Monday, July 25, 2011

Where I've Been & Where I'm Going(!)

It's been a busy couple of weeks for me. I've been preparing to go on a bit of an exciting adventure (more about that in a bit). Plus, last week I got the chance to see not one, not two, but THREE writer friends at their book signings. Talk about inspiring! (Not to mention fun!)

First up was Maggie Stiefvater and Tessa Gratton at the Borders in Novi on July 18th. This signing was bittersweet since July 18th was also the day that Borders announced they would be closing all of their stores. Still, it was exciting; the turnout was massive. Over 200 people crammed into the seating area to hear Maggie talk. I got to see Maggie and Tess for the first time since we were all stranded in Branson this past winter, and I got to meet several other Michigan and midwest YA Authors! I failed to take a pic so I'm pointing you to this post on Tessa Gratton's blog where she has a group photo of Scott Tracey, Leah Clifford, Courtney Allison Moulton, Aimee Carter, and little 'ol me.

Here's the pics I did take though:

Me and Maggie


Me and Tess


Then on Saturday I was back in Ann Arbor for Carrie Harris' BAD TASTE IN BOYS Launch Party! We started the day with several of us writer and blogger types meeting up with Carrie and her Ninja husband for lunch. There was much laughter. And again, I was total picture fail so you'll just have to take my word for it. Carrie read a hilarious excerpt from her book - you might remember I shot a trailer for it -



She also answered questions, signed books, and served up lots of delicious homemade goodies! (Also, Carrie just might have the most adorable and well-mannered children I have ever seen.)

Me and Carrie


I also might just have a signed UK copy of BLOOD MAGIC to give away!

And now onto my big adventure! On Tuesday I'm going off to this beautiful place:

AMSTERDAM! For a WHOLE MONTH! Ever since Stephanie Perkins went to Paris to write, I've had this idea burning in the back of my mind, and finally I decided to take the plunge and GO FOR IT. So for the next month, my posts might be scarce... um, er. But hopefully that will be because I'm too busy writing and being inspired and wandering the beautiful streets of Amsterdam. I am SO excited, you have no idea. All these book signings really reinvigorated my drive to get a book out into the world. I can't wait to spend some time writing in such an awesome place. Wish me luck!

10 comments:

Jade @ Chasing Empty Pavements said...

That looks so amazing! I am jealous and so excited that you get to go to Amsterdam and be totally inspired (hopefully!). Can't wait to hear all about it!

Anonymous said...

Amsterdam!!!!

May you have a remarkable adventure, Valerie!

Valerie Kemp said...

@chasing empty pavements - Thank you!

@veschwab - Victoria! I forgot to add that your trip to England totally inspired me too! I'm so sad though, that I won't be home when the UPS man delivers my copy of The Near Witch!

Myra McEntire said...

SHAZAM! Have a fab time!

Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos} said...

OH MY GOSH. Have the best time EVER. EVEREVEREVER. I'm so happy for you--what a dream. Go get that writing done, chica!!! The August spreadsheet awaits you <3

I want to hear all about everything :)

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Oh my word, screw the blog. Have a freaking blast in Amsterdam! And write write write! What an amazing adventure. If I weren't tied down, I'd be doing the same for as long as I could wherever I could. It's going to be total Wow.

Oh my word, I was so sorry to have to miss Carrie's launch! It would have been so great to meet you guys. Keeping my fingers crossed another opportunity comes to head up that way.

Frankie Diane Mallis said...

Wow! That's so cool!

Beth S. said...

Have an awesome time in Amsterdam! I can't wait to hear what you think about this awesome city!

It was great meeting you on Saturday.

Lacey J Edwards said...

We will miss you!!!!! Have a fabulous trip, and take pics of pretty scenery (Dutch men) for us.

Anita Saxena said...

Wow. Amsterdam. So jealous. I know you'll have an amazing and productive time. I've always wanted to spend a month writing in London (the novel I'm writing takes place there). One day I hope to do it. Have a great trip!

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