Rendezvous Update Part 1

Okay, you never realize how socially awkward you are until you get in a room with 200+ people! I didn't know where to sit, I just knew I wanted to sit near a door so I could make a quick exit if I needed to. I didn't know what to say to anyone I talked to and I could literally feel me closing in on myself. As the day went on I relaxed a bit more, but something about being around that many people brings out ALL my insecurities! I also don't think I used to be as socially awkward as I am now before C-vid hit. If I was, it was not as noticeable, LOL! If you are a reader I hope you get an opportunity to go to a reader's event at some point in your life. There is nothing like being with like-minded readers. It was truly an amazing experience.

Our day started with worship, led by authors Kimberley Woodhouse and Lisa Phillips. They did a phenomenal job. That was followed by the first author panel. Instead of giving a play by play of the schedule, it was basically author panel, break/giveaway/shopping, speaker, discussion, lunch, repeat and add a snack for the afternoon. There was an opportunity to get books signed at the end of the day.

We were allowed to take 10 books to the event to get signed, and then whatever we bought there could also be signed, but no more than 3 books per author (with 150+ readers that was more than fair!). I took 10 books, but only ended up getting 7 signed. I couldn't find two of the authors and I bought several other books by the other author that I wanted signed. I ended up meeting/chatting with 12 of the 50ish authors that were there. I also got the opportunity to meet several bloggers/Bookstagrammers that I "know." It was so fun to mee them in person! I did not get to meet all the bloggers/Bookstagrammers I had wanted to meet, there just wasn't time and it was hard to meet everyone with the schedule. 

Swag & books: Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse, Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene Turner and Shooting Sunshine by Wendy Rich Stetson.

Everyone got this swag chocolate bar! Pretty smart advertising

All the tables had these ducks on them. I meant to grab one but forgot.

Lisa P. far left and Kimberley W. on the keyboard.

Sara Brunsvold-first author panel.

  

Early in the day I won a giveaway! I picked this super cute Outer Banks bag put together by author Amanda Cox. It had two of her books, Between the Sound and Sea (have not read yet, just came out in August) and The Edge of Belonging (I LOVED this one!). I had also taken her book He Should Have Told the Bees for her to sign, so all three are now signed copies 😁 and it was super cool to meet her. Although, I don't think I really talked to her, I was too distracted. 

 

This is Amanda's other book, which I have also read and enjoyed!

Each table had at least two authors at their table. At the beginning of the day we had Jamie Ogle, Heather Wood (although she was there as a reader), and Candice Pedraza Yamnitz. I haven't read Jamie's book, but it won a Christy award Thursday night. I also haven't read anything from Heather or Candice. They were all super nice and Candice gave my husband a lot of advise on writing and getting his books published. Here is my picture with Candice and then a picture of the book we bought of hers.

 

Jaime Ogle and Heather Wood

There was a game after the first break but I missed it completely because I was standing in line buying books. I eventually left Matt in line with the books, went upstairs (we were in our hotel conference room) and made a cup of coffee, came back and he was still in line, he hadn't moved. I went and sat down and ate a snack because my sugar had completely bottomed out. 

As we were heading upstairs to lunch I noticed Sara Brunsvold and went up and introduced myself to her. We chatted for a few minutes and she is super sweet. I caught back up with her later to have her sign my copy of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. She gave me a magnet with a quote on it from The Divine Proverb of Streusel and it now has a place on my refrigerator 😊. If you click on the book covers it will take you to my review of the books. I wish I had thought to ask her what's next, I can't wait to read whatever it is, LOL!

 

 

This is getting long so I will end this post with the books that were in Matt's swag bag and the books I bought. I have already read Firefly Diaries and Dear Henry, Love Edith but I wanted a copy for my keeper shelf. Side note, one of the discussion questions was do you have a keeper shelf? One of the ladies at the table asked what that was 😳🤯. Once it was explained, she said she didn't. I was blown away. We were in a room surrounded by book nerds and it surprised me she wouldn't have a keeper shelf. I am not a huge re-reader but I have bookshelves overflowing with books! I know not everyone has space for books, or loads of bookshelves, but it still surprised me. Do you have a keeper shelf? I promise to try not to judge you if you don't🤣!