Happy Friday Bookworms!
You’ll recall that last week I was raving about Longbourn
I was SUPER excited, as I’ve never been to an author event before. I was also rather nervous, because I loved the book and, well, I’m not very good at playing it cool. At all. I vacillate wildly between tongue tied silence and giddy over-enthusiasm in such situations. Neither is a particularly attractive reaction, believe you me. Giddy enthusiasm won the night, as I wasn’t a few feet in the door before asking a costumed member of the Jane Austen Society of Chicago to pose for a photo with me.
I’m going to blame an unflattering camera angle for my gut, not my sweet tooth.
I managed to talk a friend into joining me at the event, and we were easily among the youngest attendees, which surprised the heck out of me. I guess I’m too used to my internet bookish peer group and expected a room full of 20 and 30 somethings, as opposed to the bus load of senior citizens from a local assisted living facility. (Not that I don’t adore any of my readers who are out of their 30s. I mean, certainly I wouldn’t have known, you all look so YOUNG, you gorgeous bookworms, you!) It was kind of funny though, when Jo Baker took the stage, I heard several people around me muttering “that can’t be her, she’s too young!”
I’m not sure how old Ms. Baker is, but she is quite adorable. An Austen fan to the core, Ms. Baker always loved the world of Georgian balls and social events, but felt a disconnect. She understood that if she’d been born in that time period, she’d have been far more likely to have been washing the Bennets’ underthings than dancing and cavorting at a ball. I struggle with this ALL THE TIME when reading historical fiction! Much of what I read focuses on the wealthy or the ultra wealthy or friggin royalty. I’m with Lorde, here, y’all, I’ll never be royal. Extra fun tidbit? While researching the book, Ms. Baker tested out some old school cleaning method. Turns out cold tea is excellent for cleaning wood floors. The more you know.
Immediately after the talk, I got in line to have two books signed. One was the galley I received (thanks Kelly!) and one I bought at the event so I could get a present for YOU! When I got up to the table, I stammered out some ridiculousness about being a book blogger, handing Jo Baker a Words for Worms bookmark, and asked if she’d pose for a photo. Even though she claimed that she typically looks like “a gargoyle” in photos, she gamely posed. I think she found me amusing. At least I hope she did…
It’s a look that says either “I’m amused” or “I’m glad I live on another continent.” Possibly both.
Definitely NOT the face of a gargoyle!
All in all, I had THE MOST FUN! Austen enthusiasts in full costume? Authors who don’t call security on me? Brilliant! Ah, but you’ve heard already that I didn’t forget about you. Someone out there is going to WIN an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Longbourn!!! The only rule is that you have to live in the continental US to win, because shipping costs. Yikes. You want to win and have a US address for me to mail your winnings to? Enter here!
*If you make a purchase through a link on this site, I will receive a small commission.*
Andi (Estella's Revenge)
How CUTE are those photos! I’m so glad you had a good time, and I wanna win this puppy! <3
Shannon @ River City Reading
So glad you had such a good time – it sounds like so much fun! I feel like you have to read Among the Janeites now that you met an actual person from the Jane Austen Society!!
Megan M.
That sounds like so much fun! I would love to go to an author event but I live in an even less desirable touring spot than I’m sure Peoria is. I’d have to be willing to drive to Houston to see anyone cool.
Jennine G.
So exciting! I live 40 minutes from Pittsburgh, so I should really monitor things better too! But what a pleasant surprise! You look great in your pics!
Karen @ One More Page...
Aw, this post made me smile so much! I’m like you – I get SO tongue-tied around authors (especially those whose books I LOVE) so I approach author events with enthusiasm but also caution, whispering in my head “Act normal. ACT NORMAL.” Anyway, that’s so great that you got to meet Jo Baker and someone from the Jane Austen Society! So cool. 🙂
Catherine
I’m so excited for you! I loved Longbourn and would have been really excited to meet Baker. I think you did just fine, especially considering you were up against that British reserve!
Athira
Haha I love the photos! Looks like you had a lot of fun at the event.
Kelly
I’m glad you had a good time! (And that you loved the book. I did too. Her writing!)
I go to author events occassionally in NY but never stay to have the book signed. You really made the most of it – great idea to give an autographed book away on the blog!
Katie @ Doing Dewey
I’m so excited for you for your first author event! This sounds like so much fun!
Annabel Smith
I can’t believe there are people in a Jane Austen society who go to these events in full regalia! Kudos to them Glad you had fun. And seeing as you take part in 6 degrees of separation I thought I’d point out that since you’ve met Jo Baker and I’ve met Jo Baker we only have 1 degree of separation!
Words For Worms
!!!! A single degree of separation, Annabel! So cool. Tiny little world this is.
Marisa @ The Daily Dosage
I went to something similar as well!! My mother-in-law invited me because her retirement community had a woman from The Jane Austen Society and obviously I was the youngest one there! 🙂 I thought more daughters of the members would be there to show their love for Jane, but nope, just me. It was excellent and the woman dressed up like Jane Austen and did a complete monologue as her. Loved your pictures!!
Words For Worms
That sounds awesome!