Words of Love Book Signing: With Sarah MacLean, Kieran Kramer, and Maya Rodale

Back when I first started blogging, I kept coming across Sarah MacLean‘s name on a lot of other book blogs. The more time I spent on Goodreads, the more I noticed her books popping up on friends’ TBR lists. After reading so many rave reviews, I finally broke down and read her first adult romance “Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake” and promptly fell in love.

I hadn’t read any romance since I was a teenager. And even then, V.C. Andrews’ novels– what I mostly read- are more akin to  psychological terrorism than romance. (Not sure what I mean? Read My Sweet Audrina. It’s still giving me nightmares 10 years later).  After reading 2 of Sarah’s novels, I went on a bit of a romance kick. So I was completely overjoyed to hear she would be in Brooklyn the night after her newest book’s (“Eleven Scandals…”) release, with 2 other celebrated Regency romance novelists Kieran Kramer, and Maya Rodale.

I had never been to WORD in Greenpoint, Brooklyn before. But I’ll definitely be going back! It’s an incredibly cute little bookstore, and only about 15 minutes from my apartment. They host a lot of great events too, so next time an author I like is making an appearance, I won’t miss it!

The ladies of WORD had set up all kinds of fancy treats for the night’s guests. Champagne, scones, and clotted cream (which I had never tried!) were a total hit.

After a short time, a Q&A with all 3 authors began. I wish someone would have videotaped it! Sarah, Maya, and Kieran had the best chemistry of any group of authors I’ve ever encountered. They answered questions submitted over email, and told stories about deadlines, coming up with titles, and what lies in their future. Kieran especially had some crazy stories, about her time working for the CIA, and what a Scotsman *really* wears under his kilt! The entire audience was laughing throughout the night.

I was especially excited to learn that Sarah’s next series, a quartet, is about 4 scandalous men who start England’s first casino. Luckily, book one is out this December!

After the Q&A, the authors signed books and spoke to fans upstairs:

I’m so glad I got a chance to meet and talk with all three of these amazing women. Hearing the back stories behind the books, and the writing process was great! I feel like I learned a lot about what it takes to write a GOOD romance novel. Sarah, Maya and Kieran were so nice too! 

After getting my books signed and having a little chat, I got my photo taken with each author. Please pardon the crazy hair: next time it’s grossly humid, and I’m rushing to a book signing, I will look in a mirror before putting my hair in a bun! ; )

Me and Sarah.

Me and Maya.

Kieran and I.

My review of Eleven Scandals… should be up sometime in the next week. And I can’t wait to read Maya and Kieran’s newest books too. Thanks to all 3 author and WORD for such an amazing event!

NYC Area Book Signings–Jan/Feb Edition

One of my very favorite things in the literary world is going to book signings. I’ve been to dozens over the years, and have developed a nice collection of signed books that I’ll keep for the rest of my life. You can’t beat meeting someone you admire.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky. I’ve met most of my favorite authors, musicians (including my #1 fave Gwen Stefani!), fashion designers, and even a few actors and actresses by working my butt off in my photography career, or just plain being in the right place at the right time.

I had my first brush with authors I love back in high school. (Back at Dragon Con ’97—Which seems like it was about 100 years ago.) I’ll never forget discovering Clive Barker was so incredibly…normal when I met him. I met a handful of my favorite fantasy and horror authors that summer at the Con, and haven’t looked back since. Spending so much time stalking the tweets and blogs of my favorites, I stumble upon a lot of event listings. And living in NYC, that means that usually includes a local area event!

There isn’t one comprehensive site for all NYC book signings. So I plan on making posts about signings a regular feature on my blog. Which will have a permanent spot on the homepage, and be continually updated with new events here.

Because no one likes to find out their favorite author was in town, one day too late.

JANUARY:

ELIZABETH EULBERG – Prom and Prejudice Publication Party
January 14th. 6-8pm. Books of Wonder, NYC

David Levithan— The Lover’s Dictionary
January 19th 7pm. Borders, Columbus Circle.

YA NOT? Reading, Q&A and Signing:
Featuring *Lauren Oliver— Before I Fall *Leila Sales— Mostly Good Girls and *Anna Jarzab— All Unquiet Things. January 28th 7:30pm. WORD Brooklyn.

Cynthia Leitich Smith— Blessed
February 7 6pm. Borders Columbus Circle

Beth Revis— Across the Universe
February 9. NYC Location TBA.

Kristi Cook— Haven Release Party
February 27 · 2:00pm – 5:00pm (TBC). The Voracious Reader, Larchmont, NY.

Resources:

NYC:
NYC Teen Author Festival Facebook Page
Gotham LIT
Teen Author Carnival
The Strand
Books of Wonder
WORD Brooklyn

Chicago:
Anderson’s Bookshop
See their “Coming Soon” list for upcoming events with Lauren Oliver, David Levithan, Rachel Hawkins, Courtney A. Moulton, Kimberly Derting, Lois Lowry, Veronica Roth, and Carrie Ryan!

Seattle and Portland:
Powells

This page is a work in progress, so be sure to check back regularly to see events as they are posted. : )To submit NYC, NJ, and CT area YA/Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Book Signings and events, please email me at bookshelflustATgmailDOTcom