Hello and welcome!
As most of you know I am not a bookworm, but a huge book dragon, and I have the cup to prove it too. 😀 thanks Becca for the decal! Good conversation starter…
My latest adventure in the book world took me to London’s Ignite Your Soul Author Event and I had a blast. London, Ontario that is. When I posted on FB that I am going to London, everybody was so excited, until I told them it was not the one across the pond but 2-hour drive away, they called me a tease, not sure why 😛
Check out the pictures posted on their website. This was their 4th year and my 2nd and every year they sponsor a local charity. This year it was the National Service Dogs who received the proceeds from the raffle and silent auction.
I had the opportunity to add my contribution to it by adding various swag to the registration bags and also bringing three baskets with books and swag I had on hand from 3 generous authors: M. A. Abraham, Sharon Hamilton and Renea Mason and added my own little surprises to them. THANK YOU again ladies.
I updated my signing bag adding my own logo, what do you think?
… also made some fans to give out with one of my faves memes…
Of course I went over my budget, it is the norm for me and my friends laugh when I tell them that I have a budget for books and ask why I even bother 😛 Here is my hoard from this signing. Carey Decevito‘s hunks are finally in my possession, I’ve been eyeing them since the Ottawa signing YUM
I also got a few freebies which are always welcome, some will go on my signed treasures shelf and some will make their way into giveaways or care packages that I mail to friends. Thank you Kayleigh Malcolm for always looking out for me. Thanks go to Freya Barker who donated “Menu for Romance” & “Shaded with Love” for the giveaway on this post.
… and lots and lots of swag, fun stuff, sweet goodies and a few prezzies that were received along with book purchase.
Amy Ruttan‘s duckies are so cute… R.K. Gleason‘s chocolate pops are a favourite and the red tentacle finger thingy almost disappeared in my son’s room, otherwise known as the black hole LOL …. Emerald O’Brien‘s cup was a welcome gift and I know the perfect recipient for it too… the mini rubber man is a wine glass ornament and won it at Shannyn Leah‘s ‘poke a cup’ contest.
I bought myself a t-shirt from Marianne Maguire because the one she gave me years ago is getting really tattered from so much use, the words on them crack me up…
She is a riot and the time spent with her at the signing and the hours between the signing and the dinner afterward were well spent. We talked, laughed and got the inside scoop from her Otherworld, a world I happily immerse myself whenever I have the chance.
I also got myself a pair of fingerless gloves from Erin Cristofoli, impulse purchase for sure since I could make them myself. She has a page for her creations on FB, the Butterfly Kissed Crochet. Check it out, some really neat things are available for purchase.
I got to meet some new authors, sweet AW Clarke and his fire-cracker wife, they were also dinner companions, lots of laughter.
C.J. Lazar is another new author and I was so embarrassed because I was addressing his sister sitting at his side until she mentioned that the author is him *facepalm* He was gracious about it and laughed it off, but I think my face was all kinds of red at the time.
Another dinner companion was Elle Klass with her boyfriend, they came all the way from Florida. They were very entertaining. If you are into horror check out her books, they sound good and if you contact her, ask her about the audiobooks, tell her I sent you or let me know and I can get you connected 😉
Kayleigh Malcolm and her hubby were sitting at the table too and they were so entertaining as usual, loved seeing them again. She gives the best hugs.
Kendra Mei Chailyn is another one of my fave authors, a fun lady that is full of sunshine and smiles, she was joined by her sweet niece who gave me a naughty bag with all kinds of goodies… and no I will not show you what was in it, use your imagination… NAUGTHY imagination 😉 We danced our tushes of after the dinner and shared some laughs.
Do you know who is another awesome hugger? Zoe York! She is bubbly and energetic, you can’t help but like her. Her books are yummy, especially her naughty alter ego, Ainsley Booth. She was there too and bugged her about the book I am waiting for in paperback LOL
I tried to chat with everybody, buy at least one book from every attending author, paperback or ebooks on a stick. All in all it was a great event, kudos to authors
Crystal St. Clair & Erin Cristofoli and their awesome team of volunteers, looking forward to next year.
Now lets get to the best part. Sexy Mr. Random will pick a winner on Monday, October 16, 2017, from the comments to receive this bag, including a bracelet made by yours truly among books and swag. Tell me, if you had to pick one, what is your fave swag.
GOOD LUCK and until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
Looks like you had a blast in London…. I need that tentacle! It is my favorite of the swag you got. Usually my favorite swag isa bag or Tshirt with a fun saying on it, like Eve’s Rack tshirt.
I’ll have to see which one of Eve’s tshirts I have, but I don’t think it is the rack one… as for the tentacle, it is one of a kind so I am keeping it, if I can find it again that is 😛
My fav swag is pens (I ajvs so many, yet lose to many) and bracelets. I wear bracelets like it was still the 90s LOL.
THANK YOU for taking the time to write this article and showing your support for the IYSAE for the 2nd year! You are also a wonderful sponsor and helped make it happen 💙 Hope to see you next year, or even before!
Thank you Crystal! I’ll have to remember you like bracelets, will have to make one for you too 😉
My favorite book swag is pens (official pen whore here)! I also like when the author has something unique to represent there books. So glad you enjoy the signing ❤
You are so right, when the author has something unique it is much harder to forget them… thanks for dropping by HUGS
I should show you my pen collection, not just the swag ones, I collect pens that catch my eye in my wanderings too 😉
Wow Eniko, you met so many authors and of course you went over your budget. Your friends know you NEVER can stay in any book budget. 🙂 So glad you had such a great time you deserved it! My favorite is T-shirts – just love them and live in them!! Next is stuffed animals – just can’t help myself there-my hubby always asks when am I going to grow up – NEVER!! 🙂 Thanks for the fantastic blog.
Many of the authors I met already, it was good to see them again and it is always nice to meet new ones. Oh yes, I remember now, you like tshirts and stuffies… I’ll have to see what else I have to give away 😉 Thanks for your support as usual XOXO
So interesting and sounds like so much fun! Sounds like you had a blast! I think my favorite swag would have to be t-shirts 😀
Yes I did have fun…. they had books there 😀
Just to clarify, C.J. Lamar was with his sister.
I would love the tote bag. Thanks
My bad! I will rectify that right now… you see there is something about him that makes my brain stop LOL you like tote bags? I have a few from which I could choose to add to the bag 😉
London was a great time. My favorite swag is pens especially if they have a stylus tip. I have a huge collection. It was great to see you again!
It was great seeing you! That is a new type of swag and is brilliant because of it’s versatility. Thanks for stopping by!
OMG..this was my first time time going to London and my second signing. It was great seeing all the authors I was able to talk to EVERY single one of them. I bought my daughter with me this time her first time she had fun and it was great to just hang her and I. Now for the answer to your question I LOVE cups or things that can be used over and over again…pens, pads of note paper, pen lights so I can read well hubby sleeps..even thought my youngest daughter score the one that was in my bag. I felt bad for her so I told her she got to look inside the bag that I got at the front doors first and pick the items she would really like. Thanks for the chance! Loved reading you blog.
I totally get your excitement… books are my drug of choice LOL there is that energy that when attending a signing that has me ‘high’ for weeks after. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with Sexy Mr. Random 😉
I’m not sure if you meet me or not. I’ll send you some swag if you missed me. E.J Babcock. I’ll be there next year too.
Yes we did meet and got some of your swag, it will be included in the giveaway. Thank you!
Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
Thank you for the share!
Glad you had such a good time Eniko. I’d love to meet authors. (Sighs) one day. I like pens the best. Post it notes are good. I to like something unique.
I have to see what pens I have here 😉
Finally tracked down Sexy Mr. Random, coaxed the winner’s name out of him 😉
Julie! CONGRATS! Will be in touch shortly. Thank you all who came by and hope to see you next time. I have some delish guests lined up 😉
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