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| Armchair BEA |
I haven't been to a book convention or expo of any kind before, though the bookaholic in me pines for one. Still, I was lucky enough in October of 2012 through the She's Connected Conference, to meet two very influential authors.
First I met Kate White. She was the editor-in-chief at Cosmopolitan magazine for many years.
Then at the same convention but a different day, I met Cathy M. Buchanan. She wrote a couple books you may know, The Day The Falls Stood Still or The Painted Girls.
I wish more authors would tour into my city, maybe to my local library, then I could go see them speak. Sadly I never hear about them if they do come. The only ones I hear about are in Toronto, which is a little ways from me with no car....
I hope you wonderful authors read this, feel sorry for us bookies here in Hamilton and come for a visit. :-)
I prefer my books in printed format. Mainly so I can build my home library. Shameless I know. The books I'm not crazy about I give away to friends, family and even charities. I do read ebooks too as I have a kindle, but I'm getting older and so are my eyes. Having diabetes doesn't help my eyes I'm told... so I get tired easily when reading from a screen. I also squint more at a screen, even with my glasses on. As for audiobook, I have been known to throw one on when I am doing my work, however, I stopped. I found I always felt like I missed something along the way and would have to re-read the book in print. So it seemed redundant for me to listen to books. That's just me though. To each his own.
Cool you got to meet them
ReplyDeleteI wish more authors would come here, too. Not many come this way. I only heard about the one I went to back in February because a friend told me about it. Do you guys have Bookmarks Magazine there? Their e-mails tell about events sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, Freda. The authors are looking pretty giddy and starstruck too. Maybe they are fangirl for bloggers and we just never think of it.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that's so cool that you met Cathy M. Buchanan! The Painted Girls is on my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on preferring printed books. For ebook reading, have you tried increasing the font size? Or maybe changing the colors?
I wish more authors would visit by me too! I can certainly understand that writers and publishers want to travel to cities where they are sure they will make a profit, but I would attend if they came this way, promise!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I actually met any authors, but I converse with them through all the different social media routes. It's fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how people react differently - as I get older, the Kindle is more and more necessary because I can control the font size. It's very difficult for me to read from a regular print book anymore. For you, it's the opposite. That's why I don't think either format will go away.
I'm crazy jealous you met Cathy Buchanan! Excuse me for a moment while I fangirl to myself. OMG!!!!! Ok, that's amazing!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you're not alone. No authors come to my little town either. It's always a 3 or 4 hour drive and I never seem to be able to make it.
Ashley (Closed the Cover)
what lovely photos you were able to get! The Painted Girls was phenomenal - how very cool you met the author and got a photo op with her too! Happy Armchair BEA Week!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to read your post. I'm glad you got to meet both those authors. I read both formats myself. My mother is just getting back into reading with the Kindle because she discovered she can change the font size, but her eyes still wear out easy. Still, better than nothing for those who need larger than large print.
ReplyDeleteHow neat for you! I don't recall meeting any authors in person, which isn't to say that it's never happened. I know for sure that I haven't intentionally done so, though, as I tend to avoid the festivals, fairs, signings, readings, etc... I'm not sure why. I also can't listen to audiobooks. I like talk radio & podcasts, though, so how strange is that?? But, like you, with audiobooks, I just find myself wishing I were reading the actual book and thinking I must have missed something (or knowing that I did). Maybe I'm too distracted while driving, which is the only time I've tried listening to audiobooks. :)
ReplyDeleteBook conventions and conferences are held here often, but usually too pricey for me to attend.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to meet authors in person!
ReplyDeleteI have met a few--quite fun!
I love books, too. I like them in print and I listen as well--in the car and when I'm doing work in one location.
about audio books--not all readers are good. Some are excellent. Some books I'd rather read to myself. For others the reader is so good. a case in point: Alexander Smith McCall's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books. The reader Lisette Lecat is excellent!
I'm so sad to hear you have diabetes. My father has it too, and it really can worsen someones eyesight. He got an operation and now see much better. I hope there is option like that in Canada for you too!
ReplyDeleteI love reading ebooks, holding ereader is much easier than holding a book. Although I regret not having a lot of shelves full of beautiful books. *sighs and imagines library in Beauty and the Beast*
As for audiobooks, I have the same problem as you. So glad to hear I'm not the only one. :)
I love seeing pictures of bloggers with authors. I have met quite a few and its always fun
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you've been to more events than I have though! That's awesome :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier this week and taking the time to comment - it seems we like some of the same blogs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that you don;t get many authors touring where you live. I don;t get to book signings very often, but I do try to go to author talks when our library system hosts them twice a year - always a thrill!
Nice to "meet" you -
Sue
2014 Big Book Summer Challenge