Showing posts with label Book Trips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Trips. Show all posts

Thursday, July 11, 2013

[Recap & Giveaway] ONE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY!!!

YEAR IN RECAP:
Can we just sit back and say WOW?! It's been quite the year. We have gone to so many events, and so many wonderful and amazing opportunities have opened up for us, since coming into the blog world. Honestly, YOU ALL are AWESOMESAUCE. That's right. Authors, Bloggers, Readers, Followers, EVERYONE. 

WE. LOVE. YOU. ALL. 

Since July 11th 2012, Kait and I have been on so many adventures. Mostly book related, because let's face it... that's who we are. As you may know, we started out as the YA Vixens. Which was great for the first 6months, until we found out we were reading a lot of things that ...weren't so YA. New Adult has been an emerging scene since we started reading, and now it's crazy popular. To be fair to our fellow bloggers and our fans, after much debating and peer questioning... We changed the name. In March of 2013 we became The Reading Vixens. *YAY!* We wanted to keep Vixens in the name, which is actually a lot harder than you'd think! So for those of you who didn't know us when we were the YA Vixens, now you do! :)

Although we've only been The Reading Vixens since March, we've already surpassed ALL our expectations and continue to gain followers. Kait and I really take pride in what we do, and we love what we do. Blogging, reading, and reviewing is a such a passion for both of us. As we both aspire to write a book (someday) and this is probably the best practice for it! I've noticed that quite a few bloggers actually become authors, and amazing ones at that! *here's hoping* 

After starting our blog in 2012, we had the most spectacular cherry popping book signing ever. Meeting our FIRST author.... was JLA. OMG yes, I said Jennifer L. Armentrout. People always say that she's amazing... well guess what, she's BETTER than amazing. She was so unbelievably kind to both of us and talked to us for a good TWO hours! While we were there we got to meet Kate Kaynak as well who is equally just as brilliant! We learned a lot about not only blogging, but about writing, authors, and JLA gave us some great book recommendations. Not to mention, Spencer Hill Press - Y'all are ridiculously cool. Funniest moment of that night... Stalking JLA in Starbucks before the event. She totally called us on it too! hehe. :)

We really started out 2013 with a bang. In February we went to the PITCH DARK DAYS tour, in Boston Mass, and met WONDERFUL people. (Including the FABULOUS authors Tahereh Mafi, Veronica Rossi, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand.) We were dying to meet Meg (The Book Asylum) since we became real friendly and met some amazing people we never thought that we would. I myself (Bethany) had a traumatic bathroom experience that forever bonded me with my new friend Lauren. (Slaying Books) Not to mention the great
conversations we had with Amy (Book Loving Mom) and Laura. (Laura's Review Bookshelf)
Our next event was the Boston Author Event. (BAE)HOLY SHIT was that awesome. We volunteered to help Meg out and help with the crowds and what not through out the day. I would LOVE to list all the amazing authors that we got to meet here, but honestly... that would take SO much time. So to everyone that we got to meet at BAE - LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! We had such a great time, even though we were definitely exhausted after that one. If anyone is wondering, we had our honorary Vixen (Roz) with us that day. :) She's most definitely one of us, but just doesn't review books.

Then came Book Expo America (BEA).. which I went to as a solo vixen. Luckily my mom had decided to go with me so I had someone there. I wanted to ask Roz, but I totally forgot *slaps self*. Roz IS coming with me to the Stamford Author Event (SAE) in August though! YESSS! Can I just say that BEA was SUCH a great experience. I got to meet so many authors, bloggers like Sylvia S, Briana B (BAM Book Reviews), Kate T (Kate Tilton), and so many others! Again, since I apparently STALK Spencer Hill Press I met a few more of their authors! Then I even bumped into some GREAT authors while walking around. Here's a link to my [BEA RECAP]


Book Bash was freaking amazing. I was a solo vixen too, but I convinced my brother's girlfriend to go along with me. I had a blast. I saw some authors I met at BAE and I made some new connections. Every time book lovers get together there's a special energy in the room, it was absolutely buzzing.

Seriously, THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us at all through out the year, and a special thank you to the authors who have donated to the giveaways. The Reading Vixens wouldn't be here without the followers, and we really appreciate it. So without further adieu, I give you..... an INTERNATIONAL giveaway and a US ONLY giveaway. Please note, there are a few authors that are donating to this fabulous event so if you'd like to send them an extra thanks, I'm sure they would appreciate it! 






Monday, July 1, 2013

Book Bash Wrap-Up & Giveaway[US]!

As some of you may know I had to pleasure of going to Book Bash this past weekend and I had an amazing time. The event was hosted by Maryse of Maryse's Book Blog and she did such a great job.

I made my brother's girlfriend come with me since it wasn't  reasonable for Beth to come down to Florida[boo]. I wasn't sure how well she would do around all the bookish fangirling[she's not on our crazy level, book lovers], but she had a hell of a time too. Every time I turned around she was off chatting with someone and collecting swag for the blog.

I gave out a ton of my blog business cards, so hopefully my networking pays off!

I was able to get all my books signed, which was great since I went with twenty two! The longest line I stood in was for Jamie McGuire and it moved really quickly. I had already met a couple authors in Boston, so even though I LURVE Colleen Hoover I didn't get a chance to meet her again. The one person I didn't get to chat with that I was a teensy bit upset about was J.A. Redmerski. By the time I made it to her table all her books were gone and I got a little deflated and pouty.

I made a few author connections and met a few cool blogger/readers. I was so busy being excited about everything that I didn't take many pictures. I somehow forgot I wanted to take a picture with Katja Millay, probably because she remembered me[and my last name!] from Facebook so I had a little bit of a fangirl moment.








      Carey Heywood was an absolute sweetheart! I can't wait to start reading her books!


And now, on to the GIVEAWAY!


I had such a great time at Book Bash I want to share the love. I have an extra signed copy of The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay to send to one lucky winner! PLUS, three other winners will receive a Book Bash swag pack[some signed, some unsigned]!



Here's how you can win:
Read the directions carefully!
This giveaway is open to the US only.

First: Follow The Reading Vixens on Bloglovin' or like us on Facebook
Second: Leave a comment on this post with the way you follow, the name you follow with, & your email address.
Third: Wait for an email!

This giveaway closes on 7/7/13 at 11:59EST.

All winners will be chosen randomly and emailed. All winners have 48 hrs to respond the email before a new winner is chosen.






Thursday, June 6, 2013

[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!!!
  Tumble & Fall    Ink (Paper Gods, #1)    The Iron Legends (The Iron Fey, #1.5, 3.5, 4.5)

Heartbeat doesn't have a cover yet!

I will try to accommodate the winners (FOUR WINNERS) as best I can with their first choice books. 
I'm so sorry that it's US Only, as well! 






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