Anna makes an impression...

On Saturday I woke up with no voice, it was COMPLETELY GONE. This was quite a conundrum as Ari and I were supposed to be giving our presentation on Sunday. We tried not to panic and I because a mute for the next 36 hours.

We went to a session with William Joyce speaking, which Jamie is writing about, afterward we were given his new book and he signed it. I had spent the last eight hours mouthing words to Jamie, Alana, and Arianna. Or snapping, clapping my hands, tapping on tables, or trying to 'shout' psst at them to get their attention. So we waited in line, me with Arianna (who happened to be the worst at reading lips), and let her know prior to us getting up to William Joyce what I wanted to say. We get up to William Joyce and I wave at him and he gives me a strange look. So I start snapping at Arianna so she can translate. William Joyce then proceeds to giggle at me for the rest of the time that I am standing in front of him. I wish I can giggle with him, except for my vow of silence. All I can say is that I hope I was memorable for him.

I was super excited to have Gail Carriger sign my book. Once again, if you haven't read her series I strongly suggest you do . As in I am commanding you to stop reading this blog and get her books and read them until you are finished with them all and then come back to this post. Go. Ok so we got in line and one of the publishers remembered me and had talked to Gail about me! How exciting! I proceeded to mouth things to her, fortunately Alana was there to translate. She then told me that she hoped I found my voice, which I am sure is why I got my voice back in time for the presentation. Thank you Gail.

So at least my lack of voice made me memorable. Though it caused some undue stress and panic. William, Gail, and I are now BFFs. Kind of like how I am Lane Smith's biggest friend.

An Ode to Lane Smith

I would like to first of all say that I really like Lane Smith. When I was about seven, I first fell in love with his illustrations in The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka, and my adoration for his style continued to Hooray for Diffendoofer Day by Dr. Seuss. When Jamie and I discovered that he and Judith Viorst created a book together it was like having my birthday come early, we were able to get the ARC and get it signed by both Smith and Viorst. While I do like Ms. Viorst's books, if I'm honest I am ten times more infatuated with Lane Smith. So I trot myself up and smile and tell Lane Smith that I am a big fan, he signs, it's awkward between me and Judith because I don't tell her that I am a big fan and they are sitting next to one another, and I move on.

I later discovered that Lane Smith is going to be signing copies of his new book It's a Book, and of course I go out of my way to get one and get it signed. I waited in line for forty minutes and again had a moment with Mr. Smith, only this time it was a bit, what's the word? Weird. Mostly because I was so excited to talk to him again, and he recognized me, and I was just overcome.
So instead of saying, "Hey Mr. Smith! I'm still a big fan of yours!" It came out more: "Hello! I'm a big friend." WHAT? So I tried to cover, but it just ended up weird. But I think he got a good chuckle out of my ridiculous behavior. And that's what really matters. Kind of. Oi.

Anyway, I thought that I would let you all know that EVERYONE needs a copy of It's a Book. Not only does it have Lane Smith's incredible artwork, but it is also extremely funny. He has three characters: monkey, mouse, and the jackass. The donkey doesn't understand what a book is, and the monkey unhelpfully explains what a book is by what it is not. Hilarity ensues. I have to admit that this is the worst summary of a book that I have ever done, but I don't want you to be stopped by my own inadequacy. Do not doubt the genius of Lane Smith. Get it. It comes out Aug. 31st.