On November 13th, I was fortunate enough to attend the launch party for 2012 Debut Author J.A. Souder's book, RENEGADE. I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of the book earlier this year and it is one of my absolute favorite 2012 reads. There aren't a lot of book events near enough to where I live, but Jessica is a local Florida author, so I promised come hell or high water I would make sure I was at this event! Getting to Orlando is easy peasy, I've done it numerous times, but getting to the place where the launch was being held was a little trickier. My best friend, Shanon, and I found the building pretty quick, but it is a very large building and we had to get some major assistance from various different people. Once we got to the right place, though, it was so awesome. The conference room that the party took place in was really cool and I could totally see how it would have inspired Sector 3 in RENEGADE!
It was all very informal and everyone just got to hang out and visit with each other. I got to see Christina, Larissa, and Tara again. They are the lovely ladies I met at Kristen Simmons signing in February. Christina's book, GILDED, is being published in November 2013! I also ran into Sarah , from the YA Rebels, and it was nice to catch up with her. She and I will be moderating a bunch of panels together at the Olde City, New Blood Convention in February! We also made a couple of new book loving friends. Ariadna and Taylor go to school in the area, and Ariadna knows Jessica from the bookstore where she always spent her time writing. They were such sweet girls and SO tall...haha, but it was fun chatting with them about books and stuff.
RENEGADE's cover up on a big screen in the building! |
After we all had our books signed, munched on the food and cupcakes Jessica brought with, and chatted until our little hearts were content. Jessica did a reading from Chapter one and then answered questions. We got some background on Macie, found out that Mother is not actually based on Jessica's own mother, and she even told us the title for book two, though she said that is still subject to change.
Here's a bit of Jessica reading from RENEGADE (That's here adorable daughter running back and forth :0) ):
This launch party was such an awesome time and I'm so glad I got to see Jessica and everyone else, again! If you haven't gotten a chance to read RENEGADE yet, I highly recommend it! I can't wait for the party for book two :0)
It was so fun and it was great seeing you if only for a little while.
ReplyDeleteShanon!!!!
ReplyDeleteLucky girls! I'm too lazy to check and go to these kinds of events. It looks so fun though, maybe I should make attending book events my NY resolution.
You defintely should! Events are so much fun! We don't get many down here in Florida, but when we do we rush our happy butts right to them!
DeleteShanon will be very excited to know you were so excited to see her...haha :0)
Aw, I AM very excited to see that Braine noticed me! LOL! =D
DeleteAwesome recap, SarBear! It's always an adventure with you. =P