Author Signing with Maryann McFadden

It's taken me awhile to get around to writing this post, but that's only because this week has been super crazy for me! Between birthdays, parties, and BBAW, I feel like I'm losing it! One thing is for sure, my delayed write-up is definitely not because I wasn't thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet Maryann McFadden last Monday evening. Ms. McFadden is the author of THE RICHEST SEASON and SO HAPPY TOGETHER; and she came to traveled to Aaron's Books in Lititz, PA, for a book reading and signing.

I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to be able to make the signing because it was Booking Daughter's 10th birthday; and as much as I love authors and books, I wasn't going to miss out on the celebration. Much to my surprise (and joy), Booking Daughter said that she'd like to go with me to see Ms. McFadden. This is a pretty big sacrifice for her because it's an hour away, and she's not the biggest fan of traveling in a car for any amount of time. I can't even begin to express how excited I am that she is developing a love of books just like her mama!

Despite horrific storms, power outages and downed trees, Booking Daughter and I made it to Aaron's with not a minute to spare. The hour trip was actually closer to an hour and twenty minutes. I was anxious to show my daughter Aaron's Books because it is my absolute favorite bookstore. Not only is it quaint, but the owners -- Todd and Sam -- are just about the nicest people you could ever meet. I could sit and talk books with them for hours! I just wish it were a little closer to my home.

Before reading the prologue from her new novel SO HAPPY TOGETHER, Ms. McFadden spoke about her "journey" to having a book published. She story is actually fascinating because she didn't begin writing novels until her kids were almost grown. She self-published her first novel THE RICHEST SEASON and did a huge amount of marketing on her own -- visiting bookstores, meeting with book clubs and hand-selling her book. After eight months, she had proven that she had a good book on her hands and ended up selling her novel to Hyperion. The rest, as they say, is history. If you'd like to learn more about Ms. McFadden, you should definitely check out her website.

Unfortunately, I had not read either of Ms. McFadden's novels prior to meeting her. Of course, I ended up buying both of them and having her sign them. Now, I can't wait to read them. They both sound terrific and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to enjoy them!

I took quite a few pictures at the event, but I figured since Booking Daughter spent her birthday at the book signing, she deserved to have the one of her and Ms. McFadden posted here. I mentioned to Ms. McFadden that it was Booking Daughter's 10th birthday, and she made sure to give her some special attention. Ms. McFadden told her that when she was 10 years old, she decided that she wanted to be an author. In addition to getting to meet an author, Booking Daughter received a bag of books from Aaron's (plus the two that I ended up buying her.) Needless to say, Booking Daughter was thrilled with the whole experience! The entire ride home she talked about potential book and story ideas with me. I probably don't need to tell you how much that warmed my heart!