I realllly want to meet you in NYC but I'm nervous because 1. I am the most awkward human 2. I've never been to a book signing ( shame on me i know ) and 3. I'm nervous there's going to be so many people I won't get to meet you
It’s totally okay to be nervous.
1. I doubt you are the most awkward human, but even if you are, you are among friends. Writers and readers are often solitary, often awkward. You’ll be among book lovers, in the Strand rare books room (so beautiful and full of treasures!) and this is a very good place to be exactly as you are.
2. It’s truly like a very nice party of people who all happen to be into the same thing. You can sit and start reading right away (I’ve done this). Or you can have a stroll around the room, have a waffle. (I am determined that there will be waffles). Jesse and I will talk books for a bit, then I’ll answer questions from the audience, then the signing will start.
3. You will absolutely get to meet me. Your ticket (keep an eye out for tickets!) guarantees you a book, admission, and a spot in line. I’ll stay until I get to chat with everyone and sign all of the books. My guess is we’ll call people up in shifts so that you don’t have to stand in line the whole time. We usually try to have some activities too—a photo booth, fake tattoos, something like that. (And waffles!) Or again, you can just sit and read.
When you get to the front, I’m going to be psyched to see you because here’s the thing: Whenever I do a signing, I get really worried that no one will show up. I can’t help it. It’s like throwing a birthday party and wondering if anyone will come or you’re just going to be sitting there with a lot of cake, going full Havisham. So I am delighted and grateful when people like you brave their nerves and the traffic and come say hello.
Tell me you’re dangerousmoonlight on tumblr. Tell me your favorite character. Or just hand me a note that says, “I’m the most awkward human.”
I hope you can make it! And don’t forget, the Strand event is ticketed, so keep an eye on this page.
