When I saw this lovely idea show up in the blogging world, I was very excited! I mean, I already whined about reasons I'm not going to BEA, so here was a chance to experience some of the fun right from my own armchair. Hooray!
I've noted some of the book signings I've been to before. When I went through my books last night to see how many I had signed, I was surprised at the number! I never thought of myself as a big collector of signed books, but apparently I'm off to a pretty good start. Nearly all of my books are from local authors, who I love and adore. A few were from visitors to the great state (I've never gone to one outside of Utah). One was purchased already signed (not one of the fortunate to meet Stephenie Meyer in person). But, they all bear the mark of the author inside. Each one scribbling their name to express pride in their work and appreciation of those who read it. I love a signed book for the meaning and the memories.
Here's a break down of my signed books,
Most by one author: Shannon Hale (6)
Most recent: Mette Ivie Harrison (The Princess and the Bear)
Most famous: Either Stephenie Meyer or Kathryn Stockett (take your pick)
Most prized: hm...can't say that I am able to choose!
Number signed, but didn't meet author: 4
Number signed, but not read: 2
Number Non-Utah authors: 5
Number of complete series signed: 0 (close with Fablehaven and Books of Bayern!)
Total number: ~25
I may also have mentioned before that I'm not really articulate when I do get my books signed. Usually a well-placed "Thank you," is all I can get out. The few times I have spoken, it was usually to say something that sounded better in my head than out of it. (This is actually pretty true of when I meet new people in general.) I got a real kick out of Suey's post about approaches to signings a few weeks ago.
In any case, as I was trying to decide what authors I'd really love to meet, I realized I'd have to make categories. (What can I say? I'm a librarian. I categorize.)
At BEA:
Kate DiCamillo, Richard Peck
Not at BEA:
Robin McKinley, Megan Whalen Turner, Jean Ferris, Juliet Marillier, Karen Cushman
Not Likely (Ever):
J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, anyone British
A Bit Too Late:
Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis
Really, the longer I think about it, the more authors I would be adding to the list! So, I think I'll just cut myself off now.
Who are you dying to meet - living, dead, possible, impossible?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Posts
I've never met any of my favorite authors in person. Met one or two locals though. I would love to met Jenna Maclaine, Rachel Vincent and Richelle Mead!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to do a similar post... but I think it will be next week...probably for my collection list which Julie plans on having for Listful Monday.
ReplyDelete*jealous* (I'd love to meet Robin McKinley and JK Rowling, too. But that's probably not ever going to happen. *sigh*)
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm sure I don't have that many.
ReplyDeleteHere is my first Armchair BEA post
Wow, that is a lot of books! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, you've done a great job getting books signed! I too am not that articulate when getting books signed so I am so happy to see I am not alone :) I was pretty happy when I got a book signed by Kelly Corrigan.
ReplyDeleteAngel, I'm lucky that some of my favorites are local :)
ReplyDeleteSuey, I bet you've got a lot too!
Melissa, yeah, I'm pretty resigned to it never happening for me either :)
Brooke, I was kinda surprised how many it was!
Melina, thanks!
Amused, you are so not alone!
I have a little part on my shelf for signed copies, and I just thought the other day that it was getting kind of big! I've met most of them through author readings, and I am the most awkward person. Even when I try to say something beyond "Thank you, I really like your work," it gets super-awkward. Meeting Will Ferguson last year was a giant thrill.
ReplyDeleteI have a few autographed books, but only a small percentage of those are authors I actually met. I'll have to find out which ones -- it may be more than I realize, too. Some were by chance because I bought them used, brought them home, and there was the autograph inside, unknown!
ReplyDeleteI bet you could buy an autographed copy by the famous authors you mention but it'd be $$$$!
Suey's post was hilarious!! And, I love that you posted them in lists, particularly the "not likely" and "too late" categories!! I have to admit Rowling would be super cool though. In the meantime, you have a great collection and I'm a tad bit jealous of quite a few of these!!
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I'm so glad I am not the only one who is awkward around authors.
ReplyDeleteValerie, how interesting! I'll have to check my used copies more closely.
Tif, thanks - I love to dream of impossible authors to get signed books from :)