Author Event: Meeting Cassandra Clare & Michelle Hodkin

I got the chance to meet Cassandra Clare (for the third time) and Michelle Hodkin (for the first time) in Bethesda, MD on December 8, 2011. So, third time is a charm - you know that saying? Yeah, its totally legit. This was my third time meeting the always wonderful Cassandra Clare but I have to say this was my best experience, hands down. She took so much time with each person, she made a point to have a conversation with me. It was amazing. When I met her in NYC two days before this appearance I didn't get to say anything besides a simple Thank You. It was a bit of a letdown, if I'm being honest. It's not her fault, per say. She was talking to the girl in front of me (about her hair dye and how the box was in spanish, it was an entertaining conversation, I'll give her that) and I felt kind of rushed at this signing. (Though, there were a lot of people there, so its understandable) At this signing, the wait didn't seem long (I met some amazing people in line, so it was a lot of fun to talk about different books and such) and when I got up to her, I had plenty of time to tell her what I thought of Clockwork Prince (like the fact that I dropped it multiple times from shock) and then we talked about the Hunger Games, Julie Kagawa and her Iron Fey series...and just talked about books. It was nice, it was relaxing and it was probably the best book signing I've gone to, yet.

Now before I even get to the part where I met Michelle, let's back it up to when they came out to talk about themselves, their books and answer audience questions. I was surprised not to hear any questions regarding the movie or the status of the movie, which is good because she talked about that at the NYC signing. I can't even remember half the stuff she talked about, I do remember how she wanted to make her readers cry. She went back and rewrote and rewrote that 'scene' until she made Holly Black cry like a little baby, then she thought it was heartbreaking enough. (I, personally, never cried so does that make me heartless?) I wish I remembered more, but I was getting over bronchitis and was on a lot of medicine and I really should've written this as soon as I got home. So for that, I apologize. It really wasn't anything she hasn't said on twitter or stuff you can't find on the internet so nothing juicy, sorry! Michelle was definitely interesting but she had trouble talking about some things because a lot of the fans there hadn't read her book and you obviously don't want to spoil your book to potential readers.

Now, let's fast forward back to meeting Michelle Hodkin! She was busy doing an interview with a blog site (I wish I remember which site, I'm sorry!) and so the guy told me just to go up to her. I didn't feel comfortable doing that. I didn't want to interrupt their interview so I stood next to Cassie while I waited for her to come over. She didn't see me so she sat down waiting and then turned to me and was such a sweet person. (Not to mention Cassie was like "This is Jessica, she's so sweet" Awwwww) I can't even tell you how much fun it was meeting her. I talked to her for what felt like 5 minutes about her book, about Twilight (she's Team Edward and I'm Team Jacob ;) lol), about twitter and about our ages. (She thought I was in high school! My jaw hit the ground lol) This was seriously the best book signing I've gone to.

I so appreciate Cassandra Clare taking the time to talk to each of us, let us tell you how much we love what you write and just how awesome you. I especially want to thank Michelle Hodkin! This was my first time meeting her and it was an absolute pleasure. Authors are seriously the most friendly of people I've come across. Michelle, if you come back to Maryland area for your next book (please do!), I'll definitely be coming. Thank you both for such a great day! I look forward to seeing both of these authors again! :) If you have the opportunity to meet them, please, don't hesitate! (Also, make sure you read their books, you won't be disappointed!)

Make sure to check out my reviews on Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Prince and Michelle Hodkin's The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! Also, we're giving away an autographed copy of Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel!