Now, as I may have mentioned on the blog before, I live in somewhat of a geographical cul de sac. Travel from my home to...er...well, pretty much anywhere is both expensive and exhausting, and as a result of this and the fact that I need to look after my father, I don't often get to go to writing related events. And this means that I don't have access to something which I love and adore. Something which Barbara gets her hands on quite often.
Signed books.
Barbara, dear, lovely Barbara, knows that signed books are like crack to me. She is the one who managed to get me a signed and personalised copy of The Other Wind by Ursula Le Guin, the book which I mention here as one of my ultimate writing influences (and by the way Ursula Le Guin? WE ARE NOT WORTHY *Bows Down*).
But this time, B. you have outdone yourself. This time when I opened the unexpected parcel that arrived on my doorstep I was not prepared for the awesomeosity that was to spill into my lap, oh no.
Remember this story about The One, Dear Readers? About the lightning-struck moment of clarity when my life changed forever as I realised that I wanted to write fantasy for young adults? And the author whose book I was reading at the time was...
That's right.
B. it's possible I might have had a heart attack when I saw this. But it was totally worth it. You are a bright and shiny star, and like a star, you always lead me home eventually. I'll see you back in the FSC soon, promise.
*Snuggles book*
18 comments:
Aw that's so lovely!
Jenni: I know, right?!
Yay, that's awesome!
Isabel: I think so. Tamora Pierce touched this very book. With her PEN. HER PEN!
Yes, Zoe, that's how I felt when I received a signed copy of Shadows on the Moon!!
Isabel: Ooh, you shameless flatterer you!
Wow! What a great thing to get! (And I hope we do see you back in the Scribblers soon - we miss you!)
Oh wow. Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
for the record I thought the titles was 'Melting Spoons' when first I glanced at it :)
Phoenix: I'm slowly getting there - you'll probably see me in the next week or so. Knowing that you guys are all there beavering away is a real inspiration to me, and don't forget it!
Alex: Ha ha ha! Not quite as impressive, but a lot funnier :)
Zoe, how did you find your writing group? I'm just curious, as I'd like to be a part of one. (I'm not trying to weasel into yours :P )
Alex: We formed spontaneously out of a group of friends who already spent loads of time talking online about books and reading. Out of that group a certain percentage were also writers, so one of us (the aforementioned Barbara!) suggested setting up a group for Furtive Scribblers (since most of us furtively scribbled while we were working at other jobs) - and that's how we started. This was before I was published or had an agent or anything. Basically, it was pure luck, and I'm not sure it's possible to replicate those conditions. First you need the group of great friends who love books and reading, then you need some of them to be dedicated writers, and then you need those ones who are writers to get on exceptionally well and be willing to work as a group. It's kind of like lightning striking.
Oh yay, it got there! By the way, she is a really nice person - she sat in the hallway after the panel and signed a bunch of books (she hadn't been at the big autograph session) and gave time to each person very patiently.
I told her that it was one of her books that made you want to write YA, and your 3d book was just out, thus the inscription.
B.: I must owe you about ten Christmas presents and cards by now. I completely went to bits this year and didn't send anyone anything. I suck. But you rule. And I'm very glad to know that my instincts about TP were right (well, I'd hate to think I'd spent all these years practically worshipping a right moo). I knew she must be a wonderful person to write the books she does. And now I can die knowing that she was aware of my existence for at least one brief moment! I'll say it again, you're a bright and shiny star :)
What a lovely thing to do! Getting one of your favourite books as a present is amazing as it is, but a signed copy… wow! :D
Emma: Yep :) This is going on my special shelf. I may take it down and caress it and snuggle it now and again...
I hit 40,000 words today, Zoë!!
Isabel: Ooh! Well done! I don't know whereabouts in your novel you are, but that's a fantastic achievement, hun.
Thanks, Zoe!!
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