BEA was much easier for me today. I could pretty much navigate my way around the huge convention center. Ok, actually, I got lost all the time, the book that lists the booths had mistakes in it and I have absolutely no sense of direction (which dashes all my dreams of being on the Amazing Race). But still I managed to meet a ton of new people and companies and products, including the Frugal Foodie. Two grad students who offered muffins with their books…and since I hadn’t had breakfast….
My YA readers will be thrilled to know that I made a lot of contacts for more books to be sent, so get ready to start reading again (I was down to about 10 books left). There’s some great new ones coming out and a huge line for James Patterson signing his new YA, Witch and Wizard. I also scored a lot of books to giveaway at library events coming up. Lots of them autographed.
I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah Schneider the events coordinator of King County, WA library systems, one of the largest in the US. Their website gets over 2 million hits and I was asked to be part of one of their upcoming programs next year when I attend the Emerald City Conference. Deborah was recently named the RWA Librarian of the Year and will be honored at their conference in Washington DC in July.
 |
| Fan on his knees begging for Marjorie Liu’s autograph. |
Jacquie D’Alessandro was signing at the RWA booth and I also saw long lines for Heather Graham, Douglas Clegg, Debbie Macomber and Carla Neggers. Marjorie Liu had fans clammering for a poster of her new Wolverine comic book coming out in June and I saw Beth Ciotta searching for gems to take home. I spent some time walking around with Sheila English Clover of Circle of Seven Productions. She knows everyone and just told me they won 2 more awards for their videos of children’s books (a first for their company). Congrats Sheila!
There were book bags galore being given out, Disney, Clean Diet, almost all the publishers (some ran out) and African-American Expressions (who gave me a really cool President Obama bookmark when I mentioned that my 79 year old mom was out campaigning for him).
And speaking of the President, it took forever to get back to the hotel because he was attending the theater 2 blocks from my hotel. I have never seen so many police and secret service people in one spot in real life before. Barricades were set up and people were lined up for blocks for the chance to see him. Apparently it was date night for the Obamas.
Now comes my favorite part of the day. I got to finally do a Drive By Video™. Last week, Joysann wrote about using the new Playaway system while she talked about the book she was blurbing. I never heard of it, so I found the booth and checked it out for you.
Bottom Line: Dog tired, but never happier. A huge pile of books in my room and ready to do it all over again tomorrow.
Love the Playaway, Barbara. What a cute and handy gadget! Mark’s pretty cute too…hope you kids had fun!
The Playaway would be a great gift, too! Something to remember this coming Christmas. Like Magdalena, I hope you and Mark had fun.
Thanks, Barbara, for your report from the trenches.
Thanks for the blog Barb! Where do we send the contributions for shipping/hauling all those books back?!!
Good morning Barbara! Do you need a chaperone for you & Mark from Playaway? The Milw. Journal showed the Obamas leaving on Air Force 1 for their date nite in NYC! Dinner & a play! You were that close!!
Barbara ~~ It was such a delight to meet you in perso at BEA and to be part of your entourgae! You are such a star attraction to all who love books Can’t wait till our paths can cross again ~~~ Mary B
Oh what a wonderful experience! It’s so great to read about BEA through your eyes, Ms Vey, thank you.
Fun video Barbara! So nice to see you and Marjorie Liu in NY. Mary Buckham and I really enjoyed our first BEA . We met lots of great librarians and booksellers. Of course, Mary knows everyone so I got to meet Deborah Schneider from the Kings County Library System in the PNW – where Mary and I are excited to be speaking in June. Can’t wait to hear what trouble you found on Sunday after we left.
Oops – that last post was from me – Dianna Love. I was on Sherri’s computer and forgot to change the name. Can you tell I need to get some rest? toodles….
Muffins with books, what a great idea:)
I’m so happy you got to attend. I was reading an article about the BEA in today’s Washington Post. I was so close, but so far away to attend.
Barb – you really do know how to find all the good books. Glad we could hang with you while you cruised through BEA.
Barbara I’m a huge fan of The Playaway too. I wrote about them on my blog too before BEA. My library has them. I kept bringing people over to their booth to show them off. What a winner!
It was such fun to see you…and yes, my stash of books is also an embarrassment of riches. Wasn’t it terrific, though, to be around all those people who really care about books? And to meet people who you’ve become friends with on line?
Barbara you are so funny! I loved that little player. Very cool. And it was great to walk around BEA with you! I think we ended up with nearly a dozen free books by the end of the day. BEA was a huge bit of fun this year!
Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Bill Dickey is learning me his experience.” by Lawrence Peter Berra.
Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!”To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.” by Sren Aaby Kierkegaard.
That is really fascinating, You’re an overly professional blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for in the hunt for extra of your excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks!