Authors I would love to meet!
I have been able to attend some great book festivals, BookCon, and BookExpo at which I have met many authors, but there are quite a few of my "go-tos", who I have never met. Today, I share ten authors from my "to meet" wishlist and my favorite book by them.
My Favorite Book: Along for the Ride
My love for Sarah Dessen books runs deep. It is a well known fact, that I LOVE contemporaries, and Dessen just knows how to write the perfect YA contemporary that always incorporates family, friendship, a few issues, and a bit of romance. I have had the pleasure of seeing her on a BookCon panel, but would love to get to meet her
My Favorite Book: The Distance Between Us (it was one of my first)
If you look at my Goodreads shelf, you will see that I have read ALL Kasie West's books, and all but one earned 5-stars from me. She just knows how to write the perfect cute and adorable contemporary romance, which usually feature great family and friendship dynamics.
My Favorite Book: Just One Year
Forman is another author, who I have seen more than once on a panel, but have never met. When she declared her love for "all the tropes", that solidified my love for her. She has written some incredibly emotional books, which have left a lasting impression on me. I will forever shed tears for Mia's family, and jump for joy when I think about Willem and Allyson's reunion.
My Favorite Book: Still Life with Tornado
This was my first A.S. King book, and I was immediately won over by her writing style and brilliant use of magical elements. I have gone on to read several more of her books, and she continues to blow me away with the way she weaves her magic into each tale, as well as the type of topics she tackles. I am always left with a lot of deep thoughts when I finish an A.S. King book.
My Favorite Book: What Alice Forgot
I remember dipping my toe into the Liane Moriarty pool, because EVERYONE was talking about Little Big Lies. You could say it was love at first book, because from there, I read every book Moriarty had ever written. I think she masterfully intertwines her characters lives, and never fails to surprise me with something in her story.
My Favorite Book: Love and Other Words
My love for this duo has blossomed over the past year. I had read a few of their earlier books, and they were good, but I wouldn't say I was a fan until I read Autoboyography. And they proved they were not a one-hit-wonder with me by kocking my socks off with Love and Other Words and Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating. I am eager to read more and more of their work, because I think they are getting better and better with each book.
My Favorite Book: It's Not Me, It's You
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book at BEA one year, because it introduced me to the comic genius that is Stephanie Kate Strohm. I laughed so much when I read this book, and that laughter continued with every one her books I read. I alway say, that Strohm is my go-to when I want funny, and she has yet to let me down.
My Favorite Book: Neanderthal Seeks Human
This was my first Penny Reid romance, and I have to say, it really was "a smart romance". Reid writes quirky, fun romances, which are peppered with the best nerdy bits. I have never failed to fall in love with her characters, and she continues to deliver these sweet romances, which leave me in stitches. A Reid romance is always a good idea, and my go-to when I need a fabulous rom-com.
My Favorite Book: 9 Days & 9 Nights
I know I may be a little bit of a black sheep here, but I LOVE Cotugno's books. There was so much vitriol out there about 99 Days, I had to read it myself, and I liked it. I read Top Ten, and I LOVED it! But, what really made me adore Cotugno was the lovely give of 9 Days & 9 Nights. It was such a gift for us 99 Days fans, and a beautiful way to give us some closure on Gabe and Molly, which I so desperately needed.
My Favorite Book: Starry Eyes
Get used to seeing this woman's name on my lists, because her books are FANTASTIC! Just thinking about her books automatically brings a smile to my face, and that's saying something about a person, who's family nickname is "Sam black cloud". Bennett writes fantastic characters, fabulous stories, and romances that are just so real, honest, and adorable too. I look forward to anything she releases.
What author would you love to meet?
Let us know in the comments!
I would LOVE to meet A.S. King but I'm slightly worried I'd immediately freeze up and have no idea what to say! Would be a total case of hero worship.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I have met an author, I have said very little, except for when I met Rainbow Rowell. We got into an easy conversation. There is just something about her, that made it easy, despite how much I love her work.
DeleteI must admit that I'm just not interested in meeting authors-I never have been!
ReplyDeleteThere have been authors I have seen on panels, that were never on my radar, and then listening to them share their thoughts made me want to know more about their work. I always enjoy author events.
DeleteLiane Moriarty is a big one for me too, I just love her stuff (that I've read). And Jenn Bennett even though I haven't read her yet- but I have Starry eyes on my TBR and her books sound really great, from what I've heard. I'm sure after reading them she'll probably be a favorite author of mine too!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have even seen an LM appearance in my parts. Jenn Bennett neither, but it seems anytime there is an event near me, it's always during the week, and I could never make it from my job. *sad face*
DeleteGreat list! Would also love to meet Kasie West, Liane Moriarty, Christina Lauren Katie Cotugno and Jenn Bennett. They are all fabulous I'm sure. One day!
ReplyDeleteI have been at cons a few of them have appeared at in the past, but I never took the opportunity to meet them. Others, I have rarely seen in our area. Maybe on of these days.
DeleteI wouldn't necessarily want to chat with authors because am shy but as a fellow YA contemporary reader I'd love to read more from Sarah Dessen, Kasie West (I've read at least one book by each of them), Gayle Foreman (I have an unread copy of If I Stay but already watched the movie), Katie Cotugno (I have an unread How to Love), Christina Lauren (I have an unread Autoboyography), and Jenn Bennet (I have Alex, Approximately). Woah, I suddenly feel bad. Bumping these books up my TBR right away. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick one, it would be Jenn Bennett's book. I am finally reading The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, and as always, it's a delight.
DeleteOoh, Sarah Dessen is a good choice.
ReplyDeleteHere is our Top Ten Tuesday.
She comes off as so nice too
DeleteI need to meet Jen to ask her to write more of her adult books! :D
ReplyDeleteI am looking to start one of her adult series. They have the audiobooks on Hoopla.
DeleteI met Stephanie Kate Strohm at ALA last year and I LOVED HER!!! She was so nice! Sarah Dessen was a very memorable meeting for me because I got to meet her locally and the whole night was about her.
ReplyDeleteGayle Forman is one of those authors where I wish I could be friends with. Her personality is so magnetic. I hope you get to meet all of these people!!
I heard Strohm is going to be a YallFest. I am jealous of everyone going, and I am jelly of you. So lucky.
DeleteGayle Forman would be a good author to meet! I hope you can meet some of these in the future. I have been lucky with the authors I've been able to meet, or see in person, but there always more on my list. LOL
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I adore her, and found her real relatable when I saw her on the panel
DeleteI hope you get a chance to meet these authors someday! I’m so awkward that it’s probably good that I don’t go to many author signings. I’d probably end up embarrassing myself.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I am pretty awkward with the ones I have met, but I love listening to their pre-signing talks
DeleteI've met Gayle Foreman,and the writing duo Christina Lauren and they were all super nice and interesting! I would love to meet Jenn Bennett! I've loved her YA and adult books, and I want to know how she writes the coast of California so well when she lives in the South. Great post, Sam! :)
ReplyDeleteI am reading the Bennett YA book I have unread and right now, and hope to move onto her adult titles soon
DeleteKasie West and Liane Moriarty would definitely be on my list too.
ReplyDeleteI have read every book both of them has written . I am a total fangirl of both
DeleteThere are some heavy hitters up there. Lots of authors I would love to meet. For me ,I would totally love to meet Stephen King. I was lucky enough to meet Laini Taylor awhile back.
ReplyDeleteI was in the TSA line with Taylor in Chicago. We exchanged comments about the line and then I did like a little fangirling. She was really nice
DeleteMeeting Sarah Dessen and A.S. King were big bucket list checkmarks for me! Both very nice people! I would love love love to meet Liane Moriarty as well... should have put her on my list!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: http://www.caseydillabooks.com/2018/10/top-ten-tuesday-authors-id-love-to-meet.html
Has Moriarty ever toured the US? I missed an opportunity with Dessen, but I don't remember King touring near me
DeleteNice picks! All new to me ones for sure! Hope you get to meet these authors one day!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Tuesday Post
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
I would love to meet Kasie West as well. I was just saying to someone else that I would love to hear how she writes so fast.
ReplyDeleteShe has been a writing beast these last two years, and with the exception of one book, they were all 4.5-5 star reads for me.
DeleteI WISH I could go to BookCon but it's far away. 😭 I'd love to meet Julie Kagawa in person though!
ReplyDeleteBookCon is a 40 minute train ride for me, and I usually go, but missed it this year, because I was moving my daughter to Chicago. Boo! I remember meeting Kagawa at Yallfest in 2015. I told her how I was afraid to read the last Iron Fey book (#6), because I didn't want to leave the world, and she assured me I would be ok with the ending. She is wonderful.
DeleteSAME with Katie Cotugno! I love her stuff! And I agree about Jenn Bennett and AS King too, I'd enjoy meeting them for sure! It is cool that you've at least gotten to see some of them speaking, but I do hope you get to meet them one day too!
ReplyDeleteI have actually missed meeting a lot of authors, because I love to sit in panels instead of waiting on signing lines. I do prefer book store events for signings though. They are way more personal.
DeleteI would love to meet Liane Moriarty, I just adore her books!
ReplyDeleteI know! She is amazing.
DeleteI should read a Kasie West book one of these days. ::Looks at TBR:: Although I don't know when, LOL. Her books sound nice though.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to meet some of these and it's not awkward!
If you like YA Contemporaries on the lighter side, she is a good one to read.
DeleteI have met Gayle Forman!!!! And she really is great! Friendly, smart, funny and loves meeting her readers so I wish that you meet her one day sam! Sophie @bewareofthereader
ReplyDeleteShe seems so nice. You're so lucky!
DeleteI love your list! Liane Moriarty made mine this week as well, but I'd also love to meet Jenn Bennett and Gayle Forman too.
ReplyDeleteLM writes incredible stories! And Bennett owns me.
DeleteThese are mostly new to me authors! I hope you get to meet some of them eventually!
ReplyDeleteMe too! They are some of my favorites.
DeleteI met Christina Lauren and Penny Reid and they were fun to talk to. When I met them I hadn't read their books and now that I have I would love to meet them again.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely more of a rush getting to talk to the authors after you've read their book. That allows me to fangirl properly.
DeleteI have met Sarah Dessen and Katie Cotugno (they were both lovely), but none of the others on your list! I am definitely dying to meet Jenn Bennett (I think she lives in Atlanta, too, so theoretically this is plausible??? but it doesn't seem like she does many events???). Great list, Sam!
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky!!!! I could have waited on the line for Dessen at BookCon, but I always elect to do the panels when I go, but I don't remember Cotugno ever being around here. A lot of the authors local to me will do book stores or even moderate store events. SJM was at Ivory & Bone release, and Claire LeGrande moderated for Obsidio. So, absolutely plausible for Bennett to do something in your area.
DeleteI'm sure Liane Moriarty would be fascinating. :)
ReplyDeleteI would trip all over myself in her presence
DeleteI’d love to chat with Katie Cotugno. I think she makes such brave/bold choices in her writing and I’d love to discuss that with her. And Christina Lauren... yes! What fun it would be to sit down with those two ladies and discuss their characters, their stories, what’s in the works... and basically everything. :)
ReplyDeleteCotugno definitely makes some unpopular decisions for her characters, but I think it's important for character actions to have consequences. CLo have been delighting me lately, and I just want to thank them.
DeleteI like your list! I think meeting Jenn Bennett would be a lot of fun :D I would love to meet Michael Grant because the Gone series is genius and Malorie Blackman for the same reason with her Noughts and Crosses series.
ReplyDeleteI know Grant, but not Blackman. I love meeting any author, who has written a book I loved, but yeah, Bennett would be a thrill for me.
DeleteI'd love to meet Mariana Zapata, Kim Harrison, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Ilona Andrews. That'd totally rock. However, I fear they wouldn't be as awesome in person as their books make me think they are so I'd be afraid to meet them too!
ReplyDeleteI have not met any of those authors either. I have met some romance authors though: Jill Shalvis, Catherine Bybee, Emma Chase, Geneva Lee, and some others. I would love to attend Romance in the City of these years, since it's so close, and always draws a ton of amazing romance authors.
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