BEA and Other Ramblings

I have no idea what to write about so I think if I just ramble on, something will come to me. That's usually how my novel writing process goes. I am completely out of coffee so I can not be held accountable for whatever falls out of my mouth today.

As you may have heard from our previous posts, (and tweets and facebook statuses) Valerie and I attended BEA on Wednesday. And we're hoping that next year all three of us will be able to attend together! Unfortunately we weren't able to attend the panels at BEA, aside from the very inspiring author breakfast, hosted by Sarah Ferguson (yes that one). And I apparently live in a cave because I didn't know who she was until Valerie told me.

I posted a recap about BEA on my personal blog and I'm sure you can read more about it on Valerie's blog as well. All in all we had a great time and we met some of our favorite authors and people in the publishing industry, including Elizabeth Law of Egmont and Andrew Karre of Carolrhoda books.

If you ever get the chance to go, I highly suggest it. And best if you get a three day pass. We were kicking ourselves for only going on Wednesday.

One conclusion that can be drawn from Book Expo America, is that the industry is thriving even in our cruddy economic state. People still love books! And publishers are still producing quality literature. Makes me feel very optimistic about our futures as YA authors.

Did you attend BEA? Have anything you'd like to share about the future of the book industry?

Book Expo America!

OMG! I forgot to blog on Thursday!!! Eeek! But I'm here now, so it's okay. Whew! Sorry.

Book Expo America's new mid-week dates are fast approaching and I am stoked! In part because a certain Sister is coming to visit! And my book blogging, beta reading, 2009 book expo buddy, Jess! Will also be making an appearance! Conferences and book fairs are always a ton of fun, and BEA is one of the best.

Last year was my first time attending, and I was not at all prepared. I was lost, confused and befuddled for most of the time I was there. And I was late, so I had already missed all the freebies (and who doesn't love free books?). Still, I finally got to meet Jess in person and I also met Maggie Stiefvater for the very first time. I saw super-agent Andrea Brown from a distance, but I didn't think I'd have anything constructive to say to her so I just awed from the corner.

This year I think I'm prepared! I have business cards ready! A giant tote bag! And I plan to get there BEFORE 8am! The place opens at 9, I think, but I want to attend the Children's Book Author Breakfast!

If you don't know what BEA is, visit their website for more information. It is a trade only event, meaning it is not open to the public, but if you're a book blogger, you may be in luck!! Book bloggers can register for a FREE press badge! But badges are subject to approval so don't try to fool them. If you say you're a book blogger, be a book blogger.

And if you plan on attending this year, let us know and maybe we'll see each other!