HIGHLIGHT: Jojo Moyes Discussion, Q&A, & Signing of "Me Before You"

What a fun and exciting "last minute" event. Yes, this event was only posted about two weeks ago...haha! For many fans, this was definitely "last minute." I know it was for me!! Thanks to my good friends, I was able to attend and meet up with friends. Moreover, this event had very strict guidelines since the author, Jojo Moyes, was on a very tight schedule. The event was so strict that there was a limited number of wristbands available, a three book limit, only one book can be personalized, and no posed photos. Regardless of the time constraint of this event, I had fun! However, a small amount of Advance Screening Passes were given out! Whoa!

Yup! Ready for this event!

The event started off with a viewing of one of the trailers for the upcoming film Me Before You which was based on the novel of the same title by Jojo Moyes. Following right after was a brief discussion with a Q&A with the audience. There were the usual questions: What was the inspiration behind the book? What advice would she give to aspiring writers?...so on... I could never get tired of all the different answers from different authors. It's always interesting and informative. It was even very cool to find out that the Christopher Reeve Foundation was very supportive of the film! Wow!

Although the book and the film involves a very controversial topic, this discussion involved one very important point...having a choice. Yes, these characters have choices, but, ultimately, it is their choice. In particular, both book and film focuses on Will's choice. Yes, there is life with this disability, but it is Will's choice...no one can make it for him.

I got emotional during this! LOL! A lot of good points this book and film makes...even Jojo. I think she wrote all this with the utmost respect. No disrespect to any one, I think.

This discussion was very informative and inspiring. Come to find out that this novel was inspired by a friend in a similar situation; and that there is something in the book that comes close to being personal for her...something she can relate to. A fan asked her that particular question, if there was something in her life that she completely "obsessed" about like the bumble bee tights to Louisa in the book.

As for that advice for aspiring authors...basically, I'm paraphrasing here, she said to keep writing; make time to write; don't that tenacity to write no matter how busy life can get. Plus, don't let life deter you from writing. Very sound and similar advice that I have heard from the various authors I have met. And...look at where they, including Jojo, are now! Damn, I love being a reader...haha!

Jojo even expressed how much she enjoyed writing and being a part of the making of the film. It's not very often that the author and the director were able to work together in the making of this movie. She expressed how much she wanted to stay close to the book when she wrote the screenplay.

Oh... A fan asked Jojo what her inspiration to write the sequel was? Guess what...her response was "the fans!" Fans were always asking her about Louisa after Me Before You. And, of course, she even admitted that she even wondered that, too; hence, the sequel, After You.

Yeah! I can't wait to read the sequel. After reading Me Before You, OMG, I was absolutely emotional...haha! I seriously had to have a moment after I turned the last page of the book. <sigh>

After the discussion, fans lined up for the signing...and that went smoothly. Of course, the fact that we got passe to watch the movie helped the line to move along...haha! I'm just thrilled to have met such an amazing writer.

Jojo's signing my book!

Had a lot of fun last night! Of course, watching the movie early was a bonus! My review will follow!

View the full event album on Facebook!

RECAP: Discussion & Signing with Jennifer L. Armentrout, Monica Murphy & Melody Grace

I was absolutely thrilled when I found out that Jennifer L. Armentrout was going to be out in Los Angeles! In addition this amazing author, Jennifer L. Armentrout was also in good company with bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Melody Grace! It was a triple delight of excitement for booknerds! 'Coz I know I was since this was the first time meeting these amazing authors! Not only that...Jennifer L. Armentrout brought two special guests with her! Yes! She brought the book cover models Drew Leighty and Pepe Toth from the Titan Series and the Lux Series, respectively! Whoa! What a treat!

Thankfully, I was able to attend this amazing event that was held at the Barnes & Noble in Calabasas, California! Hey...it was a Saturday, and L.A. traffic wasn't too bad! Yay! L.A. traffic is such a pain to drive in...ugh! Anyways, after picking up fellow fangirl Mina (My Fangirl Chronicles), we were on our way to Calabasas! After arriving at Barnes & Noble, Mina and I had plenty of time to roam the store since it was the first time we visited that store. As we waited, a couple more fangirl friends joined us for this fun event!

The Barnes & Noble in Calabasas is really a nice store! Jane and the staff were awesome in handling the event, but, at first, I wasn't sure if the entire staff had correct information...just saying. It didn't seem like they all were on the "same page" in regards to the details of the event. But, in the end, the event had a pretty good turn out! I got to finally meet three amazing authors!

Check out what I was able to record of the discussion...before my battery ran out...haha! Watch it now! However, I must warn you that the sound isn't great, no mics were used, so there will be parts that is barely audible. But, I think I got most of it.

After that fun discussion, the signing ensued right after the chairs were removed and the tables set up. Everyone lined up to their perspective authors. Most everyone lined up for Jennifer L. Armentrout; however, I took advantage of the long line for Jennifer that I went over to meet Monica Murphy and Melody Grace!

Jasmine with bestselling author Monica Murphy

Jasmine with bestselling author Melody Grace

I was totally gushing like a fangirl...lol! No way I was going to hold back! The excitement was infectious! I was able to chat a bit with both authors, and it was so delightful to be able to chat with them about books and books to come.

We didn't just meet authors, we met two book cover models, too! It is so cool to meet the models that are on the covers of favorite! We also got to meet Pepe Toth (LUX Series) and Drew Leighty (Titan Series)!

Jasmine w/ Pepe Toth

Jasmine w/ Drew Leighty

View Event Album

All in all, we had a blast the entire afternoon! Meeting all these amazing people made the day worth the drive out! Oh...and we even got all our books signed! Yes...all! We weren't the only ones with a bunch of books. We even saw someone who brought a luggage full of books for Jennifer to sign...lol! Yah...that's the life of a booknerd! Gotta love it!

Gayle Forman & R.J. Cutler Event in B&N at The Americana at Brand & Giveaway

On a beautiful Friday morning, on August 8th, Mariah and I planned on making a day out for the Gayle Forman author event that was held at the Barnes & Noble at The Americana in Glendale! Already tired from the day before, it did not deter us from driving out to Glendale for this fun event. In addition to this event, we were meeting up with several friends as well!

As we made our way there, in the midst of some light traffic, I got a text from Sara (What a Nerd Girl Says) asking for help. Now...that didn't sound good. Of course, I wasn't text messaging at the time since I was driving, so Mariah did all the messaging...lol! Luckily, we are only minutes away, so it wasn't a long wait before finding out what was happening. It's never good when getting a "help" text...hahaha! Well, after arriving and parking, we walked over to Barnes & Noble and met up with the rest of the fangirls that were already waiting. I am still in awe, sometimes, at how beautiful The Americana is.

Barnes & Noble, The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA

As soon as we met up with the girls, they were all frustrated with the staff at Barnes & Noble. Well, let's rewind a bit...When the Gayle Forman event was posted on the Barnes & Noble at The Americana in Glendale stating that it is a wristband event several weeks early, we all planned on going first thing in the morning to purchase our books and get wristbands. However, days later, the site changed its "special instruction"'; it was no longer a wristband event. Oh the frustration!!! Several friends, myself included, also called the store to confirm the details of this event; however, to our dismay, we all got different, conflicting information. I, on one hand, was discouraged about going to this event due to the mixed up information, we were all receiving from the B&N staff. The day before the event, I called the store for details, and the person I spoke to stated that the event was indeed a wristband event and the website is wrong. Kristen (Recently Acquired Obsessions) also confirmed the same information. In the end, we all decided to go to Barnes & Noble first thing in the morning for the event...thinking that the "wristband" information was correct.

Fast forward...Come to find out, the event is not a wristband event...to our disappointment. As soon as Mariah and I arrived, they told us what happened when the store opened. To my dismay, information that we received was wrong; therefore, our planned day changed. After ranting about the mess of misinformation that was received, I also went in, in hopes to speak to someone with correct information and purchase my books. I also received the same information from the staff, as well as the store manager (not the cafe manager) regarding the event being not a wristband event. Moreover, I implored to the manager if anything can be said or done to alleviate this matter for us since we were mislead (to the day of the event) about the details. The manager was kind enough to take my name and agreed to speak to the events coordinator regarding our situation....although it may not do any good, but one can hope, right!?! After speaking with the staff, manager and purchasing my books, I discussed what was said with the others, so that we can discuss a plan of action. After being told that the events coordinator will not arrive until 2 PM, we decided to go have lunch before getting in line for the event. Yes, we decided to start lining up before 2 PM to be sure we were able to sit in the discussion.

After we had lunch and arrived back to Barnes & Noble, we noticed that no other people have arrived yet for this event. We ended up starting a line about 2 PM in front of the store. After a few minutes, security asked us to move the line to the side of the store, out of the way; and we obliged with no hassle. Yes, we started an unofficial line before 5 PM...heck, after the information fiasco, we could not be sure if we were going to be the first 50 in line for the discussion. And...we were not going to let this day be a total failure! While we waited, we chatted with mall security...mind you, they weren't even aware that Barnes & Noble had an event today. However, they were pretty cool about it, and even had a barricade put up to make the line official! How cool was that! And, it wasn't even 3 PM yet! How is that for mall security...hahaha!! The waiting wasn't a total loss, we hung out, talked, laughed, saw familiar faces, and added new members to our group! A few hours later, B&N staff came out with bookmarks and Gayle Forman preview samplers for those in line for the event. They did the usual, checked receipts, gave out post-its for personalizations for our books. The excitement and anticipation grew as the minutes ticked by.

Everyone in line was soon escorted into the event area and seated before 7 PM. As people were being seated, we all were in a state of enthusiasm for the arrival of Gayle Forman and R.J. Cutler grew! Even Gayle's parents were as excited as we were! They were even wearing Gayle's t-shirts that can be purchased on her site! Yup! That's parents...showing their love and support!

Gayle Forman t-shirts (just one of several colors)

The B&N staff handed If I Stay posters to everyone while we waited for the our special guests to arrive. We got posters that were made by the fans for the fans...how cool was that! We  even noticed that the photos on the poster forms a question mark...hahaha! How ingenious was that! It is a beautiful poster!

Exclusive poster made by the fans, for the fans

When the discussion started, the first thing that Gayle asked R.J. was that why did he choose to direct If I Stay...since he's known for directing documentaries. Essentially he stated that he's just like a 16-year-old girl...correct that, he said that he is a 16-year-old girl...hahaha!! In the sense that he thinks like one...hahaha! That's why he was able to relate to the book and direct the film. That was hilarious...even awe-inspiring. It was great to see how much passion he had put into directing this film. R.J. even stated why he was still wearing his sunglasses...yup, he was getting teary-eyed just discussing the film. Such a sensitive guy...he is! Awww... They also discussed the amazing chemistry Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley had on set as Mia and Adam, respectively. Someone in the audience asked if there will be a Where She Went film made. R.J.'s reply was that it depends on how well If I Stay does in the theaters...so he encouraged everyone to take 5, 6, more people to watch the movie! Too funny!

Gayle Forman (author) & R.J. Cutler (director)

Gayle Forman

R.J. Cutler

It was an amazing and thought provoking discussion about the film, especially getting insight on the making of it all by Gayle and R.J. I am even more excited now to watch the film. I already get teary eyed watching the trailer! Sheesh!

Of course, the part of the event that we all were waiting for...the signing! That night, I wished that I wasn't so exhausted...I wanted to be able to chat for a few seconds with them...haha! But, I think with the exhaustion and being star-struck with them, that I was pretty much speechless...<sigh>! Other than that, they signed our books, bookmarks, and posters! It was definitely a fun event, despite the fiasco earlier during that day. Not all too happy with how the situation was handled during the morning hours that day. Loved meeting Gayle Forman and R.J. Cutler!

Signed If I Stay poster

View the full album on this event, here!

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a signed If I Stay bookmark at the end of this post! Yup! Got 3 bookmarks up for grabs that were signed by Gayle Forman AND R.J. Cutler!

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If I Stay Trailer 2


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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway is Open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Melissa dela Cruz & Michael Johnston Launches New Collaboration: FROZEN

On this beautiful Saturday afternoon on September 21, 2013, Barnes & Noble at The Grove hosted this amazing author event of Melissa dela Cruz and Michael Johnston's first collaborated novel, Frozen.  In addition to meeting new authors on September 18, 2013, it is also extremely fun to come out to events for favorite authors. This time, the event was celebrating the collaborative work of a husband and wife team of Michael Johnston and Melissa dela Cruz launching their first book of a new series, Heart of Dread.

So...Mariah and I made the trip out to Los Angeles, California for this amazing event. We also brought along good friend and booknerd, Cassandra, to join the fun. Not only that...this was the first time Cassandra met Melissa dela Cruz. Of course, she was already familiar with Melissa's Blue Bloods series, but never read the books. Boy, is she in for a treat! I have definitely enjoyed reading this series...and, I'm almost done -- just one book left to read! Then on to reading her other series, the Beauchamp Family series, which includes the first book of the series, Witches of East End, which is soon to be a TV series on Lifetime! I am so excited about that. 

Check out a couple video clips of this amazing and fun event as Melissa dela Cruz and Michael Johnston talks about their new book, Frozen.

Clip#1

Melissa dela Cruz & Michael Johnston talks about working together and the making of the Blue Bloods series...
and their Hollywood experiences.

Clip#2

Melissa dela Cruz reads an excerpt from their new book, Frozen.

Since meeting Melissa dela Cruz, for the first time, at the RT Teen Day in 2011, along with many other favorite authors, Mariah and I have enjoyed catching up and keeping up with the latest books by our favorite authors. I absolutely loved her Blue Bloods series since it is a different twist to the vampire lore that we are all so familiar with. I found this particular series unique. And, now, this new book of theirs, officially together as a husband/wife team, I am definitely looking forward to reading! Plus, come to find out that many of Melissa and Michael's interests in sci-fi and fantasy are also the same favorites as mine! Nice! Gotta love it! 

Melissa dela Cruz and Michael Johnston

Melissa dela Cruz

Michael Johnston

It is never a dull moment attending these author events...be it at Barnes & Noble or other bookstores, we always have a good time when it comes to books...hahaha!! 

And the signing begins...

Melissa dela Cruz & Michael Johnston

Mariah with Melissa dela Cruz & Michael Johnston

Jasmine with Melissa dela Cruz & Michael Johnston

Our signed copy of Frozen

View the full album at:

Melissa dela Cruz & Michael Johnston Launches New Novel: Frozen

Don't forget!

Check out this Witches of East End promo!

(inspired by Melissa dela Cruz's novel of the same name)

Series premieres October 6 at 10/9c on Lifetime

Kazu Kibuishi Presentation and Signing Event

August 28, 2013 was a night filled with events! One such event was being held at the Barnes & Noble at The Grove! Kazu Kibuishi, illustrator and graphic novel author, was on hand to do a presentation and signing for fans at this particular Barnes & Noble. It definitely was an exciting night!

As soon as I purchased my Harry Potter box set and got our wristbands, we went straight to the event area to sit down since we still had a few hours to kill before the event with Kazu Kibuishi. While Mariah did her homework, I made my rounds taking pictures with my camera, and also with my phone so I can post it on my social networks! As I made my way down to the first floor, I glanced over and saw Kazu Kibuishi and family talking with events manager, Lita Weissman! Of course, I didn't want to interrupt their discussion about the night's event, so I went about taking photos! I then made my way back up to the third floor to the events area, and, guess who I saw making their way there, too! Yup! Kazu was also headed for the events area with Lita! He wanted to get an idea of what the area looked like, so he can set up to do a demonstration. I had a chance to meet Kazu and his family! Awesome moment! 

Lita with Kazu Kibuishi and family

The Amulet series

As the minutes ticked away, more fans trickled into the events area. At first, the fans that arrived were mostly Harry Potter fans; however, as time got closer to the event, the events area filled up quickly, especially with young children whom were fans of Kazu because of his graphic novels, such as: the Amulet series and the Daisy Kutter series. Wow! The area filled up quickly...it was an amazing turn out! 

Kazu Kibuishi

Kazu Kibuishi & Jeff Caffoe, production assistant

The event then started with Kazu Kibuishi speaking about how he started, especially since he doesn't think he's a very good artist. It was very interesting how he got into this industry...by accident...haha!!! It was very interesting to learn about his background, especially how he started off in the film industry. So, he definitely had an interesting career background from film to comics. Kazu also elaborated on his graphic novel series, The Amulet series, and its history. 

Kazu Kibuishi also discussed many of his works and his inspirations for his art. It definitely was storytelling time as Kazu walked the audience through a brief description of his career history. We even got a look at his studio apartment (pre-marriage) and his production office where all his illustration magic happens. He then discussed his assignment to design the covers for the Harry Potter books for its 15th Anniversary. With the help of Jeff Caffoe, his lead production assistant, Kazu demonstrated to the audience how he begins to draw and answer audience questions while at it.  At some point, Kazu had to put the microphone down so that he could draw...haha! 

Kazu's studio apartment

Kazu's workplace

It was amazing to watch Kazu draw! He started off with just miscellaneous scribbles and shapes, and it turned into something it was amazing. I was blown away at what he was drawing! He drew a few shapes and shades...and, poof, it was a view of mountains and hills. Even without too many details, Kazu drew out a breathtaking view. 

At some point during the presentation, Lita, had to end the discussion after a couple more questions, then the signing had to get underway. And, since it was a school night, Lita allowed the many children that attended get ahead in the line due to the late time of the evening. The audience was all too willing to accommodate the children. I, of course, completely relate since my daughter, as well, has school the next day; and, we still had a 2+ hour drive to get home after the event. Moreover, this exciting evening was well worth the drive out, especially for my daughter since she's into art and drawing. Kazu is an amazing inspiration for any aspiring artist. 

The signing begins!

Fans lined up for the signing

Sara (whatanerdgirlsays.com) getting books signed!

Mariah with Kazu Kibuishi

Mariah & Jasmine with Kazu Kibuishi

Sara & Jasmine "fangirling" over Kazu...haha!

Signed Harry Potter lithographs!

Signed Harry Potter book set

Kazu even signed the box!

The spine of the Harry Potter box set!

To view the photo album from this event, go to:

Kazu Kibuishi, Illustrator, Presentation & Signing