Okay, so not really. Eventually, I WILL stop doing appearances for WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE. But not until AFTER The Texas Book Festival (in Austin, Oct 22-23) and the Miami Book Festival and NCTE in Chicago (late November). By that point, I think everyone will be as sick of me as I am of myself, if they aren’t already. That said, though, I LOVE that I am still doing stuff for this book, because it took me not only to Toronto, but the National Book Festival in D.C. I know I have said before how much I love my job, for all kinds of reasons. One is that you get to meet your idols:
Yes, that IS Katherine Paterson, who I have been lucky enough to meet before, but seeing her (and having her know my name!) still is just so, so thrilling. I mean, have you READ Bridge to Teribithia? Enough said. I also got to spend some time with Tomie dePaola, who, aside from being an amazing author and illustrator, is also as a fan of The Real Housewives. Not even kidding!
The Festival itself was two days this year, and just SO much fun. Authors and readers EVERYWHERE. What more can you ask for? I tried my best not to gawk in the author tent, although it was hard, especially when I saw Julianne Moore, who I had met at the BEA breakfast. People: she TOTALLY remembered my name and face. I almost DIED. In fact, I almost died just writing that, that’s how much of a nerd I am. She also signed a copy of her new Freckleface Strawberry book for my daughter, and if you think I will NOT be forcing everyone who comes to my house to look at it, well, then, you just don’t know me very well.
Also, I got to ride in a golf cart! (With my fab author escort Kathryn, who got me everywhere I needed to be):
And speak in front of a GREAT tentful of people:
And sign books and meet SO many awesome readers (that is not Joe Jonas in front of the table, but imagine if it WAS!)
The fact that I was able to be all these places and do all these things is all due to the fab folks from the Library of Congress, who organized the entire festival and really made things run like clockwork. But the fact that this TOUR has gone so well, and I have stayed (relatively) calm throughout, despite travel snaufs and occasional craziness, is all because of my publicist Elyse Marshall. She is always there, behind the scenes, checking and double-checking details, working the signing line to make it run super smoothly, and making sure every single thing I’m given, like cards and notes and little gifts, all make it home safely with me. She is flat out AWESOME. So if you come to any of the remaining events and see her, tell her so! Thanks, Elyse.
Then, it was back in the car, back to the airport, and back home, where I arrived in time to put my daughter to bed (And read her all the books I brought. And show her Julianne Moore’s inscription. Several times.) By the next morning, I was in jeans and flip-flops at the playground, no golf cart, signing line or publicist in sight, watching her work her way up the big slide. My double life. It never fails to blow my mind.
Have a great day, everyone!
Wow, it all sounds like so much fun, and the pictures are fabulous! I’m sooo envious you met Julianna Moore.
I’m super thrilled you had an awesome time, and cannot wait to hear more!
It was awesome to hear you at the NBF and to have you sign my book. Thanks for being willing to lead a double life! Cheers,
~Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn
So sad I did not get to come visit you! You were sooo close too! Only 1.5 hours! Oh well. This just means you have to write another book and do another tour so I can meet you then!
~Sara
I wonder if the card I gave you at your Toronto signing is sitting in your office somewhere. Maybe your bookmark is in one of your favourite books? Take care!
That is so neat that Julianne Moore remembered your name! I would have been freaking out, too. I like that you go crazy over celebs as much as I do. It makes reading your blog and tweets very enjoyable.
P.S. Julianne Moore was great in the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love, as were Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling. I really think it’s a movie that you’d enjoy.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit over there. I’ll be seeing u in Austin Texas!!! Luv to all,
~Jackie
WOW, you are working those heels!
Also, I’m thrilled you’re coming back to Chicago, although I doubt I see you as you’ll be at the conference and I won’t be. Not that I know of, anyway.
Just wanted to say I noticed the shoes you’re wearing and they’re adorable!! You look totally awesome in all your pictures
Oh my gosh, Sarah, your shoes are to die for!! And I’m super jealous because my in-laws were in Austin and aside from Southern Living and John Grisham, I don’t think they even know what young adult books are. I couldn’t even send them by proxy to see you. :<( Any chance you'll ever make it to Lewiston, Idaho or possibly Spokane, Washington? (The biggest city close to me!) Love your books and have turned many a friend onto them. (All well over 30, I might add!)
Are you planning a UK tour anytime soon? If you are please consider visiting Oxford, because I swear to you, I would NOT miss it!
I LOVE YOU SARAH! I’ve read all your books and I can’t wait for your next one! I know you live in Chaple Hill, NC and I live in Raleigh, NC. You should come to Dillard Drive Middle!!
Thanks for coming to the National Book Festival!! It was so nice to see you and have you sign my book! I didn’t get to see you speak but maybe the next time you come to the D.C. area! You were really nice and I was able to get a picture with you too. Thanks again
I just want you to know that I’m smiling to myself because even though you keep saying that you are going to blog less, every time I check your blog lately there’s a new post.
SARAH DESSEN?! You are my role model for writers. I am like sooooooo addicted to all of your books and plus, I finished ALL of your books. They are really awesome!
Sounds like so much fun!!!
I lovelovelove your dress!
Awesome shoes Sarah!
I loved seeing you there at the Festival! I was surprised to see Elyse there- we got to chat for a few minutes while I waited in line. She is such a sweetheart! Very cool that Julianne remembered your name and face!! I tried to get a picture of her from far away but she left before I got a chance; I only got Hoda Kotb from afar.
I would like to tell you, that it was absolutely great hearing you speak at the National Book Festival! I am an aspiring writer who has always dreamt of writing children’s books, but you have definitely inspired me into exploring a different genre/style of writing. I was asked to do an assignment for my Creative writing course, where I had to pick two authors to research, read their work, and listen to speak at the festival. You were my #1 pick, followed by…Julianne Moore! I will tell you that your tent was by far my favorite! You are truly incredible (and extremely hilarious), and have inspired me to push forward with my dreams. I will tell you this; never let becoming a famous author get to your head. Your personality and story is what makes you relatable…well that, and of course your awesome books). As a 23 year-old I enjoyed all of your books, so I can only imagine what it does for teenagers! Thank you so much for all you do, and I absolutely adore your blog!!!! YOU ROCK!
Where did you get those shoes?? O_O I love them. You look great in them, by the way.
Hi Mrs. Dessen
It was amazing to hear you speak and sign my book! I went with my friend and we were the ones that were terrified to speak to you. =) Love the shoes by the way. Fierce.