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.

Take Part: Seattle Bloggers Unite Event

Jul23

The idea started out as an avenue to connect with other bloggers in Seattle, and start trying to network. I mean, with a beautiful event such as printing your own notecards and chatting with out bloggers, who wouldn’t want to join in the fun?

Seattle Bloggers Unite is an amazing group of people that hosts meet-ups and events such as the Letterpress one above for bloggers around the city. I’d heard really nice things about them, and I was excited to go to my first event!

It was held by the brilliant friend duo at Farewell Paperie, based in the Georgetown neighbourhood of Seattle. For me it was only a 20 minute bus ride. On a Friday too! Ok, so this is some seriously cool stationary. Check them out and buy to your heart’s desire because their color palate is spot on and their content knows no bounds. They also have a hundred year old printing press name Bill:

They also have a pretty lady press named Helga, but my photo turned out too blurry. Anyway, after having super fancy sponsored food and drink – it was time to get pressing! I volunteered to go first and boy it was a work out! They had already printed out our phrases in stencils and ready to go. I pumped the pedal as one of the owners, Jen, managed the wheel, making sure I didn’t pump too fast. I then filtered the paper into the press and ta-da! My pretty little cards were stamped and gorgeous!

Everyone there got to print their own set of 25 cards, and this was not an easy feat! In the meantime we cut paper and glued it into the inside of envelopes (they let us pick whatever colors we wanted!). Crafting, printing and pretty colors all over the place!

All the other ladies there were intelligent, kind and so knowledgeable about what they wrote about! I was really impressed with the range of subjects. Sadly, I had to leave early. A friend’s birthday celebration was also that night and I had two bus journeys to get back to my car. Then I received the best part about these Seattle Bloggers Unite events: The Goodie Bag!

*Drools* Did I really get a free copy of Molly Moon’s ice cream recipe book? Yes, I think I did! I also got a fancy bracelet, beautiful cards, an art pad, Francs chocolates (!), a stunning tea towel, a temporary tattoo of a camera, a can of Dry Soda (this stuff is so good!), some pens and a container folder too! After such a lovely evening, I’m sold on Seattle Bloggers Unite and I hope to go more events in the future. I’m pretty bummed I can’t go to the next one – a visit to the headquarters of Allrecipes.com!

I miss my life in London everyday, but on a day like this, I’m extremely proud to live in a city that has brilliant opportunities available for a blogger like me. If you’re also in Seattle – give Seattle Bloggers Unite a chance! It’s a great way to meet new people who blog too!

Take Part: Quarterly

Jul16

I saw this interesting company, Quarterly, on Tumblr a few weeks ago. They operate as a subscription service with ‘curators’. Some of them are celebrities – Nina Garcia, Bill Nye and Pharrell Williams, you get the picture. I noticed Book Riot was participating as a curator, but I wasn’t sure if the subscription was either monthly or every three months. Quarterly emailed me why I hadn’t completed my subscription and I gave them some feedback and I got a $10 voucher for a future subscription!

So then I waited. I scouted. I wanted to make sure I used my voucher on something good.

You see, you don’t know what the curator sends – it’s a surprise!

I went with Riot Read – Book Riot’s monthly book club.

It’s so pretty!

Remember, it’s a secret book that gets sent out – and my jaw dropped when I ripped open the parcel.

Seriously? Did I just get Rainbow Rowell’s brand spanking new Landline?

I did! Riot Read also sent me a lovely little letter and I can’t wait to get started on the book! I am pleased with my first subscription from Quarterly, but I’m not really interested in something that’s monthly. I’ve cancelled my Riot Read subscription and I decided to upgrade to Book Riot’s every three months subscription. I’ll get a book and some goodies! I basically wanted more.

I’m just in time too, as Book Riot’s next parcel will be shipping next month – I’ll let you know what I get! Has anyone else tried Quarterly? How have you found their service and what curator did you subscribe too?

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?

Report: World Book Night 2014

Apr25

This week has been an amazing week for books! To start off, two titles chosen for this year’s World Book Night (Maria Semple’s Where’d You Go Bernadette and Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) in the US is based (or have reference to) Seattle! The amazing authors gathered at the beautiful Elliot Bay Book Company in Seattle’s Capital Hill for the giver event on Tuesday. Of course I showed up!

The organizer of the event invited new as well as past givers to come up and tell their stories about this amazing book event. (Here’s all the info). As others spoke about how and where they gave out last year’s titles, I learned Elliot Bay had some extras to give out!

Then Maria and Jamie were invited to speak.

But not before Jamie insisted on a selfie with Maria.

Adorable!

Jamie Ford spoke about his book and the hilarious tweets that teens have been saying due it being on school reading lists. I wanted to tell him that even if the impact is negative right now, later on in life it might change and that’s one of the beautiful things about books.

Then Maria spoke about her book, and she is just charming, hilarious and funny as her writing! I want to be her friend!

Then came the book signing! Authors are so cute with their books!

Afterwards, I made sure to speak to the organizer as a last minute giver. Lo and behold, I was able to snag 20 copies of Maria’s Where’d You Go Bernadette! *happy dance*

My Pretties

I couldn’t wait to be a part of World Book Night for the first time in the US (I’d been able to help with UK’s in year’s past). As I had a YA title, I wanted the books to go somewhere that helped teens in need. After a quick search I was able to find Friends of Youth, that had a housing program for homeless teens in Redmond, Washington (where I live).

I called the morning of World Book Night and Friends of Youth were thrilled for the donation of these amazing books! I dropped them off soon after and hope that teens that don’t have the access to books, or aren’t interested in them will give Maria’s book a chance! It was a great experience to be a part of World Book Night and I hope to be a giver next year!

Were you apart of World Book Night? If so, which title did you get and where did you hand them out?

Freshly Published: Seattle Health Magazine Spring Issue

Apr18

Hot off the presses! My internship with Seattle Health Magazine has sadly come to a close, but this also means that all the pieces I wrote, researched and compiled are finally in print! I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday week!

Photo: Seattle Health Magazine

We’re bringing sexy back (haha!) this spring! I was lucky enough to be assigned to three mini pieces (one of which I was supposed to write for online, but my editor liked it so much she put it in the print edition!), two sidebars for one of the main articles, a chart and I was also responibile all the events, classes and clinical studies at the back of the mag.

I’m so grateful for this experience, I loved every minute and everything I was able to learn for my first print writing stint!

You can purchase your copy at newsstands now if you’re in the Washington State area, or if not, you can download the Spring issue for free: http://seattlemag.com/download-digital-edition-springsummer-issue

Happy reading everyone! May you all have a wonderful Easter too!