Thought I’d drop a few names from my days at Bouchercon…
*I was at the bar when Carol Higgins Clark came up to order drinks for her and her mother (I think her name was Mary). The man next to me, who I later learned was author John Clement, started chatting with her. Feeling happy I said a few words too (don’t ask me what they were I have no idea) and when Carol started fishing around in her purse I offered to buy her drinks. When am I ever going to get the chance again? Can you say legend? She does warn me that it may be pricy, but what do I care? She graciously thanks me and offers to send me books and then returns to Mary who is signing books elsewhere. The moral of this long-winded story? Bestselling authors drink more expensive wine than we do.
*Chelsea Cain gave me the finger! I only took two books to be signed and one was my hardcover of Heartsick by Chelsea Cain. She proved to be a lovely lady with a wicked sense of humor. She signed my books, posed for pictures and handed me something out of her purse. It was a severed finger, which went very well with the inscription on my book.
I saw her the next day and told her how much I loved it. More Chelsea news on Friday.
Taylor Stevens, author of The Informationist, was up for the Best Debut award and I saw her waiting in the back of the ballroom with eventual winner Sara Henry. I went up to say a few words of encouragement and we ended up chatting for a few minutes. After the awards and before the reception we ran into each other again and got into the food line together. Taylor grabbed my bag and went off to save us seats. I haven’t read The Informationist yet, so during our time in the long food line I asked her questions that a true fan would have already known, but hey, I did get to hear answers directly from her and not Google (or the other Taylor Stevens, porn star). More chatting over the food and then I decided to head back home so I could see Gage before he went to bed. I also figured that this would be the perfect way to end my Bouchercon experience. Time well spent with a warm, gracious and fun author. I am fan of Taylor the person now I just need to read her book(s)! This picture really doesn’t do her justice.
My Bouchercon/Birthday week giveaway…I brought home lots of books and I’m giving 5 away to you, my favorite bookish pals. Just leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered. Leave a comment on any post this week and you’ll be entered every time. On Saturday I’ll draw 3 winners. The first will get first choice and choose one book, the second winner will choose two books and the third winner will get the last two. Easy, right? Just comment all week long and you might win.
Stacy's Books 
You were rubbing shoulders with the elite! How fun! I haven’t read Taylor Stevens’ books yet either, but a friend of mine loves them. I’m sure they’ll be even better to you now that you know her! Squee!
Oh, Stacy, I’m so glad that you had a great time at Bouchercon! I’ve never been and wish I could have gone with you. I have both of Taylor Stevens’ books – not read yet, but I’ve read the book that Sara Henry won her award for. And I’ve read both Higgins Clarks books. Glad your Mommy vacation was a good one.
Lucky you to have had this opportunity. Many thanks for this great giveaway.
Ha, that finger and inscription are hilarious! Sounds like you had a lot of fun.
The severed finger is very Halloweenesque! And Happy Birthday week!!!
Chelsea sounds like a lot of fun! How nice of you to buy Carol and Mary (you are on a first name basis now) drinks! I hope you get a chance to read Taylor’s books, they are awesome. I have my eyeball on The Twelve! Happy Birthday!!!
What fun for you, Stacy! Love the finger joke from Chelsea! I’ve read both of Taylor Stevens’ books and while I like the second book, The Informationist is my favorite. Happy Birthday, Stacy! Thanks for the giveaway!
I loved this post!! Ha! I think it’s cool that you bought their drinks and yes, when you ever be able to do that again?? The finger is so flippin’ awesome….I would be showing everyone! 😀
I’m a little jealous of your experience! What fun! I loooove Taylor Stevens’ books.
It sounds like you had such a wonderful time! I met Carol and Mary a few years ago at the L.A. Times Festival of Books–they are both such wonderful ladies. I adore Mary. That’s too funny about the Chelsea Cain and the finger. Haha
Incredibly cool!!! I love the finger story. How sick/cool is that?
And OMG I wish wish wish I could win The Twelve!!!!
What great stories. I’m so glad you had a good time.
Sounds like it was lots of fun. Thanks for sharing some of it with us.
I am VERY jealous of your weekend. This is a dream of mine to attend an event like that. I’m glad that you were able to do that.
wow!
How cool that you got to go to this. I’m hoping to make it to the Southern Festival of Books this weekend. *fingers crossed*
Stacy, I think I’ll take the Juliet Blackwell book. She’s a Northern California author who I have met. Thanks for running the contest and thanks to Jason for an excellent random selection!