Borders Book Signing Event

 I recently attended a book signing event this past weekend. I am ashamed to say this was the first one I've ever been to. I typically shy away from these types of things, but this time I had no choice. The reason? Two words…Jaci Burton. If you've been reading my blogs, you know I am a HUGE fan of Burton's work. So imagine my expression a few weeks ago when, while browsing the romance section at Borders, I looked up and read a sheet of paper announcing Jaci Burton, Maya Banks, Shayla Black and Karen Whiddon would be participating in a book signing event later that month. I assure you my expression was FAR from cute. I was practically salivating. A chance to actually see Jaci Burton? Too cool! Yes, I know I sound like a total geek but you'll just have to learn to forgive me. For me, this was like going to a Hollywood premiere. Not really, but really. Of course, I've heard of Banks and Black before but I can't recall actually reading one of their books. I must correct that error ASAP. (PICTURE: Me and Jaci Burton)

The day of the event, I think I changed outfits four different times. I swear it felt like I was going out on a date! I was seriously nervous. I kept wondering 'will I be able to get close enough to talk to Jaci?' and 'what if she's super mean to me?' Yes, very nervous. (PICTURE: Me and Maya Banks)

 

 

 

I won't bore you with the details. Let's just say, my stomach was a mess until I finally arrived at the bookstore. As usual, I was late. Playing it forward, I DID get to meet Jaci and she could not have been more nice! I got to chat with her briefly and she offered me some career advise. How cool is that? I was so nervous, my hands were shaking. I wouldn't be surprised if I kinda freaked her out. Don't tell anyone, but my eyes get a little loopy when I'm nervous. (PICTURE: Me and Shayla Black –> Sorry, it's a little fuzzy)

 

Long story short, I had a great time. All of the authors were simply delightful. The event was well organized and I had an opportunity to swap book recommendations with other attendees. (PICTURE: Me and Karen Whiddon) 

Heist Society

Heist Society by Ally Carter

I've seen this book cover several times during my visits to the bookstore. I have never read Carter's work before, so I'm not sure what I am getting myself into. If the book lives up to it's synopsis, this should be a good read. 

Vampires, Werewolves and Fairies

I don't know about the rest of you but I am tired of reading stories about vampires, werewolves and fairies. I realize the paranormal craze has reached new heights since the release of Meyer's Twilight series but I have to ask, how much is too much? Don't get me wrong, I have purchased and enjoyed several new paranormal reads (Twilight being amongst them) but lately it seems I can't walk into a bookstore or library without seeing an elaborate table display for books about vampires. 

It reminds me of when the Sex and the City HBO series first aired and everyone fell in love with Carrie’s fabulous lifestyle. Before you knew it, new TV shows were popping up on every major network about a single white female who lives in a thriving metropolis. When she is not on the search for true love, she manages to squeeze in enough time to write an article for the trendy magazine she freelances for. I'm sure you can think of a few shows that easily fit this criteria. My point is, when ‘the power that be’ see a formula that works, they will beat it into the ground. Thus … the flood of vampire novels arriving on the market.  

Many will remember our interest in vampires was peeked in 1976 by Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire (one of my favorite books). Rice was among the first to depict vampires as not simply vicious predators but emotional beings who were enslaved by their existence. Rice’s novel was released several years before I was born but WOW… what a classic! Nobody can describe the inner thoughts of a character quite the way Rice does.

In 2001, Charlaine Harris created a strong following with her Sookie Stackhouse series, a story about Louisiana vampires and shape-shifters. In wake of Twilight’s success, in 2008 the Stackhouse series was turned into an HBO show (True Blood). It's viewing audience is fairly faithful.

The recent obsession with vampires has opened the door for other series such as Fallen, The Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy, City of Bones, etc. The list goes on and on. As a result of the paranormal fad, authors who might not have normally gotten marketing exposure are now benefiting from the aftermath of Twilight mania. They are finding their books strategically placed near Meyer's books (and all the spin-offs). This is a very good thing.   

It should be said here, never has there been a better time for an aspiring writer to get published in this genre. Publishers everywhere are pushing their paranormal titles to the forefront to cash in on the trend before it burns itself out. 

All that being said, I am ready for the next cult culture obsession to take hold of America. If you're not, I'd wager you will be within the next year. As for me, I've had my fill of dead people falling in love with weird loners. In the real world, there is a name for that; it's called necrophilia.