I am sitting in a hotel room in San Francisco, getting ready to leave for Book Expo in Los Angeles tomorrow.
Book Expo is one of my favorite things to do each May, and I go every year whether I have a book coming out or not. I’m so excited I can hardly sleep.
I realize that this makes me a geek. A book geek.
But Book Expo is nirvana for people who love to read: I drag home suitcases of free books (advance copies! hardcovers, people!) , meet authors whose work I love and admire, dance to the musical stylings of the ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS.
Last year I met Amy Tan at a tiny cocktail party in a rock-n-roll art gallery, a place far too cool for the likes of me.
I also met Tim Russert (love him!), Deepak Chopra, Jodi Picoult, Delia Ephron (one of my favorite writers, an icon, the first person who said the words that will forever be magic — “Fifteen Minutes of Shame sounds like a movie”) and my wonderful film agent Brendan Deneen.
Every year, I’ve met someone who has changed my life — maybe through the experience of reading their work, maybe through a new opportunity, maybe a new friend.
This year is looking pretty darned promising already: I’m meeting the screenwriter who will adapt Fifteen Minutes of Shame for film, some of my favorite writers will be attending, and Partida is throwing me a party.
What more could a girl ask for?
If you happen to be in LA this week, please stop on by, drink a margarita (or two) and say hi.
I promise it will be memorable.
(Well, depending on how many margaritas you have.)
Thursday, 5/29, 7-9 pm
Los Angeles Launch Party
Seven Grand
515 West 7th Street
2nd Floor
LA, CA 90014
(Margaritas & appetizers sponsored by Partida)
Must admit to being a tad jealous–would’ve loved to have gone. But my baby’s graduation definitely supersedes this one this year…have fun! Why don’t you work on Amy Tan guesting 😉 (tell her I’m a fellow author/survivor of Lyme Disease so we’d be happy to flack her cause!)
Oh, I LONG to go to BEA! Scheduling wouldn’t allow it this year (LA is just too far off the grid when you’re in the middle of an east coast book tour) but next year, I hope to plan everything else around that fabulous event. I mean, a convention dedicated to BOOKS? What could be better???
Have an amazing time and PLEASE report back!
Oh Lisa, I’d love to be there with you! Have fun and send photos and details.
Oh, lucky lucky you! When I worked as a bookstore manager, it was the highlight of my year. To meet and greet with authors, see what coming out next season and yes – best of all- Adavance Reading Copies! Let us all know how much fun you have!!
Jenny,
I agree, your baby’s graduation is unmissable. One of the wonderful things about BEA is that it happens every single year. 🙂 There’s always next time, and the 88 times after that. 🙂
Trish,
I sympathize, girl! Hope you have a great time on your tour, and every signing is standing room only. What makes this BEA even better than usual is that it marks the end of my lovely but utterly exhausting book tour.
I’ll do a margarita toast for you both!
Best,
Lisa
I can CONSUMED with envy at the thought of all those free books and chance to wallow about with other writers. Have a great time.
Danielle,
I wish you were all here — so fun!
Luanne,
Thanks so much, I will definitely be lugging home a suitcase full of books. I may just wear every stitch of clothing I own home on the plane so I can bring back TWO suitcases of books…
Eileen,
Next year!
XO,
Lisa
What a way to end your book tour, Lisa. Celebrate well, you’ve earned it!
Wow, Lisa, you will have SO MUCH FUN! I am really wishing I could have made it…perhaps next year!
And yes, please do report back with PHOTOS and DETAILS!!!
I can’t make the party but am definitely going to come to your autographing session, Lisa (though I’ve eagerly devoured your book and hope there’s a new one in the works). I love BEA and go every year, though eagerly await the day I will get to do a signing. I’m making a list of which authors to check out and high on it is Vicki Lawrence of Mama’s Family (dressed as Mama!!) promoting her book Mama for President.
Have a great party and a great BEA. To everyone else – if your publisher can get you a badge, I recommend going even if you’re not signing. It really is book nirvana (and I think gives you a little realer glimpse than even a bookstore at just how many books are published a year, which can be scary but also invigorating as an author).