Two months ago we made the move back to the states after six years living abroad and I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath since. I’ve already been to Romantic Times in Kansas City, Book Expo America in the Big Apple, participated in a debut author panel, and had my official launch party for Pretty Dark Nothing. All that and my summer schedule is just beginning. I’ve been terrible updating the blog so I thought I would give you the highlights so far.
RT Kansas City:
Can we say fangirling! Veronica Roth, Melissa Marr, Jackie Kessler, Beth Revis, Amy Plum, Jeri Smith-Ready, Gretchen McNeil, Rachel Cane . . . The list of authors that I love that were there goes on and on. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing this event was and how nervous I was to be in their company. There were author panels, parties, and fun times all around. My first signing event ever took place in YA Alley on the Saturday.
As a debut author, I was overwhelmed to find out I was sitting in the vortex of awesome! Me, sitting between Beth Revis, author of the Across The Universe series, and Amy Plum, author of Die the For Me series.
Literally right next to two authors I LOVE. I can’t tell you how amazing these two women are. I was a nervous wreck, but they both took the time to make me feel welcome and give me tips. I will be forever grateful to them both. This is what paying it forward is all about. I’m also glad to say that I didn’t vomit on Veronica Roth, although my stomach flip-flopped when I shook her hand. The highlight of the day was selling out of Pretty Dark Nothing within an hour. Crazy!! Thank you to all the readers and bloggers who stopped by the signing. I appreciate you all.
I also came home with a pretty big stash of signed books. I think I’m going to need another bookshelf to fit them all. I wish I had more pictures, but I was so overwhelmed that I kept forgetting to get the camera out.
Texas Debut Author Panel:
My next event took place at Grand Prairie Library and was moderated by Printz award winner John Corey Whaley. It was my first time meeting other local Texas debut authors and we had a blast!
Here’s a picture of the panel. Of me signing books. And a picture of me and the adorable Mary Grey, author of The Dollhouse Asylum.
Pretty Dark Nothing Launch Party:
I got my very first library card for Irving Public Library when I was four years old. My grandfather took me there, helping me pick out books and teaching me to use the card catalogue. The stacks at the Irving Public Library are like home to me. I also used to sneak up to the third floor and write Pretty Dark Nothing in the quiet of the genealogy archives, so when they offered to host the Pretty Dark Nothing launch party, I was more than thrilled! Celebrating with other local authors, bloggers, friends and family made this the perfect day. Thank you to the 40+ people who came out to support me. Want to know more about what happened at the event? Mary Had A Little Book Blog summarizes the Q&A here.
Book Expo America New York:
Today I flew home after five wonderful days in New York City. I finally got to meet my editor, Courtney Koschel, publisher, Georgia McBride, and other Month9Book writers Lisa Basso, Dorothy Dreyer, Jackie Kessler, Scott Craven, Kelly Hashway, Shannon Duffy as well as staffers Jenni Million and Lyndsay Leggett. The expo was fantastic. I got to sign on Friday and all 50 copies of Pretty Dark Nothing were snapped up in less than 2 minutes. It was CRAZY! I am humbled by all the readers and bloggers who stopped by to get a copy. I don’t think I’ve ever signed books so fast. It was literally like a whirlwind of people. I also snagged an ARC of Maggie Stiefvater’s The Dream Theives, Mary Grey’s The Dollhouse Asylum, and Dorothy Dryers My Sister’s Reaper. So excited to read them all !!
Whew! I’m exhausted. Next stop, Nashville for UtopYA. Anyone else going? Would love to see you there.
OMG books and BEA and Mary Grey and OMG Heather you are so cute! I hope you enjoy everything you got! And congrats on the speedy exodus of Pretty Dark Nothing books! I won’t be in Nashville for UtopYA (too far for me, unfortunately), but I hope you have fun!
Alyssa <3
Awww, thanks Alysssa! *hugs* I hope to be in your neck of the woods one day. Would love to meet you!
You look so tired in those RT pics! I hope you get some rest. Has it sunk in yet that you belong there amongst all of your favorite authors? Savor these moments. You’ll only be a debut author once. I couldn’t be happier for you. When I’m a debut author getting ready for my first signing, you’re one of the first people I’m calling for advice. Have fun. You’ve earned it.
Yeah, I didn’t get much sleep at RT. I was a total zombie when that picture was taken. 🙂 I can’t wait for it to be your turn!
Congrats on your success, Heather.
That pile of signed books looks delicious. 🙂
Thanks, Emma! That was one awesome pile of books. 😀 Hope all is well with you. Say hello to Scotland for me!
So much fun and excitement! I’m so happy for you and proud of you, my friend! 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad I got to meet you and spend some time with you, friend. It was an exhausting trip, but totally worth it. I’m so proud of you and PRETTY DARK NOTHING. I must say, we make a good team 😉 Now we get to do it all over again with book two! Woohoo!