Last week’s wonderful book-filled extravaganza, better known as BEA, was so busy that I did not read a book the entire time!  I did read what feels like a million book jackets, looking for some great new novels to bring home!  I loved meeting authors, networking with publishers and bloggers, and I didn’t even mind waiting in a few of the lines… But what seemed so odd was that I was attending BOOK Expo America and I had no time to read any books.  Now that I am home, reading …

First things first, WE MADE IT TO NEW YORK CITY!  Now, on to more pressing news… Myra McEntire came by our hotel room to say ‘HI’!  I would say this weeks is starting off beautifully!  Keep a look out for more videos and pictures to go up throughout the week… We will be having some major fun at BEA!

BEA is ONE WEEK AWAY! (Sorry, my caps lock key was stuck!)  I am itching to get to NYC, but alas work will not allow for me to get there until late Monday night.  So, planning ahead will be key for me!  Luckily, the fine peeps at Books Expo America have thought of almost everything.  There is an app for that!
I am currently using the BEA ‘My Show Planner‘ to work out the Authors, Publishers, Signings, and Panels that I want to attend.  There is a lot of overlapping going …

Each week we have been asking you about what you are looking forward to at BEA this year.  Getting books and meeting authors are great perks that come with the event.  (I also love meeting the publishers of said books!)  The thing is, some of us have to miss work to be at BEA, or we miss part of BEA due to work.  I will be suffering on both fronts…
I am flying to  New York for BEA, from Texas, and I have put a lot of effort into my job …

Book Expo America (BEA) is an outstanding conference that I’ve attended two years consecutively.  I am looking forward to attending this year, and thought it would be fun to find out ‘WHO‘ is attending.  It is always nice to put a face with a name, but I am not asking for your name today… I’m actually asking ‘WHAT‘, as in ‘WHAT IS IT YOU DO THAT MAKES YOU WHO YOU ARE’?
Are you the PUBLISHER?
Are you the BLOGGER?
Are you the LIBRARIAN?
Are you the TEACHER?
Are you the AGENT?
Are you the AUTHOR?
I hold …

One week closer to BEA!  I am dreaming of all the books that will be introduced and discussed during the week of Book Expo America.  There will be authors signing books that have been released recently, as well as authors and publishers introducing ARCs (Advanced Reading Copy).  The list is endless, and you can check it our HERE!  Some of the novels I am looking forward to, and hope to bring home are…

Girl in the Clockwork Collar
Goddess Interrupted
Reached
Rift
The Diviners

Last year we were able to get our hands on some great …

Each Monday leading up to Book Expo America (BEA), we are going to be asking for your thoughts on the event and everything, and everyone, you want us to check out while there!  Kelly, Krystal, and I (Kallie) will be traveling to New York City to meet some of our fave authors, as well as some up-and-coming authors.  This Monday we want to know what AUTHORS you think we should check out!  Here are just a few…
Aimee Carter ~ Goddess Test
Ally Condie ~ Matched
Amanda Havard ~ The Survivors
Andrea Cremer ~ …

 
Well, it has been a few weeks since I returned from New York City and BEA 2011. It was overwhelming and awe-inspiring all at the same time. I realized throughout the entire week that I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am meant to be in this crazy, up and down, topsy-turvy literary world. I felt alive with every step I took while at BEA whether it dealt with my own children’s picture book, Bookshelf Banter, or another author’s books and life. I loved every bit of …

Installment #2
I’m not sure how it’s possible that another week has gone by. It seems I have been bogged down with this crazy thing called life. I am a wife, mother of 3 boys (YIKES!), and a full-time elementary music teacher. None of that includes the contract writing I do for a wonderful company, being a musician for my church, and any of the other myriad of passions I try to keep up. The past week has been bogged down with work, though. Unfortunately, it’s not the kind of work …

We are going to New York City for the BookExpo America this May!  As fun as this will be for Kassie and I, it will also be great for YOU!  We will come back with some great books, and that means lots-o-contests!  Stay tuned for more about our trip!