I spent the weekend at Indie Mashup in Tampa this weekend. Though I had only read 3 authors on the list so far, there were about 10 authors from last year’s Wicked Book Weekend who I was dying to see again, plus it was a great excuse to meet up with some of my favorite people who I only see at signings, like Joanne, Shannon and Kerry.
After a 4 hour drive, I got in and apparently everyone was in the bar, and my favorite pickle lady, Abbie ‘Dontbeadick’ was there with some of her tasty treats from The Chill Dill. It’s strange, I am so comfortable with other readers, that I come out of my self-conscious shell and just walk up to strangers!!! And let me tell you, there was some MAJOR girl-on-girl groping going on in that bar. The guys were loving it. The girls weren’t too upset either, because we had lots of model eye candy.
It was honestly such a GREAT weekend. It seemed like the authors did well. There was a nice turn-out, and there were no big, long, sweaty lines. I may not have heard of a bunch of the authors, but I sure discovered new ones! They were so generous! Shoving signed books at me! I have 3 tote bags filled with swag. So now I’m going to share it with you with a giveaway!
1. Maple Whiskey is not the first thing you should do upon arrival to a hotel, because you will be tasting it for the rest of the trip. And it may be the last straw for a certain pickle lady.
2. Gina Whitney wants me, and dammit, she lets me know. (So flattered, till I found out I was one of many 🙁 but I still liked it.)
Before Gina groped me…
3. When there is a 2 hour wait at the cheesecake factory, and the empty restaurant next door can take a party of 20 and still be empty, maybe the red flag should be raised.
4. 50 authors, I only read 3 of them, yet they were all awesome.
5. T.M Frazier has the cutest baby bump (OK Beach ball) ever.
Joannne, T.M. and baby, and Shannon
6. Snuggling in bed with a hot model isn’t as hot as it sounds. But he was so cute I kind of just wanted to hug him in a sisterly (NOT MOTHERLY) way.
7. Strange Asian (oh, I’m sorry ORIENT) men will join your lobby game of Cards Against Humanity and make it one of the most fun times ever. See the videos here and here.
8. Who is Clara Fox? Is she Cock-Asian?
9. Rochelle Paige we know is awesome, but her high school senior son (who also has a book!) is pretty cool to hang with. My kid, the same age, would have run as far away as possible, and mocked us from afar.
10. Joanne is a secret ninja who appears and disappears at will.
11. Listening to an Aurora Rose Reynolds book on a 4 hour drive makes you want a longer drive.
12. Dawn Robertson’s tits. Always.
13. You can almost burn a restaurant down making toast.
14. Tampa water makes all drinks taste like crap, but luckily Jettie Woodruff had me taste pussy, and it was much better.
15. Alphas on Top is HUGE, and you can buy it and get it signed by ALL of the authors at Wicked Book Weekend for the first time.
16. Glitter gets stuck in places and will never leave.
17. Emily Minton is as nice in person as she is online. SHE actually fangirled ME! Crazy!
18. I went for the authors and friends. I am seeing all of these photos of the models and I didn’t even notice them.
19. My $50 ticket paid for someone’s mani/pedi, because I didn’t even get a water or a swag bag for that, but it was still worth it for a great time.
20. Spending a weekend with a group of pervy readers and authors is always fun, signing or not, there is nothing like hanging out with a bunch of women who love the same thing as you.
Aurora Rose Reynolds, Joanne, Rochelle Paige and me
Me, Dawn Robertson and EK Blair
Clara Fox, Shannon, Kim Jones, Rochelle Paige and me
My new bookshelf additions.
Just a small portion of the swag and signed books available for giveaways.
NEXT STOP: Wicked Book Weekend 2015
Karen G. says
Thanks for sharing your fun, I have never been to a sigining but I would love to attend sometime! I would be fun to meet the authors that I enjoy so much. 🙂
Jennifer O'Connell says
I was at Tampa Mashup and am going to WBW. I love meeting and speaking with all of the authors and just being around others who love books as much as I do.
elena k says
I haven’t as I live in greece, so it is almost impossible to go but I never stop dreaming to attend one.
Gabby B says
Hilarious!!!
Dedinetely doing my best for going on Feb!!!!
Thelma says
I can’t wait to meet you at WBW in February! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Cassie says
I haven’t, but looking at your pictures and reading ~ it looks like a BLAST 🙂
Michelle says
I have never been to a signing but would love to go one day.
Juli Huber Hall says
I haven’t had the chance to go to a signing yet but want to
Gina says
I havent 🙁 Its on my bucket list to make it to at least one!
Reneth says
I have been to two!! What’s the best thing? You mean, aside from the part where the author signs your book and you get to take a picture with them? Yeah, probably the I’m-going-to-go-home-with-signed-books-and-pictures-with-their-real-mother/father part.
Meghan says
I’ve never been to a signing, but I am looking forward to going to RT2015 in Dallas!
Kristy Petree says
I just went to my first ever, Penned Con in St. Louis. Of course I loved meeting some of my favorite authors and getting my books signed …and buying more books! but I was surprised at how interesting the keynote speeches and panel discussions were. 🙂 Thanks!
Jane Nelson says
Sounds like a really good time. I’m jealous! Hahaha! Glad it was great for you! 🙂
kp says
My brother is an author and I have been to some of his book signings!
KellyMae says
I have not been to a signing, but would love to attend one in the area. Chicagoland area, but not Chicago!! Not familiar with driving in the city 🙁
Doris H says
I’ve never been to a signing before, but hope to one day.
Stacie says
I haven’t been to a signing before, but would LOVE to go to one. It looks like so much FUN! Thanks for sharing for all of us that don’t get the chance to go. Thanks for the chance to win!!
Crystal says
Looks like a blast, not many signings in my small town everything is usually 7 hours away. But I have been to 1 many years ago
Kim Box Person says
I love it!!! Sounds like a amazing time!! I TOTALLY agree NOTHING tops getting together with a group of fellow readers and walking away with great friends! I can’t wait to see you again 🙂
Jenn says
I have never been to a signing. I really really want to go. I am hoping some come to San Diego soon.
Jacqui Minchin says
I haven’t been to one yet. However my first one will be in Melbourne next year. I’m so looking forward to it.
Tarah hodges-Wilkins says
No, I haven’t but it’s on my bucket list!!
Marcy Meyer says
I went to RT in Kansas City in 2013, and it was so much fun!! I loved meeting some of my most favorite authors, getting pictures with them and getting signed books. It was awesome! Really hoping to go to Dallas next year.
Veronica says
Looks like fun 🙂
Nicole Newman says
I have never been to a book signing. I would LOVE if some of my favorite authors would do one in Colorado. Thank you for this Awesome Giveaway!
Erin K says
I haven’t been to one yet. I really want to but there hasn’t been any close to me.
jodi marinich says
i have never been to one but hope i can
Irma Jurejevčič says
I haven’t been yet. I live to far away… 🙁
Yana says
Give me, give me… give me. Thanks!
Karina G. says
I’ve been to two signings, The Chicago Author event & more recently the Atria Fall in Love tour. Both were amazing! My favorite part was just the one on one time, talking with the author about my favorite characters. Getting the low down on future books!
Keri Greear says
I went to my first one in May. I had a great time. I was sorta overwhelmed since it was my first. I’d say just meeting some of my favorite authors.
Maria Malaveci says
Have always wanted to! One day I will!!!
Merelyn Reads says
I have been to a couple of signings and I love meeting my book friends that I meet online at the events <3
Jansen says
My sister & I have been to 5 signings! LOVE meeting the authors & getting our books signed!
Tanya Phillips says
Never been to a signing.
Mick Murphy says
I’ve never had the pleasure of attending a signing! Hope to change that soon! Thank you for the amazing giveaway!
Dana says
I was suppose to go to The Book Bash in Orlando this summer, but it fell out the bottom last minute. I am really hoping to tackle one before too long!!
Deborah Favorito says
I attended the North Shore signing this year. I have already bought my ticket for next year plus booked a hotel room. Am attending the party,
Elizabeth says
Looks like you had a GREAT time!
Thanks for having this AMAZING giveaway xo
Carrie says
I have not ever been to a signing but the pictures always look like so much fun!
Jenn says
Looks like fun. Thanks for the chance!
Trinitee Mitchell-Dunn says
Thanks for the chance!!
DJ Sakata says
never been to one
Karen says
I can honestly LOL with MOST of these as I was there to experience them as well. Such a great weekend that I am still recovering from !!! If you haven’t been to a signing, make sure you add it to your bucket list as it’s so worth it just to meet everyone.
michelle surtees says
I went to the RARE#14 this year and loved every minute of it. Would love to be able to afford to come to an event in the US but I have the London event next year to look forward to.
Nikki J says
Nope, I have never been to a book signing. Wouldn’t mind going to one if it was within a decent distance.
Laina G says
Yes! I went to The Anaheim Book Ball in February and I’m going to the Authorsin the OC next month!! I LOVE meeting with authors whose work I really love!!
Scheva says
Joanne is a secret Ninja.
Cards Against Humanity is a MUST at Wicked Book Weekend
Remind me not to have toast with you…..
Maria V says
I’ve never been to a signing
Jamie McCardell says
I went to Red Dirt Boco last month in OKC. It was a blast…. I loved meeting all the authors & their muses 😉
Meg Book-Eclectic says
Nope 🙁 None are ever close to me and we aren’t in a position for me to be able to travel.
Bella boo says
I have never been and am so jelous of all those how get to go, I have to live throu the giveaways!! I don’t live near a place that has had one I live in a somewhat small town so there is never anything like that here.
Kelli says
thanks for the awesome give away
Lori Moore says
I justgot back from Penned Con 2014
Bette Platt says
I was fortunate enough to make a signing in Austin, Tx this year!!! I just <3 it!!! Meeting the authors, getting books and signed!!! It was a blast. Can't wait to get schedule together to make another one.
Mary Mooney says
I have been to one signing in Collins, MS last year and I met author Kim Jones “Saving Dallas” had a blast and met a few Facebook friends there too. Would love to go to a signing with lots of authors. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Shell says
Thanks for the chance
Emily Minton says
I love you, babe! You are fan-girl worthy. <3
Amy Daniel says
It was so nice to finally meet you (wish I would have thought to grab a selfie with you) lol. Can’t wait for WBW!!!!!!!
Tracey Parker says
Sounds like you had a blast!
I have been to one with 25 Author’s and one with one Author. The bigger one was at a winery here in southern California and I had so much fun meeting Author’s and fans! I bought books I still need to read and the swag was great, some cool stuff like a wine opener! The personal signing was a blast, there was only about 15 of us there, so very intimate. Had a great time and played games to win prizes, plus the price included a bag and a signed book and dinner! Can’t wait for the next one on October 4th to help save thr boobies! For Breast cancer!
Jessica says
Where can I buy Alphas on Top?
Ana's Attic says
The only place is Wicked Book Weekend.
Elle says
Never been to one yet, unfortunately…
Feifei says
I’ve only been to 2 and loved both! It’s great to meet my favorite authors and fellow bookworms, some I’ve chatted with online 🙂
Author Charlene Martin says
I had a blast and I was more than likely one of those authors that shoved my book mark down your throat. lol I was selling it girl! You were awesome Happy I got to put a face to the name. xoxox What a memorable weekend.
Gina Hester says
I have never been to a signing, but what a fun girl’s weekend it would be I think! Thanks for the giveaway!
Dayna says
I really wish I had been able to attend! It looks like you all had a ton of fun!!!
Dayna says
I went to IBF this year and I loved it! My favorite part is meeting everyone from authors to bloggers to models to readers!
Heather says
I haven’t been to a signing for me yet. My first will be in Tulsa in May 2015. I did take my niece to St. Louis to meet, I mean, get Chris Colfer’s book and signature over the summer. The look on her face after she met him was priceless.
Loraine Oliver says
I would love to go to a book signing I have never been to one, but I hope to go next year in march to authors under the lights in Hollywood. Thanks fr the giveaway Ana you are so awesome!!
Joanna Hoffman Dursi says
YES A few now! meeting all my “online” book friends in person 🙂
Heather says
I’ve only been to one in Chicago but the best part was meeting them face to face and telling them which was my favorite book and why. They seem to be as excited as I was!
Shan says
Love you hard!! The weekend was a blast and can’t wait to snuggle and squeeze your tits at Wicked!!
Linda Brennan says
I’ve never been to a signing, but all the pictures that are posted make it look like a lot of fun! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Charlene E says
I’ve been to a few signings 🙂 I always enjoy meeting the authors, of course, but also meeting fellow readers and “talking” books!
eleonor says
never been to a signing
Jenny Rapp says
I have not yet. Penned Con was just in St Louis and I only live about 15 minutes away; but we already had vacation planned that weekend and were out of town.
Michelle Willms says
I loved your post. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I haven’t been to a signing yet, but I’m hoping to be able to go in the future. Maybe next year…
Clara Sampaio says
I have never been to a signing! I wish authors would come more to Brazil so I could go to signings, it seems such fun.
vandana rampersad says
No I have never been to a signing but I would love to go to one, one day! <3
Tonya Coleman says
I have never been to a signing, but I have always wanted to go. 🙂
Jeanette G. says
No I haven’t but dang that sounded like my kind of fun!! So jealous.
Maria says
Loved the post. Had me laughing all over again…. This was the second signing I have been to and it was so much more fun…. Really enjoyed playing CAH with all of you in the lobby and breakfast on Sunday. Loved the picture of the waiter too. We definitely want to come to WBW. I will be making arrangements. Look forward to seeing you again soon
lesleyg says
NO, I’ve got tickets to Vegas! Hope it all pans out! I want to see it ALL!!!! 😉
Dana L Stusse says
Yes, just attended Penned Con St. Louis this past weekend and loved meeting all the attendees and authors, getting autographed books was the highlight!
Itara @ My Midnight Fantasies says
I had a great time at the meet up as well. It was great meeting you and I wish we could have spent more time together. I would have totally gotten into that kiss you had with Gina, love her. I can’t wait for WBW, I’m trying to convince hubs, lol.
BTW.. I did notice the male models, I noticed them all, talked to them & got pictures with them.
trish says
I enjoy the authors and being with woman who love the same thing I do 🙂
Jessica Mobbs says
Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve been to several signings now and I love meeting the people: authors, models, fellow readers!
Krista Boyle says
Loved this! It awesome to read about your book signing experience! I have never been to a signing but then again I’m new in this book world, but I plan on going to one soon! Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
elisa villanueva says
I’ve been to the one in San Francisco and I love meeting the authors. Collecting signed paperbacks and pictures! Lots of pictures.
Amanda says
never been to a signing, but would LOVE to go.
Maria Theresa Santos says
no haven’t
Stephanie Lashbrook says
No I have never been to one. Time, money and distance have always been a factor but they look like a lot of fun especially meeting the authors and cover models.
Tam says
I’ve never been to a signing but I am looking forward to the Kiss and Tell 2015 in Hershey, Pa
Renee says
I went to a signing in Tennessee in July My first ever so it was overwhelming or I was fangirling to hard if that’s even possible Now that I’ve seen how it works I would love to go to a larger all weekend long signing The signing in Tennessee was only four hours long and I know now I can be my crazy book obsessed fan girl self I loved you post I needed a good giggle and loved reading about your adventures
Pam says
I haven’t been to a signing. I’m hoping to be able to get to one next year.
Ginnie says
I have been to a bunch of signings. I love going to meet with other readers and to meet the authors(especially the gropey ones, Carey Heywood). I also have become close with a few other authors and it’s always great to see them.
Annie says
I been to one signing. It was in LA. Of course it was awesome to meet some of my favorite indie authors but it was even more fun meeting fellow readers while standing in line and sharing books.
Roselle Torres says
Not yet but I’m so looking forward for Colleen Hoover’s visit here in Philippines 🙂
Shani W says
Not yet 🙁 There havent been any anywhere near where i live 🙁
Boz says
Attending my 1st signing in Sydney Australia in November and I cant wait 🙂
Michelle M says
I’ve never been to a signing. Never anything close to me. I do really enjoy reading when you attend them! xD
Bonny McDevitt says
I have never been to a signing! I would absolutely love to, if i went i bet my favorite thing would be, being able to see the authors I love’s personality in full bloom!
Staci Pope says
Yes I have been to 2 signings. One on Savannah and one in Cincinnati where I live. I love them. Meeting the authors that I read was the BEST thing about the signings. Finding new authors to read is a close second.
Lori Christensen says
I’ve never been! But, I’m going to my first one in October! yay!
Katarzyna says
No, I haven’t which sucks 🙁 cause it always seems like a lot of fun and I would be beyond happy to meet my favorite authors! 🙂
Krissy Holstein says
I’ve never been to a signing but hope to go to one soon. Thanks for this great giveaway!!
Kelly Scroggins says
I went to my first signing in February in NOLA. I loved meeting the authors and getting free swag. Thanks for the giveaway!
Denice says
I went to a small signing here in Knoxville. I had a blast and LOVED meeting the male models
Kim Perry says
Yes, I was just at Penned Con last weekend! I loved meeting the authors, having my books signed, meeting other readers, and of course the concert by Griffin Peterson!
Shannon says
I went to the 2014 Chicago signing and won Cherry Girl by Raine Miller, she handed it to me and signed it right in front of me! Yes, I cried lol
Heather - Not Everyone's Mama says
I have not, but I’m thinking about going to Penned Con next year because one of my local fellow bloggers is talking me into it. 😀 I also heard that we may have an event coming to Des Moines in 2014..maybe it was 2015, either way, I will be at that one. I live in the Des Moines metro area and that one will be easy to get to even with having to get the kids off to school.
Diana Doan says
I’ve been to a few signings. I love meeting the authors and other book addicts like myself!
Heather says
I have never been to a book signing.
Jennifer Cothran says
Meeting and speaking to the authors and facebook friends in person and realizing they are just as awesome and down to earth as you thought…or more crazy in some cases….lol
Viki says
I haven’t. I live outside of the US. 🙁
Kristen K. says
Yep, I’ve been to one. I loved getting my books signed! 🙂
Trina Taylor says
I’m so glad you share all this stuff from the signings. I was lucky enough to hang out with you at WBW 2014. I hope to be 2015 so we can shake it up on the dance floor baby! You Rock
Lola Figueroa says
I’ve been to a few and I love getting a picture with my favorite authors! And the Q&A are always fun!!!
Kassandra Zamora says
No I haven’t but I really want to go to one!! 🙁
Stephanie F. says
Meeting favorite authors and interacting with other fans is my favorite thing.
Betul E. says
Unfortunately never been to a signing, planning to go to ROMANCE AUTHOR & READER EVENT in Edinburgh though!
Connie says
No 🙁 but I want to. Just have not run into any here in Ohio.
Sandra Murphy says
Yes and how nice all the authors were.
Jen Frederick says
I have never been to a signing, but would love to go sometime. The authors I work with are so nice and I imagine it would be a lot of fun.
Rachel says
Looks like you had such a great time!
Kikitsablp89 says
I live in Greece, so I haven’t been to a signing….
Amber Slade says
I haven’t yet but plan on attending two within the next 6 months! Can’t wait!
Joanna C. says
I love listening to authors’ stories of how they came up with their books and other stuff like that 🙂 That for me is always the best part, more than getting my books signed 😉