Book Buzz 2013 – oh what a night!

I am exhausted! I am writing this during my lunch hour on Monday afternoon after a long, four-day weekend which, for once, actually felt long!  It started last Wednesday evening, the night before Book Buzz 2013, the author mix and mingle I organized along with seven other authors in New York City. 

Pre-Buzzing – After work on Wednesday, I was at Starbucks, writing my 4th novel (it’s already 20 pages!) when I received an email from my friend and fellow author, Francine LaSala.  She asked what I was up to as Jen Tucker, another friend and fellow author, had arrived from her hometown of Indiana and had checked into her hotel in NYC for Book Buzz and the Book Expo America Conference (BEA”) which had commenced that day at the Jacob Javits Center.  They were going to get a drink and asked if I wanted to join.  After years of tweeting, “Facebooking” and corresponding via email, I had met Francine face-to-face for the first time a few weeks earlier while we were planning Book Buzz.  I had never met Jen although we, too, were already “virtual” friends.  I headed over to Jen’s hotel both excited and a little nervous to meet in person.  The second I got there, I already felt like I had known these women for years which I basically had.  Francine made a joke about peeing in Jen’s hotel bathroom and jumping onto her bed within about five minutes of meeting her. I basically did the same thing because we were just that comfortable.  We decided to go out for a drink and I felt like such a “local” as I led the others to the closest strip of bars.  After entering and leaving one bar at once when it was just too loud, we found a sports bar more suitable for conversation and got a table in the back. We talked about everything – writing, reading, diet and exercise habits, sports, the upcoming event etc. and had lots of laughs over a drink, but Jen had been traveling, Francine had spent all afternoon at BEA and I had worked all day.  We were tired and decided to call it an early night since Book Buzz was the following evening.

The Wall of Balls

The Wall of Balls

Sam – I woke up on Thursday morning totally excited about the event but also completely stoked because author Samantha Stroh Bailey (“Sam”) would be arriving that morning from her hometown in Toronto and we had plans to meet up for brunch.  Francine was awesome enough to pick Sam up from the airport and then they were going to drop by my apartment.  I have been emailing Sam almost daily for almost a year and I couldn’t wait to actually meet her in person.  Like Francine and Jen, Sam did not disappoint.  She is as witty and down-to-Earth offline as she is online and within a few seconds, I once again forgot that we had just met.  After heading over to Stone Creek Bar & Lounge where the event was being held to drop off our books and swag, Francine had to run to the conference but Sam had time to have lunch with me. It was so great to chat with her without a computer between us but, alas she had an appointment at the Kobo table at the conference and so I put her in a cab and headed back to my apartment to get ready for the party.  I even got my hair blown out for the occasion!  A place called Dry Bar that specializes solely in blow outs opened across the street from my apartment and I had been dying for an excuse to get my hair done there.  I couldn’t think of a better occasion than Book Buzz 2013!   

Almost time – All dressed up, I waited for a cab to take me to Sam’s hotel for a pre-event drink.  No cabs came.  Correction, many cabs drove by, but they were either occupied or off duty.  After ten minutes of waiting on the street corner worrying that I was going to sweat through my dress (it was HOT), I met a couple also waiting for a cab.  When I told them I was headed to my author party, they offered to help me find a cab first.  After another ten minutes of waiting in vain for a yellow cab, we finally hailed down a gypsy cab and the three of us decided to take it together.  The couple would not accept my money and simply wished me congratulations on the party and to have a great time.  If you two are reading this, THANK YOU.  I finally made it to Sam’s hotel, got in the elevator and pressed the button for the Penthouse (Sam is fancy like that…), and nothing happened.  Oops, no one told me I needed a key for the elevator!  Take two, I finally made it up to Sam’s hotel room where we exchanged compliments “You look great!”, “No, YOU look great!”, “WE look great.”  And we did.  Time for the party.

The Event – After walking to the event (still couldn’t find a cab), we finally made it to Stone Creek Bar & Lounge where we were greeted by authors Lucie Simone and Eileen Goudge.  I had participated in several promotions with Lucie and read her books and was very excited to meet her.  And Eileen Goudge, well, who wouldn’t be excited to meet a New York Times best-selling author, especially one as kind and open as Eileen?  They were both beautiful and charming and I am happy to report that while I did not get to spend too much time with them during the event, we got to know each other better later in the weekend.  Cari Kamm arrived next, looking absolutely stunning.  I had met her once before when we were planning the event and since she’s local, I hope to hang out with her again.  Anyone who attended Book Buzz can thank Cari for the Pink Stiletto cocktail as she was responsible for getting us the liquor sponsor from Shpilka Vodka.  Jen Tucker had trouble getting a cab but made it shortly thereafter and then came Heather Thurmeier.  I had an opportunity to chat with Heather later in the evening and after getting to know her better cannot wait to start reading her Bachelor-inspired novel, Falling for You, which is newly downloaded on my Kindle!   Last but not least was blogger, Julie Valerie who worked her tail off during the event.  While the rest of us mixed and mingled, Julie stood watch by our books and handled all of our sales.  She also promoted the hell out of the event ahead of time.  I was very excited to meet Julie.  Not only does she crack me up with her tweets on a daily basis, but she is so supportive of the chick lit genre, writing book reviews and organizing blog hops, and I wanted to express my gratitude in person for everything she has done. 

With Heather Thurmeier

With Heather Thurmeier

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Now that everyone was in the house, it was time to party and we sure did!  The turnout surpassed my expectations and I had so much fun mingling with readers, bloggers, other authors and industry people alike.  I had several friends attend and I am so thankful for their support and hope they had a great time as well and maybe discovered a few more authors. Although I obviously hoped to sell books, I was more excited to simply connect with our guests.  Everyone was so friendly and engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed my role as one of the co-hosts as I made my rounds through the bar.  One of our co-sponsors, Diversion Books, was generous enough to buy several platters of appetizers but I was too busy chatting to eat anything.  I must confess that I was nervous about meeting so many people and concerned that I would be shy but for several reasons, that did not happen.  I can probably blame some of it on the Pink Stiletto cocktail that I drowned before the guests arrived.  Also, I felt very pretty in my new dress and high heeled shoes, especially with my hair professionally blown out with loose curls!  Additionally, it was just so easy to converse with our friendly and enthusiastic guests and my bubbly co-hosts.  Finally, although I have two published novels and one in contract, that night I truly felt like a “real” author for the first time.   Perhaps it was seeing paperback copies of my books on display and spying several people actually purchase them.  Maybe it was the continuously running slide show that Francine’s husband created with photos of all eight authors, our book covers and blurbs from reviews.  Whatever the reason, I felt like it was my night to shine and I wasn’t going to waste it feeling shy or bashful.  I savored every moment.  Before I knew it, people were saying their goodbyes, many of them with our books in their oversized handbags. After speaking to several guest authors, I also left with a list of books to download on Amazon.  After the event officially ended, a few of the authors went home with promises to keep in touch and do it again the following year but several of us stuck around for a bit – partially because we were too tired to motivate to leave!  With achy feet (and cuts on my toes from my new shoes), I collapsed on a couch in a corner of the bar, along with Sam, Francine, Jen and Julie and we exchanged stories about our evenings and continued getting to know each other.  I can’t remember what we talked about anymore but I definitely remember laughing – a lot!!  I was not, however, laughing as I walked home with swollen feet and a huge bag of books later but it was so worth it!

This awesome woman bought all of our books!

This awesome woman bought all of our books!

Cheers!

Cheers!

 

The best part – I got to see most of the authors the following night for dinner at Eileen Goudge’s apartment!  And after that further unforgettable bonding experience, I got to have brunch with Sam and Lucie on Saturday morning and attend BEA with Sam that afternoon.  (Thank you Francine for lending me your identity for the day!) And finally, I had one last dinner with Sam and my friend Hilda on Saturday night.  Over drinks at the bar, we became friendly with the bartender who promised to buy our books and even write reviews on Amazon – not bad for a night out!  As tired and anxious as I was for my head to hit the pillow on Saturday night, it was bitter sweet because the weekend had truly come to an end.  The weekend we had been planning tirelessly for months was really over. 

Then again, that was Book Buzz 2013.  Now we can look forward to Book Buzz 2014! Who’s in?

30 Comments

  1. Melissa on June 4, 2013 at 2:31 am

    I enjoyed living vicariously through you and can see why you and the other authors got along so well. You’re all so nice! Thanks for such a fun post!

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      You’re welcome Melissa – so glad you enjoyed the post!

  2. Lucie Simone (@LucieSimone) on June 4, 2013 at 2:39 am

    It was so much fun! I’m so glad we got to meet in real life & I can’t wait to do it again!

  3. Patricia Mann on June 4, 2013 at 2:41 am

    Thanks so much for sharing all this, Meredith! I’ve been so excited for all of you and couldn’t wait to read about how everything went! I love how you all connected so naturally in person and felt that same comfort and affinity that we’ve all developed with one another online. I felt the same way when I met up with fellow chicklit goddess Shelly Hickman while I was in Las Vegas. We chatted nonstop as if we’d known each other for years! Glad you didn’t feel shy – I sometimes struggle with that too. But all the women authors in our community are always so open and inclusive, I figured everyone would be able to let loose and be completely authentic and it sure seems that’s what happened (with the help of those yummy looking pink stilettos)! The stories about Book Buzz have inspired us all so much we’re talking about the possibility of replicating what you did here in Los Angeles. Maybe you’d like to take a trip to LA to join us? 🙂

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      I would love to join you guys in LA! Not sure I can swing the next couple of months but next year is a real possibility. Glad you and Shelly were able to connect the way I did with the NYC Book Buzz ladies 🙂

  4. Martha Reynolds on June 4, 2013 at 2:52 am

    What a great post! I felt as if I was on a whirlwind with you, Meredith. And the reference to aching feet and cut toes – oh, what we won’t do to wear a fabulous pair of shoes! So good to see a couple of photos of all these wonderful authors. <3

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      Glad you liked the post, Martha. Thanks for stopping by! And my feet feel better finally…

  5. Laura Chapman on June 4, 2013 at 3:01 am

    It sounds like you had so much fun. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. You ladies did such a good job setting the bar with this inaugural event, I have no doubts the sequel will be just as fabulous!

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Thanks Laura! I’m sure all events to follow will be as equally fabulous.

  6. Kaley Stewart (@KaleyS23) on June 4, 2013 at 3:07 am

    Ah, I’m so glad you wrote such a detailed post! I wish I could have gone so I’ll just hope I have the funds and ability to make it to next year’s party! 🙂

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      I wish you had been there too, Kaley! Next year 🙂

  7. Jackie Bouchard on June 4, 2013 at 3:57 am

    Thanks for sharing all the details. SO wish I could have been there. (I would have been worried about being shy too – glad that wasn’t a problem for you!) Sounds like it was an amazing night! Hopefully I can make the next one. (Bummer about the taxi situation. And I have no idea what a gypsy cab is!)

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      haha, I think a Gypsy Cab is one that is not affiliated with any particular company so they can charge whatever the heck they want. And they do. I very rarely take one unless I am desperate. I was desperate and sweating that night!

  8. Tracie Banister on June 4, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Well, now I feel like I was there! 🙂 Thanks for the fun, detailed report, Meredith. I want to go to Dry Bar and get a blowout; your hair looked fab-u-lous and I’m sure that that was no small feat with it being so darn hot in NYC last week. Oh, and I’m with Jackie, I have no idea what a gypsy cab is!

    I am super impressed with how well-planned and executed this event was. So cool to see all of you put your heads together, pool your resources, and have your months of hard work culminate in such a wonderful evening! And, of course, I’m not at all surprised to hear that all of my Chick Lit writer friends are just as awesome in the real world as they are in the virtual one.

    I really do hope to make it to Book Buzz 2014 as I’m sure it will be an absolute blast! (I’m rooting for Chicago or Vegas as a locale. Heck, even Miami if you want to keep it on the East Coast.)

    Congrats to you and all the other BB ladies on a smashing success!

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      Hmm, Miami might be nice too! See my explanation above for Gypsy Cabs 🙂 Thanks for the congrats. Looking forward to hopefully meeting you next year!

  9. Marlene Roberts Engel on June 4, 2013 at 11:43 am

    You all looked like you had a great time. I look forward to attending next year!

  10. Samantha Stroh Bailey on June 4, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Reading this brought me right back to one of the most incredible weekends in my life. I’ll never forget the first moment I saw everyone because an instant connection like that is rare. You took such good care of me in NYC, and you have become one of my closest friends. You are as beautiful, kind and funny in person, and I miss you! I wish I were truly that fancy to always stay in the penthouse. But, you’ve got to celebrate turning 40, and I did! I love you, Meri.

    Samantha Stroh Bailey

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:53 pm

      I am soooo glad I was able to help you ring in the fabulous forties. And you are TRULY fabulous Sam. I love you. XOXO.

  11. Brea Brown on June 4, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    So. Much. Fun! Am going to sell one of my children so I can afford to go wherever BookBuzz 2014 happens to be.

    • meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 2:54 pm

      Haha. Not sure I can encourage that barter but I would definitely love to meet you in person at Book Buzz 2014!

  12. Francine LaSala's Clippings In The Shed on June 4, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Fantastic coverage of a magical weekend! It’s so surreal that we pulled this off and it was such a smashing success. I’m so glad we’re still in the same city! (See you Wed.) 🙂

  13. meredithgschorr on June 4, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Glad you liked the post, Francine. I’m very glad we are both in New York too – see you Wednesday!

  14. Libby Mercer on June 4, 2013 at 8:38 pm

    LOVE this post!!! I’m getting so excited just reading about it, I can totally imagine the fabulous energy that must have been in the air that weekend! I’m totally in for next year. 😀

    • meredithgschorr on June 5, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      You would have had a blast and we would have LOVED you to be there. We passed out your “swag” so hopefully you got some sales out of it 🙂

  15. Cat Lavoie on June 4, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    What a great post, Meredith!! The next best thing to actually being there! 🙂 I’m so glad you ladies had a great time and I am BEYOND excited that BookBuzz isn’t going to be a one-time thing! Next year! 🙂

    • meredithgschorr on June 5, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks, Cat! Hopefully I’ll get to meet you next year 🙂 And hopefully your 2nd book will be out by then!!

  16. julievalerie1 on June 6, 2013 at 4:01 am

    What an absolute gift it was to meet everyone and party together in NYC at this awesome event. I was so thrilled to be able to help everyone that night – although, I wouldn’t say I was working that hard – everyone kept feeding me those delicious “Pink Stiletto” drinks! 🙂

    • meredithgschorr on June 6, 2013 at 8:33 pm

      You deserved each “Pink Stiletto” we fed to you. But I’m glad that it didn’t feel too much like work and that you had as awesome a night as we did!

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