Welcome to a new feature that will be running every Tuesday for the month of May….
BEA 2012 – The Bookworms went to NYC When we decided last year to go to BEA – we did our research all right… But nothing can truly prepare you for the Real Thing.
Monday
Together, we all arrived (Heather, Pushy, and Danny) at JFK to take a cab to the hotel, After the initial squee and hugging fest (we haven’t seen each other in a year), we settled in to discover our hotel. Our first task was to get to Javits Center and get our Badges. I’m not kidding, but seeing already the big sign – was… AWESOME!We are here, we are finally here and it’s truly happening!
Getting the Badges which was highly unspectacular we went to meet a blogger I contacted before. I read her blog, saw that she’s going to be a BEA and so we decided it would be awesome to meet before the whole shenanigans start. Best.Decision.Ever. So, Heather, Pushy, and I met up with Jenny from Supernatural Snark and her Moms (MIL and her mom) and… it was instant love! Look at our big grinning faces, seriously – we all wear this big happy grin on our faces! (*Pushy* I can not overstate how absolutely wonderful it is meet your bloggy friends in person. BEA or otherwise, this is a DEFINITE must!)
Heather:We were able to look over Pushy’s super-organized spreadsheet of what signings we needed to hit. This is one thing that is very important if you want to make the most of BEA–Tip: preplanning so you aren’t running from signing to signing without a clear strategy. And this year the Book Blogger Convention is on Monday, so we will be hitting the ground running.
Tuesday
We are going to tell you now an infinite truth: Nothing is going to prepare you for your first day at BEA. Nothing! Not any post like this one can prepare you.. and Pushy and I read tons of posts before. Just getting in the entrance of the hall – you felt the buzz and excitement in all the people surrounding you. Funny enough, this first day we made a discovery that saved us a little sleep on the next days. See, there are a few entrances to enter the fair, among those is the big entrance where 80% are waiting to be let loose..uhm to get in! When we arrived we stopped at a smaller entrance and we were initially confused. In the main hall, people are waiting in line to get in and got there at 8am to get a good place in line.. So we were confused, because we waited together with 5 other people…Tip: Every Entrance gets you inside the holy halls.
When finally the doors opened.. a stream of people nearly ran to get finally inside. I might exaggerate a little here, but it felt like this..(*Pushy* It was insanity!) Our first stop was to get to the main entrance hall, get some bags and just move with the flow of people. That was easier than thinking where to go…
First stop was Harper and there were honest to goodness stacks of book laying on the floor waiting to get grabbed.. Okeeee.. uhm wow.. really?? That was our initial response.. like” We can just grab one? Really” and all the ladies were just nodding. Obviously confused with our ignorance. Tip: Stacks of Books on the Floor? Yes, there are there for you to take 1.. (and I mean 1, don’t go and grab 5, for all your friends, unless you want to make a bad impression of course..)
After the initial adjustment to the craziness around you, just go and make yourself comfortable and.. wander around. We first located boothes we were interested in, we looked for the autographing stage and all the other locations. Then we looked on our schedule on finally decided where to head next, or better who is going where – because although you are there with your friends, you definitely might want to split up to see your own favorite authors! (*Pushy* or characters! Remember, BEA is about FUN as much as it is about anything else. You’ll be able to get your hands on these books eventually. But enjoying the moment is priceless, so HAVE FUN!!!!)
Wednesday
After the first day went with a blur and I seriously cannot remember all we did during the days of the Fair.. But, Wednesday we were slightly more relaxed!
After we saw an announcement that Lauren Kate would be there signing Passion in the morning. I knew I needed to be there! So, again we skipped the big, bad entrance and went through a smaller one and suddenly I was right in front and the first in line. I was grinning stupidly and still grinned when finally the awesome Lauren Kate signed Passion for me. After a little chat about Germany and her books I moved on, happily clutching my book to my chest!
However, we were immensely glad to have Pushy with us – because she’s an organizing supertalent! We shortly discussed which authors will be there today, who wants to see whom and who is going where and where to meet up again .. You get the drill.. One thing I totally didn’t take into account – You have to arrive early (like really an hour before early…) when there is a signing of awesome at Booth.
For instance: at the Harlequin Booth there was a signing with Rachel Vincent, Julie Kagawa, Kady Cross, Cara Lynn Shultz – yes, all those fantastic ladies on one place.. I came there half an hour before the event started and… I was shocked to see the line… I had to search for the end of the line and had to move around 3 corners.. YES .. 3 corners. But good girl that I am , I just went to the end of the line.. Not like so many other girls, that just cut the line.. Just, don’t cut the line – simply don’t! It’s rude, and you’re better than that! Because sadly enough due to so many people not caring to get to the end of the line, I didn’t get any books signed anymore.
See, Publishers have a certain amount of books for each signing, when they are gone, you won’t get any signed book anymore. Begging is not helping, because there are just no books anymore..
Heather: On the second day, you know what to expect and waiting in the long lines is old hat so to speak. Advice: Surprise signings are announced at the booths, so pay attention to the signs–you never know which one of your favorites might pop up! You still end the day exhausted and mentally worn out, but it’s worth it.
Thursday 
Thursday was really lazy and not so crowded anymore, which was really nice! We were just enjoying the winding down atmosphere of the day, when the awesome Melissa (I Swim For Oceans) got invited from Michelle Hodgkin to join her for a coffee – she was super excited and asked if we want to join! OMG, like really?? And then Pushy and me had a coffee with Michelle, Melissa which was incredible and super awesome!!!!! Yep, magic like this really happens people!!!
Heather: Going with three people from the blog, and this year with four of us, allows us to divide and conquer. Several signings going on at the same time? No problem–we just split up and go our separate ways. But again, I really recommend having a firm plan in place before you go. I’m the kind of person who just goes with the flow and just showed up without a plan. This year, I’m mapping it all out ahead of time.
Friday
Was BBC – aka Book Blogger Convention, and about this we will talk about in a seperate post!
Summary
In the end, it was an overwhelming and incredible experince, we got tons of books signed by awesometastic authors. We made new friends and had one of the best weeks ever! We knew when we were flying home that we would come again … And we will! Soon!
Tip: preplanning so you aren’t running from signing to signing without a clear strategy. (coming in next post!)
Tip: Every Entrance gets you inside the holy halls.
Tip: Stacks of Books on the Floor? Yes, there are there for you to take 1.. (and I mean 1, don’t go and grab 5, for all your friends, unless you want to make a bad impression of course..)
Tip: (if you want to make any friends) Just, don’t cut the line – simply don’t!
Tip: Surprise signings are announced at the booths, so pay attention to the signs–you never know which one of your favorites might pop up!
Ok you still with us? Because seriously that was a crazy long post!
I’m sorry!!!! But … there was so much to tell you and we still haven’t told you anything!
Upcoming Topis:
- BBC and Networking at BEA
- Scheduling your visit to BEA
- Authors, Signings and Events
- Answering YOUR Questions!
And since, this all takes place in the wonderful city New York, today we are going to bring NYC 2 U (or to your eReader..) We have a beautiful Skin for your eReader! I have this skin myself in my iPad and I LOVE it deeply!
So, 1 lucky winner gets the NYC Skin for their eReader (note, any eReader GelSkin offers)
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This is a priceless guide! I’m so excited for all your posts.
One question – how many business cards do you think I should bring?
Alison (AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Manga Mondays (101): Old Friend Manga Series
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I had 100 last year and I still had some left – I think 50-100 – I was very throwing them all out on everyone lool:))
Thanks Alison, so glad I you enjoy our posts!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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Are you guys coming again this year? I cannot make it to the actual convention for dumb reasons, but I will be around in the city that week. You guys should come to the Teen Author Carnival at the NYP Library on Tuesday from 6:30 – 9:30
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Yep, we are going and YES Id love to go to the Carnival, I missed it last year but heard it was awesome! any idea who will be there? Would be awesome seeing you there!!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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Meeting you would be the epitome of awesome. haha! The list of authors is supposed to release this Thursday. I am super excited!
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Gosh, this sounds like so much fun.
I wish I could go too 🙁
I hope you guys have fun this year as well ! 😀
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I’m sorry ..;((
but yes I am sure we will have fun 🙂
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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Wow! This is so much to take in! Thank you once again for doing this feature; it is made of awesome! I know you got your tickets on Monday last year, which is a day early, right? What do you suggest this year? Getting tickets early, would mean going on Sunday, but is the Javits Center open on Sunday or do you suggest just getting the tickets before BBC?
Thanks so much! Happy reading!
Gina recently posted..Fallen Book Discussion (Week 6)
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Gosh I know!!!! I mean when I was typing this down I got overwhelmed once again!!
No Monday is still fine!! Monday is not crowded so I guess we will just get there before BBC starts to get our Badges , it’s anyway only one for both BEA and BBC . there is no need to get there on Sunday.. I kinda like that BBC is Monday now 🙂 Getting to know all Bloggers even before the BEA!! Wooot!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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I would love to go this someday…:D It sounds like you had a blast!!! And you met Jenny…and a ton of cool authors…….that is awesome.
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YES meeting Jenny was most awesome!!!! And.. meeting those authors for me was a highlight too since I do not get to see them during the year…
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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LOOK AT US!!!! Hahahaha we’re so excited to be in NYC in that picture we can hardly deal with it:) That grin is going to be permanently plastered on my face this year! YAY!!! Good tip about the lines for entering the actual event – super unnecessary to get there at 7:30 and get in that monster line. LOVE YOU GUYS!
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I KNOW RIGHT? When I was searching for pictures and I saw this one I was smilling all over again.. I mean we look so ridiculously happy! And I remember chatting with the moms about Barrons and JR WARD.. it was an awesome first day!!! LOVE YOU!!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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I know it begins Monday but if u cant go monday will u be ok to get ur badges on tuesday?
does anything happen day 1, i know the blogger convent is mon but i am not going to that.
i was told day 1 was not that important, not much happens, please let me know if this is true. thank you 🙂
Francine (@BooksAndBey0nd) recently posted..Teaser Tuesdays {Mirage Edition}
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Apart from BBC thare is nothing you happening on Monday so you won’t miss anything promise. And of course you can catch your Badge on Tuesday morning :))
Monday are some events which are not open for public. the “real” event starts Tuesday so you are all good!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
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Thank you 🙂
What do we do if 2 or more authors are signing at the same time? Do we try to get in and get out really fast or pick which one you want the most, toss a coin? lol
I looked at the author signings and so many fabulous ones are at the same time! I wish I could clone myself or astral project while awake.
TY for answering my questions. I appreciate it 🙂
Francine (@BooksAndBey0nd) recently posted..Teaser Tuesdays {Mirage Edition}
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Oh yes this is a tricky question and we will discuss this in one of the following posts :)))
One thing is for sure, you won’t get to al of the signings you want to go to… But, if you play it smart you will see “most”.
Are you there with a friend?
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Reboot Lounge with Marissa Meyer
I am looking forward to your BEA Posts.
IDK yet if my blogger friend can make it.
We already planned the “you stand in this line, I stand in that line”
so we don’t miss too many authors. You said it, we wont get to all the signings & that smart planning will get us to most.
Thanx again. Will be on the lookout for more BEA posts..
Francine (@BooksAndBey0nd) recently posted..Teaser Tuesdays {Mirage Edition}
OMG that’s insane : that sounds like the best week ever !! You’re so lucky girls and I’m sooo happy for you !! You got to drink a coffee with friggin Michelle Hodkin !!! AHHH I’m soo jealous ..
Hugs.
Elodie @ Once Upon a Quote recently posted..Review : Destined by Aprilynne Pike
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it was sweetie!! It was!!! Gosh yes I still cannot believe it – this moment when we were having a coffee and just chatting? Incredible! I was a little afraid to read her book afterwards because she was soo awesome and I wanted to love her book…
Gladly I LOVED it insanely!!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Lounging with Marissa Meyer and Jackson Pearce
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If I ever get lucky enough to go to BEA, I’m bunking with you all. Yes, I’m inviting myself into your crowd. Sorry. You won’t be able to escape me.
Missie, The Unread Reader recently posted..Review: Cornerstone
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You have no idea how much I’d LOVE having you with us!!! and.. you would not escape us either!!!! You have to come one year, YOU HAVE TO!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Lounging with Marissa Meyer and Jackson Pearce
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I wish I could go so I could make some use of this post! I gotta say though, I loved reading all about last year! It’s really making me sad that I can’t go but maybe someday! I’ll definitely look forward to your post telling us all about your trip this year though!
Candace recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival! Welcome to the Parasol Parade! (Challenge+Give@way)
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Oh honey, it really makes me sad to – I would sooooo love to meet you one day and hang out and talk about books! But, I’m happy you reading our post so that we can at least share a little of this excitement with you!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Lounging with Marissa Meyer and Jackson Pearce
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Bahaha so you can just slide into any door. Poor people who’ve been waiting for HOURS for nothing. LOOOSERS! Yes. I said it! But wow I can feel the excitement from your post and it’s a shame I live in the middle of nowhere Canada where nothing ever happens haha. I totally want to go to an event next year though the one in June in NYC. Whatever that’s called. I would even get as excited to meet other bloggers than authors. I’ve never met anyone at all so to me you’re all like celebrities – only existing in my computer >.<
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LOOOL… you have no idea how confused we were. I was like.. uhm let’s stay here – in is in.. Others were like.. No, the main is the best.. BS!
Once you are in the holy hall you are in!!
Totally agree about the Bloggers, it was so awesome seeing bloggers where you know and read the blogs and then finally seeing them in person? FanFrigging AWESOME!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Lounging with Marissa Meyer and Jackson Pearce
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I love posts like these! I’ve never got the chance to go to BEA, so I try to live vicariously through everyone that does. 😉 Hope you guys have an awesome time again this year!!!
KM recently posted..Book Review: Until I Die, by Amy Plum
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Thank you so much! We really hope to share a little of what we experience there! I#m so excited for June I can’t even tell you…loool
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Lounging with Marissa Meyer and Jackson Pearce
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I have gone to the BEA for two years in a row and I loved it! I am looking forward to attending this year. It is a wonderful event to meet the different authors of various genres. I encourage anyone and everyone to attend if you are able. It is a wonderful experience!
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I can only agree with you! Once you were there once, you need to go again. This whole feeling, the buzz the excitement.. it’s unique and an amazing experience for all book lovers!
Danny recently posted..Spring Blog Carnival: Lounging with Marissa Meyer and Jackson Pearce
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Thank you for the tips; I’m going for the first time this year, and although I’ve been to many general blogging conferences, I’m a bit intimidated by this one! I hope to meet you ladies, as I’ll be going mostly solo.
Sandie @Teen Lit Rocks recently posted..Author Q&A: Mariah Fredericks Discusses “The Girl in the Park”
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