Book Bloggers Dinner

Natasha Maw's Bloggiesta Challenge from last month culminated in a very fun round up with bloggers and local authors at The Golden Corral. It was wonderful to meet Natasha in person, finally. She's adorable! We both recognized each other immediately, which was fun.  She introduced me to her husband, Taylor, and I realized he is not an Olympic athlete, but an Apolo Ohno clone. 

Shannon Hale, James Dashner and his wife, and another author--young enough to be my daughter--all took pity on me and included me at their table. Ha! Emily Wing Smith was one table over with Bree DeSpain, and other wonderful authors and bloggers.

Taylor Maw joined us and we became fast friends with the common language of writing fantasy and illustration. I was in heaven getting to talk with someone who "gets" what's usually just inside my head.

My cyber friend Jenni came over and introduced herself and we started off laughing and said goodbye laughing. Hi Jenni! Here's that picture I promised you:

To end the evening we did a book swap. I'd made a last-minute dive for one of the signed and numbered ARC's of Secret Speakers in my car, and put that in the pile. When they called out my number to give me one of the swaps, it turned out to be my own book, so we all had a good chuckle and someone else got it. She came over, and I feel badly that I didn't get her name, but she came up to me later for a picture. I have no idea why it's upside down!

 

Comments

[Jenni Elyse]

Thanks for posting the picture! I love reading everyone's views of the night. It's so fun to see what I missed through others' eyes. :)

[Suey]

The upside down picture is Leisa, Natasha's sister! :) And I'm still feeling sad I didn't get to say hi... but there's always next time!

[Jaleta Clegg]

It was great meeting you. Good luck with your book! I'll have to track down a copy when it comes out.