Hi Reader. I'm sorry for my lack of blogging since I jetted off to BEA in my usual frantic and frazzled state. It's so funny, once I got off the plane and wandered over to the taxi stand, I was ready to go. Serious. I should write a letter to myself every year. It would go something like this:
Dear Jennifer,
Stop worrying so much. Just get to the airport, buy yourself some chocolate and remember that everything will be fine.
Love,
Your Smarter Self
This was my fourth year working at BEA. I felt much more jaded this year. BEA is so strange. I always find myself wondering why it exists. It's exhilarating but also somewhat ridiculous. Celebrities are everywhere. Chris Colfer (aka Kurt on Glee) glided a few feet away from me while I paid for my coffee. His skin really does look like porcelain in person.
I stood a couple feet from Tim Gunn and watched people stand in line for AGES just to take a photo with him and get a free stapled together preview of his new design book. Not even the actual book. Just a flimsy preview. So, basically they just wanted to meet him. I get it, but it also sucks. I thought BEA was about books.
I did spot a few writer celebrities as well. Most notably, Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife, floated past me like a red haired ghost. She was so quick, I didn't have a chance to stop her. Not that she looked particularly eager to make some talk with random book hawkers such as myself. She definitely looked like a gothic heroine who has only just escaped the clutches of an evil baron and stumbled her way into the Javits Center, which I loved. Very appropriate.
I saw Cat Valente, Naomi Novik (The Temeraire Series), N.K. Jemisin (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms),, Kristin Cashore (Graceling etc), and Lev Grossman (The Magicians: A NOVEL) at the New York Public Library reading I attended on Wednesday night. My impressions regarding each of them (except Cat, who I've met several times and therefore know better than the rest):
Naomi: Genuine, down-to-earth, seems like she'd be fun to have a beer with and there's a good chance she'd jam with the band at some point during the night (I don't have any evidence to support this, she just seemed the type to be all, "Oh sure, I dabble in guitar...")
N.K.: Soft spoken, Erudite, cerebral
Kristin: Incredibly normal, thoughtful, maybe a little shy
Lev: Surprisingly charming. For some reason I thought he'd be cockier but he was the host and he really stepped back and let his fellow authors shine. I'm now more likely to read his work than I was before.
I also bumped into Ellen Kushner on my way out of the bathroom at one point and discovered that she and Holly Black were doing a somewhat impromptu signing and giveaway of the new Borderlands paperback. Lucky me!! I marched straight to the booth and was first in line. That's the book I was happiest to get.
Well, that and my friend hooked me up with a 75 page preview of Days of Blood and Starlight, the sequel to Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
Whaaaaat!?!?!?!
I know. I KNOW. More on this later. Don't forget, I still have a signed hardcover of Daughter that I'm going to give away closer to the release of the second book this fall. SQUEE.
That's all I'll write for now. I did too much with my right hand last night and my wrist/ thumb problems are going crazy. I'm feeling a little bit more like myself now. BEA and New York always leave me feeling like I just got beat up. Like I'm bruised on the inside. More on this later as well.
Showing posts with label BEA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BEA. Show all posts
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Thursday, June 16, 2011
BEA 2011: Wednesday, With Hugging
Okay, this time I am going to "stay on target" (Star Wars reference!) and only talk about Wednesday and Thursday.
That means I'm only going to tell you my most favorite parts!
Wednesday's Big Moment happened at the very end of the day. I was waiting by the entrance to the Javits Center for one of my friends, when I saw a familiar figure walk across the lobby. She sat down by herself at one of the open tables in the lobby.
Who could it have been??
Why, none other than author and Sorceress of Sentences Catherynne Valente!!!
In case you don't remember, I had a Catherynne Valente siting last year at BEA which I wrote about here and in which I blurted her name and then squeaked out, "Fan girl moment!!" which Catherynne claimed had made her BEA. Yeah right. But I was willing to go along with the hyperbole.
So, after some encouragement from my friends, I gathered up my courage and walked across the wide, empty lobby to say hello. Here's what happened:
Me: Um...Catherynne Valente? Hi, my name is Jennifer and I met you at BEA last year and I just wanted to say hello.
CV: (looks up at me with her sharp eyes and considers for a moment) I remember you! You made my BEA last year!
*SQUEE! You guys, she totally remembered me!!! It wasn't entirely hyperbole after all*
Me: (trying to keep the squee from bursting out) Uh huh. I didn't know you were coming this year.
CV: Oh I'm just stopping here for some meetings before heading to WisCon.
Then I totally blundered over congratulating her on her award for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. (Note: It won the 2009 Nebula/ Andre Norton Award.)
I have to admit, I don't know much about those awards and haven't bothered to differentiate. An award isn't going to make me read or not read a book and in terms of being an author, methinks it's years too soon before I need to know the difference--if I am ever so lucky. Anyway, CV was perfectly gracious and lovely about it.
Then we talked about how BEA and author travel in general can be tiring. She mentioned that when she gets shy or stressed, she tends to frown. She said that was her natural facial expression! It's funny because it's sort of true, her mouth does turn down a bit and like I said she has such sharp, intelligent eyes. And if you've read her writing or her livejournal, you know how smart and passionate she is, so she can be intimidating. But then, if you've read her livejournal, you know she's actually not intimidating at all. She's nice and normal and open minded and bizarrely (in my opinion) humble about her talent. I told her that when I get shy and stressed I tend to smile and smile until I hate smiling--that could be part of the reason people keep thinking I'm younger than I am.
Anyway, what I am trying to tell you is that we were totally BONDING, Reader.
And then whomever she was waiting for arrived and she INTRODUCED ME as "Jennifer, my BEA buddy" or something cute like that. So I told her it was nice to see her again, and to have a great time at WisCon. And then she gave me a measured look and said, "You know what? We can hug."
HUG
I love love love that she said that, because I am not a hugger. You know this. I may seem like a hugger as I apparently seem very sweet and cheerful and I'm short or whatever, but make no mistake: I don't hug people I don't know. Melissa--my twin sister--and I truly didn't hug each other until we were adults because it "felt too weird." So for CV to decide we could hug made me laugh and made me so happy! So we hugged and I said good bye and it was super awesome!
And CV's book Fairyland made the New York Times Bestseller List and I am anxiously awaiting my copy from the local bookstore. Can't wait!!!
That means I'm only going to tell you my most favorite parts!
Wednesday's Big Moment happened at the very end of the day. I was waiting by the entrance to the Javits Center for one of my friends, when I saw a familiar figure walk across the lobby. She sat down by herself at one of the open tables in the lobby.
Who could it have been??
Why, none other than author and Sorceress of Sentences Catherynne Valente!!!
In case you don't remember, I had a Catherynne Valente siting last year at BEA which I wrote about here and in which I blurted her name and then squeaked out, "Fan girl moment!!" which Catherynne claimed had made her BEA. Yeah right. But I was willing to go along with the hyperbole.
So, after some encouragement from my friends, I gathered up my courage and walked across the wide, empty lobby to say hello. Here's what happened:
Me: Um...Catherynne Valente? Hi, my name is Jennifer and I met you at BEA last year and I just wanted to say hello.
CV: (looks up at me with her sharp eyes and considers for a moment) I remember you! You made my BEA last year!
*SQUEE! You guys, she totally remembered me!!! It wasn't entirely hyperbole after all*
Me: (trying to keep the squee from bursting out) Uh huh. I didn't know you were coming this year.
CV: Oh I'm just stopping here for some meetings before heading to WisCon.
Then I totally blundered over congratulating her on her award for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. (Note: It won the 2009 Nebula/ Andre Norton Award.)
I have to admit, I don't know much about those awards and haven't bothered to differentiate. An award isn't going to make me read or not read a book and in terms of being an author, methinks it's years too soon before I need to know the difference--if I am ever so lucky. Anyway, CV was perfectly gracious and lovely about it.
Then we talked about how BEA and author travel in general can be tiring. She mentioned that when she gets shy or stressed, she tends to frown. She said that was her natural facial expression! It's funny because it's sort of true, her mouth does turn down a bit and like I said she has such sharp, intelligent eyes. And if you've read her writing or her livejournal, you know how smart and passionate she is, so she can be intimidating. But then, if you've read her livejournal, you know she's actually not intimidating at all. She's nice and normal and open minded and bizarrely (in my opinion) humble about her talent. I told her that when I get shy and stressed I tend to smile and smile until I hate smiling--that could be part of the reason people keep thinking I'm younger than I am.
Anyway, what I am trying to tell you is that we were totally BONDING, Reader.
And then whomever she was waiting for arrived and she INTRODUCED ME as "Jennifer, my BEA buddy" or something cute like that. So I told her it was nice to see her again, and to have a great time at WisCon. And then she gave me a measured look and said, "You know what? We can hug."
HUG
I love love love that she said that, because I am not a hugger. You know this. I may seem like a hugger as I apparently seem very sweet and cheerful and I'm short or whatever, but make no mistake: I don't hug people I don't know. Melissa--my twin sister--and I truly didn't hug each other until we were adults because it "felt too weird." So for CV to decide we could hug made me laugh and made me so happy! So we hugged and I said good bye and it was super awesome!
And CV's book Fairyland made the New York Times Bestseller List and I am anxiously awaiting my copy from the local bookstore. Can't wait!!!
BEA 2011: Wednesday...no, Tuesday again!
Okay, Reader. BEA 2011 feels like it was a bazillion years ago, at least in blog years. In my defense, things have been a little crazy here. Please forgive me.
After my epic Tuesday recap, I realized that Wednesday and Thursday couldn't really compete. Therefore, they are getting smooshed into one post. And they are going to like it!! And so are you.
So, now that a bazillion blog years have passed, I'm thinking back to BEA 2011 through the haze of nostalgia. That means that all those little annoyances are fading.
For example, I decided to take my time getting coffee before I got to the booth on Wednesday. This is because on Tuesday I had been the SECOND EMPLOYEE to show up at my booth and I'm not even technically an employee. The first employee was a sales rep, who immediately asked how old I was.
Reader, do you know of a charmingly clever way of deflecting this question?
You see, I will be THIRTY in less than a year's time and that is apparently a kiss of death for women. It's as if our uteruses stop working and our boobs fall off and we are no longer technically women at all. That's the sort of reaction people seem to have about this particular birthday.
I guess I don't look like I'm almost thirty and that's supposed to be a good thing or whatever. But, it's awkward. And it's rude when people ask. I bet men never get this question. You know why? Because they don't have a society-imposed expiration date. So when a well past middle aged man bluntly asks my age and hears "29" he looks horrified and do you know how this makes me feel? It makes me feel like one of my boobs just started to fall off. Not a good feeling.
Okay, I just realized I am getting caught up in Tuesday again. Bad, naughty Tuesday! Not to mention all those little annoyances that had supposedly faded into the haze of nostalgia.
Let's start over...NEW POST! NEW CUP!
(original John Tenniel illustration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)
After my epic Tuesday recap, I realized that Wednesday and Thursday couldn't really compete. Therefore, they are getting smooshed into one post. And they are going to like it!! And so are you.
So, now that a bazillion blog years have passed, I'm thinking back to BEA 2011 through the haze of nostalgia. That means that all those little annoyances are fading.
For example, I decided to take my time getting coffee before I got to the booth on Wednesday. This is because on Tuesday I had been the SECOND EMPLOYEE to show up at my booth and I'm not even technically an employee. The first employee was a sales rep, who immediately asked how old I was.
Reader, do you know of a charmingly clever way of deflecting this question?
You see, I will be THIRTY in less than a year's time and that is apparently a kiss of death for women. It's as if our uteruses stop working and our boobs fall off and we are no longer technically women at all. That's the sort of reaction people seem to have about this particular birthday.
I guess I don't look like I'm almost thirty and that's supposed to be a good thing or whatever. But, it's awkward. And it's rude when people ask. I bet men never get this question. You know why? Because they don't have a society-imposed expiration date. So when a well past middle aged man bluntly asks my age and hears "29" he looks horrified and do you know how this makes me feel? It makes me feel like one of my boobs just started to fall off. Not a good feeling.
Okay, I just realized I am getting caught up in Tuesday again. Bad, naughty Tuesday! Not to mention all those little annoyances that had supposedly faded into the haze of nostalgia.
Let's start over...NEW POST! NEW CUP!
(original John Tenniel illustration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
BEA 2011: Tuesday Part III
Okay, Reader. This will be the LAST post I write on Tuesday of BEA 2011. Promise. Geez, Tuesday was a full day, huh?
So, when we left off last time, I was standing in an almost empty aisle, promoting my last book of the day on very sore feet with an empty glass of champagne in my hand.
Then I met up with my friends at Soho Press to help them setup for the party! But first, we had to eat.
We went to a nice Mexican place, the name of which I can't remember. The important things to know are these: the sangria was amazing and they made guacamole fresh at the table for you! I have labeled the photo I took for emphasis.
I could have drank sangria and eaten guacamole all night! It was so fun to have dinner with some of the lovely and talented ladies of Soho Press, including author Cara Black, my temporary roommate.
After dinner, we headed over to the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, where Soho's 25th Anniversary Party was held. It was SUCH an amazing space. Of course as soon as we got there, I locked my enormous bag with my camera in a back room so I have no photos. I borrowed a couple from the internet to show you.
This is the outside of the building. Do you not love it?? I snagged this photo from a cool website called Bookstore People, which reviews independent bookstores. I love stumbling onto cool websites!
Here's another shot of the inside of the cafe.
I borrowed this image from the flickr account for NewYorkDailyPhoto.com
I started drooling when I saw the staircase. The bookstore is a creaky, dark wood, two floored fantasy, complete with a BAR and incredibly nice, smart, and helpful staff. I bet that when they aren't assisting customers or hosting book events, most of them are working on books of their own.
The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is actually part of the larger Housing Works organization, which is dedicated to raising money for and awareness of AIDS and homelessness. To quote their site, "Since our founding, we have provided lifesaving services, such as housing, primary care, job training, and legal help, to more than 20,000 homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS."
Bookstore + a Good Cause + Soho Press 25th Anniversary Party = One Awesome Night!
Right?
Well, of course. It also equals a room full of industry professionals I didn't know. Eek. I am not great at mingling. I have this thing where I don't want to "burden" anyone or "be in the way." I inherited this from my grandmother. So first I went into Editorial Assistant mode and helped set up the food. More and more people flooded the cafe. I couldn't see the few faces I knew. My first thought was to hide in a corner. Then I thought, "get a drink first."
Right. Drink first, then find a corner. This was like freshman year of college all over again except at that time I would have just held the beer (without drinking it) so no one would ask me if I wanted a drink (non drinking college kids out there, this trick really works!). So I elbowed my way to the open bar and got a beer that I had never heard of before. It tasted like...beer. Okay, now I just needed a corner to hide in...
I turned around and bumped into Juliet! A friendly face! It was a good feeling. Juliet introduced me to her lovely friend the Shameful Baker. Then another friendly face, my friend Faye from Sirens, appeared. Thankfully, both women were tired and not entirely eager to work the crowd. We managed to find an open table upstairs where we could talk books while watching the crowd below. The Shameful Baker's agent friend showed up, so the four of us hung out and had a great time!
I had such an amazing time talking books with these women. We seemed to have similar reading tastes, which was so much fun, including Fantasy and Young Adult. In my life I've had very few female friends who read the same books as me, so I'm so grateful for every woman who does. I had such a good time that the party went by in a snap.
Then it was time to go. Juliet, in black patent leather heels, accidentally stole a cab from a couple cute guys. We apologized but they didn't seem to mind. Then we were off into the summer night, windows down as we drove through the lights and sounds of the city on our way home.
Coming Soon: Wednesday, in which I am reunited with a certain Author Crush from my past!
So, when we left off last time, I was standing in an almost empty aisle, promoting my last book of the day on very sore feet with an empty glass of champagne in my hand.
Then I met up with my friends at Soho Press to help them setup for the party! But first, we had to eat.
We went to a nice Mexican place, the name of which I can't remember. The important things to know are these: the sangria was amazing and they made guacamole fresh at the table for you! I have labeled the photo I took for emphasis.
I could have drank sangria and eaten guacamole all night! It was so fun to have dinner with some of the lovely and talented ladies of Soho Press, including author Cara Black, my temporary roommate.After dinner, we headed over to the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, where Soho's 25th Anniversary Party was held. It was SUCH an amazing space. Of course as soon as we got there, I locked my enormous bag with my camera in a back room so I have no photos. I borrowed a couple from the internet to show you.
This is the outside of the building. Do you not love it?? I snagged this photo from a cool website called Bookstore People, which reviews independent bookstores. I love stumbling onto cool websites!Here's another shot of the inside of the cafe.
I borrowed this image from the flickr account for NewYorkDailyPhoto.comI started drooling when I saw the staircase. The bookstore is a creaky, dark wood, two floored fantasy, complete with a BAR and incredibly nice, smart, and helpful staff. I bet that when they aren't assisting customers or hosting book events, most of them are working on books of their own.
The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is actually part of the larger Housing Works organization, which is dedicated to raising money for and awareness of AIDS and homelessness. To quote their site, "Since our founding, we have provided lifesaving services, such as housing, primary care, job training, and legal help, to more than 20,000 homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS."
Bookstore + a Good Cause + Soho Press 25th Anniversary Party = One Awesome Night!
Right?
Well, of course. It also equals a room full of industry professionals I didn't know. Eek. I am not great at mingling. I have this thing where I don't want to "burden" anyone or "be in the way." I inherited this from my grandmother. So first I went into Editorial Assistant mode and helped set up the food. More and more people flooded the cafe. I couldn't see the few faces I knew. My first thought was to hide in a corner. Then I thought, "get a drink first."
Right. Drink first, then find a corner. This was like freshman year of college all over again except at that time I would have just held the beer (without drinking it) so no one would ask me if I wanted a drink (non drinking college kids out there, this trick really works!). So I elbowed my way to the open bar and got a beer that I had never heard of before. It tasted like...beer. Okay, now I just needed a corner to hide in...
I turned around and bumped into Juliet! A friendly face! It was a good feeling. Juliet introduced me to her lovely friend the Shameful Baker. Then another friendly face, my friend Faye from Sirens, appeared. Thankfully, both women were tired and not entirely eager to work the crowd. We managed to find an open table upstairs where we could talk books while watching the crowd below. The Shameful Baker's agent friend showed up, so the four of us hung out and had a great time!
I had such an amazing time talking books with these women. We seemed to have similar reading tastes, which was so much fun, including Fantasy and Young Adult. In my life I've had very few female friends who read the same books as me, so I'm so grateful for every woman who does. I had such a good time that the party went by in a snap.
Then it was time to go. Juliet, in black patent leather heels, accidentally stole a cab from a couple cute guys. We apologized but they didn't seem to mind. Then we were off into the summer night, windows down as we drove through the lights and sounds of the city on our way home.
Coming Soon: Wednesday, in which I am reunited with a certain Author Crush from my past!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
BEA 2011: Tuesday Part II
Tuesday was rolling along at a steady pace. I had an author signing every 30 minutes. My feet hurt. I was giving passerby a very convincing "Don't mind me, I'm just randomly spouting off blurbs about this here FREE book. Not because I'm trying to pitch it to you, of course. You just happened to walk into my blurb. But, you know, if you want a FREE book, you could have it signed by the author, who is standing right there. Did I mention it's FREE" look.
Everything was going well.
Then I saw Rosemary Wells.
I began the conversation in my usual charming, casual fashion:
ME: Rosemary Wells...?
WELLS: Yes?
ME (thinking: AHHHHHHHOLYSHITZOMGZOMGZOMG): I love your books. My favorite one is out of print!
WELLS: (somewhat nonplussed by this) Someone should reprint it then.
ME: I know! It's Stanley and Rhoda. It's one of my favorite books. My Dad used to read it out loud. We quote it all the time. You know the one about the babysitter--
WELLS: (Without missing a beat or cracking a smile, she names the babysitter character, which is probably also the name of the story--there are three within the book. I can't even find the name now, using the power of the internet.)
ME: (babbling at this point) Yes!! And then when their parents come home and Rhoda says, "Don't be home yet!" And that is something my family quotes all the time...
--At this point, Rosemary Wells managed to sort of drift away without being blatantly rude but also without being gracious or saying good bye--
I guess I geeked out on her...more than a little bit. But believe me when I say that she did not make the conversation easy. However, I don't care. She is ROSEMARY WELLS. That book is one of the most memorable of my childhood. Plus, that book came out in March 1981. She might be sick of talking about her old books when she has new ones coming out. Or maybe she's just not super friendly to fans. Or, I scared her.
Sorry, Rosemary.
In my defense, I was chatting with a HarperCollins employee on Thursday and she said she had a similarly awkward experience when she met (and admittedly geeked out over) Rosemary Wells. So it's not just me, Reader.
Later, I dealt with a very very rude author and her publisher. When I tried to ask what the blurb was for her wannabe poor woman's Maeve Binchy novel (That's RIGHT. The gloves are off!), the publisher looked down her nose at me, shoved a postcard for the book in my face and said, "You're supposed to be helping us. Go hand these out."
And that is just one example of the rudeness of these people.
So I stood there, pushing postcards at people as they walked by. Not saying a word. And you know how they reacted? By avoiding me.
Thank you for the advice, rude writer and publisher. I bust my butt at BEA for the authors I work with. I have to say, I'm good at it. All the other writers/ publishers I've worked with have said so. I also want to add that this duo co-opted a fellow publisher's (under the Midpoint umbrella) intern for their own purposes and were rude to her as well.
Then I got upset. And I took a walk. And everyone at Midpoint could tell I was not happy because I am generally so smiley and I was NOT. (I do have a temper, you know.) This was towards the end of the day, so an incredibly kind and generous fellow Midpoint employee snagged me a glass of champagne from some party happening elsewhere on the floor. I even saw Flava Flav from a distance. That didn't really cheer me up, though. Flava Flav at a book expo?
REALLY, Publishing Industry?
Your BEA keynote speakers are always celebrities like Julianne Moore (I love her but don't even get me started on those Freckleface Strawberry books...) and Jon Stewart and then you've got Flava Flav, who can barely speak in complete sentences. And whose name is FLAVA FLAV.
Really.
Anyway, after the champagne, I felt better. Bubbly, even. HA. And then I was whisked off to the amazing, super fantastic Soho Press 25th Anniversary Party!!
But this post is too long already so there will have to be a Part III. Alas, there are no pictures. I need to start wearing a fanny pack.
Everything was going well.
Then I saw Rosemary Wells.
I began the conversation in my usual charming, casual fashion:
ME: Rosemary Wells...?
WELLS: Yes?
ME (thinking: AHHHHHHHOLYSHITZOMGZOMGZOMG): I love your books. My favorite one is out of print!
WELLS: (somewhat nonplussed by this) Someone should reprint it then.
ME: I know! It's Stanley and Rhoda. It's one of my favorite books. My Dad used to read it out loud. We quote it all the time. You know the one about the babysitter--
WELLS: (Without missing a beat or cracking a smile, she names the babysitter character, which is probably also the name of the story--there are three within the book. I can't even find the name now, using the power of the internet.)
ME: (babbling at this point) Yes!! And then when their parents come home and Rhoda says, "Don't be home yet!" And that is something my family quotes all the time...
--At this point, Rosemary Wells managed to sort of drift away without being blatantly rude but also without being gracious or saying good bye--
I guess I geeked out on her...more than a little bit. But believe me when I say that she did not make the conversation easy. However, I don't care. She is ROSEMARY WELLS. That book is one of the most memorable of my childhood. Plus, that book came out in March 1981. She might be sick of talking about her old books when she has new ones coming out. Or maybe she's just not super friendly to fans. Or, I scared her.
Sorry, Rosemary.
In my defense, I was chatting with a HarperCollins employee on Thursday and she said she had a similarly awkward experience when she met (and admittedly geeked out over) Rosemary Wells. So it's not just me, Reader.
Later, I dealt with a very very rude author and her publisher. When I tried to ask what the blurb was for her wannabe poor woman's Maeve Binchy novel (That's RIGHT. The gloves are off!), the publisher looked down her nose at me, shoved a postcard for the book in my face and said, "You're supposed to be helping us. Go hand these out."
And that is just one example of the rudeness of these people.
So I stood there, pushing postcards at people as they walked by. Not saying a word. And you know how they reacted? By avoiding me.
Thank you for the advice, rude writer and publisher. I bust my butt at BEA for the authors I work with. I have to say, I'm good at it. All the other writers/ publishers I've worked with have said so. I also want to add that this duo co-opted a fellow publisher's (under the Midpoint umbrella) intern for their own purposes and were rude to her as well.
Then I got upset. And I took a walk. And everyone at Midpoint could tell I was not happy because I am generally so smiley and I was NOT. (I do have a temper, you know.) This was towards the end of the day, so an incredibly kind and generous fellow Midpoint employee snagged me a glass of champagne from some party happening elsewhere on the floor. I even saw Flava Flav from a distance. That didn't really cheer me up, though. Flava Flav at a book expo?
REALLY, Publishing Industry?
Your BEA keynote speakers are always celebrities like Julianne Moore (I love her but don't even get me started on those Freckleface Strawberry books...) and Jon Stewart and then you've got Flava Flav, who can barely speak in complete sentences. And whose name is FLAVA FLAV.
Really.
Anyway, after the champagne, I felt better. Bubbly, even. HA. And then I was whisked off to the amazing, super fantastic Soho Press 25th Anniversary Party!!
But this post is too long already so there will have to be a Part III. Alas, there are no pictures. I need to start wearing a fanny pack.
BEA 2011: Tuesday
Tuesday morning came way too soon considering that Cara Black had arrived at Juliet's apartment around Midnight. What followed was Cara and Juliet sitting on her bed and me on the pullout on the floor, listening to Cara describe the novel she's currently working on. It was sort of this hilarious publishing industry sleepover moment. I couldn't believe I was sitting there while an author and her editor talked about her new book while we were all in our pjs.
It would have been awesome if they braided each other's hair too, right? It was like a teen dream of mine had come true except that I couldn't keep my eyes open. And then once the lights were turned out and I could hear the other two breathing, my body said, "I'M AWAKE NOW!" And I stared at the ceiling until finally...I...
heard the alarm go off at 5:30 AM. We stumbled around in relative good cheer, considering that Juliet was set to speak on a panel first thing and Cara had an author signing. What followed was a quest to locate coffee, culminating in us stopping at a--
wait for it
SBARRO for croissants and coffee. Iced coffee for me and no croissant. Sbarro. I tell you: only in New York.
To be fair, the coffee was good. But it felt hilarious walking around with that big cup in the colors of the Italian flag first thing in the morning.
Fortified with caffeine, I braced myself for the first signing of BEA. It's always a tough one. People are still wandering in to the Javits Center. They are still suspicious of free books. In no less than two hours this will change and they will be so hungry for free books that some booths have to GLUE DOWN the books that they aren't giving away.
Yes, they really do glue them down.
Anyway, as luck would have it, my first author was Charlene Costanzo who was signing copes of her book The Thirteenth Gift. Charlene is well known for her book The Twelve Gifts of Birth, for which she filmed an episode of Oprah--though, sadly, it never aired. That's still a huge accomplishment for a writer. Charlene and her husband were incredibly warm and gracious and helpful. Staring the day with them was a wonderful feeling--even better than iced coffee from Sbarro.
Now, a little something about Charlene's book The Thirteenth Gift. It's a modern fable exploring the reason why people all over the world are drawn to pick up stones and keep them. Try saying that as wary people walked by first thing in the morning. I got a lot of jaded looks, a few eye rolls.
But then a person would hear me and as soon as I said, "pick up stones" the person would stop dead.
"I do that!!" they'd say. "I need to read this book."
The people who responded to the idea behind this book were incredibly excited. (Note: they also tended to be women wearing the kind of beaded, new age jewelry that keeps the entire town of Tuscon, Arizona in business.) It made me realize that for a new writer, the reactions of the other people could have been crushing. The writer might have limped away, feeling like their book was silly and no one cared about stones or fables. But the reaction of the people for whom the book was written was wonderful to see. In short, writers: remember your audience and don't let the other people get you down.
Charlene was smart, too. She brought these adorable stones, individually packaged with a tag promoting the book. She encourage people to take one. It was something to talk about with people other than her book and I noticed that people were intrigued by something free that wasn't book-shaped.
Now it's time to head to the bookstore. Tuesday Part II will have to wait! But come back for it because there's champagne and even Flava Flav makes an appearance...
It would have been awesome if they braided each other's hair too, right? It was like a teen dream of mine had come true except that I couldn't keep my eyes open. And then once the lights were turned out and I could hear the other two breathing, my body said, "I'M AWAKE NOW!" And I stared at the ceiling until finally...I...
heard the alarm go off at 5:30 AM. We stumbled around in relative good cheer, considering that Juliet was set to speak on a panel first thing and Cara had an author signing. What followed was a quest to locate coffee, culminating in us stopping at a--
wait for it
SBARRO for croissants and coffee. Iced coffee for me and no croissant. Sbarro. I tell you: only in New York.
To be fair, the coffee was good. But it felt hilarious walking around with that big cup in the colors of the Italian flag first thing in the morning.
Fortified with caffeine, I braced myself for the first signing of BEA. It's always a tough one. People are still wandering in to the Javits Center. They are still suspicious of free books. In no less than two hours this will change and they will be so hungry for free books that some booths have to GLUE DOWN the books that they aren't giving away.
Yes, they really do glue them down.
Anyway, as luck would have it, my first author was Charlene Costanzo who was signing copes of her book The Thirteenth Gift. Charlene is well known for her book The Twelve Gifts of Birth, for which she filmed an episode of Oprah--though, sadly, it never aired. That's still a huge accomplishment for a writer. Charlene and her husband were incredibly warm and gracious and helpful. Staring the day with them was a wonderful feeling--even better than iced coffee from Sbarro.
Now, a little something about Charlene's book The Thirteenth Gift. It's a modern fable exploring the reason why people all over the world are drawn to pick up stones and keep them. Try saying that as wary people walked by first thing in the morning. I got a lot of jaded looks, a few eye rolls.
But then a person would hear me and as soon as I said, "pick up stones" the person would stop dead.
"I do that!!" they'd say. "I need to read this book."
The people who responded to the idea behind this book were incredibly excited. (Note: they also tended to be women wearing the kind of beaded, new age jewelry that keeps the entire town of Tuscon, Arizona in business.) It made me realize that for a new writer, the reactions of the other people could have been crushing. The writer might have limped away, feeling like their book was silly and no one cared about stones or fables. But the reaction of the people for whom the book was written was wonderful to see. In short, writers: remember your audience and don't let the other people get you down.
Charlene was smart, too. She brought these adorable stones, individually packaged with a tag promoting the book. She encourage people to take one. It was something to talk about with people other than her book and I noticed that people were intrigued by something free that wasn't book-shaped.
Now it's time to head to the bookstore. Tuesday Part II will have to wait! But come back for it because there's champagne and even Flava Flav makes an appearance...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
BEA 2011: Monday
Okay, Reader. This is when I wish I had taken notes on BEA so I could remember everything I wanted to tell you about. Let's start at the beginning. I arrived at the Javits Center on Monday to help set up, which I've never done before. It looked like this:
The booth for Candlewick Press with Scholastic in the distance.
Here is the Midpoint Trade Books booth, still a work in progress. This is where I work during BEA running the author signings for a variety of small publishers. The books for the various signings didn't arrive until late in the day so Monday involved a lot of sitting around and waiting with our fingers crossed.
As you can see, things weren't quite ready on Monday.
BEA doesn't come alive until the floor opens on Tuesday. That's when the Javits Center is flooded with readers, writers, and industry professionals whose life work is making books. I think that's why I was slightly unimpressed on Monday.
After work, I met up with my friend Juliet and her coworker Ailen (who shares my love of Kenshin and Fullmetal Alchemist!!). It's so thrilling to be surrounded by people who talk books all day long. Then we went back to Juliet's apartment to await the arrival of one of her authors Cara Black.
Cara writes the Aimée Leduc mystery series, which is set in Paris. Essentially I had a sleepover with a senior editor and a successful mystery writer (one of these things is not like the other...).
I can't speak to Cara's writing--yet, but I will soon! I got a signed ARC of her latest book MURDER AT THE LANTERNE ROUGE. I even got to cut the signing line to get it so I could rush back to my own booth (thank you kind signing line people!!)
The book doesn't come out until March 2012. That plus the fact that I was temporarily Cara's roommate makes me feel very fancy, I must say.
So, once I read the book, I will review it. Until then, I can only say that Cara is incredibly lovely, an instantly likable person. She's the kind of person who makes friends with all sorts of people, who then show her all sorts of things in Paris that a regular person will never see. And of course these amazing adventures turn up in her books. To get an insight into her charming personality, listen to her NPR interview from 2009.
Cara arrive sometime around midnight, wearing all black and looking chic. Juliet and I were already in our pjs. The three of us went to bed, and they fell asleep while I stared up at the ceiling and wondered what Tuesday would bring...
Tuesday Preview: It involves some serious book pimping, Rosemary Wells, and a fancy publishing party!
The booth for Candlewick Press with Scholastic in the distance.
Here is the Midpoint Trade Books booth, still a work in progress. This is where I work during BEA running the author signings for a variety of small publishers. The books for the various signings didn't arrive until late in the day so Monday involved a lot of sitting around and waiting with our fingers crossed.
As you can see, things weren't quite ready on Monday.
BEA doesn't come alive until the floor opens on Tuesday. That's when the Javits Center is flooded with readers, writers, and industry professionals whose life work is making books. I think that's why I was slightly unimpressed on Monday.
After work, I met up with my friend Juliet and her coworker Ailen (who shares my love of Kenshin and Fullmetal Alchemist!!). It's so thrilling to be surrounded by people who talk books all day long. Then we went back to Juliet's apartment to await the arrival of one of her authors Cara Black.
Cara writes the Aimée Leduc mystery series, which is set in Paris. Essentially I had a sleepover with a senior editor and a successful mystery writer (one of these things is not like the other...).
I can't speak to Cara's writing--yet, but I will soon! I got a signed ARC of her latest book MURDER AT THE LANTERNE ROUGE. I even got to cut the signing line to get it so I could rush back to my own booth (thank you kind signing line people!!)
The book doesn't come out until March 2012. That plus the fact that I was temporarily Cara's roommate makes me feel very fancy, I must say.
So, once I read the book, I will review it. Until then, I can only say that Cara is incredibly lovely, an instantly likable person. She's the kind of person who makes friends with all sorts of people, who then show her all sorts of things in Paris that a regular person will never see. And of course these amazing adventures turn up in her books. To get an insight into her charming personality, listen to her NPR interview from 2009. Cara arrive sometime around midnight, wearing all black and looking chic. Juliet and I were already in our pjs. The three of us went to bed, and they fell asleep while I stared up at the ceiling and wondered what Tuesday would bring...
Tuesday Preview: It involves some serious book pimping, Rosemary Wells, and a fancy publishing party!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
New York Hangover
I owe you some major blog posts about BEA 2011! I've been meaning to catch you all up on my adventures--everything from nasty author signings to unexpected author hugs (hugs!!)--but I've been so so so very tired.
The thing about New York that always takes me off guard is the pace. There's no time for breakfast. There's no time to buy food so that you have something to eat for breakfast. You get coffee and you go--fast!
It's also the pace of BEA. It's not just the convention itself, it's being surrounded by like-minded, book-loving, super smart people. I soak it up. I really did spend every night wide awake until after 1 AM, just staring at the ceiling and reliving every second. I don't think I got more than 4-5 hours of sleep on any night of my trip!
And now that I'm coming down from the "high" I'm really starting to miss it. I miss my friends--two very different friends who let me stay at their apartments on opposite ends of New York. I miss leaning across a tiny table at a party, nursing a beer and talking books with a group of young, smart women. I miss pretending I was one of those women.
Maybe I could have been one of those women.
I chose to go a different route. I chose this. And I love writing. I love being in a place with trees and a hiking path behind my apartment. But sometimes in life you come across a person you might have loved or a lifestyle you might have had and you just get caught up in the possibilities of what might have been.
Tomorrow I will have to set that aside. I will embrace the what is. I will go to the bookstore. I will kickbox. I will do some writing. And I will be very happy.
But for tonight, I will give myself a little more time to dream...
The thing about New York that always takes me off guard is the pace. There's no time for breakfast. There's no time to buy food so that you have something to eat for breakfast. You get coffee and you go--fast!
It's also the pace of BEA. It's not just the convention itself, it's being surrounded by like-minded, book-loving, super smart people. I soak it up. I really did spend every night wide awake until after 1 AM, just staring at the ceiling and reliving every second. I don't think I got more than 4-5 hours of sleep on any night of my trip!
And now that I'm coming down from the "high" I'm really starting to miss it. I miss my friends--two very different friends who let me stay at their apartments on opposite ends of New York. I miss leaning across a tiny table at a party, nursing a beer and talking books with a group of young, smart women. I miss pretending I was one of those women.
Maybe I could have been one of those women.
I chose to go a different route. I chose this. And I love writing. I love being in a place with trees and a hiking path behind my apartment. But sometimes in life you come across a person you might have loved or a lifestyle you might have had and you just get caught up in the possibilities of what might have been.
Tomorrow I will have to set that aside. I will embrace the what is. I will go to the bookstore. I will kickbox. I will do some writing. And I will be very happy.
But for tonight, I will give myself a little more time to dream...
Monday, May 23, 2011
BEA 2011: Is The Thrill Gone?
So my trip to New York has gone well so far. Contrary to what you might have expected given my previous posts, I did not curl up in the shadow of the tall buildings and cry myself to sleep. I slapped on my game face and handled my shit thankyouverymuch. I managed to get myself to the Javits Center today with minimal assistance and to get myself back to my friend all on my own! So, patting myself on the back for this small victory.
The day was slow--all set up. I've never been to BEA on the day before. It was weird. This is my third time working at this expo (the only expo I ever have worked at, to be clear). Is the relationship getting old? I felt like I'd see all the posters, all the booths before. And I kept thinking about how there's no way expos like this are going to continue...are they? They are such a big expense for publishers and for what? To keep in touch? Industry professionals can easily do that now thanks to the internet. I don't know. It's seems like maybe a dying tradition. We'll see if the magic returns tomorrow when the authors and, perhaps more importantly, the attendees arrive.
Seriously, if anyone can bring magic to a book expo, it's the unfailingly curious and delightful and friendly librarians. I do so love librarians at BEA.
Tomorrow I get to go to a party. A real industry party. Also the Marketing Director told people today that I'm "in charge of author signings." I'm going to consider that a promotion, you guys. Perhaps I've risen above the rank of common street book pimp. What say you?
Today I also had TWO OPTIONS for what to do after we were done setting up. TWO. And I even bumped into my Sirens friend Faye. Woohoo! I bumped into someone I knew! Other good news: the Midpoint booth where I work is in sight of the Autographing Station. Carrie Jones, Melissa Marr, Laini Taylor are all going to be there. With any luck I'll be able to attend something that involves them. I thought Flux wasn't there this year and I was so bummed but they are, in fact, there. Huzzah! And Small Beer Press will be in the house too. Nice.
The day was slow--all set up. I've never been to BEA on the day before. It was weird. This is my third time working at this expo (the only expo I ever have worked at, to be clear). Is the relationship getting old? I felt like I'd see all the posters, all the booths before. And I kept thinking about how there's no way expos like this are going to continue...are they? They are such a big expense for publishers and for what? To keep in touch? Industry professionals can easily do that now thanks to the internet. I don't know. It's seems like maybe a dying tradition. We'll see if the magic returns tomorrow when the authors and, perhaps more importantly, the attendees arrive.
Seriously, if anyone can bring magic to a book expo, it's the unfailingly curious and delightful and friendly librarians. I do so love librarians at BEA.
Tomorrow I get to go to a party. A real industry party. Also the Marketing Director told people today that I'm "in charge of author signings." I'm going to consider that a promotion, you guys. Perhaps I've risen above the rank of common street book pimp. What say you?
Today I also had TWO OPTIONS for what to do after we were done setting up. TWO. And I even bumped into my Sirens friend Faye. Woohoo! I bumped into someone I knew! Other good news: the Midpoint booth where I work is in sight of the Autographing Station. Carrie Jones, Melissa Marr, Laini Taylor are all going to be there. With any luck I'll be able to attend something that involves them. I thought Flux wasn't there this year and I was so bummed but they are, in fact, there. Huzzah! And Small Beer Press will be in the house too. Nice.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Not So Very Important Announcements
1. I don't feel sick-to-my-stomach nervous about my trip anymore. Yay! See, it's all part of my elaborate planning ahead strategy. I get the jitters out of the way days--sometimes weeks--in advance. By the time the actual event arrives, I'm too worn out to be nervous anymore. It makes PERFECT SENSE.
2. I'm thinking I need to get me some Facebook friends who comment on every picture of me and say things like:
"OMG you are so gorgeous."
"It hurts to look at you grrl!"
"How did you get so beautiful?"
"I miss your pretty face!!"
You see, sometimes I get jealous. But then I think, "Wait. Those people drive me crazy." My friends tend to not be the fluffy complimenting kind. Maybe because I'm not like that either. Oh well. I'll just go back to my old tricks (re: calling/texting/emailing my twin right after I post a new pic and begging her to say something nice about me. Cover=blown.)
I hope I see some of you in New York! If not, see you Friday!! Stay gorgeous because OMG I want some of that sparkle that comes out of your pores instead of sweat...
(how was that? I am trying here.)
In the words of Sailor Venus, "Gotta book it!"
2. I'm thinking I need to get me some Facebook friends who comment on every picture of me and say things like:
"OMG you are so gorgeous."
"It hurts to look at you grrl!"
"How did you get so beautiful?"
"I miss your pretty face!!"
You see, sometimes I get jealous. But then I think, "Wait. Those people drive me crazy." My friends tend to not be the fluffy complimenting kind. Maybe because I'm not like that either. Oh well. I'll just go back to my old tricks (re: calling/texting/emailing my twin right after I post a new pic and begging her to say something nice about me. Cover=blown.)
I hope I see some of you in New York! If not, see you Friday!! Stay gorgeous because OMG I want some of that sparkle that comes out of your pores instead of sweat...
(how was that? I am trying here.)
In the words of Sailor Venus, "Gotta book it!"
The Writer and The City
Tomorrow I leave for New York for Book Expo America. I can't wait! Except that I'm making myself sick with nerves. I have to take a taxi. Maybe more than one. And maybe take the subway, which is fine so long as I can follow someone else around. I really hate feeling dependent on someone else, but dudes. I am going to let you in on a secret:
New York is big. Really big. The buildings crowd around you like a circle of bullies ready to kick you when you go down.
Also, you may not know this about me, but I am not exactly a city person.
Also I am not an extroverted person, I just play one at BEA when I am a book pimp ("Book pimpin, ARCS. I be book pimping. No BEA sleaze. We be book pimpin up in NYC...").
So, I'm going to smile and smile and smile and smile. And then at night I will lie awake, staring at the ceiling. And I will dream about the day when I will come to BEA as an author, not a book pimp.
Don't get me wrong. I love BEA. I love everything about it. Well, except maybe for the lack of downtime. I would love a little place where I could curl up and take a smile break. Maybe even frown a little bit--you know, get crazy.
Time to screw up my courage and get out there! I will do my best to have some adventures and misadventures so I can tell you all about it!
New York is big. Really big. The buildings crowd around you like a circle of bullies ready to kick you when you go down.
Also, you may not know this about me, but I am not exactly a city person.
Also I am not an extroverted person, I just play one at BEA when I am a book pimp ("Book pimpin, ARCS. I be book pimping. No BEA sleaze. We be book pimpin up in NYC...").
So, I'm going to smile and smile and smile and smile. And then at night I will lie awake, staring at the ceiling. And I will dream about the day when I will come to BEA as an author, not a book pimp.
Don't get me wrong. I love BEA. I love everything about it. Well, except maybe for the lack of downtime. I would love a little place where I could curl up and take a smile break. Maybe even frown a little bit--you know, get crazy.
Time to screw up my courage and get out there! I will do my best to have some adventures and misadventures so I can tell you all about it!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
In Flux
Hello there, Faithful Reader. The sun is shining! It must be a miracle, since it was sunny yesterday too.
What's that? You don't want to make small talk about the weather? You want to know what's on my mind? Ah, you are a good friend, Reader. After so long together you have found me out: when there is a lot of Stuff going on in my life, I become a taciturn blogger at best.
I've had a lot on my mind. For one, I was considering applying to Vermont College of Art's Masters in Writing for Children and Young Adults. I attended a wonderful open house on campus. Carrie Jones, who is a fellow Bates alum (and therefore big inspiration to me!) and New York Times bestselling author, got her MFA there. I've thought about getting my MFA many times since college.
But.
I don't think I can justify the cost. For now, at least, I must soldier on, alone, revising and reading and cutting my own path towards becoming an author worthy of publication. Reader, do you have any thoughts or experiences about getting an MFA that you want to share with me?
Book Expo America is also coming up in a couple weeks!! Once again I will be employed as a Book Pimp for Midpoint Trade Books. I'm really excited about it. I do love BEA. I love the books, in piles, on display, stuffed in tote bags and clutched in hands. I love the friendly librarians and the author sightings (last year I saw Catherynne Valente and GAVE HER DIRECTIONS!). I love the hum of book lovers as they gather in the Javits Center as if it were one great hive.
And in particular I'm excited to visit the booth for the YA publisher Flux . I was a fan of Flux long before I realized that I was actually a YA writer. The people who are at the booth are always so nice and friendly. Twice now they've let me take a book that wasn't supposed to be taken: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater and The Shape of Water by Anne Spollen, which had an incredible cover AND first sentence. They are a smaller publisher yet their cover designs are some of the best out there (in my opinion). This tells me they really care about their authors and the quality of the books they publish. They have also served as a launch pad for big name YA authors like Stiefvater, who went on to publish her breakout novel Shiver with Scholastic. Last year I spoke to the booth people about that, and they sincerely sounded happy for authors that go on to publish with bigger houses. I think that's really admirable. Plus, have you SEEN the cover for The Dust of a 100 Dogs??? It's awesome.
So back to BEA, I'll blog all about my experience and tag it as BEA. You can read about my adventures and misadventures with books, authors, coffee, and Neil! Gaiman! in the archives under BEA as well.
Also, I've been making my way through George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones so I can watch the HBO show. I've been meaning to read the series for years, but after a childhood of high fantasy, I find it hard to read nowadays. I like the book. I do. It's just...I've come to realize that I'm sick of reading about a world where women are constantly told they can't do THIS and they can't do THAT and they have to wear gowns and marry princes blah blah blah. I read all about that when I was a kid. Now I want to read about places where women can do anything they want, and so can men. I guess it's similar to the post I linked to last week by Malinda Lo about wanting more fantasy worlds being open to the entire spectrum of sexuality. It's called fantasy for a reason, right?
And finally, my dreams have been so complex and vivid lately that I wake up and wonder, "What if the 'real' world is in my dreams and I have lots if important things to do but I keep waking up?'" Anyway, I wonder about that sometimes. I asked Husband about it but he just shook his head.
What's that? You don't want to make small talk about the weather? You want to know what's on my mind? Ah, you are a good friend, Reader. After so long together you have found me out: when there is a lot of Stuff going on in my life, I become a taciturn blogger at best.
I've had a lot on my mind. For one, I was considering applying to Vermont College of Art's Masters in Writing for Children and Young Adults. I attended a wonderful open house on campus. Carrie Jones, who is a fellow Bates alum (and therefore big inspiration to me!) and New York Times bestselling author, got her MFA there. I've thought about getting my MFA many times since college.
But.
I don't think I can justify the cost. For now, at least, I must soldier on, alone, revising and reading and cutting my own path towards becoming an author worthy of publication. Reader, do you have any thoughts or experiences about getting an MFA that you want to share with me?
Book Expo America is also coming up in a couple weeks!! Once again I will be employed as a Book Pimp for Midpoint Trade Books. I'm really excited about it. I do love BEA. I love the books, in piles, on display, stuffed in tote bags and clutched in hands. I love the friendly librarians and the author sightings (last year I saw Catherynne Valente and GAVE HER DIRECTIONS!). I love the hum of book lovers as they gather in the Javits Center as if it were one great hive.
And in particular I'm excited to visit the booth for the YA publisher Flux . I was a fan of Flux long before I realized that I was actually a YA writer. The people who are at the booth are always so nice and friendly. Twice now they've let me take a book that wasn't supposed to be taken: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater and The Shape of Water by Anne Spollen, which had an incredible cover AND first sentence. They are a smaller publisher yet their cover designs are some of the best out there (in my opinion). This tells me they really care about their authors and the quality of the books they publish. They have also served as a launch pad for big name YA authors like Stiefvater, who went on to publish her breakout novel Shiver with Scholastic. Last year I spoke to the booth people about that, and they sincerely sounded happy for authors that go on to publish with bigger houses. I think that's really admirable. Plus, have you SEEN the cover for The Dust of a 100 Dogs??? It's awesome.
So back to BEA, I'll blog all about my experience and tag it as BEA. You can read about my adventures and misadventures with books, authors, coffee, and Neil! Gaiman! in the archives under BEA as well.
Also, I've been making my way through George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones so I can watch the HBO show. I've been meaning to read the series for years, but after a childhood of high fantasy, I find it hard to read nowadays. I like the book. I do. It's just...I've come to realize that I'm sick of reading about a world where women are constantly told they can't do THIS and they can't do THAT and they have to wear gowns and marry princes blah blah blah. I read all about that when I was a kid. Now I want to read about places where women can do anything they want, and so can men. I guess it's similar to the post I linked to last week by Malinda Lo about wanting more fantasy worlds being open to the entire spectrum of sexuality. It's called fantasy for a reason, right?
And finally, my dreams have been so complex and vivid lately that I wake up and wonder, "What if the 'real' world is in my dreams and I have lots if important things to do but I keep waking up?'" Anyway, I wonder about that sometimes. I asked Husband about it but he just shook his head.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
BEA Round Up: The Books
Here's my fantastic book booty from BEA 2010:
ADULT BOOKS:
Taroko Gorge:I liked the cover. Its so spacious and contemplative yet ominous. And since this is a thriller, I felt that boded well for the story. Also the title is simple and elegant.
Orion You Came and You Took All My Marbles: Again, the cover caught my attention. I've never noticed before how much a white cover can stand out in a sea of black, dark green, and navy blue. Also the staff really liked this one, though they seemed incapable of categorizing it.
I've read the first few pages and so far the story is obtuse and dryly humorous. The prose is lovely, too. However it's too soon to tell whether or not I'll get tired of wading through all the beautiful vagueness to find out what happens.
Collusion: I've been intrigued by Stuart Neville ever since I read on the blogosphere that he wrote The Ghosts of Belfast in secret (I can't even fathom how this must have affected his social life: "No I can't go out tonight...I'm very busy...with something) until it was published last year to much acclaim--lucky bastard! I don't usually read crime novels but I had to check this one out.
The Eden Hunter:I really have no reason for picking this up. Not to insult the book--it's just not the type of story I usually read (even less so than crime novels). I guess I got caught up in the thrill of the free book hunt.
The Primal Blueprint:I actually pimped this book--technically. All I had to do was stand there and point out the author Mark Sisson and the ladies flocked to the signing table. And seriously youshouldseethisguy. He is 57 and freaking hot. And, lest you think I'm attempting to pull a Jennifer here, check out his gorgeous, super fit wife Carrie, who just happens to be 53!
Now, I'm a sucker for workout promotions on TV. I will sit and watch them for hours, wondering if I too could change my body in only 60 days or something like that. And Mark seemed so happy (and looked SO fit) that I had to check this out. I love it! Curt and I are already giving it a try.
YOUNG ADULT:
Nightshade:First of all, the lavender cover really stood out. Second, how could I resist a cover design featuring the faerie-like glitter of Carrie Jones' Need and Captivate, and the implied blood popularized by the Twilight book covers (all that red)? The combination of glitter and blood just screams tragically romantic teen angst.
Ballad: Speaking of romantically tragic teen angst, I couldn't resist picking up a copy of this book by Maggie Stiefvater, the author of Shiver.
Ballad and its companion novel Lament were actually published before Shiver so the publisher Flux wasn't giving out free copies. But I was waxing poetic about how much I love Flux (I really really do!) and so she let me choose a novel to take home!I've already started it, as evidenced by the bookmark you can see in the photo.
I Am Number Four: I actually won this book in a drawing. It's even signed (with the author's pen name, but still!). I won something. Me. Take a moment to digest that and get back to me.
COMICS:
Grimm Fairy Tales, Volume One:They weren't giving this book away, but I was chatting with some of the employees and they handed it to me. I read it in the airport on my way home. Pass on this one. The stories seem to target young women but the art and some of the subject matter seems specifically designed for lonely teen boys.
Neverland:This comic isn't out yet, so what I got was sort of like an extended movie trailer in comic book form. Interesting premise and pretty art, but too short for me to pass judgment.
Farscape Uncharted Tales: D'Argo's Lament: As I was walking by, a man asked if wanted this. He turned out to be the artist. Of course I said yes--that takes guts! He proudly signed it for me and we chatted for a while about how comics have become a new venue for cult favorites (Farscape, Buffy) that no longer have a big enough audience for TV but still have a strong, devoted fan base willing to continue the story in another format.
Janet Evanovich Preview:I also got a sneak peek of the forthcoming graphic novel for Janet Evanovich's Alex Barnaby series! They weren't giving out copies but they let me take a photo.
I think the art looks great!
CHILDRENS BOOKS:
Judy Moody, Girl Detective, Book 9: I took this because it's published by Candlewick Press and I love them. However, I'm not entirely sure why it has to specify that she's a GIRL detective. It's not as if "detective" is a gender specific word, or profession. (grumble grumble)
On The Blue Comet: I took this book because it's by Rosemary Wells and I LOVE her (see list of favorite authors in the margin). That is all.
ADULT BOOKS:
Taroko Gorge:I liked the cover. Its so spacious and contemplative yet ominous. And since this is a thriller, I felt that boded well for the story. Also the title is simple and elegant.
Orion You Came and You Took All My Marbles: Again, the cover caught my attention. I've never noticed before how much a white cover can stand out in a sea of black, dark green, and navy blue. Also the staff really liked this one, though they seemed incapable of categorizing it.
I've read the first few pages and so far the story is obtuse and dryly humorous. The prose is lovely, too. However it's too soon to tell whether or not I'll get tired of wading through all the beautiful vagueness to find out what happens.
Collusion: I've been intrigued by Stuart Neville ever since I read on the blogosphere that he wrote The Ghosts of Belfast in secret (I can't even fathom how this must have affected his social life: "No I can't go out tonight...I'm very busy...with something) until it was published last year to much acclaim--lucky bastard! I don't usually read crime novels but I had to check this one out.
The Eden Hunter:I really have no reason for picking this up. Not to insult the book--it's just not the type of story I usually read (even less so than crime novels). I guess I got caught up in the thrill of the free book hunt.
The Primal Blueprint:I actually pimped this book--technically. All I had to do was stand there and point out the author Mark Sisson and the ladies flocked to the signing table. And seriously youshouldseethisguy. He is 57 and freaking hot. And, lest you think I'm attempting to pull a Jennifer here, check out his gorgeous, super fit wife Carrie, who just happens to be 53!
Now, I'm a sucker for workout promotions on TV. I will sit and watch them for hours, wondering if I too could change my body in only 60 days or something like that. And Mark seemed so happy (and looked SO fit) that I had to check this out. I love it! Curt and I are already giving it a try.
YOUNG ADULT:
Nightshade:First of all, the lavender cover really stood out. Second, how could I resist a cover design featuring the faerie-like glitter of Carrie Jones' Need and Captivate, and the implied blood popularized by the Twilight book covers (all that red)? The combination of glitter and blood just screams tragically romantic teen angst.
Ballad: Speaking of romantically tragic teen angst, I couldn't resist picking up a copy of this book by Maggie Stiefvater, the author of Shiver.
Ballad and its companion novel Lament were actually published before Shiver so the publisher Flux wasn't giving out free copies. But I was waxing poetic about how much I love Flux (I really really do!) and so she let me choose a novel to take home!I've already started it, as evidenced by the bookmark you can see in the photo.
I Am Number Four: I actually won this book in a drawing. It's even signed (with the author's pen name, but still!). I won something. Me. Take a moment to digest that and get back to me.
COMICS:
Grimm Fairy Tales, Volume One:They weren't giving this book away, but I was chatting with some of the employees and they handed it to me. I read it in the airport on my way home. Pass on this one. The stories seem to target young women but the art and some of the subject matter seems specifically designed for lonely teen boys.
Neverland:This comic isn't out yet, so what I got was sort of like an extended movie trailer in comic book form. Interesting premise and pretty art, but too short for me to pass judgment.
Farscape Uncharted Tales: D'Argo's Lament: As I was walking by, a man asked if wanted this. He turned out to be the artist. Of course I said yes--that takes guts! He proudly signed it for me and we chatted for a while about how comics have become a new venue for cult favorites (Farscape, Buffy) that no longer have a big enough audience for TV but still have a strong, devoted fan base willing to continue the story in another format.
Janet Evanovich Preview:I also got a sneak peek of the forthcoming graphic novel for Janet Evanovich's Alex Barnaby series! They weren't giving out copies but they let me take a photo.
I think the art looks great!CHILDRENS BOOKS:
Judy Moody, Girl Detective, Book 9: I took this because it's published by Candlewick Press and I love them. However, I'm not entirely sure why it has to specify that she's a GIRL detective. It's not as if "detective" is a gender specific word, or profession. (grumble grumble)
On The Blue Comet: I took this book because it's by Rosemary Wells and I LOVE her (see list of favorite authors in the margin). That is all.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
BEA 2010 Round Up: Day 3
On the second day of BEA, your feet hurt. You have somehow, in the short span of hours between day one and day two, grown jaded and distrustful of free books. You develop a strong distaste and general pity for book pimps. Inexplicably, you still snatch every free tote bag you see.
I was faced with a moral dilemma on Wednesday: pimping a book I completely and entirely disagreed with. Of course it was about politics. I couldn't just abandon the book and author based on my personal opinions, could I? As a compromise, I told myself I could simply hold the book and maintain my book pimp pleasant smile--but say nothing. Luckily the book was so compelling (aka controversial) that it had a line well before the signing.
Bullet? Dodged. Morals? Intact.
Later on, a Ricky Gervais type character (short, British, witty) stopped to chat with me. This is something I love about BEA: anyone will talk to you about books. He was in audio books and could not understand why a publisher would have an author sign books and give them away for free.
It is a little odd. Here's my take on this time honored tradition: 1. Giving out free books (esp for debut authors) gets the books in circulation--in the hands of readers who will hopefully order the book for their store or library, blog about it, and tell their friends.
Having an author sign the book increases the book's perceived value more than anything else. It also strengthens the bond between reader and author. And it doesn't cost the publisher anything to have the author signing (plus promoting the signing is another way to get the author's name out there). I mean, maybe travel expenses, but my jaded little soul suspects that more authors would have to pay for their own travel anyway.
Other Wednesday fun included temporarily marching between two men in full stormtrooper gear. Yes, it was AWESOME. I also saw--from a distance--Tim Gunn. He looked just as lovable and charming and well dressed in person as he does on TV.
I ended the day with a couple college friends eating Greek takeout and watching a bootleg of the movie Kick Ass, which I loved (caveat: I have NOT read the comic).
In the morning, I took a cab (Okay, I made my friend hail it for me) to the airport and bid New York farewell. I was home and ready to reflect on the conference as well as pick through my book booty...
I was faced with a moral dilemma on Wednesday: pimping a book I completely and entirely disagreed with. Of course it was about politics. I couldn't just abandon the book and author based on my personal opinions, could I? As a compromise, I told myself I could simply hold the book and maintain my book pimp pleasant smile--but say nothing. Luckily the book was so compelling (aka controversial) that it had a line well before the signing.
Bullet? Dodged. Morals? Intact.
Later on, a Ricky Gervais type character (short, British, witty) stopped to chat with me. This is something I love about BEA: anyone will talk to you about books. He was in audio books and could not understand why a publisher would have an author sign books and give them away for free.
It is a little odd. Here's my take on this time honored tradition: 1. Giving out free books (esp for debut authors) gets the books in circulation--in the hands of readers who will hopefully order the book for their store or library, blog about it, and tell their friends.
Having an author sign the book increases the book's perceived value more than anything else. It also strengthens the bond between reader and author. And it doesn't cost the publisher anything to have the author signing (plus promoting the signing is another way to get the author's name out there). I mean, maybe travel expenses, but my jaded little soul suspects that more authors would have to pay for their own travel anyway.
Other Wednesday fun included temporarily marching between two men in full stormtrooper gear. Yes, it was AWESOME. I also saw--from a distance--Tim Gunn. He looked just as lovable and charming and well dressed in person as he does on TV.
I ended the day with a couple college friends eating Greek takeout and watching a bootleg of the movie Kick Ass, which I loved (caveat: I have NOT read the comic).
In the morning, I took a cab (Okay, I made my friend hail it for me) to the airport and bid New York farewell. I was home and ready to reflect on the conference as well as pick through my book booty...
BEA 2010 Round Up: Day 2
Tuesday night I took the train into New York and met an old friend for dinner. Her name is Rebecca Milzoff and she writes for New York Magazine. She reviews ballets and interviews musicians--pretty much the perfect job for her. She also writes the Glee Recap! You can check out all her online posts here.
Rebecca took me to a fantastic little Venezuelan restaurant of which I cannot share the name. What I can do is share the photos I took of my amazing meal
(Mmm fried plantains. And yes, I am aware that the part on the left looks a bit like dog food in the photo but it was in fact very delicious beef people food)
And the watermelon juice, which tasted like the sweetest, most perfect watermelon that ever existed. As I took the first sip, I felt spring ripen into summer.
Now that your mouth is watering, let's dive into Wednesday: my first day at BEA 2010!
I bumped into several people, who made me smile on Wednesday. First C, the younger sister of yet another old friend. Her mother is an author and illustrator, and now C works at a publishing house. What a relief to see a familiar face!
I also--and I can't help but brag here--met Moonrat of Editorial Ass! I know. I heartily encourage you to envy me. She was just as lovely in person as she is on her blog. And yes, I've been sworn to secrecy by threat of the loss of all my fingers, thereby rendering me incapable of typing, if I were ever to reveal her true identity.
And then guess who wandered by the booth where I was book pimping?!?!
CATHERYNNE M. VALENTE
Luckily I knew what she looked like from watching the video of her recent acceptance speech for winning the Andre Norton award for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, which she posted on her blog.
(Ye gods, there are a lot of links in this post! And that was a terrible sentence. Moving on.)
This is what happened when I spotted her:
ME: Reprogram your genes to get the body you always...(spots CV) Catherynne Valente!!
CV: (turns and looks at me in confusion)
ME: (holds current pimped book in front of her in embarrassment) Fan Girl moment!
CV: (laughs) That's the coolest thing that's ever happened to me.
And then I told her that I was going to see the Steam Punk panel later that day, in which she was participating. She asked me where the stage was and I told her, because even though this was literally HOURS before the panel, I had already scoped it out so I'd know where to go when it started. I told you, I don't mess around with my author crushes.
Does this exchange not make you love Ms. Valente?? She seemed so normal and unimpressed with herself. But if you'd read any sentence this woman has written you would be Very Impressed.
So you want to know how the panel went? Well, the punk aspect of Steam Punk was very much on display. It seemed that none of the authors (Valente, Cherie Priest of Boneshaker fame, and the Brit author Felix Gilman) were too thrilled to be labeled in any way. Instead they rambled on about how they did not fit perfectly into Steam Punk, but loved it nonetheless in some shape or form. I suppose this is fitting. Punk should be on the fringe, unwilling to join the masses, right?
One interesting moment came when Cherie Priest stated that in her experience many people (British people? This was unspoken, yet somewhat implied) don't think America is a worthy setting for Steam Punk and that it should only be set in gaslight London. The very British Felix Gilman agreed with her on this point, saying that he preferred setting his Steam Punk in America. So much for a punked out mosh pit in the middle of the panel.
I especially liked that Catherynne Valente described Steam Punk as an aesthetic more than a genre. Brass, steam power, gears, goggles, and bustles all seem to fall under Steam Punk and were mentioned by all the panelists. She also felt that the definitive Steam Punk novel had not yet been written, since she believes that the genre can do so much more with the pseudo Victorian setting of a society on the brink of change.
It'll be interesting to see how Steam Punk evolves if (...when?) it becomes more mainstream.
Alas, even book pimps need to rest once in a while. I ended my day at a low key party for Midpoint Trade Books (my temporary employer). Pizza, beer, and book talk--needless to say, it was a great night!
Rebecca took me to a fantastic little Venezuelan restaurant of which I cannot share the name. What I can do is share the photos I took of my amazing meal
(Mmm fried plantains. And yes, I am aware that the part on the left looks a bit like dog food in the photo but it was in fact very delicious beef people food)And the watermelon juice, which tasted like the sweetest, most perfect watermelon that ever existed. As I took the first sip, I felt spring ripen into summer.
Now that your mouth is watering, let's dive into Wednesday: my first day at BEA 2010!
I bumped into several people, who made me smile on Wednesday. First C, the younger sister of yet another old friend. Her mother is an author and illustrator, and now C works at a publishing house. What a relief to see a familiar face!
I also--and I can't help but brag here--met Moonrat of Editorial Ass! I know. I heartily encourage you to envy me. She was just as lovely in person as she is on her blog. And yes, I've been sworn to secrecy by threat of the loss of all my fingers, thereby rendering me incapable of typing, if I were ever to reveal her true identity.
And then guess who wandered by the booth where I was book pimping?!?!
CATHERYNNE M. VALENTE
Luckily I knew what she looked like from watching the video of her recent acceptance speech for winning the Andre Norton award for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, which she posted on her blog.
(Ye gods, there are a lot of links in this post! And that was a terrible sentence. Moving on.)
This is what happened when I spotted her:
ME: Reprogram your genes to get the body you always...(spots CV) Catherynne Valente!!
CV: (turns and looks at me in confusion)
ME: (holds current pimped book in front of her in embarrassment) Fan Girl moment!
CV: (laughs) That's the coolest thing that's ever happened to me.
And then I told her that I was going to see the Steam Punk panel later that day, in which she was participating. She asked me where the stage was and I told her, because even though this was literally HOURS before the panel, I had already scoped it out so I'd know where to go when it started. I told you, I don't mess around with my author crushes.
Does this exchange not make you love Ms. Valente?? She seemed so normal and unimpressed with herself. But if you'd read any sentence this woman has written you would be Very Impressed.
So you want to know how the panel went? Well, the punk aspect of Steam Punk was very much on display. It seemed that none of the authors (Valente, Cherie Priest of Boneshaker fame, and the Brit author Felix Gilman) were too thrilled to be labeled in any way. Instead they rambled on about how they did not fit perfectly into Steam Punk, but loved it nonetheless in some shape or form. I suppose this is fitting. Punk should be on the fringe, unwilling to join the masses, right?
One interesting moment came when Cherie Priest stated that in her experience many people (British people? This was unspoken, yet somewhat implied) don't think America is a worthy setting for Steam Punk and that it should only be set in gaslight London. The very British Felix Gilman agreed with her on this point, saying that he preferred setting his Steam Punk in America. So much for a punked out mosh pit in the middle of the panel.
I especially liked that Catherynne Valente described Steam Punk as an aesthetic more than a genre. Brass, steam power, gears, goggles, and bustles all seem to fall under Steam Punk and were mentioned by all the panelists. She also felt that the definitive Steam Punk novel had not yet been written, since she believes that the genre can do so much more with the pseudo Victorian setting of a society on the brink of change.
It'll be interesting to see how Steam Punk evolves if (...when?) it becomes more mainstream.
Alas, even book pimps need to rest once in a while. I ended my day at a low key party for Midpoint Trade Books (my temporary employer). Pizza, beer, and book talk--needless to say, it was a great night!
Monday, May 31, 2010
BEA 2010 Round Up: Day 1
For my first post on BEA 2010, I thought I'd talk about what it's like--and what it takes--to be a book pimp.
book pimp n. & v. slang 1. A person who promotes books at a conference particularly during author signings; now, especially for debut or unknown authors who lack a strong platform (non fiction) or fan base (fiction); an intern or struggling writer willing to work for little to no pay in the hopes of gaining experience and useful publishing contacts.
The View of BEA from Midpoint Trade Books' Author Signing Stand
I've learned a lot since my first foray into book pimping last year at BEA 2009. Most notably, I learned not to feel ashamed for being a book pimp.
This year a man in a suit stopped to say, "You should tell other publishers how to sell their books." I agreed with him--well, insofar as books need to be SOLD. I'm not sure publishers need to hire me as some sort of book pimping consultant, though I'm fond of the idea. What's odd about publishing is that people often forget that it's a business. No matter how gorgeous and genius the writing is, no one's going to read it if you don't tell them it exists. And that requires you to sell it.
So here are some pointers for the future book pimps out there:
1. Nail The Blurb: I find it helps to have 1 or 2 blurbs that you can say easily and in a short span of time. You have to catch people's attention as they hurry past you. I usually ask the author for a blurb and then chop it down from there.
Sometimes I sacrifice accuracy for a better pitch, depending on reading trends that might catch people's attention.
Last year I shamelessly promoted a YA paranormal as the next Twilight, only to discover later that it involved sex scenes and uncomfortable situations that would make Stephenie Meyer cringe.
This year I strove for more accuracy but it still doesn't hurt to bend the truth a little. What's important is getting the book into a reader's hands with enough incentive to read the first page. After that it's up to the author to get them to keep reading.
2. Don't Make Eye Contact: Book people--writers and readers--are often shy. They're attending a conference, not a carnival. I find that it's best to scope out potential targets as they approach. Then I stare off into the distance and say my blurb loud enough for people to hear. Sometimes the target will glance at me, and then visibly relax when they see I'm not looking straight at them.
I'm not guilting them or forcing them to meet a debut author and take a free, signed book. I just happen to be suggesting it--loudly--as they walk by.
If you stare directly at the target, you will often scare them off if for no other reason than people don't like to do things that they're forced or expected to do.
3. Pretend Not to Care: Everyone's ignoring you? The author has broken into a cold sweat and is scaring people with her mumbling? No one has taken a single free copy?
So what?
Book pimping is inherently awkward but if you let that show, then you'll just alienate people. Try to stay relaxed, smile pleasantly, stare off in the distance and just generally pretend to be confident about the book you're pimping. People can smell desperation and it will drive them away.
4. Snub the Suits: You've got to narrow down your targets or risk sounding like a babbling idiot, and earning the hate of anyone working in the adjacent booths. Make your best guess as to who (at a conference I focus most on gender) the book appeals to. Then gauge how your pitch is working and make changes if necessary. Alter the blurb, and target different people.
Within minutes you'll discover that the book on brain waves and sales appeals more to middle aged men and the health book attracts women in their 30s.
People (mostly women) who aren't dressed up are often librarians. Target them! I cannot stress how much I love librarians as a book pimp. They are friendly, curious, and willing to take a look at just about anything.
Ignore the stressed out men and women in suits. These are industry professionals, hardened and jaded, with absolutely no interest in your author. Don't waste your perfectly pleasant soft focus stare, casual smile, and polished pitch on these industry snobs.
5. Family First: A family member makes the best book pimp of all. They are endlessly loyal, sincerely proud of the author, and somehow people find them much more approachable than the actual author. At this BEA I had help from several family members.
One wife helped cement the author's relationship with a reader by chatting with the reader after he had met the author and taken a copy of the book. Another woman had help from her two daughters. Their style of book pimping was more along the lines of, "Hi. My mom wrote this book. Don't you want a copy??"
It didn't hurt that the daughters were barely legal, attractive, and shameless. Several older men found themselves in line for a book thanks to those two. Hey, whatever works.
6. The Cover is Everything: A beautiful, professional cover will sell itself. Contrary to popular belief, you HAVE to choose a book by it's cover, especially at a conference.
Authors: do not settle for a cheap cover. It may cost more, but a nice cover can legitimize the book and attract interest. One book I pimped was self published, but the designer did such a great job that the cover and interior made the book look like it came from a big publishing house. Honestly, all I had to do was hold it and people lined up to take it. Do not underestimate the power of a good cover.
And that, with a little practice, is what it takes to be a great book pimp!
book pimp n. & v. slang 1. A person who promotes books at a conference particularly during author signings; now, especially for debut or unknown authors who lack a strong platform (non fiction) or fan base (fiction); an intern or struggling writer willing to work for little to no pay in the hopes of gaining experience and useful publishing contacts.
The View of BEA from Midpoint Trade Books' Author Signing StandI've learned a lot since my first foray into book pimping last year at BEA 2009. Most notably, I learned not to feel ashamed for being a book pimp.
This year a man in a suit stopped to say, "You should tell other publishers how to sell their books." I agreed with him--well, insofar as books need to be SOLD. I'm not sure publishers need to hire me as some sort of book pimping consultant, though I'm fond of the idea. What's odd about publishing is that people often forget that it's a business. No matter how gorgeous and genius the writing is, no one's going to read it if you don't tell them it exists. And that requires you to sell it.
So here are some pointers for the future book pimps out there:
1. Nail The Blurb: I find it helps to have 1 or 2 blurbs that you can say easily and in a short span of time. You have to catch people's attention as they hurry past you. I usually ask the author for a blurb and then chop it down from there.
Sometimes I sacrifice accuracy for a better pitch, depending on reading trends that might catch people's attention.
Last year I shamelessly promoted a YA paranormal as the next Twilight, only to discover later that it involved sex scenes and uncomfortable situations that would make Stephenie Meyer cringe.
This year I strove for more accuracy but it still doesn't hurt to bend the truth a little. What's important is getting the book into a reader's hands with enough incentive to read the first page. After that it's up to the author to get them to keep reading.
2. Don't Make Eye Contact: Book people--writers and readers--are often shy. They're attending a conference, not a carnival. I find that it's best to scope out potential targets as they approach. Then I stare off into the distance and say my blurb loud enough for people to hear. Sometimes the target will glance at me, and then visibly relax when they see I'm not looking straight at them.
I'm not guilting them or forcing them to meet a debut author and take a free, signed book. I just happen to be suggesting it--loudly--as they walk by.
If you stare directly at the target, you will often scare them off if for no other reason than people don't like to do things that they're forced or expected to do.
3. Pretend Not to Care: Everyone's ignoring you? The author has broken into a cold sweat and is scaring people with her mumbling? No one has taken a single free copy?
So what?
Book pimping is inherently awkward but if you let that show, then you'll just alienate people. Try to stay relaxed, smile pleasantly, stare off in the distance and just generally pretend to be confident about the book you're pimping. People can smell desperation and it will drive them away.
4. Snub the Suits: You've got to narrow down your targets or risk sounding like a babbling idiot, and earning the hate of anyone working in the adjacent booths. Make your best guess as to who (at a conference I focus most on gender) the book appeals to. Then gauge how your pitch is working and make changes if necessary. Alter the blurb, and target different people.
Within minutes you'll discover that the book on brain waves and sales appeals more to middle aged men and the health book attracts women in their 30s.
People (mostly women) who aren't dressed up are often librarians. Target them! I cannot stress how much I love librarians as a book pimp. They are friendly, curious, and willing to take a look at just about anything.
Ignore the stressed out men and women in suits. These are industry professionals, hardened and jaded, with absolutely no interest in your author. Don't waste your perfectly pleasant soft focus stare, casual smile, and polished pitch on these industry snobs.
5. Family First: A family member makes the best book pimp of all. They are endlessly loyal, sincerely proud of the author, and somehow people find them much more approachable than the actual author. At this BEA I had help from several family members.
One wife helped cement the author's relationship with a reader by chatting with the reader after he had met the author and taken a copy of the book. Another woman had help from her two daughters. Their style of book pimping was more along the lines of, "Hi. My mom wrote this book. Don't you want a copy??"
It didn't hurt that the daughters were barely legal, attractive, and shameless. Several older men found themselves in line for a book thanks to those two. Hey, whatever works.
6. The Cover is Everything: A beautiful, professional cover will sell itself. Contrary to popular belief, you HAVE to choose a book by it's cover, especially at a conference.
Authors: do not settle for a cheap cover. It may cost more, but a nice cover can legitimize the book and attract interest. One book I pimped was self published, but the designer did such a great job that the cover and interior made the book look like it came from a big publishing house. Honestly, all I had to do was hold it and people lined up to take it. Do not underestimate the power of a good cover.
And that, with a little practice, is what it takes to be a great book pimp!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
BEA 2010 Round Up Week
Hey Everyone!
So I'm back in Vermont after a really fun and interesting BEA. Being an undercover introvert, I've been sleeping a lot and recovering from all the smiling and chatting that a big convention requires. But I wanted to give you a preview of what I'll be blogging about next week:
1. Big Book Pimpin': what it's like to be a book pimp, what it takes, and why authors often need them to help push their *free* books.
2. My BEA: authors I spotted (Catherynne effing Valente for one!!! I had a total fan girl moment), observations about the conference itself (a decided lack of bikini clad girls this year--for which I was grateful), random conversations I had, publishers I heart, etc etc
3. My New Books: the ones I took and the ones I took pictures of because I couldn't get a free one.
4. NYC: I survived and ate good food, of which there are a couple pictures!
5. Anything else you want me to talk about!
So check back tomorrow for the start of my BEA Round Up! I'll be blogging about it all week.
So I'm back in Vermont after a really fun and interesting BEA. Being an undercover introvert, I've been sleeping a lot and recovering from all the smiling and chatting that a big convention requires. But I wanted to give you a preview of what I'll be blogging about next week:
1. Big Book Pimpin': what it's like to be a book pimp, what it takes, and why authors often need them to help push their *free* books.
2. My BEA: authors I spotted (Catherynne effing Valente for one!!! I had a total fan girl moment), observations about the conference itself (a decided lack of bikini clad girls this year--for which I was grateful), random conversations I had, publishers I heart, etc etc
3. My New Books: the ones I took and the ones I took pictures of because I couldn't get a free one.
4. NYC: I survived and ate good food, of which there are a couple pictures!
5. Anything else you want me to talk about!
So check back tomorrow for the start of my BEA Round Up! I'll be blogging about it all week.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
BEA Bound!
Hello, Reader. I'm sitting at my parents' computer feeling completely nervous and sick to my stomach. Later today I'm taking the train into New York City for Book Expo America 2010! I'll have to get a cab BY MYSELF (oh yes) and pimp the sh*t out of some books and maybe even force myself to chat with an agent or two.
Maybe.
I'm going to try to take risks and be brave because otherwise I will have nothing exciting and funny to tell you about. But first I'm going to try not to get lost.
Here goes nothing...
Maybe.
I'm going to try to take risks and be brave because otherwise I will have nothing exciting and funny to tell you about. But first I'm going to try not to get lost.
Here goes nothing...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Author Awesomeness
Guess what!? This morning I received a Facebook message from Barry Smith, the author of Only Milo! He said he had actually read my review of his ARC and appreciated it so he's going to send me a signed copy of the full length book! I can't wait to read Only Milo again and to let you know what I think!
So how cool is that? For him to get in touch with me and to OFFER to send me a signed copy is really awesome. It just reminds me that writers are real people.
Actually, that reminds me of something I totally did not blog about previously because I was so embarrassed about it. I also met Debbie Macomber at BEA. Ms. Macomber is a hugely successful and beloved women's fiction author. I was mortified when my friend dragged me over to her, knowing this and yet never having read one of her books. My friend introduced me and told her I was a writer. Now at that moment, while I was blushing and cringing I imagined that she herself was trying to repress the urge to roll her eyes and run far far away. Instead she smiled and asked me what I wrote.
"Urban fantasy," I managed to say.
Her eyes lit up. "That's very popular right now," she said, "you should come by my booth at around 10 AM and I'll introduce you to my editor."
Clearly Ms. Macomber was going above and beyond here. She was very genuine and nice and just seemed like the kind of woman you could have lemonade and lots of laughs with but also the woman who, when out to brunch with her girlfriends, might surprise everyone by ordering a gin and tonic, thereby inciting everyone else to do the same.
Of course I did NOT take her up her generous offer, for two stupid reasons. 1. I was concerned that her publisher would be more interested in paranormal (I just typed paramoral by mistake! A forthcoming Christian/Fantasy subgenre, prehaps?) romance than urban fantasy. I envisioned a very awkward moment in which they asked me to summarize my plot and then were visibly disappointed when they realized that there's only a bit of romance and no sex.
2. I had been strictly told that I was to report to my book pimping post at 10 AM. This was my first day and I was convinced that if I didn't do well they would throw me out and send me packing. I don't think I was totally paranoid, seeing as I was told on numerous occasions to be more aggresive and the two times I sat down to rest my injured knee I was firmly told to get 'back out there.'
It was very stupid of me to make assumptions about what an editor would or wouldn't want and I probably managed to offend Ms. Macomber in the process. So, Debbie Macomber, if you read this: I'm sorry for over thinking everything. I really did appreciate your kindness.
To wrap this all up into some sort of cohesive post, published authors are people, too and--in my limited experience--are very awesome, generous, smart people at that.
So how cool is that? For him to get in touch with me and to OFFER to send me a signed copy is really awesome. It just reminds me that writers are real people.
Actually, that reminds me of something I totally did not blog about previously because I was so embarrassed about it. I also met Debbie Macomber at BEA. Ms. Macomber is a hugely successful and beloved women's fiction author. I was mortified when my friend dragged me over to her, knowing this and yet never having read one of her books. My friend introduced me and told her I was a writer. Now at that moment, while I was blushing and cringing I imagined that she herself was trying to repress the urge to roll her eyes and run far far away. Instead she smiled and asked me what I wrote.
"Urban fantasy," I managed to say.
Her eyes lit up. "That's very popular right now," she said, "you should come by my booth at around 10 AM and I'll introduce you to my editor."
Clearly Ms. Macomber was going above and beyond here. She was very genuine and nice and just seemed like the kind of woman you could have lemonade and lots of laughs with but also the woman who, when out to brunch with her girlfriends, might surprise everyone by ordering a gin and tonic, thereby inciting everyone else to do the same.
Of course I did NOT take her up her generous offer, for two stupid reasons. 1. I was concerned that her publisher would be more interested in paranormal (I just typed paramoral by mistake! A forthcoming Christian/Fantasy subgenre, prehaps?) romance than urban fantasy. I envisioned a very awkward moment in which they asked me to summarize my plot and then were visibly disappointed when they realized that there's only a bit of romance and no sex.
2. I had been strictly told that I was to report to my book pimping post at 10 AM. This was my first day and I was convinced that if I didn't do well they would throw me out and send me packing. I don't think I was totally paranoid, seeing as I was told on numerous occasions to be more aggresive and the two times I sat down to rest my injured knee I was firmly told to get 'back out there.'
It was very stupid of me to make assumptions about what an editor would or wouldn't want and I probably managed to offend Ms. Macomber in the process. So, Debbie Macomber, if you read this: I'm sorry for over thinking everything. I really did appreciate your kindness.
To wrap this all up into some sort of cohesive post, published authors are people, too and--in my limited experience--are very awesome, generous, smart people at that.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Only Milo
June was a busy month for me. To kick it off, I attended BEA. It was awesome but it could also be compared to running a marathon in a chicken costume while hawking books at everyone you pass.
As you may or may not know, one of the best parts of BEA is the free books. I was one of the people standing outside a booth and essentially begging and cajoling people into taking *free*, signed copies. "Why wouldn't they want one?" you ask. Well, because there are so many to choose from and book loving people aren't usually the strong, strapping type.
We can only carry so much at one time.
So I was intrigued when someone at one booth handed me a razor thin book called Only Milo by Barry Smith. It was a mere 143 pages. It was lightweight and would not contribute to my aforementioned back issues.
The humor evident on the cover convinced me to read the first page. Not only does the cover art show a voodoo doll made of post-it notes, it also says "Advance Bleeding Copy." How could I resist? I got home on Sunday and started reading. Once I started, I couldn't stop. It took me no more than a couple hours and it was completely hilarious.
**This Just In** this book even has an Only Milo Web site!
The book pokes fun at the publishing industry as well as writers. You can read more about the plot on the Web site. What I loved in addition to the humor was the concise writing style. Oftentimes one page is a self contained chapter. It reminded me of The World's Shortest Stories of Love and Death, a compilation of stories told in 55 words or less. It's as if Smith, a professor at Emporia State University, took that concept and applied it to a novel, with genius results.
By the way, Smith is no creative writing or lit prof. He's a professor in the Department of Business Administration and Education. Take that anyone who thinks that just because you're good at business or numbers that you can't write a novel.
(Daggers, does this mean I no longer have an excuse for not being good with numbers??)
Chapter 24, aka page 46 made me literally laugh out loud because of three words. You'll have to read the book to find out why. I started quoting it out loud and giggling to myself. I ended up reading pretty much the entire book out loud to my husband. It went something like this, "Wait, okay, let me just read you one more page..."
For the record, he was laughing too.
As a writer, this book is not just therapeutic, it's also educational. Sometimes I read a few pages just to remind myself of how Smith uses short sentences and dialogue to ramp up the tension and humor.
I strongly recommend this book. Buy a copy for yourself and your writer friends. It's also a fantastic stocking stuffer for anyone who has an unfinished novel lurking on their hard drive.
There. That's my plug for a small book from Inkwater Press that deserves to be read.
As you may or may not know, one of the best parts of BEA is the free books. I was one of the people standing outside a booth and essentially begging and cajoling people into taking *free*, signed copies. "Why wouldn't they want one?" you ask. Well, because there are so many to choose from and book loving people aren't usually the strong, strapping type.
We can only carry so much at one time.
So I was intrigued when someone at one booth handed me a razor thin book called Only Milo by Barry Smith. It was a mere 143 pages. It was lightweight and would not contribute to my aforementioned back issues.
The humor evident on the cover convinced me to read the first page. Not only does the cover art show a voodoo doll made of post-it notes, it also says "Advance Bleeding Copy." How could I resist? I got home on Sunday and started reading. Once I started, I couldn't stop. It took me no more than a couple hours and it was completely hilarious.
**This Just In** this book even has an Only Milo Web site!
The book pokes fun at the publishing industry as well as writers. You can read more about the plot on the Web site. What I loved in addition to the humor was the concise writing style. Oftentimes one page is a self contained chapter. It reminded me of The World's Shortest Stories of Love and Death, a compilation of stories told in 55 words or less. It's as if Smith, a professor at Emporia State University, took that concept and applied it to a novel, with genius results.
By the way, Smith is no creative writing or lit prof. He's a professor in the Department of Business Administration and Education. Take that anyone who thinks that just because you're good at business or numbers that you can't write a novel.
(Daggers, does this mean I no longer have an excuse for not being good with numbers??)
Chapter 24, aka page 46 made me literally laugh out loud because of three words. You'll have to read the book to find out why. I started quoting it out loud and giggling to myself. I ended up reading pretty much the entire book out loud to my husband. It went something like this, "Wait, okay, let me just read you one more page..."
For the record, he was laughing too.
As a writer, this book is not just therapeutic, it's also educational. Sometimes I read a few pages just to remind myself of how Smith uses short sentences and dialogue to ramp up the tension and humor.
I strongly recommend this book. Buy a copy for yourself and your writer friends. It's also a fantastic stocking stuffer for anyone who has an unfinished novel lurking on their hard drive.
There. That's my plug for a small book from Inkwater Press that deserves to be read.
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