Sana's BEA 2014 Write Up

So before BEA Jessica and I got together and had a talk.  We both agreed that we were going to have a different game plan this year.  We realized that since we are from the same blog there is no reason for us to pick up the same books.  Plus recently we've both had different reading taste.  For example I've been reading and reviewing contemporary and sci fi books.  And Jessica fantasy and paranormal.  Sometimes there are some that we both are interested in and have to decide who gets to review it.  For example we both wanted Anna Carey's Blackbird and Amy Ewing's The Jewel  (I am reviewing Blackbird and Jessica is reviewing The Jewel).  Bottom line is, we don't want to be greedy.



So after doing some research on what books we knew would be there, Jess made an amazing spreadsheet filled with the author signings and galley drop times.  (Thanks to Hannah from The Irish Banana for helping with the spreadsheet!)  We each wrote our names next to each book that we wanted, and from there teamwork ensued.

Now Jess had a family commitment and couldn't attend BEA on Thursday.  So my day started kind of lonely without her.  But first up for me was the Harlequin Teen Blogger Breakfast.  This was a blast.  Harlequin had several of their authors, along with editors and publicists.  We started with a 5 minute round robin.  Where each member from Harlequin would sit at each table, and we got to ask them questions about pretty much anything.  This was exciting for me because recently I've been interested in possibly going back to school.  So I can possibly find a job in book publishing.  The answers we received were very informative and helpful.  We also received a very cool goodie bag with books from the authors that were in attendance.  I was super excited to give Jess Jennifer Armentrout's Stone Cold Touch!  Because I know that was one of the books she most wanted.

Next up, I hit the floor to meet my favorite childhood author Ann M.  Martin.  This was such a surreal experience for me.  I loved the Babysitter's Club books when I was in elementary school.  I teared up as I told Ann that her books helped me so much growing up.  That being a woman of color I loved how diverse her characters were.  I was slightly bummed that she wasn't taking posed photos, but I respect her decision.

Ann signing my copy of Rain Reign!

The rest of the day went pretty quickly.  Since I did BEA last year, I knew what to expect, and when I should get in line for signings.

A.S. King I may or may not have gushed about how much I loved Reality Boy!

Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian!  Can we be friends?

That night I briefly stopped by the Macmillan Blogger party.  Thanks to Macmillan for setting that up.  It was fun to see fellow bloggers letting loose.

Friday was a big day for me.  It was also the day I was really nervous about.  I had my first in person author interview with two authors that I'd been a fan of for a very long time.  Christina Lauren.  Now I've been a fan of them since they wrote fanfiction.  So I was extremely nervous to not only finally meet them, but also to interview them.  Their awesome publicist Kristin, set up a meeting time before BEA Friday morning.  And once I walked into the room, I immediately relaxed.  These girls are such fun!  I had a great time interviewing them, and I felt like I could talk to them forever.  Afterwards I raced upstairs to the exhibit hall so I could get in line to get a copy of their new YA book Sublime.  Which was the book I most wanted from BEA.

Me and Christina Lauren!!

Afterwards I stuck to my schedule like glue.  And this is where I really can thank Jess for her brilliant organizing skills.  I was able to bounce around with no problems.  Also we had some awesome teamwork. Jess knew how much I wanted Blackbird, so she held my spot in line while I was in line for another book. Now when I say hold spot, I mean hold spot.  Once I got there, Jess left the line.  I know line cutting is a huge issue at BEA, and it sucks when you don't get the book you want because people are holding spot for friends.

Anna Carey!  Notice how I am clinging to Blackbird?

That night, Jess and I went to Books of Wonder for an amazing YA signing.  One of my absolutel favorites Gretchen McNeil was there.  Plus we were really excited to meet AG Howard.  Also Maggie Stiefvater stood on a table.   And it was here that I finally told Jennifer Armentrout that I own several of her books, but I haven't read one.  But I promised I would this year.  From there we decided that this was be the year of JLA!

Maggie Stiefvater stands on a table...like a boss!

Saturday Jess was invited to Bloomsbury's blogger breakfast.  So I got to return the favor for her holding my spot in line for Blackbird.  Since Jess was at the breakfast, she knew it was a possibility she wouldn't be able to get a ticket for Jennifer Armentrout's signing for The Return.  Which I know she really wanted.  So after finally snagging one of those lovely Harper Teen bags that I was envious of everyone I saw the past 2 days. I skedaddled over to Spencer Hill's table and got her ticket for her.

2014 The year of JLA!

My plan for Saturday was always to do panels.  I knew Book Con was debuting, and that it would be more crowded than last year's Power Readers Day.  As someone who has experience with big cons such as San Diego Comic, I knew what to expect.  So my goal was to stay off of the Exhibit Hall as much as possible.

Alex London and Veronica Roth

I got to see some awesome panels, such as Alex London and Veronica Roth's Q&A.  (I stole my friend Nikki's awesome camera, so I could take some high quality pics.)  And the New Adult paranormal panel. Unfortunately I didn't make it in the The Fault In Our Stars panel.  But no worries!  I was able to meet John Green a few days later.  That adventure will be in another post!  I do think Book Con was a success, but it'll need a lot of fine tuning for next year.  I hope Reedpop takes the feedback from fans.  I know some were confused as to why only half the exhibit hall was open to the public.  Also more room will be needed for autographing area.  Seriously it was way too over crowded.

Even with it's slight disorganization.  Book Con really proved that authors are indeed rock stars.  The amount of people that showed up made me so happy.  My friend told me that Holly Black was swarmed by book lovers when she walked into Javits.  That in itself is awesome.

Holly Black is totally a rock star!

I feel so lucky to have been able to attend BEA the past 2 years.  I know sometimes people hear horror stories about attending, but honestly as long as you plan ahead and pick up books that you actually have an interest in reading.  It's so much fun!  Being surrounded by people who love books as much as I do is always a blast.  Also don't get bummed if you miss a book, you can always pick up a copy when it's released.

My book haul!