2 Book Events & a Giveaway!

                Hello happy readers!  So this week has been a bit of a hit on my sleep schedule shifting between work schedules and making another well worth it day trip to Atlanta (4 hr drive one day) for a book event.  I mean it was Stephanie Perkins so it was a must go type of thing.  So today since I slept for 14 hours last night I would do an event talk instead of  a review.  I will be ready next week though since I won't have any events to drag me away.  I was thrilled to be able to meet my good friend, Bo from Bogdana the Booknerd, before both events to hit up our favorite pre-event meal of Noodle just a block from the shop and even get some ice cream from the delightful shop around the corner Butter & Cream.  I kid you not I get as excited about getting to get our food as for the events.

                So last week I went to the Epic Reads event with Kendare Blake, Jessie Ann Foley, and Katharine McGee for the Epic Reads event.  Epic Reads was hosted at the beautiful little store, Little Shop of Stories where I go to most all of my events up there.  This time with the multiple authors they did something a little different and instead of having them up in front of all of us they split the chairs into three circles and each circle got an author to chat with for a time before they swapped speed dating style.  It was different but really fun.

                 We got there and were lucky enough to be the first ones upstairs for the event.  We saw the circles and got to pick our spots.  One of the employees was kind enough to explain the set up and the rules and jabber with us while everyone else trickled in.  She also provided sticky notes to get the books ready for the post "speed date" signing but as usual we had come prepared.  They did a little intro and each talked a bit about who they are, what books they wrote, and where they are from before being split up. 

                First in our circle was the lovely Jessie Ann who shared her inspiration for Neighborhood Girls.  We discussed the heart of the story, the very relevant catalyst, and more.  With her first book taking place in Ireland we talked about some travel and a little tidbit of fun that with the book she was able to get her husband, who has the accent, to read parts out loud to see how they sounded to make sure they flowed.  I loved that and it makes me so excited to dive in. 

                 Next Katharine McGee made her way into our circle looking the picture of graceful in tiny stilts of heels that defy gravity.  She discussed her first book The Thousandth Floor more than the sequel since she didn't want to spoil any good bits.  We discussed the craft of writing and the process of getting your book out there as she had a different experience working in publishing and already knowing everyone.  I also found out she worked on editing some of the books in several shows that I enjoy (The 100, The Vampire Diaries, and Pretty Little Liars) but gave advice for those who might not have her connections.

                Last but not least we got to sit down with Kendare Blake who is not only part of several anthologies but also was celebrating the release of the second Three Dark Crowns book that very day.  We talked about how the book series went from being set as a duology ending with One Dark Crown to a four book series.  Nothing changed in the book.  It still ended where it was supposed to end but not we will get to see the fall out and what happens next after the winner sits on the throne.  Funny enough she got the idea after learning about bees at a party.  Everyone was worried about the huge ball of bees but there was a beekeeper present who explained they were safe as the ball was to protect the queen as they moved and it spiked her curiosity and she asked the beekeeper questions for the rest of the party.  I love how this came to be getting ideas and writing in general.

                Overall the Epic Reads event was a success.  Everyone got to ask questions in smaller groups taking the pressure off and letting some who may be more nervous and intimidated speak up.  I give this even 5 Stars for sure! 

                Then one week later Little Shop of Stories was working with the library to host Stephanie Perkins for the release of her new book, Theres Someone in Your House at the library.  As Stephanie used t o be a librarian it was perfect.  She also used to live in the area and had some friends pop in, which totally distracted her mid sentence and is something we can all relate to I think. 

                She got there a bit early to talk with her moderator but with the driving in Atlanta there was a change in plans with a vehicle accident (no one was hurt thankfully just unable to make it) and her fill in was already familiar as they had spent the day discussing things so she came out to just sit/chat/ and pre-sign for us early birds.  Clearly that included Bo and myself.  She signed our books and we discussed things from how we ended up meeting and becoming friends at a book event and book covers/designs since I have the UK version of her anthologies with the colored page edges. 

                Stephanie was such a riot.  Seriously she was SO MUCH FUN!  She is so down to earth and loves some dark topics just as much as the cute fluffy stuff.  We could have spent all night just talking about random topics.  But once it hit time she sat up to discuss her book.  It was a departure from what she is known for writing with her Anna and the French Kiss series being a slasher horror story and all.  However, anyone on the fence rest assured there is still the feel of her voice and that beauty in there as well because she couldn’t help herself.  However, there is also a high body count and lots of great horror classics.  I can't wait!  I love horror movies, the cheesier the better. 

                 Apparently she gets the question about the change in genre ALL the time as some are shocked given how sweet and nice she is but to those who know her they get it.  I could connect when she related how she is nice and sweet but she also loves horror movies and true crime.  She had on this adorable dress with cute little deer which I complimented on pre-event and as she explained later "I'm wearing a dress with cute little deer but also have murder in my heart" in talking about her eclectic decorating style and her love of Halloween.  She also discussed her interest in many different genres and how she wouldn't mind trying more but would steer away from mermaid books, this brought the question of genitals and how/what that is seems to be a conundrum which we spent some time thinking on, and Amish romance which I didn’t know was a thing.  

                After the event she was signing books for everyone and even though we had ours signed we still waited in line because we wanted to grab a photo and because we wanted to say something more post event.  Knowing she loved Halloween and scary things Bo recommended she check out Halloween Horror Nights and discussed some particulars.  After finding out she did a lot of research to make things feel right in her story including the law enforcement side having to find people to give help in different areas I told her I was a dispatcher for a university currently but spent several years in a very small county doing 911 dispatch, you know if she ever needed further help.  Hey I would love to offer my services! 

                That was my thoughts on the last couple events.  Sorry I didn’t get more photos of the events themselves.  However, I during the Epic Reads event I did get my paperback ARC of Three Dark Crowns signed by Kendare Blake and I was able to snag an extra tote bag from the event to use in a giveaway along with some other misc goodies I have been collecting to include ;) I'll leave this open for a two weeks so enter below!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Stacking the Shelves~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.  This one is technically two weeks since I was out of town last weekend, at a signing, and didn’t get to post.

Physical Books:

Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2) by Richelle Mead

Girl Out of Water by Laura Silverman

Event with Laura Silverman & Becky Albertalli

E-Books: For Review

Champions: At Fires End (Champions #1) by Charlotte Jain

The Wood by Chelsea Bobulski

Audiobooks:

Fall of Thrones and Thorns (Threats of Sky and Sea #3) by Jennifer Ellision

  

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  

ApollyCon 2017

                Hello happy readers!  Okay so I’ve been mentioning ApollyCon since I got my Titan Pass last year.  Well it happened.  Last weekend I went down to Orlando Florida and took part in the amazing event.  I had tons of fun meeting authors I already adore and finding new to me authors as well to check out.  Not only were the authors amazing but the event also had several cover models attending, mostly for Jennifer L. Armentrouts books as she was the one hosting the event with help from Steph and Hannah over at No BS Book Reviews.  And of course all the readers and fangirls like myself. 

                Basically lots of fun and tons of fun, new friends, and pictures!  Now as I’m not the best at selfies like most we just handed the phone to someone else to take photos so some of them are better than others but let’s be honest excitement can make anyone a bit shaky ;)  Thursday I got to the hotel and got checked in and got my pass and wristbands and such and meet my roomie.  That’s pretty much it for Thursday as I was near crashing I had been up transitioning from night shift and I was passed out by 8:30pm. 

                Friday though was the Titan signing and I got almost all of my books signed which is impressive given my suitcase full of goodies.  I made lots of new friends in lines outside and in the different author lines.  I jabbered and discussed books and stories and it was beautiful!  As the Titan signing Friday was winding down I ended up chatting with the talented and awesome Nicole Castroman, Kasie West, and Kimberly Derting as I hijacked one of the extra chairs to rest my knee for the last 15 minutes or so and just talked.  Then as I was trying to figure out my plans for food, real food given I hadn’t had anything real since Wednesday night, these lovelies asked me to join them and some others for dinner.  I was thrilled and we walked (well I more limped) over to a Japanese Steakhouse Kobe which was delicious and had a great evening.  Not many pictures from that given the lighting and it was more all about the company, conversation, and food.  So many amazing ladies and I think them again for inviting me to join.  Then back to the room to crash way early for me but my body was sore but totally in a wonderful way that happens after a great day.

                Saturday as I had all but a couple books signed and those two authors were ticketed and by number group (and I had first call numbers having been there Thursday to get my numbers) I wasn’t concerned with standing in line waiting to go in.  I took my time getting ready and just enjoying the need not to rush.  I only had a stack of books for Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 books limit and having so many books out takes more than one trip I had 9) and given I’d have to see her Saturday to get my copy of The Dead List signed from the Q&A panel the night before.  I also had one last trip to see the lovely Sarah J. Maas as she had an injured hand and was only personalizing/signing one item per trip in line and I needed 3 things overall signed I had one last item on Saturday (Empire of Storms).  Random story while she was signing I told her I was listening to it as an audiobook currently and on the way down I hit one part and ended up honking the horn when I hit the wheel in an “OMG OMG” moment and had been thankful I was on cruise control.  She asked if it was an action scene or a sexy scene, I advised action and she knew instantly which scene.  How awesome as an author when someone says they got super excited about a scene and to know just that scene.  I loved it!  Side note having finished the book now that is an even more impressive feat since there are a lot of scenes that had that reaction for me.  Anywho the line outside to get into the signing was HUGE!  I was so glad to have my tickets and got them signed and finished up first thing.  Then as it was crazy inside I decided to step out for a bit and had a drink at the bar with some new friends (also drinks at the hotel bar are hella expensive fyi) then went back into wander.  I had a T-shirt in my bag and had been working on getting everyone to sign it.  It was a great way to get to meet everyone and say hi and get to know some of the authors works as there were several I had never heard of.  So I got my shirt signed and pictures and just took random breaks when my knee was starting to hurt (I pulled it when I moved back in November and it acts up when on it excessively, I need a brace but didn’t think to get one before the event) then go back at it again.

                When the event died down I made my way up to the room to freshen up and figure out my dinner plans.  Again having spent the day on snacks I brought like crackers and pretzels and such.  There was a TGI Fridays across the street so I walked over and since I was alone I sat at the bar and made more friends.  Ended up next to a new to me author (I’m horrible and forgot so many names during this) and we discussed some items while getting food and drinks (much more budget friendly) and then some other guests of the hotel (for a business conference) joined and were asking about what had been happening in the courtyard.  Apparently the cover models were making an impact and making lots of girls squeal.  They were friendly and had lots of questions and it was a nice dinner.  Then back to the room to change for the after party.  The party was simple and fun lots of good music, some awesome costumes, and surprises…like the proposal.  YES someone proposed in the center of it and it was so so adorable!  So many were all teary after!  Then dancing while the models and Jen took pictures in the corner as they couldn’t at the table Saturday due to the sheer volume of people.  Giveaways and more dancing.  We eventually closed the room down and not everyone wanted to go to bed so we moved the after party to the hotel lobby.  Someone even brought down some wireless speakers and gave us some tunes.  More talking and fun, including some extra photo time with the models who hung out to chat.  I honestly wasn’t as excited about cover models and authors to begin with but they were so fun and easy to chat with (and smelt amazing just saying) that as everyone squealed and such you get caught up in it for sure.  Plus some of the accents….just listening to them talk was amazing. 

And this happens when you as a photographer to take the simple photo and he starts directing the shot :)

                I stayed in the lobby/bar area for a while until my feet and knees were killing me beyond belief and the random wet spots on the tile floor (dripped drinks and people walking through from the pool) that almost had me on my behind a couple times it was time for bed.  Also it had been a long day and as much as I didn’t want it to end I was drained.  So I said my goodbyes and exchanged some information and went up to my room.  That was it, next morning I just got the rest of my stuff packed up and headed out for my drive home.  It was so much fun and I hope to get to go next year as well but as it will be further from me I’ll have to keep my budget in mind but it was so worth it!  I had a blast meeting each and every person!  

Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons I love book events!

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

But first I want to announce the winner of the giveaway winner that ended last night for a signed copy of The Last Star by Rick Yancey and that winner is.....Lara F.  Congrats!

The top ten(ish) today is:  Reasons I love book events!

Meeting authors- Being able to hear them talk about their work and ask questions about the book/character/anything is amazing!

The atmosphere- there is just this giddy feeling when you go to events that you can't get elsewhere.

Making friends!  I've made some great friends at events because it's so easy to talk to strangers because….well you're all there for the same reason you LOVE books!

Group reads / discussions- I've been finding more and more of these and they started because I meet some people at book events.

Travel- I have so much fun going to different events!  I only wish I had more money to go to all the events!

Experience- I'm kind of a shy person in life but at book events I'm normally a different person, I don't know if it's being surrounded by fellow book nerds or just excitement but since I started going to them I've found it has helped me break out of my shell in everyday life as well.

New book recommendations- because you always get more at an event!

Inspiration- I'm an aspiring author myself and as I go to these events they are full of encouragement!

Passion-I always love reading but when I go to events it sometimes feels like I have even more passion reading the books from them because I can remember!

                 Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Which would you recommend so I know which ones to get first?  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Book Events! My First experience and more to come!

                Today is about book events.  I am new to the world and have some things to share and some things to ask my fellow book lovers.  I had the pleasure of meeting P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast on Thursday on tour for Redeemed, the last book in the House of Night series.  I have been reading these books since 2009, after book 5 came out.  I was just getting back into the reading for pleasure game and a friend had them and loaned them to me.  I remember I was working that Friday-Sunday 12 hr shift nights and it was pretty dead so I finished all 5 in that time, then I wanted more and had to wait.  The story of a book lovers life, right?  When a new one comes out, I go and get it.  P.C. Cast is what I consider an auto-buy author.  I have all the HoN books with novellas and other books, her Divine/Parthalon series, and her romance series The Goddess Summoning series, and I love them all.  

               I have never been to any book event before, because, well honestly I live in South Georgia and no one comes around here and when I hear about them coming within a reasonable distance its either too late or something comes up.  So when I found out they were going to be in Atlanta I was excited.  Grant it, not the closest but 3.5 hours was doable.  I got the day off with work, had a dentist appointment in the first half of the day too, and drove up then back after it was over.  A long day in the vehicle but it was so worth it.

               My first book event was a huge success.  First and foremost, P.C. and Kristin were so amazingly sweet and funny to listen to.  They answered a ton of questions for the audience and made jokes but also kept the spoilers down for those who didn't read the new book yet, having had to purchase it there, I'm a fast reader but not that fast lol.  I got my book signed by both of them along with the poster I won.  Yes I totally won a poster, 1 of 3 and I got first dibs.  That was so hard, choosing which picture I wanted more.  I also got some photos of them and me with them while they were signing!  But even more fun than that, I made some new bookish friends!  Yes my normally shy self decided if I was going to go to these events I was going to be chatty and put myself out there and make friends, it’s the only way to go and I am so happy I did.         
     
              While discussing books with my new friends, I learned another favorite and auto-buy author of mine, Maggie Stiefvater is going to be in Atlanta this month.  I was beyond elated at the news.  The day is not so easy, work wise and I thought I wouldn't be able to do it but my wonderful shift partner said she'd be willing to swap days off with me for it!  Happy dance.  Now I'm planning to make the drive up once more in just over a week.  Bright side, trips so close, probably won't get lost.  Hopefully!

  

                Aside from Maggie Stiefvater coming to Atlanta and hopefully seeing her, I have another event I'm super stoked about: YALLfest.  I found out about YALLfest and I started planning right away to make sure I could have the money to make the trip and of course the time off to do it as well.  Everything is lined up and my good friend Sarah Leigh is even going with me!  If you guys don't know about YALLfest don't worry I didn’t know about it either until earlier this year.  It's a book lovers event.  It's 60 of the most popular YA authors coing together and doing signings, panels, presentations and such.  The best part, the event is FREE!  Yes the major event is free, there are a few things that have tickets, a few talks and jazz but that’s due to limitations on the space and such but they are like $7 tickets so totally affordable. This wonderful even will take place in Charleston, SC on Friday Nov. 7th- Saturday Nov. 8th.  It's going to be at Blue Bicycle Books and surrounding venues. 

                 How cool is that?  The list of authors, here, is insane.  I have read a bunch of these and so many others I have the books but haven't made it to them yet.  Now I'm motivated.  I want to have something to talk about when I get to meet them and ask them to sign my books!  Also, if any of you watch Team Epic Reads who do Tea Time on Wednesdays they will be there as well hosting the YA Smackdown I believe.  I'm stoked and have my ticket for that.  

                Anyways I don't know where everyone is from but if you are planning to be there send me a message in the comments or e-mail or whatever.  It'd be great to see everyone and make meet more friends!  I don't have everything planned out but we have our few tickets and hotel and everything else is going to be a new experience.  I'm currently deciding the best way to transport all of my books.  So yes if anyone is going or wishing they could go, which author going would you be most excited to meet?  Comment below, I may have a giveaway afterwards if I get some goodies!  Also if anyone has advice for me I'm all ears as well.  I'll update when I know more.