Meeting My Favorite Childhood Author

Having lived in a small town in Vermont my whole life, there were few opportunities to meet the more well known authors I enjoyed reading. So when I came to Boston for college, I was surprised and excited to discover one of my favorite childhood authors, Tamora Pierce, was holding a book signing at a nearby bookstore.

I imagined the signing would only consist of a group of kids and their parents waiting in a small line to get their books signed but when I arrived at the store a half hour before the event started, I found myself standing in a long line of college students and adults that twisted in and out of the bookshelves.

As I waited quietly in line, a group of women on either side of me started talking about which books they wanted signed. After a few moments, they turned to me and asked which of the authors books I had. This was the beginning of a deep conversation about the pros and cons of YA literature. During my time in that line, I was amazed how a conversation about books could transform a group of complete strangers into temporary best friends.

Image by Kaelan. Tamora Pearce Book Signing, 2018.

Finally, I made it to the front of the line and approached Tamora Pierce. I had been so nervous and excited to meet her that I realized I hadn't prepared to say anything so I simply introduced myself, handed her my book, and watched her sign it. I couldn't believe after the time I spent in line I froze up when meeting her but overall I was too happy to care that we didn't have an in depth conversation.

Image by Kaelan. Wild Magic By Tamora Pearce, 2018.

Although this has been my only book signing to date, I am eager and excited to find another one to attend.

While meeting one of your favorite authors is well worth the wait in line, the conversations you have there are also an important part of the experience. It's unbelievable the power literature has to bring people together.