It. Was. MOBBED.
People were threaded through every aisle in the bookstore, waiting for up to two hours, all to have their books stamped by Suzanne Collins.
There were over 600 people that got copies of Mockingjay (or Hunger Games) stamped. It would have been many more, but the bookstore only gave out the 600 wristbands, and everyone was limited to getting one book signed.
Sigh.
Although it was disappointing to not have a signature, the stamp was pretty cool. (Poor Suzanne has a hand injury and I can only imagine how exhausted she must be doing this tour.)
Supposedly, the stamp will be destroyed after the tour is complete.
The wait was long … I could only get one book stamped … and I only had about 4.5 seconds to fan-girl over Suzanne. I managed to tell her I was a fan and a writer and loved her craft, and she graciously said, “Good luck with your writing.”
Having a majorly talented author that I’m crushing on wish me luck? That, my friends, made it all worthwhile! 🙂
See that stamped copy of Mockingjay in the picture? Win it here.
This was more of an event than a signing. I’ve been to author signings before where there was much more interaction with the author (because they weren’t mobbed).
Do you go to author signings? What do you enjoy about them? Would you do signings if you were published?
Would I do signings if I were published (in book form considering I already have some books out as ebooks)?
Hell yeah!
Oh, you're soo lucky! I've never lived close enough to go to a signing of any of my favourite authors! They just don't get to small-town Canada very often 😉
Oh, how very cool! I usually don't go to book signings, but only because we don't get a lot of authors doing them around where I live.
@Nicole I think book signings are a great way to meet readers, but I think only the big authors are sent on book tours anymore? So, you're kinda on your own.
@DL Being in Chicago, we do get a few coming through! At the end of the month, Scott Westerfeld is going to be here! *more fangirling*
@Jennifer I think there's a lot less than there were in the past, but I'm not sure why. Don't book stores make money when you bring in customers? Or do customers just not come?
I've never been to a book signing, although I want to! I think I'd be too shy to talk to the authors themselves — I'd just ask for my book signed and cower behind a bookshelf while staring at them with a stalkerish fan-girl gleam in my eye.
Every one seems to be touring in the east coast right now. 🙁 The closest I've had to me was a book signing in Phoenix, and that was too far away. :/
But anyway, that is SO COOL that you got to meet Suzanne Collins! I'm so jealous! 😀
Awesome story! Sounds like a great experience. I love going to book signings. 🙂
Book signings? Um, no. Not anymore. They're wonderful if you're a celebrity author, definitely, but a nobody like myself? *and I say that without a trace of bitterness* No, they are not worth it, unless you can invite a lot of friends and family and have a party at the bookstore. In that case, they are fun!
Cute pic and great post. 🙂
Never been. Would love to go someday but probably would avoid something of this scale. Just too shy to be around all those people.
@Kristina Don't be shy! Authors love fans. Seriously. They kinda live for them.
@Shallee Even the waiting in line part was pretty cool, since I got to talk to other fans. 🙂
@KarenG I know what you mean! And a party at the bookstore sounds almost worth it! 🙂
@Leisha Thanks for stopping by!
@Matthew You?? Shy? Never would have guessed that. It was a LOT of people, but also fun. And most author signings are nothing like this.
It is too nice of you to give that away!! Oh my goodness. I'm crushing too. If there was a call for me to do signings? Of course! I only wish.. 😀
@Lisa I got the big prize of meeting her! Do kinda wish I could keep the book, though. 🙂
We used to get a lot of big-name authors here in Charlotte for our annual Novello festival. They did a lot of signings and were always gracious. The budget crisis has killed that this year, unfortunately. However, I did travel to Raleigh last year to see Rick Riordan. He was amazing–signed books for 2 1/2 hours and was genuinely glad to see every single fan. Scott Westerfeld is coming to Raleigh on the 22nd and he's going to visit the school where our brother guy reading bloggers at the SMS Guys Read blog attend. (did I tell you this already? signs of age advancing)
Seems like lately all I'm doing is going to book signings. First it was the Smart Chicks Tour, then there was one with Sophie Jordan, Aprilynn Pike, and Kierstin White. I'm going to two more signings this month. Crazy Crazy how many authors are all of a sudden deciding to go on tour. It is great though to meet them and hear what they have to say about their book(s) and learn a little about them.
@Carl You did tell me, but now my readers know too! I can't wait to go to Westerfeld's signing when he comes to my area. And he's a top notch guy for doing the school visit!!
@Alexa It's interesting to hear so many new (Kierstin is a debut this year) authors are doing tours now! Hmmm…I'll have to rethink that this might be a thing of the past …
Just started The Hunger Games – can't put it down – looks like I'll have to hurry if I stand a chance at reading the other two (I have both and we are letting friends borrow them).
I have only been to a library sponsored event with authors signing books so not so crazy – I love that they will do book signings but this sounds like mayhem.
@Capability Ah, you are just getting sucked into the Hunger Games madness! 🙂 And I hadn't thought about libraries sponsoring book signings, but that sounds pretty cool, especially for local authors. 🙂
I'd go to more if they were closer. I'd have to drive a couple hours. Maybe when my kids are older? They sound like fun.
I've been to a few signings. The biggest mob scene was Maggie Stiefvater and THAT was definitely an event.
I love going to author signings. It's fun to see that they're regular people like you and me – even though we already know that deep down. 😉
SO COOL, Susan! And how fun–I would love to go to something like that for a write I love. Yay! :o)