An Evening with Authors, Fans, and Characters (and lots of linking)

Books of Wonder happens to be the place I went to my first book signing and where I first met Cassandra Clare in real life :D Very fond memories.

Tuesday, May 3rd was Cassie and Holly Black's only appearance in New York City for the spring, so of course I had to go; Lauren DeStefano, though little known for now, also tagged along [I'm extremely excited to read Wither]. I'm especially glad I attended because it was one of the most fun signings I've been to - all because of the people I met.

I arrived two hours early and I wasn't even near being the first person to have arrived. Luckily, while I waited for Dorothy Donne (of MundieSource)and Michael Sourcows to arrive, Mitali (from The Alley of Books) recognized me as a friend of Devyn Burton and I clung to her like a fangirl to Robert Pattinson (who wasn't there and won't get a link). Through her, I was introduced to Rachel (The Book Muncher). We three bonded - fun ensued.

It's interesting to see how intense some fans become for their favorite authors. There were plenty of home-made shirts that looked like they took hours; part of me wonders how anyone possibly has the time to be that detailed, but the rest of me already figures that the Fearless Rune Tattoo on my back is proof enough that I'm a fan.

We took our seats LITERALLY right in front of the authors' tables [not creepy at all] and mingled with Vania (known to most for creating book trailers - particularly for City of Fallen Angels). The authors came out like rock stars, but with better shoes. Cassie, Holly, and Lauren each read us an excerpt before moving quickly on to the Q&A segment. In all, we've learned that Magnus's favorite color is sparkle; Lauren doesn't outline her stories at all; Holly could practically run a marathon with the amount of effort she puts into getting the microphone to people. Also, there's a fanbase for Chairman Meow and Church - unexpected, but true!

With big-named authors, the signing part of the event takes forever. I was Number Four 38 and I didn't get to the table until at least 45 minutes after the first person [she arrived at the store at 10am]. Holly gave out wristbands for different kinds of curse working [I chose one for Luck] and a combo preview of Black Heart and Clockwork Prince; Cassie gave postcards between Alec and Magnus on their world travels and those back at the Institute [probably the funniest things I've read. (i.e. Isabelle planning Malec's wedding) - more on these COMING SOON.]; Lauren had little candied sunflower seeds and a preview of her next book as well.

I stalked Robin Wasserman [who promptly asked "Haven't I already signed every book of mine you own?] outside with Barry Goldblatt [agent to practically everyone] and made a fool of myself asking her to sign Zombies vs. Unicorns... which she isn't a part of. She did sign it though, just as Maureen Johnson [which works since MJ signed my Geektastic even though she isn't in that one]. It turns out that Robin will be in a coming anthology that will be released around the same time as a movie next summer... Detailed, right? All Barry would tell me is that the movie has a very hot guy in it and the cover to the anthology will probably be along the same lines - brief mentions of Robin posing in a bikini were given... This is a wonderful rumor - go spread it :P

My night ended by riding on the subway with Jace. You really can't make things like that up.

Now, for Cassie to read the prologue of Clockwork Prince

Also, a much longer version with some conversation with all the authors and their readings. Thanks to VintageBomb for letting me borrow it!

COMING SOON: A contest to win some little things (several autographed) from Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and Lauren DeStefano.