Book Signing Adventures: Cary Elwes

There was an inconceivable book signing last night!

I did meet him!

The amazing University Bookstore hosted the talented and brilliant Cary Elwes last night! He’s currently on tour for his book, As You Wish, a gathering of behind the scenes stories during the making of ‘The Princess Bride’!

Before Mr. Elwes arrived, University Bookstore had a band come and play fantastical tunes!

Play us a song piano man

The upstairs of the bookstore (where the event was held) was PACKED. I mean it was crazy how many people crammed themselves into the section for a glimpse of Elwes. The look on his face when he saw how many people were there to see him. It was priceless.

Hi Cary!

Oh wait, what truly was priceless was a little boy dressed up as Westley. Yes, that brought a lot of tears to the room. His name was Cole.

Seriously, the only reason to have kids…

Mr. Elwes was such a delight. He delved into some of the stories written in the book. To hear him speak about Andre the Giant—it was moving, it was magical, it was spectacular. The best part—Elwes did voices! Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, Bill Goldman, Andre the Giant and more! He had the entire room captivated.

In the bookstore window

The hour flew by, Elwes is an amazing storyteller. There was a short Q & A and then came the signing. The room was extremely crowded, but University Bookstore held down the fort and make sure that those who had been there for over two hours (hem, hem) and were sitting in the seating area got their books signed in a front to back row fashion. I love University Bookstore. They know how to handle crowds for high profile signings, which makes sense why they have so many. For patrons, it’s so greatly appreciated to have order and direction. Elwes did gave time to everyone and signed as quick as a whip.

Before I knew it, it was my turn. He was so gracious and kind, he asked my name and shook my hand. A true gentleman that Mr. Elwes.

Have fun stormin’ da castle.

It was such a lovely evening, full of laughter and people gathered over the love of a truly remarkable movie. We all ate up all the secret stories, I can’t wait to tear through the pages of his book. I’m so thankful to Cary Elwes for stopping in Seattle and especially to University Bookstore for hosting. It was an amazing event!

Thank you Cary Elwes!

Book Signing Adventures: Christopher Moore

Dec10

This signing may have been back in April, but it was still an absolutely amazing event!

After I graduate college I came across You Suck and adored Moore’s writing. One of my close friends is a major fan so I offered to join him for this amazing appearance.

Moore was witty, charming and even gave out goodies! (Soxx-long story).

We sat for a good amount of time, 30-45 minutes? It didn’t matter, hearing Moore talk was hilarious, engaging and full of charm.

Then came the signing. That took much longer, and the best part was that my friend discovered that his dad already had meet Moore himself and signed the copy of Lamb he’d nicked from home.

My friend decided to just hand it to Moore to see what he would do. He signed it again. Two perfectly matched signatures, more then ten years apart.

Moore wasn’t supposed to pose for pictures either. He is seriously one cool author.

I finally picked up The Serpent of Venice, I hope to get through it this month. I have so many books to catch up on for my Goodreads challenge and this is going to be one of them!

It was a pleasure to hear Moore speak, and even more to meet him in person. I look forward to his future books and can only hope he’ll return someday to Seattle.

Book Signing Adventures: Gillian Flynn

Jul30

At the beginning of the year I was very fortunate to represent the company I worked for at the time, at the Seattle Arts & Lectures 2013/2014 Literary Arts Series with Gillian Flynn. *squeal*

Flynn has skyrocketed up the book charts with her latest book, Gone Girl.

I had read Flynn’s debut, Sharp Objects, back when I graduated from undergrad. I was thrilled to make the connection that one of the first books I read after completing my English degree, was also done by the latest hot author of GG.

Because the company I worked for had been a sponsor of the event, I was lucky enough to go to a meet and greet with Flynn before the lecture started! I went right up to her and thanked her so much for coming to Seattle and how much of an impact her first book had on me. Seriously, it was amazing.

Then it was time for the event to start. Flynn was a fantastic speaker, even though she was sick and very pregnant.

Then one of our local writers, Maria Semple joined Flynn on stage and they did a little Q & A. (They’re friends – so cool!)

I learned about Flynn’s writing style, how she felt about Ben Affleck being cast in the upcoming film version of GG (he was the only I saw for Nick…) and although she’s always smiling, she’s thinking dark thoughts most of the time. Really sorry my pictures are blurry, I’m still getting used to taking photos on my phone.

Then came the signing. I couldn’t let an opportunity like this sneak away. I bought a copy of Sharp Objects for myself and had the copy of GG signed for a work function. The original SO I read had been from the library – which is also how I found out about her debut – YAY Seattle Public Library!

Flynn is an adorable and sweet person – so very different from her writing! It’s inspiring to know that a beautiful and successful woman such as Flynn can made a career writing – no matter how harsh, vulgar or grotesque the subject matter! I highly recommend all three of her books. They’re fabulous mysteries that will keep you reaching for the next page! Even if mystery isn’t your thing, still give her books a whirl. But be forewarned – they’re not for the squeamish.

Epic Reads Summer Story Crush Tour

Jun18

If you’re familiar with Epic Reads at all, you’ll know they periodically hold Story Crush tours throughout the year! It’s a wonderful time when amazing YA authors tour the US promoting their latest books!

Seattle was fortunate enough to be a part of this Summer’s Story Crush Tour. As the last destination at our oldest independent bookstore – University Bookstore!

The lineup was to die for!

Tease’s amazing Amanda Maciel, Seattle’s own Kevin Emerson with Exile and…

KIERA CASS OF THE SELECTION SERIES promoting the finale – THE ONE! *Fangirls all over the place*

The bookstore was packed with people, many of them teens and preteens dressed with tiaras for Cass. It was adorable. They seriously knew EVERYTHING about her! I was filled with emotions and excitement for myself at the event, but to hear these young girls squealing with excitement at meeting this author…there are no words at the joy it caused my heart to swell.

This is why YA is important. Maciel, Emerson and Cass stand as fantastic role models for these young readers and the non reading part of society need to understand that this genre is more than just romance.

Anyways, there was a lovely talk from the authors, about their books, what they’re about, why they wrote them and what they are hoping for the future of the industry. *diversity* – well said by Maciel (She also loved my dress! Sisters in pink unite!). There were also some selfies. Emerson even brought his guitar and played us a song that was in his book! This evening had everything!

University Bookstore ran the event exceptionally well. There were prizes being given, and once the signing was under way it was organised and professional.

It was brilliant to hear this diverse range of authors speak. I of course bought all of their books to have signed, Emerson’s isn’t one I would normally pick up and that is why I’m such a big supporter of these events. You should always read books that are outside of your comfort zone! You might find a new favorite author!

Meeting Cass was definitely the highlight of the evening. She is like my role model for life. Her energy, wit and humor made me gush like the preteens behind me. She is down to Earth, kind and smart! I adore her and if I ever got a wish from a genie I’d totally wish to be a real life friend of hers!

I had a bit of photo trouble, but Cass was like a best friend, making funny faces until we got one that worked! SHE IS SO COOL!

Because the evening was successful and fun, I only hope that Epic Reads adds more stops to Seattle for their future Story Crush tour dates!

Have you read any of the authors books? Which one did you love the most?

Book Signing Adventures: Charlaine Harris

May14

Be still my fluttering, beating heart! Last month I discovered Charlaine Harris was to be coming to Seattle! Yes! It’s true!

On a glance when checking for authors passing through, I paused and then panicked. The Charlaine Harris? Sookie Charlaine Harris?

Indeed it was.

I was not expecting how although small in stature Mrs. Harris is, and she is as powerful, joyful, full of character and wit as her writing. Her accent is adorable. A true southern lady she is.

She is an absolute delight! She spoke about her new book: Midnight Crossroad, and gave us fans little tidbits about Sookie. Everyone had so many questions and she answered each and asked for more.

Charlaine Harris is known for so much more than just Sookie – her career in writing has been alive and well for ages. I loved her Sookie Stackhouse novels. It’s hard letting go of a pleasant constant, but I’m so thankful for her continued writing adventures as final I had the chance to meet her! One of the most humble and kindest authors around!