Best Day Ever (So Far)

Today I had only one thing on my schedule:

1:00pm -- Melissa Marr signing at Blue Willow Bookshop

I woke up, showered, dressed, checked email, got sucked into reading some book blog controversy over at Karen Knows Best (thanks to Bookshelves of Doom). Then I headed to Blue Willow and that's when the nerves set in. I know what you're thinking. It's just a signing, Tera. Someone else's signing. Why on earth were you nervous?


Well, yes, it was just a signing. But it's also the bookstore that will be hosting my debut party on Thursday night. I'd never been in the store before and my only contact had been via email. I had images of walking into the signing, hovering on the sidelines, and having to introduce myself to the booksellers. There would be blank looks and "Tera who?" I don't relish that kind of social situation. Awkward much?

Here's what really happened:

After sitting in the parking lot until five minutes before the signing, I finally braved my way to the door. I walked inside, taking in the sight of a bookstore I'd never been in before. Mmmm, books. Books are my friends... Almost immediately I hear, "There's Tera!"

I glance up--with a very deer-in-headlights gaze look, I'm sure--and hurrying over towards me is one of the booksellers.

"I'm Cathy," she said.

"Hi." I smiled, preparing to offer my hand.

She hugged me! Then proceeded to tell me how excited she is about the debut party, introduced me to her colleagues who raved about the book and to the boss lady Valerie, pointed out my book on display behind the counter, and just generally made me feel like a newly-crowned princess. Needless to say, I am now seriously in love with the ladies of Blue Willow Bookshop!

There's my book. Right there in the middle! Squeee!!!

The talk/signing itself was also wonderful. Melissa Marr--brilliantly talented author of Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange--spoke eloquently about her writing process (everything is character- and perspective-driven), censorship (very, very, very against), and the 2012 doomsday prophecy (much to her dismay, she is currently plan-less). She signed my copy of Ink Exchange and--eeek!--asked me to sign a copy of OH. MY. GODS. for her!

For anyone looking for fabulous reads recommendations, Melissa suggests the following:

• I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert (07/2008)
• anything by Neil Gaiman
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (2009)

Also in attendance were multi-published children's book author Dotti Enderle and newly-agented paranormal YA author Mary Lindsey. All events are better when surrounded by friends.

Hugs,
TLC