Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sunday Salon: A Book Signing & New Books (As if I didn't already have enough)

I marked my calendar early last month, even sent myself a reminder, so I would not forget that author Robert Fate would be in town yesterday for a book signing. My husband and I walked in and made a little circle while I gathered my courage to approach the signing table. Anjin had a good laugh over my nervousness. I made my move while the author was talking to another woman so as not to be so noticeable, making my way to the table and picking up a copy of Baby Shark's High Plains Redemption to look over.

Robert Fate put me at ease right away. There is an openness about him that makes him easy to talk to. He recognized Bookfool's name when I passed along her message and even commented on what a nice review she'd written of his book. And he knew me! My blog, at least.

How many author crushes can one reader have? Is there a limit? I think I'm up to five or six now . . .

I was surprised by the number of books that arrived in the mail this past week Some came as complete surprises. I somehow managed to restrain myself from coming home from the bookstore with more than two books yesterday (No, no. You don't need to take my temperature).



Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout ~ A gift from my friend, BookAddict, in a Secret Santa paperback book exchange.

Cruel Intent by J.A. Jance ~ I didn't expect to find this one in my mailbox this past week. I am a fan of J.A. Jance, and so it was definitely a pleasant surprise to discover a little publisher love coming my way in the form of this book.

No One You Know by Michelle Richmond ~ Florinda's review encouraged me to order a copy of this one.

American Rust by Philipp Meyer ~ ARC from the publisher that came as a surprise. I do not remember requesting a copy of this one, but, regardless, it sounds interesting!

Legerdemain by James J. Heaphey ~ A review copy from publicist Lisa Roe. If only you knew the trouble we had getting this book to me! I suspect a postal conspiracy, personally.

Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley ~ How could I not want to read this after Cathy's review?

Baby Shark's High Plains Redemption by Robert Fate ~ The author was kind enough to personalize and autograph a copy for me.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling ~ I'm a Harry Potter fan; how could I not?

I am taking a short break from my recent crime fiction spree to read New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. I hope to begin reading it today. My pesky coworker has been getting on my case about not jumping into it sooner (she wants to talk about it and compare notes).

This week I will be posting my review of Robert Fate's Baby Shark and revealing my Book Bloggers Christmas Swap gift (yes, I caved in and opened it--I couldn't be more happy!), so please stay tuned!

Happy Reading!
Posted by at 12/14/2008 12:00:00 AM
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34 comments:

  1. "How many author crushes can one reader have? Is there a limit? I think I'm up to five or six now . . ."

    I sure hope not, because I've lost track of mine :P

    I'm glad you had such a good time at the signing! And enjoy your new books :)
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  2. Thanks for your link to my review. I certainly hope you enjoy the book!

    Although I haven't met Robert Fate, I am quite impressed by him. I requested High Plains Redemption through Shelf Awareness. The copy was mailed by Fate himself--complete with autograph and a bookmark!
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  3. I agree with Nymeth, you may have as many author crushes as you want. Sounds like a great day. Like you, I love authors who acknowledge book bloggers.
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  4. Amy and Isabelle is a great book if memory serves me. I read it a couple years ago.
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  5. Wendy - Your post is flattering indeed, but I'm the one who is happy we met. I was delighted that you and your husband took the time to come by and say hi - well, okay, picking up High Plains was appreciated, too. I am fortunate that bloggers mention the Baby Shark series. I am certain I wouldn't have made it this far without their kindness. Warmest best wishes to you guys for the holidays and watch that Borders - they have asked me back for another signing three or four months from now. Bob Fate
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  6. Bob Fate is one of the nicest authors ever. I met him at a conference about a year and a half ago and he is just so gregarious and open. I've got Baby Shark on my TBR pile and hopefully will get to it soon...
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  7. Lucky you to live so close to a bookstore that has signings! There isn't even a bookstore in this town! It's at least a 2-hour drive to a decent-sized one. Although, I did take a one-hour ride to an independently-owned one last weekend and that was a treat.

    Enjoy all your new books!
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  8. I hope you like No One You Know. Michelle Richmond is definitely my author find of the year.

    I read Amy and Isabelle several years ago, in the pre-blogging days, and it was good. I have another of Elizabeth Strout's books in TBR Purgatory right now.

    It's very cool to have met an author who knows of your blog - thanks for sharing the story, Wendy!
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  9. Ooh you got some good ones! Hope you enjoy New Moon.
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  10. But we can never have too many books! ;)
    Have fun reading New Moon. I wish I had time to read Eclipse right now but it'll have to wait until the new year. Hope you have a good week, or at least a less busy one than lately.
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  11. It is always wonderful to have an author leave a comment on your blog, isn't it? *smiles*

    I will look forward to reading your thoughts on Richmond's book since I loved The Year of Fog.

    Have a great week, Wendy!
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  12. Nymeth - And it doesn't matter the gender of the author either. Author crushes are all inclusive. :-)

    Cathy - Confessions of a Pagan Nun sounds like it will be a great book. I'm glad you brought it to my attention.

    Kathy - It was a good day, made up for the week I had. :-)

    Kelly - I am glad to hear you liked Amy and Isabelle. I've had it on my wish list for a while now and was so happy to receive it in the mail.

    Bob - Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such an honor to meet you. I definitely will keep my eye out for your next visit.
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  13. Karen - He really is! I hope you enjoy Baby Shark when you get to it. I have a feeling you will really like Kristin.

    Linda - If only the local bookstores featured authors I know or want to read more often though! I got really lucky with Robert Fate's visit.

    I can't imagine living so far from a bookstore, but then, I've pretty much always been a city girl. I've been spoiled having a B&N and Borders so close. I just wish there were more independent bookstores in the area.

    Florinda - I think you were the main person who got me interested in trying Michelle Richmond. :-)

    I've been wanting to read something by Elizabeth Strout since meeting her last spring. I have another one of her books on my TBR shelf too.

    Jen - I have some good reading ahead of me. :-)

    Nat - No, we can never have enough! Maybe that's part of my problem. Haha! I hope you have a great week too.

    Wendy - It always earns a little squeal of joy when an author stops in and comments. :-)

    I hope you have a great week too.
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  14. Cute story about the book signing-I'm glad you had such a good time. Wow, that's quite the load of books too. I can't wait to read Tales of the Beadle Bard. Happy Reading!
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  15. hmmm, I haven't bought many books lately, it really is time I went back to the shops!! Fortunately I had an email from Borders the other day that gives me £10 off a £50 book order, so I can get some presents and get myself some books too!!
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  16. Dar - It was fun. I even got some frozen yogurt out of it afterward. :-)
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  17. Sam - My book buying has been down lately too for the most part. Sometimes though when you get a coupon like you mention, it's too good to pass up. :-)
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  18. I love that Robert Fate knew of you and Bookfool! It brings our love of books so up close and personal when one can touch an author like that. I have a treasured photograph of Madeleine L'Engle and I, but that's the only author I really saw or talked to.

    I hope you enjoy The Tales of Beedle The Bard as much as I did (and I'm not even all that nuts about Harry!).
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  19. Wendy,

    Thanks for passing on my greetings! I'm so glad you got to go talk to Robert Fate. He seems like a terrific guy. We may have to share this author crush. ;)
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  20. What an awesome experience with Robert Fate! It always amazes me how nervous I am to meet authors, and how quickly they manage to put me at ease.

    I got my copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard this week as well. I splurged on the collector's edition. I finally got an opportunity to read some of it last night, and loved it!
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  21. Bellezza - It really does! I am glad that we have the opportunity to meet and communicate with authors the way we do. It makes the reading experience all the more richer.

    Nancy - With an author crush there is always room to share. :-)

    Ruth - I don't know why I get so nervous about meeting authors, but it never fails that I do.

    How do you like the collector's edition? I just got the standard little book and it's calling my name. I'll probably get to it after I finish my current book.
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  22. How cool is it that the author recognized your blog!! I have to admit that I haven't heard of Robert Fate, but I'll have to check him out. I picked up Beedle the Bard today after Nymeth reminded me of its release--really surprised how short it is!
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  23. I've lost count on the number of author crushes I have! LOL. I'm glad to hear you'd a great time at the signing. It's always so exciting to meet authors, especially our favourite authors!

    I got my copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard over the weekend too. I can't wait to jump into it. :)
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  24. I have crushes on authors and book characters. Robert Fate sounds crush-worthy. I have heard a lot of good things about this series, but only just now put BABY SHARK on my shopping cart from my wishlist. A little holiday gift to myself.
    Nice book haulin' this week, chickie!
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  25. Enjoy New Moon, Wendy! I've just finished The Tales of Beedle the Bard. A fast and interesting read!
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  26. Hope you enjoy all the books. Finish New Moon quick and then hop on to Eclipse, it's much better than New Moon :)
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  27. Trish - I was surprised at how small J.K. Rowling's book was too. It looks like it will be a fast read.

    Melody - I enjoyed meeting Robert Fate. :-)

    It seems like everyone is reading or going to be reading Rowling's latest. I had better get to it soon!

    Vickie - I have a couple of character crushes too. :-) I hope you enjoy Baby Shark!

    Alice - I didn't get as much reading done today as I had hoped. Maybe tonight I can devote some time to New Moon.
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  28. Eliza - I have heard that Eclipse is a little more action packed while New Moon drags for a bit during the first half. Hopefully I can fly through it. :-)
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  29. I love author crushes :)

    That is so great you got a chance to meet a new one!
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  30. Iliana - Author crushes are fun. :-)
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  31. I just love the paw that shows up when you go to click!

    I have three cats. I love them so much!

    Nice blog!

    I subscribed!
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  32. Sheri - Thank you! You have quite an impressive blog yourself! Cats are wonderful. Life just wouldn't be the same without them.
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  33. congrats on the new book.

    You caved too! I haven't caved yet, but I may have to soon...the suspense is killing me! I want to know who my secret santa is and what they got me...

    Ok there are only 2 weeks...I can do it.
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  34. Serena - It was too hard to resist. LOL You can do it though! Hang in there. :-)
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