It’s almost the time of the year when my little bookish heart gets almost as excited as when it’s the release day of a highly anticipated read: it’s almost time for me to go to a book event. I prepare for this one event within driving distance of my area every year. I pre-read books, I think of things to tell or say to my favorite authors, and practice my interactions with them. Okay, maybe I’m a little weird. But, when it comes time to actually go to an author’s panel, or talk to them one-on-one, I don’t ask questions, and I VERY AWKWARDLY just babble about how their book was amazing I love you you’re great can’t wait to read another of your books okay thanks bye. I take a picture with them, and then the moment is in the past.
So really, my exchanges aren’t that bad. But, I’m really shy in person and would love to ask the author’s I get to meet questions. I feel like I’m missing out on amazing opportunities. Plus, I want my event recaps to actually be good, so that you’ll want to read the post!
So I guess my question for you all is: Does meeting authors make you nervous? Any tips for chatting with authors about their books and for asking questions during panels?
I’m going to have the chance to be meeting some amazing authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Gayle Forman, Jessica Brody, Julia Kagawa, Jennifer Niven, Katie McGarry, Sarah Dessen, Emmy Laybourne and MORE soon, so I want my author-meeting game to be ON POINT PEOPLE!
Hey, if I get good enough advice that actually helps me, I may even open a form so that you guys can give me questions to ask them and report back to you all with in my recap post! 😉
Books & Cleverness 
I totally understand your problems, as I am the same when I meet an author. I am lucky enough to have met two great authors but on both occasions I went really shy and awkward.
Oh what authors?!
Cathy Cassidy and Lauren Child 🙂
I’m exactly the same way! Authors are my rockstars so I too tend to babble 😛 I nearly got sick I was so excited when I met Melissa de la Cruz last fall…at 25 years old LOL. I’ll be going to BookCon in NYC at the end of May and I’m doing what you are, reread the books, and as I think of questions I write them down. If I manage to get any words out at BookCon it will be a miracle though. A few of my writing idols will be there, I may just break down crying like a little girl meeting One Direction.
Haha, don’t worry, everyone gets starstruck for someone! Have fun at BookCon! It’s my dream to go there and BEA!
Authors are really friendly in real life, I promise! Don’t be shy and mention your book blog, that will really open up the connection between you in the author! It’s something you both have in common, a love for books! If you don’t mind me asking, what convention are you going to?
Yes, they are always the sweetest. That’s a good idea mentioning the blog! I’m going to The Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival. It’s the only one that I can get to without travelling crazy amounts of time!
I would be so nervous that I would need cue cards or something in my hand to remind me of questions I have for the authors ha ha ha. I know I would look so awkward, so I don’t know if my advice would help you. But I think you just have to be yourself and keep in mind that beside the classic ” I love your work” fan-ish salutation, you could come up with a general question for each author you meet. Remember Joan Rivers’ ” who are you wearing?” was her starter for conversations. Yours could be “Who are you reading?”
That’s a great idea! I’ll be sure to do that! 😀
I’m so jealous you’re meeting all those awesome authors! I haven’t had the chance to meet an international author before, but I would love to someday ❤ Don't worry, I also get nervous meeting them, but I suggest you compliment their book first. Like, "I like your book so much!" would be a great thing to say 🙂 I don't know about you, but that's a mere suggestion. Have fun!!
Jillian @ Jillian’s Books
Oh yes, I always do. That’s about all I get out though! Beyond small talk I’m horrible! :O
Aww have fun my love! I always think I might be awkward but then I start chatting along and it’s like word vomit, just like when I type and before long I can’t stop myself. Oh goodness. I feel you, I guess you’d think there’s this whole difference buttt they’re so nice and they’ll make you feel comfortable, guaranteed!
I know! I love authors, they’re great at handling socially awkward book nerds such as myself haha! 😀
I am living through you on this one. Here in canada, we don’t get many authors! I’ve been to two Marissa Meyer ones and I am so bad. i freeze each time and when we were at the signing table, I failed epically. I mean, I talked but it was like I couldn’t speak english and I stuttered. I NEVER stutter omg. Like, don’t make the same mistake that I did.
Advice for the panel? I would recommend writing your questions down BEFORE the signing and writing multiple so no one asks the same one as you. That way when you ask it, you’ll know EXACTLY what you’re talking about.
I had the chance to meet Marissa Meyer two years ago and she was so sweet, but I admit I was SUPER starstruck! 😀
I wish I had advice for you, but I’m terrible at meeting authors – I’m terrible at meeting new people, in general. I never know what to say. I met Laini Taylor last year, and I just felt so awkward. So if you get any good tips, let us all know.
Good luck at the event!