Sunday, June 15, 2014

BEA 2014 Recap

Hey Everyone!

Some of you might be reading the title of this post and thinking to yourselves "wasn't BEA two weeks ago?" Yes. Yes it was. I'm clearly running a bit behind on my recap post :-) I've been both lazy and busy with work (an interesting combination to be sure), so it wasn't until this weekend that I finally had time to sort through pictures and put this post together. *pats self on back for being on top of things*

Most bloggers who attend BEA do impressively detailed multi-post recaps about their time in NYC, but as mentioned previously, I'm far too lazy for that kind of undertaking, so I'm just going to merge my favorite moments, pictures, and books into one absurdly long ramble. So sorry in advance!

BEA is always something I spend a full year looking forward to, not just for the books, but for the opportunity to spend time with people I don't get to see nearly often enough and the chance to meet entirely new people who love books just as much as I do. BEA just wouldn't be BEA for me though without my amazing mom and mother-in-law who have been so kind as to accompany me the past 4 years. We make a whole week of it, arriving early to do touristy things and staying after to catch a show and hang out with friends, and I couldn't love the two of them more if I tried.

They're going to be less than thrilled with me for posting the below pictures, but I think they look adorable and therefore need to be seen by the entirety of the internet :-) You're welcome, Moms.

(Left: My mother-in-law Cathy; Right: My Pammy)

We arrived on Tuesday morning and just wandered around the city, eating at Chelsea Market and walking the High Line before meeting up with my beloved Danny from Bewitched Bookworms for dinner.

(This picture was actually taken on our last day in NYC, but it's my favorite picture of us. And I swear I brought clothes other than this sweatshirt and the jean jacket you'll see below, but the weather in NYC was much cooler than I'd anticipated, so I had to recycle the only warm clothes I brought!)

Wednesday was the BEA Bloggers Conference which is always fun for me if for no other reason than I get to stuff my face with pastries and hang out with other bloggers. The highlight of the day, however, was attending a brunch hosted by the wonderful people at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. For those of you who don't know, LBYR launched a site called NOVL a while back to bring together readers, authors and book lovers in general, and the brunch consisted of the NOVL team sharing the upcoming titles they're most excited about. This was a truly spectacular way to kick off BEA, and I can't thank everyone who put it together enough for including me.

http://thenovl.com/

That same evening I was also lucky enough to attend a party hosted by Epic Reads wherein I completely sucked at trivia and helped lead my team to a rousing loss by coming up with exactly zero answers to the bookish questions we were asked. I'm going to spend a good chunk of time in the months between now and BEA 2015 studying just in case more trivia games are to be played in the future. WATCH OUT EPIC READS, I WILL DAZZLE YOU NEXT YEAR!

The first official day of BEA started out on a high note with a breakfast hosted by the hugely generous group at HarlequinTEEN, and those of us in attendance had the distinct pleasure of chatting with their various authors, editors and publicists, all of whom were incredibly sweet and so very enthusiastic about their books.

After a full day of standing in line after line of awesome and getting to meet a variety of fantastic authors, bloggers, librarians and other bookish people, I got to spend cocktail hour with the team behind MacKids. A huge thank you to them for letting me be a part of their event!

(Left: Danny, Lauren and me; Right: Danny, the wonderful Ksenia and me)

Thursday wrapped up with the YA Author/Blogger Party hosted by Liza Wiemer of WhoRuBlog (with the help of Andye and Hannah!), a truly spectacular evening full of books, food and fun, and I was honored to have the opportunity to attend with my BEA partners in crime, Danny and Mary.

(Top left and right: The view from the party's outdoor space; Bottom from left to right: Me and the adorable Faye from Little, Brown; Danny, Josie Angelini and me; Danny, me and Mary)

Friday was yet another whirlwind day that seemed to be over in the blink of an eye, and then suddenly it was Saturday and my BEA was nearly over. Saturday started out with an amazing breakfast hosted by the team at Bloomsbury, and their crazy delicious donuts gave me the energy (or sugar rush, whichever) needed to tackle the masses in attendance thanks to BookCon (BEA opens its doors to the public via BookCon on the very last day). Before I say a few words about BookCon however, I just want to say again my sincerest thanks to everyone at Bloomsbury and all the other publishers who hosted events and were nice enough to include me.

Now, to BookCon. I'm probably in the minority with my thoughts on BookCon, but I walked away from the last day feeling hugely encouraged by what I saw. While there is certainly room for improvement moving forward (as there always is with anything), what just blew me away about BookCon was the sheer number of people. People who were excited about books. And authors. And book publishing. I may not have loved wandering through a massive crowd wedged into a too-small space, but it made me indescribably happy to see so many people, young and old, show up to meet their favorite authors and proudly flaunt their love for books.

Before I wrap this up with my top 5 books, I do need to mention a little something special about BEA that always brings a smile to my face. What's this grin-inducing something special you ask? The Ellora's Cave booth my friends, the Ellora's Cave booth. You see, they don't just have books at their booth, oh no, they bring their cover models as well. Their muscle-bound, tank top-wearing cover models, and Mary and I never miss an opportunity to get our pictures taken with them. Last year there were only two models available, but this year we snagged three. SUCCESS! I think next year we need to try for four :-)


MY TOP 5 BEA BOOKS:

I got some truly oustanding books this year, but these five are the ones that were immediately moved to the top of my to-be-read pile!


The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost
Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper
Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios
Talon by Julie Kagawa
Compulsion by Martina Boone

A few last pictures before I go!

 (Me with Lauren and Pam, two people I've missed at prior BEAs but finally got to meet this year!)

Both a personal and professional highlight, as well as a completely surreal moment, for me was meeting author Kelsey Macke. Some of you may remember me posting about a cover design contest hosted by Spencer Hill Press back in October of last year for Damsel Distressed, a contemporary YA releasing this coming October. I was completely floored when my design won that contest, and seeing it in printed form for the first time with people carrying it around BEA was beyond anything I could have imagined. Kelsey is the cutest thing in the world, and I'm so grateful to her and the team at SHP for giving me the chance to make a dream career become a reality!

(The shot at right was the moment I walked up to Kelsey's table. If my mom had taken a shot of my face, it would have held the exact same expression:-)

(My biggest supporters!)

29 comments:

  1. HEY JENNI *squeezes you into a tight hug* Haven't talked to you in ages, but things are about to change. Finally :D I actually like all recaps: the long detailed ones like Christina (Christina Reads YA) did or the ones like Giselle's (Xpresso Reads) with just pictures basically and your ramblings are the best so bring itttt! ;) *starts reading* The two moms *hugs them too* So awesome to see their pretty faces :) They're totes adorbs with their reviews. So glad you got some quality time in there in the middle of the slightly chaotic BEA :D Danny and Jenny :D These names (and you two ofc) go together like salt and pepper ;) (sorry, couldn't find a better example lol) Bhahaha! It's ok, some people just aren't good at trivias and this made a great story so all's good. Better luck next year! :D LAUREEEENNNNN!!! And Josephine Angelini, yay! I'm actually glad to hear that someone thought Bookcon was positive in any way because most people mostly just point out the negatives. I'm glad you found the idea to be thrilling and see potential :) OHHHH JENNY :D Next year there better be four haha. Yay for Talon, Salt & Storm and Exquisite Captive :) I really hope you enjoy! Aww! Kelsey looks so adorbs :) You two actually look like sisters on that picture :D so cute :) (AND I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU *HUGS SOME MORE*) Thanks for sharing Jenny! x

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    1. SIIRI!!!!!!!! I've missed you! And yes, if there are not four Cavemen waiting for me next year, I shall be most disappointed. The two on either side of me were the same from last year, but the enormous blonde one with Mary was new, so here's hoping there's more where he came from ;-)

      And Kelsey is the best, I was so thrilled to meet her!

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  2. OoOOoo My Goodness!! I never saw this picture from us together but I So love it!!!! It actually makes me tear up because I miss you so badly ..

    And Pam and Cathy, I adore these pictures!

    I love what you are saying about bookCon and I absolutely agree, I think it#s such a great and wonderful idea. Yeah, this first attempt had lots of room for improvement but I think they also know this. I am definitely looking forward to see where there are going from there. I also do look forward to next year Book con!

    I think this year has been just epic. I still feel lucky that we got invited to so many wonderful events and that we had the chance to meet so many people!

    And as always, reading this posts makes me already with next year would come faster...

    I truly love you my friend!

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    1. I LOVE YOU DANNY! I can't believe it's been two weeks already since BEA. That week never last long enough, BUT I feel like I was better at taking pictures this year, so now I have lots of mementos of us and Mary to tide me over to next year:)

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  3. You are so darn cute Jenny!!

    I am so glad you had such an amazing time and I love all the pics!!

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    1. *blushes* Thanks Ali! I hope maybe one year there will be an event we're both attending so I can finally meet you in person!

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  4. I was actually wondering about your recap and here it is!!
    Your cover design is amazing and meeting the author and that reaction must have been fantastic!!
    I'm hoping I'll manage to attend BEA next year, but we'll see!
    And I have to agree, Talon is one of those books I'm dying DYING to get my hands on! I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on it, Jenny!

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    1. I was lazy last weekend and never got around to posting the recap Pili! Fail. I was motivated this weekend though. I WOULD BE SO HAPPY if you made it to BEA next year! *fingers crossed*

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    2. I think it'd be brilliant and something to start looking forward from right now onwards!

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  5. hahaha well, I freaking love that you did your recap post the same way I did: one long rambling post for the entire event with pictures and bookish fun abounds! I'm MUCH too lazy to whip up multiple posts like an organized person would. Anyways I loved reading your recap post and reliving the BEA fun all over again :D It was wonderful to meet you this year (and your moms! LOVED the pictures of you ladies) and hopefully we'll meet again next year! And I couldn't remember the name of the girl who gifted me with The Falcon Throne because she couldn't even bear to look at the gruesome cover but it was DANNY from Bewitched Bookworms, so I'll definitely be visiting her to say hi and thanks :D

    And as much as BookCon was scary this year, you said it perfectly that it's wonderful that SO many people were there attending,excited about books and authors! Well said ^^ As for your favorite reads well, we share almost all the same ones hehe! Awesome recap post! Thanks for sharing xxx

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    1. Micheline! I was so glad we got to meet in line this year! And *high five* for a long, rambling recap post. I just do not have the motivation to write more than one post:)

      I was so thrilled with BookCon! Yes, organizationally a lot of things need to change to ensure things run smoother, but it was awesome to see so many book lovers in one place:)

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    2. Hahah Micheline! I totally remember this conversation we had about The Falcon Throne and OMG .. this cover I'm still having nightmares about it! Hope you like the book :))

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  6. Yes most have not been happy about BookCon, but I am glad you were :)

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    1. I was! Standing in the middle of it wasn't my favorite thing ever, but seeing so many teenagers there waiting in hours-long lines to see their favorite authors was pretty awesome. Who says young people don't read anymore? :)

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  7. You have a beautiful smile, Jenny. And what a thrill to see YOUR cover in print! Congratulations. :-)

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer! And it was amazing to see DAMSEL DISTRESSED floating around in people's tote bags. One of those unforgettable moments:)

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  8. SO SO SO SSO awesome.

    OK wait, it was cool? How cool?

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  9. It looks like you had so much fun, Jenny! I so enjoy meeting up with fellow bloggers because no one understand the insane love of books as well. I love your pick with Mary and the Ellora's Cave models! It's like a Jenny/hunk/Mary sandwich and I seriously wish I was a layer in there! :)

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  10. OMG How fun!! It sounds (and looks) like you had such a fantastic time! :) I'm jealous, though I'm very happy for you. I had planned on going this year, and LIFE got in the way and prevented it. I hope to be there next year though! Thanks for the post and pictures - you're adorable! :)

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  11. Gosh you had such a fab time. I am jealous. One of these days, I am going. Love seeing your book cover up there. That is a huge accomplishment.

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  12. It was so lovely meeting you and oh zowwy those men make my chest feel so inadequate LOL hubba hubba. I was able to snag the middle three of your top 5. I always love seeing which ones everyone else deems the most important to them.

    Totally jealous about your LIttle Brown party you went to! Jealous such that it oozes out my ears lol.

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  13. Dear Lord those boys? what do you call them from Ellora's cave!! Definitely Alpha Males. Okay, so those are some great pictures!! I am so glad you had so much fun! It really looks like a lot of fun!

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  14. Oh YAY, I was wondering if you were going to post a recap and hoping you would because your pictures are the best and everyone is SO adorable in them that it just makes me happy! I think my favourite is the one of Kelsey Macke when she sees you for the first time, awwww. So yes, thank you so much for sharing! And I appreciated hearing a different point of view about the whole BookCon thing. Hopefully they can get that organized a bit more so that the public can still attend and have the best possible time with the books and authors!

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  15. Oh I love your recap!!! I love seeing the pictures and hearing about the fun things you got to do. And all the amazing people you get to meet/see! And how amazing to see your cover design on the book!!! I'm dying to get my hands on that one!

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  16. You're pictures are lovely, Jenny! And it's nice to hear something about BookCon since all I have heard is negativity. Love that you brought your moms! And I am very envious that you have the new Jeaniene Frost book, Ahhhhh!

    Sounds like you had a great time. Maybe someday I'll get to go and can meet you!

    -Lindsay

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  17. I've been watching for this post for awhile now! I'm so glad I caught it, and it looks like you had a great time. Going to BEA is on my bucket list. I'll get there eventually!

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  18. YAY! I'm so happy to see you had so much fun Jenny!! I seriously need to make time for BEA even though I live all the way in Canada. But it would totes be worth it, meeting up with all my fav blogger friends. And sheesh that Ellora's Cave booth....dayaaaumm...I wouldn't mind getting a hug from those hunks! LOL Glad you had fun! Love the pics! :D

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

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  19. Oh my gosh that picture of Kelsey reacting to you is ADORABLE! :D I'm so happy you're having success designing. I know I've said it before, but I absolutely love that cover! What a wonderful moment to see it in the real world at BEA - I think I would have a squealing fit personally. Looks like BEA and Book Con was a blast - so jealous! I haven't been in years, and my blog partners didn't go this year either so we're all voraciously reading BEA recaps as a substitute. Loved this, thanks for sharing!

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  20. LOVEEE This recap and getting to spend time with you at BEA. That picture of you and Danny is just wonderful. All of those top 5 books look delicious to me too. Let's to this again next year. xo

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