Book Babe Event...unleashed!

Prepare yourselves for long post, many photos, little sense.

My awesome helper Debbie. The event had over 70 volunteers helping behind the scenes. Debbie was assigned to me. I gave her my camera and she saved the day, snapping some awesome photos. Thanks to Debbie and her cute sister Connie!

 
We had a lot of signing to do. Each of us signed about 150 books for giveaways and 1000 posters. (Stephenie signed 600 books). Here are Janette Rallison, James Owen, and Dean Lorey hard at work. Huge thanks to Bloomsbury and Walker who donated all of Janette's and my books for the event! BLOOMSBURY ROCKS!

 
I emceed with J.S. Lewis. We managed to keep each other laughing, which felt good.

 
Back stage, the goddess Megan and I help Dean Lorey into Stephenie's Eclipse prom dress...

 
...so he could model it on stage for the audience. PJ Haarsma is his handsome escort. Can I tell you how seriously awesome these guys are? Everyone was awesome. I'd say, "Hey guys, how about we do ___" and they'd say, "Sure, why not?" I was in heaven.

 
Here I read a poem written for the event by Laura Middleton, limericist extraordinaire. She made references to all the attending authors in there.

Twelve authors, reclusively hiding,
Were quietly doing their writing,
But when cancer messed
With their Book Babe's breast,
They emerged from their caves to go fighting.

They unsheathe their pens for this battle,
And cages of monsters they rattle.
So, cancer beware,
You haven't a prayer
Against Janette's cheerleader's prattle.

The robot dog's up for a scuffle,
The playing card soldiers, a shuffle.
Even Morgan LaFey
Gets into the fray.
And what could survive this kerfuffle?

Oh, cancer, the West Wind is blowing.
The dragons and gorgons are lowing.
You cannot unhinge
Rapunzel's revenge,
And that rascal Edward is glowing.

The cancer has got to be shrinking
In fear that a Softwire is linking.
Mull and his ilk
Sip magical milk,
And guess what the vampire's drinking.

Then after this awesome poem, Brandon Mull added:

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Cancer sucks

 
Backstage, we found ourselves huddled in a perfect circle, circle, so why not do an Eight is Enough shot? Clockwise from the pink: Laini Taylor, Brandon Mull, Chris Gall, Janette Rallison, Stephenie Meyer, Shannon Hale, Dean Lorey, PJ Haarsma, & Jon Lewis. Hey, we make nostrils look good!

 
After hearing Adam Kump's wonderful set, Jon and I felt inspired to serenade Faith, aka the Book Babe. We chose Islands in the Stream. It wasn't going well, so we called in backup...

 
James Owen on lead, we did Aretha Franklin's "Baby I Love You," with Laini, Janette, and Brandon joining Jon and I on back up. Let me preface by saying, we had never rehearsed all together, the backup dancers had never heard that version of the music before, and we couldn't hear the music for most of the dance. It rocked.

 
Can you shimmy? Oh baby.

 
Hey, who's back there dancing across the stage?

 
James Owen, first runner-up in Finland's 2008 Aretha Franklin look-alike contest.

 
Jon totally gave his all with the low dip followed by slow up slide. Look at the concentration on his face. A true professional.

 
Here Brandon thinks we've reached the end and our "free dance" portion too early. He was going wild then after a moment said, "Isn't this the free dance?" We shook our heads. It was awesome.

 
NOW is the free dance. For Bailey, Jon Lewis's little girl, I go down into my Joan Jett.

 
I scraped up my knees. All for you, Faith!

 
Check out my dance mates! They trip the light fantastic, baby. Hats off to Brandon, Janette, and Jon, and especially Laini who was shaking it up five months pregnant.

These are the beautiful posters we signed for many of the attendees. Frank Beddor didn't make it from California as his kids were very sick, but Dean Lorey, not pictured, came.

 
After the Adam Watts Band and their amazing set, I introduced the authors. Apparently they all called each other and said, "What are you wearing? Jeans and a dark shirt? Okay, I will too." Here I believe Brandon and Jon are doing a chest butt? Probably?

 
I'd introduced everyone and we were moving on, getting ready to start the authors' panel, when Jon said, "Haven't you forgotten someone?" I looked at my list--no, I was sure I'd announced everyone. He pointed at the empty spot at the table and the name STEPHENIE MEYER. Oh. Whoops. Yeah...so, I'd forgotten Stephenie, who was waiting patiently in the wings to hear her name. I could not stop laughing, as you can see. She had to wait a while longer.

 
Chris, PJ, me, Jon, and the top of Dean's head.

 
And the rest of the panel, as named. I think this may have been my favorite authors' panel I've ever done. We all agreed beforehand, "No long rambling stories, keep it quick and light and fun." And we sincerely had fun. No obnoxious self-promoters here. Every single author was a sincerely nice, generous person. We laughed a lot. What fun.

 
Jim Blasingame, YA lit titan, was our wonderful moderator. Behind him, you can see one of our lovely interpreters for the deaf.

And on to the raffle. All the authors had donated at least two signed items. Lots of books, some prints. Dean Lorey blew me away by raffling Nightmare Academy 3 manuscripts, an early draft and a final draft. The book isn't published yet. Talk about a sneak peek! At one point (I can't remember why) I mentioned how difficult it was for Stephenie to have to go to the New Moon set and observe the wolf pack, who occasionally do push-ups before going on camera.

 
Without hesitation, Jon dropped and gave us 20. Or two. Who's counting?

 
Stephenie gives him the thumb's up. Surely Jon will be considered for the understudy for Taylor Lautner.

 
I'm holding an early manuscript of Eclipse, one of the items auctioned. I had a pin-on mic, so Stephenie was talking to my collar bone.

 
I breathe on the Host skateboard deck to increase its value. Jon's looking around, trying to figure out what was going. The audience had started to laugh hysterically and with some alarm. We finally found out that Adam Kump and his bandmate were helping to throw Hoto Skate t-shirts into the audience, and one had pelted a baby in the head. I guess you had to be there.

 
Jon was the auctioneer, and he was so overwhelmed by the generosity of the winners, he just had to give them hugs. The auction blew us away. Here was the going price for the fantastic items Stephenie donated:

Twilight ARC - $1500 (I think)
The Host skateboard deck - $1200 (I think)
I can't remember how much the marked early ms of The Host and Eclispe went for
Forever Dawn epilogue - $5100
Eclipse prom dress - $5500
Lunch with Stephenie (not at Taco Time) - $6500 (two winners)

 
At the end, we wanted to leave the audience with a story, so we improvised one, each of the authors taking one sentence (most definitely unrehearsed, if there was any doubt). The audience gave us the title "Stephenie's Dress" and the genre "horror." Let's just say that story will never be published, but we made ourselves laugh anyway. Here Brandon finishes it off with aplomb.

 
We are somewhat aghast at the direction of the story. I just love this woman.

 
Group photo! All the authors gather around the person that brought us together--the book babe, Faith Hochhalter. Here we are instructed to look right.

 
Look left.

 
Look straight. We're good at following directions apparently...except Laini. Look at her in each photo. This is a woman with her own agenda. Beware the seemingly sweet pink-haired one! Beware!

 
I gave Faith a rare Shannon Hale lipstick kiss. We should have auctioned that!

 
Laini poses with Janette's book My Fair Godmother, as she and the cover model both sport rosy locks. Laini really is a darling, kind, sweet, wonderful person. I was kidding about the caution earlier. (No, really...BEWARE!)

Thank you a TON to everyone who pulled off this feat! As emcee, I was up in front and it might have looked like I was leading the pack, but that was not the case. I was honored to be included, and there were dozens of people off-stage contributing tons of time and talent. And it paid off. We raised a significant sum of money for our friend. The online auction is in full force. New items are put up every few days. I have four items that will make an appearance, so keep watch. Thanks all!

Comments

[Shannon]

Thank you for all you did for the event! YOU ROCK MY SOCKS OFF!

[Maya]

How neat! I SO wish I could've been there - it looks like tons of fun!

[Tricia L Cary]

I wish I could have been there, alas I live in California and couldn't join in the festivities.

[Amy]

I have quite a few friends that were in attendance at Saturday's event and they are all ranting and raving about what an amazing time they had! Bravo!!!!

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us!

[ELizabeth]

Man, that sounds awesome, can't wait for your stuff to be in the online auction!

[Kiera]

It sounds awesome. Couldn't go, sadly. I can't drive, it'll be a few years before I can do that, but yay for you guys that did go! I'll be praying for the "Book Babe", and I hope the on-line auction goes well.
Loves,
~Kiera

[Debbie]

I heard it was an incredible day. I had a few friends make it out there from Utah and three went to the reception afterwards and had a blast.
What an incredible event for such a dear sweet friend to you all. And what fun for you all to get to hang out for the day!

[Connie]

I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT A SHOUT OUT ON SHANNON HALE'S BLOG!!! I am sure you are going to want the picture we got with all of us, you can get it off my blog.
Thanks for being Awesome Shannon, Saturday was so much fun, YOU ROCK!!!

[Wonderwegian]

Thanks for sharing!

[Tanja]

This was one of the greatest events I have attended. you should do stand-up shannon! I loved seeing how surprised Stephenie was at the price her stuff went for and getting to know all you wonderful authors a little more. You guys were awesome!!!

[Mandy]

I had an amazing time on Saturday. Thanks for helping with the event. It was amazing. I loved the panel and dang it I really wanted to win something from the raffle.

[James]

We did indeed rock.

The Rock Bottom Remainders got nothin' on the Friends of the Book Babe!

[L.T. Elliot]

I sure wish I could have been there. It looks like it was a riot! Get well, Faith. We're praying for you!

[Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)]

What a great event! Looks like a ton of fun! I love the prom dress being modeled...and the poem.

[Courtney Barr]

Shannon - I had a blast at this event! You were hilarious. The entire event was a great afternoon out for a wonderful cause. I feel so blessed to have been present. Myself & two friends came from Alabama & we had people look at us like we were crazy to travel so far for this; but I can promise you they are now jealous. At the platinum reception all of you continued proving just how sensational you all are & how much Faith means to you. I am honored to have met each of you and most especially Faith. I took some pics and posted them on my blog if you ever want to take a peak. BTW your dancing rocked! :)-Courtney http://princesscourtneysbarr.blogspot.com

[Georgia]

It was a GREAT event! I am so happy I was able to go. I loved these pictures, I still have to get mine up...

[Dr. Sallie N. Cheinsteen]

You crazy writers, you. Wish I could have been there. Looked awesome.

[Danielle]

That rocks. I'm glad so much money is being raised! Brandon Mull's poem is hilarious too... :D

[Celes]

Aw, it looked like tons of fun! If I was the sort of person who could pick up and go to Arizona for this, I totally would have. :)

[Amie]

That was the most fun I have had in a long time!!! I was worth the trip. I will be watching for other events with these wonderful authors. I was truly inspired by the friendship displayed.

I wish I had my camcorder. I couldn't do the panel justice when I tried to explain how funny and witty they all were. In the space of a couple hours my favorite author list grew by 8. Two were already on my list!!!

[Tamir]

That was such a fun day!

[Carolyn V.]

Good Luck Book Babe! We all wish you well! =)

[Christen]

I wish I coulda been there but it's totally AWESOME that you all did this!! God bless you!

[Laura]

It was a great event Shannon. We're going to keep hyping it over on the Twilight Lexicon, and keep people posted about teh online auction. We just got some video up. http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2009/04/06/project-book-babe-wrap-up-part-1/#comments

[Shannon Morris]

Shannon,
It's me, the 'other' Shannon. I can't tell you how much Saturday meant to me. It was absolutely heart warming to see everyone come together for Faith, and after meeting her after the event I can see why everyone is so willing to rally for her. She is amazing and I loved her immediately. All of the authors were fantastically gracious and I consider myself blessed to have been able to be a part of such an amazing event. My girls are totally jazzed about meeting you a couple weeks in West Jordan. See you then.

The other Shannon

[Shannon Morris]

Me again,
Forgetting Stephenie......
CLASSSSSSIC!!!!

Shannon

[Cicilee]

oh my goodness what i would've done to have been to that....

hmm... that horror story sounds pretty interesting... i'd sure like to read it... **hinthint**

;]

[Meredith Briski]

I'm so glad it was such a success! And I'm so glad you posted pictures and stories! And I wish I hadn't had two authors coming in to sign at my store the same day, so that I could have gone to yours, too. Actually, I bet Lisa and Cass felt the same way. :-) But we were with you in spirit! And in some cases, on the online auction...

[jenelcc]

Wow, looks like a serious amount of fun, I should have gone. (Who needs to study for PhD exams? :)

[Carol]

Shannon,

I can't stop thinking about how great that event was. I am so glad to have participated. You were so funny. It was better than a comedy club. I'm looking forward to reading your books, now that I know the person who wrote them. I'm one of the Lunch with Stephenie winners, the one you talked to after the reception. I was so touched by your support of Faith and gratitude to all who attended. You are an angel on Earth.

[Donna]

This was a fantastic event, and you were truly awesome Shannon. I couldn't get over the way people were screaming for Stephanie (and she really does seem like such a sweet, humble person) but I was there to see you. You're an amazing writer and you have stage presence to boot. I walked away with one of your signed copies of Goose Girl and I was soooo happy!

BTW, with all the crazy antics going on, I thought you "forgot" Stephanie on purpose, as a joke. It wasn't until you couldn't stop laughing that I realized you really did forget her! LOL!

[Miss Erin]

YA/kidlit authors are SO the most amazing people EVER.

Thanks for sharing all the fabulous pictures and stories. Rock on.

[Janette Rallison]

This was the most fun I've had in a long time--I just wished we had gathered together for a reason that wasn't quite so somber--stupid cancer! Anyway, I had a great time with you and all the others. Thanks for your work on this, Shannon!

[kristen]

whoever got the epilogue of forever dawn, can you post it somewhere for us to see? please? :)

[Christy]

Thanks so much for posting the pictures Shannon!! I've really been mourning the fact that I couldn't go and see two of my VERY FAVORITE authors together in the same room and for such a worthy cause. I'm so glad that it was such an amazing success. I sure wish I had 6500 bucks laying around so I could bid for a lunch with YOU!

You know, when I first started reading your books I pictured you as a serious person, but I see now that I was wrong...you are so funny! I love your posts and I wish I could have seen you MC, it looks like it was hilarious! All of you that participated are so awesome!

BTW-would it be okay for me to post some of these pics on my blog with a shout out to the online auction?? I don't want to just snitch them without permission!

Thanks again for letting us see a glimpse of the Book Babe Event.

[Tanja]

I wish you had the little ditty from James Owen during the "horror" story. I can only remember "if you bic with the chick on the stick..." I have never laughed so hard!

[Lois Moss]

That looks like such a great event. I wish I could have been there.

[Danylle]

Shannon,
You are a doll. I got a kick out of you and Jon trying to whisper to each other during the panel discussion but you both had your mics on and we could hear you.
This was such a great event. I thought authors were reclusive and boring, but the ten of you were a riot! Thanks for helping to put this all together so we could enjoy the event for a good cause. PS tell Faith her hair is adorable. Your friend in Regency wear

[Lauren]

Wow, your pictures are a lot better than mine from the Bronze section! Haha, that was all I could afford for a college student, but I am so happy that even my $25 could go towards such a great cause! That day was so fun, and I seriously want you to be my best friend after that; you are so fun! I remember just browsing at books a few years ago at Barnes and Noble and randomly picked up The Goose Girl without knowing anything about it, but I'm so glad I did.

[Kyle]

I loved that!

[Gabi]

I have a question for you. What do you, as an author, feel about plagiarism? Or more specifically, what do you feel about authors who have plagiarized but still have been allowed to become published? I know of a YA author, a very successful YA author, who wrote fanfic a few years ago, and took a passage from another author and inserted it into her story without citing it or giving credit to the author. It could have been OK if she had been nice about the whole thing, if it had been a mistake, but there was some legal nastiness. This makes me not want to read her, even though everyone seems to love her books, because I don't want to support her.

But the thing is, a lot of my fav YA authors are friends with her, and lately they've had her new book on their blogs, telling me how great she is and how wonderful her books are. At first I thought, do they know? Then I realized they must, because they're friends after all. And then I felt kind of betrayed, because here all my favorite authors are telling me to read the work of a plagiarist?

I don't know. Maybe I should give her a break because I've never personally met the author, and she may be the sweetest person in the world who just made a mistake.

But to me, no one should profit from plagiarism. Why would someone publish her book, with her record?

I just wanted your thoughts on this, because you have such lovely rants, and I feel betrayed by the YA world right now about this.

[Avery and the delicious Posie Nubbins]

Thank you so much for helping your fellow author and getting down on your knees during the free dance! I couldn't come, but the photos were almost as good!
Oh, and Brandon Mull's poem was dead on. Cancer sucks.

[mary]

omg, i wish i could be there! who won the eclipse script?:P
stephenie rocks!

[Laini Taylor]

Oh, great pictures, Shannon! I'm so late in my blogging, as I just got back from Phoenix last night -- but I'm going to post today. Funnily, in my photos, I was looking right and left as directed! Don't know what happened here!!!!! Also: thanks for putting the limerick up. Couldn't hear it from backstage. Only the roars of laughter :-)

It was so great to see you, you and John did such a great job!!!

[James]

The poetical part of it was:

"Flick that bic,
crisp that chick,
and you'll feel my steel
through your last meal!"

It's something my friends and I used to yell during epic RISK tournaments. Glad you liked it!

[Opaleyz]

I am just thrilled that the event went so well--though of course I'm sure we all knew it would! If I had still been living in Phoenix I would have been there for sure, grad school or not ;)

On another note, I too would like to know your take on the aforementioned issue. I heard about this same controversy a few months back. The author's books sound interesting and relevant to my field, but my discomfort with the plagiarism issue has caused me to shy away from them thus far. I guess it would be nice to get a more factual and unbiased view on the issue.

[Elizabeth]

We drove down from Denver and it was totally worth it. I haven't laughed so hard in a while. It was so much fun to see you guys in person.

Stephenie, um I mean Her Grace, seems like such a mild mannered person. You and J.S. Lewis on the other hand need to take your comedy show on the road. You guys are hilarious.

[Debbie]

SHANNON! I can't believe you posted that picture of me:) It was a joke that I assume you appreciated. I am glad you posted all the pics and wanted to let you know that without you the event would have been good but you made it awe.some.

[shannon hale]

Opaleyz and Gabi,
I think I know what you're referring to. I'm not intimate with the people involved or privy to any special knowledge, but here are my random thoughts
-plagiarism is extremely serious. But I've been accused of plagiarism myself, as have many authors I know. It was completely false in my case, so it makes me a little slow to judge other accusations
-People are rarely evil. Mistakes are made, misunderstandings occur. I like to try and take people at face value. I like to try to think the best of them.
-Internet rumors can run rampant, gain poison as they spread, and end up distorted. I have a feeling that if we sat down with the individual and asked, "So, what happened?" and they explained, we'd say, "Oh, I understand."

We may be talking about different things, and I may be totally off base, but these are just my thoughts.

[Heather Z.]

That's incredible. I would have LOVED to have been there. And the generosity of the bidders! That is thing that warms the cockles of my heart the most (can I still use that phrase?) :)

You and Stephanie BOTH rock my world, though I've only had a chance to meet her for about .3 seconds. But that was an awesome .3 seconds. Really hope I get to do it again.

NEED to meet that Laini, this pink-haired beauty I keep seeing everywhere.

Need to see Brandon Mull again. Maybe next time he'll break dance for me. :)

Oh, I'm so glad it was such a success! (and good comments on plagiarism, btw. Just my two cents in there)