The Reading Vixens: [Book Trips] Book Expo America & Giveaway!

Outside Javits, Me after Registering, Inside Javits

As you all know, I was super excited when I found out that we were able to go to BEA. I may have had a hard time actually getting there, if it weren't for you lovely people. For that I want to say THANK YOU. You have no idea what it means to me, I'm humbled and extremely appreciative of the love and kindness that all of you Vixens and Renards have shown both Kait and I. I'm sure most of you are wondering... what happened in NYC. Well that is what I'm here to tell you!

Day 1 books, My mom and I, Day 2 books

Wednesday night, I set off around 4pm from Rhode Island to go to NYC (about a 2.5hr trip). I had to drop my dog off, (Loki) at the Kennel. Can I tell you how hard that was for me!? When I left I was crying my eyes out for at least 20min straight while my mom laughed at me. I was so upset about leaving him... we've never been apart before. (I VERY seldomly travel, and if I do it's only for a day) So... a 3 night trip was a big deal for both of us! But enough about my puppy. After finally settling in our hotel on Wed. night, I barely slept from anticipation and anxiety.

Kate(K8/Froze8 Blog), Michelle Madow, Victoria Schwab, Michelle Pickett

Thursday Morning, OMG OMG OMG! BEA! I have never been so nervous and excited at the same time. Ok, maybe I have... but this was my first time at BEA, and I was crazy with excitement. We hopped out the cab at LAX with a dream and a cardigan (hahaha Just kidding, but I bet your signing now!) No really, we took a shuttle bus from the hotel to the Javits Center. Oh what a death trip that was! On top of my already nerves, our bus driver was CRAY CRAY. Seriously, thought I was going to die. Anyways, Finally got to the Javits Center and registered. We checked our suitcases and headed up the escalators into a world full of nothing but literary love. After a long day of book signings, meeting authors and bloggers, I was beat up from the feet up! Oh, I just want to mention as well, that I got to eat at Red Lobster!!! I haven't been able to eat there in YEARS. So yes, as mundane as this may seem, it's another highlight of my trip. After dinner, we had to walk back to the bus stop and make our trip back to our hotel in NJ. I went to bed on such a book high, and I was so exhausted that I actually slept well.

Lauren Oliver, Tracey Garvis-Graves, Kendare Blake, Neal Shusterman

Friday, yet another bus ride from hell later - we arrived at the Javits. Semi-knowing what to expect we set out on a mission to get some new books and some signatures. The overall crowd at the Javits on Friday was much more rowdy, and there were far more people. I had previously asked Kait who she REALLY wanted to get a signed book from that day, and it happened to be Neal Shusterman. So, being the awesome bestie that I am, I made sure to get Ms. Kait her book. Oh what a mess that was! The volunteers doing crowd/line control had come up to Neal and told him to hurry up right in front of us, and what happened because of that? Not only did he sign a book to my mom by accident, but then he signed the same book to Kait, but spelled her name wrong! (NOT his fault!!!!) So they told me that after the lines were through if there was still books left, he would sign a new one, spelling it right. (Which, he did cause.. he's Neal Shusterman!) While we both wanted a copy of V.E. Schwabs Vicious, it just wasn't in our cards. I stood in line anxiously waiting and only to hear from them that they ran out of books 3 people before me. (UGH!) Again - NOT Victoria's fault, and I still love her.) After yet another long day, full of books, authors, and bloggers that are so fantastic I couldn't even deal with it.. we went to Junior's for dinner. Which...... has by far some of the best cheesecake in New York City!

New York City artists work, Tarter Sauce aka GRUMPY CAT, and Phillipe's goodies :)

Saturday unfortunately we were unable to go back to BEA, but honestly at that point I just wanted to get back home to my family and my dog. I had such an amazing time, and I really hope that BEA accepts The Reading Vixens next year, to go again. I recommend attending this event to ANY blogger to do at LEAST once in their lifetime. Next year, BEA2014 will be held from May 29-31st.

I do have some tips for your if you should go next year.
*Plan VERY VERY far in advance
*Itinerary's are a MUST
*Print out a floor plan, and highlight specific booths ahead of time
*Make lists of authors you want to see at a the signing tables (what table, time, book)
*STAY IN NYC!!! If you're from out of town, try to stay as close as possible - BEA offers shuttle busses to approved hotels, which you get a discount for staying at!
*Bring a LARGE luggage back or 2! They do have shipping available there, books get heavy and fast. if you're flying in - I recommend using the shipping area!
*This is NYC, everything is expensive - plan accordingly!
* BUSINESS CARDS ARE A MUST!!!!!!

I am so enthralled with everything that happened this past week. I have TONS new books to do for giveaways!!! STAY TUNED VIXENS! It'll be worth it. Speaking of which... Here is the FIRST giveaway!!!