I have to admit that I was over-the-moon-excited to go to my very first book conference, and because ALA was just a hop and a skip away from my home, I made a very last minute decision to attend. Now I know a lot of you have been to book conferences before, so I apologize for my Spinal-Tap-style-we-go-to-11 level of excitement.
It's been a few years since I visited Vegas, and I have to admit, there are some pretty new additions to the skyline.
Bright and early (okay, around 10-ish and armed with caffeine), we headed out to the Convention Center and the very first signing we went to was, Shaunta Grimes:
My cousin-in-law, Daphne (right), with Viral Nation's Shaunta Grimes (left). |
If you guys haven't picked up Shaunta Grimes' Viral Nation, yet, well you're in luck because book 2 in the series, Rebel Nation, just came out this past week. The series is a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi story and it was one of my favorite new books of 2014. You can check out my 5-star review on goodreads.
Jennifer Holm (left), co-author of the Babymouse series and moi (right). |
Now, I was really hoping to run into a few of my favorite bloggers, but I kept thinking it will be so busy and I'm sure I won't see them. But kismet being kismet, I literally ran into Nancy from Tales of a Ravenous Reader (she along with my favorite Northern Cal -- shoutout to Jamie from Rockstar Book Tours -- bloggers were a godsend of advice on approaching lines and signings). Nancy's style (her instagram is full of inspirational, artsy goodness) is one that closely matches mine and the wonderful dresses I wore to ALA were all thanks to her recommendation!
Aly (Kid Lit Frenzy) and I literally ran into each other in an aisle. She is one busy educator, reviewer and writing mentor. Her advice on what books my kids should read next has been so very valuable over these last five years. I was thrilled (in spite of only three hours of sleep due to waiting for my lost luggage) to meet her.
I was really happy to meet Michele, a fellow reviewer for Page Turners Blog. Her reviews are always so honest and up front. Of course, I was just blabbing away to people behind us when she turned around and introduced herself. The entire day, we had been trying to touch base on social media, but we just ended up literally standing in line together. I know, I cannot believe the coincidence either.
Nancy (left) from Tales of a Ravenous Reader |
Heather and I have been online friends for five (!) years now and share a lot of common interests beyond book reviewing. Check out her blog, Fire and Ice, for reviews and deals. She's always so on top of things.
Heather (left) from Fire and Ice |
Alybee from Kid Lit Frenzy |
Michele from Page Turners Blog and Insane About Books |
Oh my goodness just look at my face, it says it all -- you guys, it's Holly Black! Holly was at ALA to accept her Newbery Honor award for her perfectly written Doll Bones (my 5-star review on Mundie Kids). Congratulations Holly!
Oh boy do I look exhausted in this picture, but exhaustion didn't stop me from going to Julie Kagawa's signing. This pic was snapped just after I said, "Mother of Ash" to her and she quipped back, "played by BinBons." I cannot believe that we finally, finally met in person.
Mother of Ash and Mundie Mama |
After some much needed sleep, we returned on Sunday to meet Lauren Myracle, who was there signing the new book in her Internet Girls series, yolo. My 11 year-old daughter adores her Flower Power (5-star review of Oopsy Daisy on Mundie Kids) series as well as her The Winnie Years series.
And I got to meet Victoria Schwab (Vicious, Archived, The Near Witch) in person. She is every bit as sweet as she is online.
You will be as amazed as I was, because I did not tackle-hug Judy Blume. You guys, THIS is Judy Blume!!!!
No I swear I was not stalking Holly, but I did let out a fangirl squeal when I saw the copies of The Iron Trial.
With not too many books, but a whole lot of memories, I left Las Vegas behind in a trail of happy, book-dreamy dust. If you can attend an ALA conference, I would highly encourage you to do so. It's well organized and the lines are fast-moving. I only wish I could have stood in more lines and said hello to some of the bloggers I know I missed.