As ever, Laura and I made the trip to Rochester NY for TBF. The 2018 event promised to be amazing as there were several authors we were excited to see. Many of these authors of these authors were ones that we grew up with as children including Margret Peterson Haddix, Bruce Coville, and Tamora Pierce.
We spent 5 hours in the car on the way to Rochester, half of which was in the dark through the mountains. For future reference, not recommended. New York is pothole central. Regardless we got to our hotel safely and passed the fuck out.
We woke up early the next morning ready and rearing to go for the event. We got their early because we like to hit the tables before the crowds come in and mob everything. Crowd people, we are not. We did well at the raffle table and each got a fair pile of books and advanced copies. We recommend this to everyone because the proceeds keep TBF free for all.
Our first panel was Tammy and Bruce who have known each other for a very long time and are fast friends. The two seemed to feed off each other’s energy with quick humor and finishing each other’s stories. It was a hilarious, informative and enjoyable panel that we will quote from for years to come.
Next was Claire Legrade and Roshani Chokshi. They were very relaxed in their panel, with their shoes off, feet up, and shoveling chips into their mouths. I felt incredibly connected to them as people with their chill attitudes. Again a very quotable panel with good advice and friendly demeanors.
Lastly we met the wonderful Taran Matharu, whom we had no idea was so close in age and in interests as us. We bonded immediately and very much look forward to continuing to follow his books. He also had a really great workshop prepared.
The signings went off as usual, though seemed less chaotic than in years past. We actually got almost every book we wanted signed and met most of the authors.
It was a great adventure and we can’t wait to do it again next year. We will be holding our breaths for the author list for the next one.
We will be heading to at least one if not two more events this year so stay tuned for those.
From Our shelves to yours,
Erin and Laura
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