Last night was the third day, and fourth stop, in THE FIRST RULE book tour by author Robert Crais. Luckily, blogger Pop Culture Nerd clued me in to the launch party here at the Book Soup bookstore. It certainly was more than just a regular book event. The place was packed, food and drink were all about, and many long-time friends of the author, including PCN and fellow author Gregg Hurwitz, were there. And, great time was had by all of those who attended (me, included). Below are some of the photos taken (if you wish to see the whole set, please go to this Flickr photostream).
Needless to say, Gregg Hurwitz, PCN, Carol the Webmaster, and Deb are some of the nicest, and most fun people I've come to meet at this or any such event. I still have an ache on my side due to the laughter cramp I developed because of a particular impromptu incident that came about late into the proceedings (however... I can say no more about it).
As usual, author Robert Crais was "on"; his quick wit and entertaining stories had everyone laughing and enthralled throughout the evening. The man is gracious and very generous to his fans (how else can you explain his good nature when some folk do a guerrilla photo drive-by's like the one above). By the way, for our friends in the state of Ohio, RC has asked that if you're brave enough to admit you know me, he'd like you to mention this to him when he comes to Dayton on the 24th of this month [I can't promise he won't haze you for this, though ;-)]. I don't know what is it about the guy, but it seems these days his fans are getting younger and younger.
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Oh my GOD! You know I'm going to mention it!! As a matter of fact, can you send me that picture so I can have it printed and take it with me to the event? These are awesome pictures! Hi PCN!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Michael! I'm smiling so much my cheeks hurt. My bestest friends with my favorite authors! Too cool!
My laugh cramps (as you call them) make my stomach muscles ache as if I did 50 sit-ups last night.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you made the party and took such great photos. The one of the store entrance is so glowy and pretty. The drive-by one cracks me up because Crais muttered, "What are they doing behind me?" but had the good grace not to turn around and take his attention away from the fan whose book he was signing.
By all means, you should mention you know Michael when you see him, Jen. Saying you've had any interactions with me, however, would immediately subject you to public ridicule.
You guys, along with author Robert Crais, are some fun, class acts. I hope you take photos and post about the upcoming Dayton stop, Jen. If it's as well attended as I think it's going to be, it will be one for the highlight reel.
ReplyDeletePCN, did you get a chance to share your book launch experience from last night with anyone? I'm sure the folk who were there are still smiling about it. Too bad, Gregg had to leave early.
Thank you very much, Jen and PCN.
How fun! Now I have faces to put with your "names", PCN and lp13! Not sure if it's a blessing or not that I can't tell Bob I know you, lp13, but I'll have my camera pointed at Jen when she does! ;0) Thanks for sharing your photos.
ReplyDeleteJen: I'll see you and whatever posse is coming with you in Dayton! Can't wait!
Christine
(Nashville, TN)
If our signing is half as much fun as yours appears to have been, they'll probably have to get the police to escort me out. I won't want to leave.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Christine. I'm glad you could stop and check out the photos, and leave a comment. BTW, when I mentioned to RC that friends would be making his Ohio stop something special, I did add one thing. Since I recalled your comment on Jen's blog that you'd be driving up to Dayton, I divulged to him that you'd be coming from TN. He was quite tickled with this. And, anyone willing to travel by car all that way to see Crais is someone I'd be honored to call my friend. I sincerely hope you have a safe and wonderful time at Dayton, Christine.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, I hope you all stay at Books & Co. at the Greene until RC has to leave. I think you all should go out for drinks with him afterward. Then, when he returns here to the Mystery Bookstore on the 29th, I can quiz him about what happened in Dayton! I hope you all take pictures and write posts about this upcoming experience. I know, it's going to be something! Thanks, Naomi.
ReplyDeleteNo, haven't really shared my experience with anyone. Deep in revamping/self-hosting hell. Besides, most of the local Crais fans I know were at the party!
ReplyDeleteWell aren't you a sweetheart! Thanks for the friendship and the heads-up to Robert! Having you, Jen and PCN as digital age "pen pals" is an all new experience for me. Thanks for making it fun and making me feel included!
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of your weekend!
FYI to Naomi and Jen: I believe there is an English pub across the street from Books & Co. That or another restaurant in the center with pretty good margaritas. Having drinks before, after...during? I'm there!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great shot of the front of the bookstore. But the drive-by photo: you guys look like you're having too much fun. That's my favorite.
ReplyDeleteChristine: we're all happy to include you :-). BTW, cute cat picture!
ReplyDeletePCN: I hope your self-hosting migration goes well.
Corey: I credit Elyse for that picture (and Deb for taking it using my camera). Both of them are fearless!
Thank you all for your comments.
That's one of our cats, Kearny. My husband was holding him up and I caught him in mid-swipe at the wisteria in that photo. How do you like that catcher's-mitt of a paw? He was a farm kitten and has extra toes on all four paws. :0)
ReplyDeleteI thought that was a really big paw. I remember fondly living with cats. Allergies, and especially the kid's, prevent that now. But, at least with an outdoor Alaskan mix, we can still have a dog. Thanks, Christine.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous you and PCN got to hang out with Bob!! Jen, you and Christine are going to have so much fun in Dayton! Geez nothing ever happens in NYC.
ReplyDeleteDayton is going to be one happenin' spot coming up! Thanks, NW.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Michael. Turnabout is fair play. I presented you with an award. Hope you stop by and pick it up!
ReplyDeleteAnd I presented you with an award too! Drop by Meanderings and Muses to pick it up when you have a minute!
ReplyDeleteKaye
How fun! This looks like a terrific bookshop.
ReplyDeleteLesa & Kaye: wow... two awards on the same day! Thank you both.
ReplyDeleteDiane: thanks for stopping by and commenting. And yes, it is one terrific bookshop and the people who staff it are passionate readers.