On Saturday, October 13, 2012, this happened at Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle:
(photo by Arin Berthiaume)
Which means that there was lots of these things to go around, of course:
(Photos by Sarah S. Moon)
Hooray!
I did a short talk about what I'd hoped to accomplish in writing Live Through This. Then I read a short excerpt (pages 54, 55, and the first few lines of 56, in case you wondered), in which Coley and Reece flirt using song lyrics--like they often do.
(Photo by William McCain)
That was the perfect segue for my husband, Dwayne, to appear from behind the curtain to introduce members of Alabaster (himself, Joe, Laura, Marlon, and Shaina) and Peace Mercutio (Andy and Taylor), who joined forces to play as "Writer's Block." As a surprise for me, they'd all changed their clothes to dress like the writer they know best in hoodies, T-shirts, and pajamas.
(Photo by Sarah S. Moon)
Writer's Block played six songs that are related to the book, and they took turns singing the lead vocals: Laura on "Asking for It" by Hole, Shaina on "Missing" by Everything But the Girl, Taylor on "Creep" by Radiohead, followed by Shaina on Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry." The most recognizable song of all was sung by Andy: "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison. Then I came over and surprised everyone (except the band members and, like, three other people who knew in advance) by singing "See You Again" by Miley Cyrus with Shaina's assistance on the choruses.
(Photos by Arin Berthiaume)
After the music, I went back to the podium for a Q&A, and then it was time for the signing and reception.
There was some of this:
(Photo by William McCain)
And a WHOLE BUNCH of this:
(Photo by Sarah S. Moon)
And the people who weren't me got to do this for a while:
(Photo by Arin Berthiaume)
The bookstore was very professional, organized, and had plenty of books to go around! Casey O., the host, made me feel welcomed and at ease. In all, it was a very fun day for me, and I got a number of emails afterward from attendees who said that they'd enjoyed themselves as well! There were some who'd traveled from British Columbia, Oregon, California, and Colorado, which really meant a lot to me and made the day extra special. Thank you all so much!
(Photos by Leeann Ward and Lindsey Schoenberger)
(Photos by Lindsey Schoenberger)
(Photo by . . . Linsey or Sandra? :-D)
(If you attended the event and have photos that you'd like to share with me, I'd love to see them! My email is mindirochelle AT gmail DOT com, if you wanna send them.)