Under The Never Sky.. BUT I'm looking forward to all of them. They've been raved about so much and I still can't believe I haven't started any of these series.
Everneath or Unearthly! I LOVE the other two books, but I already own them. :)
What I wouldn't give to have gone! Sounds like you had a great and memorable time, thanks for sharing :)