I was totally excited when I heard that Sherrilyn Kenyon was going to be signing copies of her new book in Seattle. I've been anxiously awaiting this book. So, I took time off work, convinced my sisters to take a road trip with me and we set out to drive across the state of Washington for a girls weekend.
After a 5 hour car drive, we arrive to the booksigning and discover a huge crowd... and that there is going to be a talk before the signing begins. Now, I like these books a lot, but I really didn't care that there was going to be a discussion (and some question and answer time). I just wanted my book signed. 45 minutes or so later (about 7:30ish) the signing began. And it moved soooo very slow. When we got to the bookstore, we were given cards for our place in line (I was 125). By 9:00 they were only up to number 80 and I was fading fast seeing as I was up with the sun. So, I totally gave up and went back to the hotel because there was no way that I could sit (on the floor) around for at least another hour for them to get to me.
I totally understand that Sherrilyn was taking the time to talk to her fans, but it was making for a really long evening by not speeding up the signing process. I'm bummed that I didn't get a chance to say hi and get my book signed. I'm upset that I feel like I wasted several hours of my life waiting around a bookstore for a signature that never happened. I'm just thankful that while the booksigning was the original reason for the trip... it's not the sole reason and the weekend won't be a total loss.
On the plus side... as soon as I can pry the book out of my sister's hands, I'll be reading the book and I can't wait to finally read Acheron's story!
After a 5 hour car drive, we arrive to the booksigning and discover a huge crowd... and that there is going to be a talk before the signing begins. Now, I like these books a lot, but I really didn't care that there was going to be a discussion (and some question and answer time). I just wanted my book signed. 45 minutes or so later (about 7:30ish) the signing began. And it moved soooo very slow. When we got to the bookstore, we were given cards for our place in line (I was 125). By 9:00 they were only up to number 80 and I was fading fast seeing as I was up with the sun. So, I totally gave up and went back to the hotel because there was no way that I could sit (on the floor) around for at least another hour for them to get to me.
I totally understand that Sherrilyn was taking the time to talk to her fans, but it was making for a really long evening by not speeding up the signing process. I'm bummed that I didn't get a chance to say hi and get my book signed. I'm upset that I feel like I wasted several hours of my life waiting around a bookstore for a signature that never happened. I'm just thankful that while the booksigning was the original reason for the trip... it's not the sole reason and the weekend won't be a total loss.
On the plus side... as soon as I can pry the book out of my sister's hands, I'll be reading the book and I can't wait to finally read Acheron's story!
Edited on 8-10-08 to add that the trip was fun. I met a friend who I'd met online and spent some time with him. Did a lot of shopping with my sisters (and managed not to break the bank)... and I got a tattoo (*gasp*). The symbols stand for "older sister". Both of my sisters got tats that have other sister symbols. Mines more elaborate since I figured I was going to get my one and only tattoo, it'd better be pretty. So, I added my favorite flower and color (purple tulip) to the design. Oh and Sharon finished the 700 page book on the car ride home and she's loved it.
Hi, Jen
I find that sometimes, as a reader, I get agitated with the author for taking so much time with their readers. Then I want to talk to another author and wish they would take more time with their readers. *grin*
As an author, I don't want to shove the people past me. I want to give them some of my time as they are the ones who are buying the book. Yet I don't want to spend too much time with one person.
It is a fine line we authors walk when it comes to book signings and the time we spend.
Blessings
Sue
Sue, I completely understand that there's a fine line. It was more the fact that there were a lot of people there and the line was just moving so slow. It probably didn't help that I'd be driving most of the day to get there... so I wasn't in the greatest of moods anyway.
Now I just need to find out if Sherrilyn signs book plates, since I feel slightly gypped from the whole thing. :(
I know how you feel. I went to a workshop in Minnesota one year. By the time the author was ready to sign books I had been up 27 hours, had driven 9 hours to my friend's house and then 2 hours to the workshop. I had another 2 hours drive back to my girlfriend's before I could even 'think' about sleep.
However, I believe everything works out for a reason. Perhaps we don't know what that reason is until later, if at all.
I am glad you were able to salvage the rest of the trip. Love your tattoo!
Blessings
Sue
Oh, that is a huge bummer! I had an opposite experience a few years back. I drove a couple hours to meet my long-time favorite only to find she rushed through the crowd, didn't hardly smile or chat at all, and would sign nothing more than her name on a book. It turned me off from reading her entirely.
Hopefully you will get to meet Sherrilyn another day soon and much closer to your home. I am also reading a book by her right now, btw. :)
I think I was extremely lucky that she was even in the Seattle area. The next closest places that an author (who wasn't local) might go sign would be Portland or Boise. Mayvbe someday I'll be able to make it to RWA or RT or some other big signing. Oh well.
Jen,
Love the tattoo! Since my Mom's passing, I have been thinking more and more about getting a small tattoo in her honor. I just can't decide what to get or where.
Sorry to hear you didn't have the greatest experience at the book signing. I've never been to one, so I wouldn't know what to expect.
At the very least, you got to spend some quality time with your sisters.
-jessica