My Day at the Book Blogger Convention
Today was the Book Blogger Convention. I wanted to wake up early and make it for the keynote speaker, but alas (as I mentioned yesterday) I’m still on Cali time for some reason, so it was 9:00 by the time I could even drag myself out of bed (I didn’t fall asleep until past 2:00). By the time I had showered, eaten, etc. it was 11:00… I know, I know – I was moving S.L.O.W. Since there was only an hour of a panel left before the convention broke for lunch, I decided to grab a quick lunch before I headed over for the afternoon sessions. I grabbed a sandwich at the corner deli on my street and then hurried down for a quick trip to Book Book in the West Village, since I knew my remaining free time tomorrow morning will be spent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
First, Bleeker is an incredibly cute street stuffed with shops and cafes. If you want to spend an afternoon strolling, shopping, and eating/sipping… this would be a good place to start. Second, Book Book is such a sweet, small bookstore. The books are piled high and crammed in, just the way I like them. The store front is completely open to the street so you still feel part of the buzz of the city as you browse the books.
Third, talk about deals… SO many discounted books (and good, even not-so-long-ago released titles for a bargain). And, because I am who I am, I couldn’t leave without grabbing a book. But which one? It had to be the “right” one (as you know by now, I’m kind of into picking the perfect books from particular bookstores while traveling). When I saw the book I eventually decided on, I knew it was a contender because when I read the first page (and then the second, third, and fourth) I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
I’ll let you know the final verdict after I read it, but I’m pretty sure I won’t regret it. And I’ll always remember that Fran and I officially met (we were acquaintances before this) in the West Village near the corner of Bleeker and Cornelia.
I made it to the BBCon in time to see the “Navigating the Grey Areas of Book Blogging” and “Blogging for a Niche Market” panels, as well as some time to chat with other bloggers, authors, and tweeters. I have to say that BBCon was exactly what I had been wanting. I can definitely see myself coming back for it again. It was really nice to be in a space dedicated to blogging, sharing ideas, and learning about something that I spend so much time doing. BBCon would especially be great for very new bloggers… you would learn oh-so-much. It was also wonderful to put actual faces to the names I know over the Internet. Even if you’ve seen a picture of someone on the Internet, it’s usually very different than seeing them in person. I especially enjoyed seeing and meeting some of my incredibly Indie Lit Awards bloggers.
(On that note: If you are a reader, which you are if you read this blog, PLEASE be sure to nominate in September when we open up nominations. Start paying attention to the 2011 published books that you are reading. If you are a publisher, publicist, or author and would like to know how to get your books read before nominations start: 1.) Check out the ILA website. There are ways to get in touch with judges and voting members and there are also lists of bloggers by genre who are accepting review copies. 2.) If you have any questions you can contact me at unputdownableswebsite@gmail.com).
I’ve had a wonderful time in New York. I was able to have a fantastic time, see friends, buy books, and be entertained! I head home tomorrow evening. My plan for tomorrow is to get an hour or two up at the Met, a quick lunch, and then head to the airport. I checked the weather for tomorrow across the country and (of course) home says sunny, sunny, sunny. Although I’m sad to be leaving New York (but honestly I love leaving a little bit said. I think it’s the best way to leave somewhere… I never like to stay so long that you can’t wait to get home), I have to admit that I’ll be happy to be back in the non-muggy SoCal air. My torn up toes will be grateful to not have to walk around in hot, humid air with shoes sticking to my feet!
Later, I’m going to go back and insert the names and websites of the restaurants I ate dinner at while here for those of you who are interested. I need to get the exact names from my friend. Though while watching Sex and the City tonight I realized they were eating at one of the restaurants we ate at, Cafeteria. So there’s one for you.
Sounds like you had a great day!!! I lived on cornelia and bleeker street!! Such a great neighborhood!! Have fun and can’t wait to hear more about your trip.
You’re so lucky! What a very cool place to live. How long ago did you live there? I also went to Amy’s on that corner and got iced tea and a chocolate twist (yum). Was it there when you were?
I love hearing about your trip!!! That bookstore is exactly what I miss about bookstores these days. We still have some, but not nearly enough. I still have book marks I have saved from the ones I used ti frequent in the 80s – oh, nostalgia!
When I go to the Met, I love to eat here afterwards:
http://www.alicesteacup.com/
It continues the dreamy surreal museum feeling
I just looked it up — so close to the Met and so cute! I am going to pop by after and see if there’s room for me to have lunch, thanks for the recommendation! I’m bummed because I didn’t get to the tea place you re’d (it was so close to me yesterday, but just not close enough to hit before I had to head to BBCon).
Sounds like an amazing trip! I’d love to plan a NY vacation just like yours, but without the bother of BEA (though BBC sounded really fun). Bookstores and charming restaurants and the Met — that’s my idea of a great vacation.
It definitely has been (a great vacation). I highly recommend one just like it!
I’m so glad to hear that BBC was just as you hoped it would be. I’d have loved to be there, too. And in Bleeker Street – it sounds lovely there.
Have a good trip home!
Thanks!
It was definitely a good experience. Would loved to have had you there as well!
Egads, we were in the same panels and I still managed to miss saying hello/meeting you. Dang. (I think you may have been chatting w/ Florinda when I was talking with someone else.) Anyhow, I’m glad you enjoyed BBC … and agreed – it is absolutely a must for new bloggers.
And it’s so hard to know who people are when you haven’t met them face to face before, isn’t it? I’m sure there were so many people I stood next to this weekend not knowing that I talk to them on Twitter or blogs all the time, haha!
It might be sunny, sunny but it rained first and now it’s incredibly windy and cold. It’s only 60 degrees in Santa Clarita right now even though it’s sunny.
I’m glad you had a better time at BBC.
I’m glad that you found BBC more to your liking than BEA. I still have hope that I’ll get there one day, and I’m looking forward to BBC much more than the rest of the week!
BBC was definitely the part worth going to (in my opinion).
I’m bummed I didn’t get to meet you at BBC. Maybe next year
I ate at Cafeteria on Sunday, btw. Weird!
How did I miss you?! Argh!! Yes, I think next year I might want to only come back for the Book Blogger Convention. Much more fun and interesting to finally put faces to names!
It seems like it’s best to have some specific plans to meet people since it can be hard to recognize each other (at least with those of us who use graphics as our avatars). We’ll have to make some specific plans next year. And maybe plan ahead for some Serendipity!