Whew! I've had so much fun this week! After three years off, I returned to NYC and BEA. Book Expo America is the largest book convention in the biz, a week of awesome booksellers, publishers, authors, and other people who love books. So many reunions, so many new friends, and how amazing to have conversations with other ADULTS. I made an effort to take photos this time, so get ready for Awesome Handheld Camera Phone Slide Show.
His Former Eminence, Jon Scieszka.
MT Anderson, a gentleman, scholar, and spy. Probably. Seriously one of my favorite writers AND favorite people ever.
Five Utahns crashed into each other. Brandon Mull and wife Mary, and Tracy and Laura Hickman. Such fun kids.
Sarah J. Maas and I on the way to dinner, pretend that this is our ride.
On a roof, having a delightful conversation with Tobin "MT Hammer" Anderson (behind the camera) and John "Blue Steel" Green, this branch continually stuck in my face, lending me mystery and allure. I'm pretty sure John wished he had a branch in his face.
John and Tobin received this packed of "11 one-inch discs" in a swag bag. Yes. 11 one-inch discs. What would you use these for, you ask? What WOULDN'T you use them for? There are ELEVEN. Pure. Magic.
Come on, people. Libba Freakin' Bray. My torso twin. I kissed her cheeks and smelled her hair. Why don't I have an ARC of her new book, The Diviners? Because there is no justice in the world.
Jane Seymour! Jane is Mrs. Wattlesbrook in the Austenland movie. She was at BEA to advertise an upcoming book, and I was so happy we had 30 seconds to say hi. I love her.
My awesome, darling editor Victoria. From The Goose Girl to Palace of Stone, she's been the voice of wisdom and encouragement.
In the Bloomsbury booth, they had this awesome light box with the cover of my new book! So surreal and happy-making. Someone said I look like the cover model, so I tried to duplicate her expression.
James Dashner lives two minutes from my house, but this spring I run into him in Chicago and New York.
I love these ladies! Elizabeth & Josie from Flying Pig Bookstore in VT. Booksellers FTW.
Mo Willems trying out a Dan Santat-decorated Big Wheel at the Art Auction.
Jeff Kinney and some awesome booksellers from Hicklebees in CA. I don't know the dude in the middle, but I admire his photo sneaking skills.
In the classy backstage of the autograph area with publicist Katy and agent Barry.
Ah BEA, you were a joy. Thanks for the memories.
EDIT: I had to add my REACHED photo!
Le sigh... :D
Posted by: Christina Willson | June 07, 2012 at 07:49 AM
Shannon Hale, you are hilarious. I particularly like the photo with Tobin, who is also hilarious. But the John Green one is a close runner-up. You wear the branch well.
Posted by: Ginger J | June 07, 2012 at 08:05 AM
Too funny! You are really photogenic!
Posted by: Tess | June 07, 2012 at 08:10 AM
I just added "attend BEA" to my bucket list. :)
Posted by: SarahJennette | June 07, 2012 at 08:29 AM
And now I want a swag bag.
And to run into you at BEA. Alas, not this year....
Posted by: Robin_Weeks | June 07, 2012 at 08:50 AM
Oh my gosh, Shannon, you make the best picture faces. It looks like BEA was a blast!!
Posted by: Annie | June 07, 2012 at 09:07 AM
Thank you for cracking me up this morning with your faces. And seeing you with some of my favorite authors (don't worry, you're one of them). It's nice to see y'all acting normal, which in my interpretation would be slightly goofy.
My mom couldn't get a normal picture of me for years and years. In fact, I made so many faces growing up, that the only time my smile was normal was for school pictures and I think she bribed me to smile normally. So she was completely blown away when we got our wedding pictures back (over 10 years now) and I only had a goofy face in 2 of the 300 shots.
It's good to be silly.
Posted by: Becca | June 07, 2012 at 09:13 AM
I love John Green. I also love it when worlds collide like this.
Posted by: Laurie | June 07, 2012 at 09:39 AM
I love the photos - especially the ones with just your eye or a part of your head showing :) Looks like it was a lot of fun!
Posted by: melissa @ 1lbr | June 07, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Those pictures made me smile!
Posted by: Julia | June 07, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Oh I'm jealous!! I will have to make it to BEA one of these years. Thanks for the pictures. It made me feel like I was there. :)
Posted by: Kathryn @ Clean Teen Fiction | June 07, 2012 at 01:52 PM
You look so happy! I'm glad you had a good time. You need those experiences so that you don't lose your adult language. I think mine is down by at least 40%. My pre-teen is starting to use bigger words than I use. :D
Posted by: MelissaPete | June 07, 2012 at 03:33 PM
Oh my goodness...what fun!!!!! If the pictures are any indication of how much fun BEA is, I'M IN!!!!!!! Hahaha. Glad you had such a good time. Can't wait to read Palace of Stone!
Posted by: Karen Adair | June 07, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Thanks for the photos. I believe I was the fan who mentioned the astonishing resemblance to your face & the cover image. Thanks for the signed ARC
Posted by: Barbara Moon | June 07, 2012 at 06:22 PM
What an awesome visit! Branch=awesome.
Wish I could have been there...would have loved a Palace of Stone ARC!!
Posted by: Shelley Moore Thomas | June 07, 2012 at 09:29 PM
Wow that looks like an amazing event! I can't believe that you know John Green, you are two of my most favorite authors!
Posted by: ali | June 07, 2012 at 10:23 PM
These photos are awesome. So much fun to look at in a "wish I'd been able to go" kind of way. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kai Strand | June 08, 2012 at 09:06 AM
I want to go to BEA so bad I can't even stand it! Although I'm a total nerd when I meet authors/illustrators/people I admire, so I wouldn't have cool pictures. I would just have embarrassing stories about being a total dork in front of good authors.
Posted by: Meredith | June 08, 2012 at 09:17 AM
As amazing as all these people are...
The best part is your expressions.
Glad you have a good time!
Posted by: Miriam | June 08, 2012 at 11:47 AM
It looks like you had a great time! I loved seeing these photos. Wish I could've gone to BEA! someday, someday.
Posted by: Alysa | June 08, 2012 at 12:38 PM
I am so utterly jealous. But it's probably best I am unable to go to such things, because I'd be squealing at meeting every one of you!!
Posted by: ldsjaneite | June 08, 2012 at 08:13 PM
Looks like you had soooo much fun! Awesome! I loved them all, but the last one with the giant "Reached" book was very cool.
BEA is on my bucket list...one day! :)
Posted by: Amelia Loken | June 09, 2012 at 01:31 PM
Awesome pictures, Shannon! Now I have a sudden urge to get a red dress and go take a picture with that REACHED cover. :)
Posted by: Mckenna | June 09, 2012 at 08:24 PM
so THAT's what MT Anderson looks like.
Posted by: Lyndsey | June 09, 2012 at 08:29 PM
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Just awesome. Sounds like so much fun. I want to go someday. Bucket list. :):):) Congratulations for all of your success!
Posted by: Ashley R. | June 11, 2012 at 07:57 PM
Oh, and by the way, I love your hair in braids. It's so cute! :)
Posted by: Ashley R. | June 11, 2012 at 07:59 PM
someday... Oh, well. Glad you had a good time.
Posted by: Elle | June 13, 2012 at 10:42 PM
I love that "Five Utahns crashed into each other." It's a small world, after all!
Posted by: utahbubble.com | June 19, 2012 at 09:30 AM
Yeah I agree with the last post. Brandon Mull is one of my most favorite authors! I'd love to meet both of you!
Posted by: Lindz | June 24, 2012 at 05:41 PM