FIERCE READS TOUR RECAP!

Wow. This is crazy that I went on this road trip nearly two weeks ago. It feels like it was just yesterday. Anyways on October 8th, my moms and I drove the 3 1/2 hours down to Irving, Texas, so we could catch the second leg of the fall Fierce Reads tour, because sadly they weren't coming to Oklahoma this year. We got up early early because we wanted to go by my grandpa's old house and see if the new owners were taking care of it. I'm thankful to say that they are. It was hard to go by that house, and see all the changes that have happened since he passed, and not see him out there with his poodle. It took all I had not to cry, so we just sat there and looked at it in silence while I held his dog tags in my hand. Then, we made the trip to his grave. It's been way too long since we've been able to do that. My only wish is that my dad could've made it with us. 

So after those somber moments, the moms and I navigated the stressful interstates and oh my god, why is there so much dang construction there?! I swear, it was nuts and the people driving around me were driving nuts and to say I wasn't stressed would be a huge understatement. It wasn't bad when I was out of the construction but geez louise my muscles were tensed the whole time! After about 30 minutes, we landed in front of a two story Barnes and Noble. Now to us here folk in Oklahoma (haha I don't really talk like that) we don't have fancy schmancy bookstores with upper levels and them there mechanical stairs so we were pretty darn enamored! Seriously though. This was the most glorious B&N I had ever been to, and we probably stayed inside it way too long. Evidence? All the books we walked out with!!

Finally we stopped by Red Robin to relax a little bit and eat something before heading to the library. I was told that Irving's events were usually pretty cray cray and packed and to get there super early, well we did. Two hours early. LOL. But that ended up being awesome, because I got to meet Mary!!! She's a fellow book blogger that I've followed and talked to since forever, and our conversations were basically the best thing ever! I cannot wait to go down and talk books again, because she's now one of my good friends!! Mary actually saved my mom and I front row seats to the event too, which was super awesome, because Nikki Kelly, who is one of my best author friends, was extremely nervous. It was her first event, but I was there to calm her front and center.

Mary, Becca, & Moms Selfie

The event itself was fabulous! It was honestly the most organized and fun book signings I've ever been to. Definitely different than the ones we usually have here. The moderator was hilarious, as were all the authors. I don't think I've ever giggled so much in my life! Mary and I also had a twitter conversation going during the signing while we were sitting right next to each other! Still giggling over that!

I forgot to mention while we were waiting around for 7 to roll around, Nikki Kelly came in with Jessica Brody, and as soon as she saw us, she came up running yelling "Becky!" "Mary!" and immediately after hugging us, asked where my mom was and then ran over to her and enveloped her in a hug too. She is so stinking cute and adorable and tiny, and her accent is so proper sounding! I wish I could've caught her saying 'twerk' because she made it sound so proper with her accent! For those of you that don't know, Nikki is English! 

No one could believe that we drove all the way from OKC to Irving just for the day so we could come to the signing. I think we were the only ones that traveled such a long distance, but it was so worth it. Not only did I get to meet Mary, and Nikki, and Marissa Meyer, Gennifer Albin, and Jessica Brody, but I got to meet a Macmillan publicist, Alyson, who was really welcoming and informative, and gosh I was freaking out talking to her, because I represent my blog now, and it was just a really momentous conversation. I was shaking when I handed her my card, and introduced myself, but there was no reason to! She was just like all us book lovers, and wanting to know which book I was dying to read the most. (Hint: The Winner's Crime)

Before too long, my books were signed, many hugs were hugged, swag was snagged, and it was time to say my goodbyes. I didn't want to though! I wanted to stay and chill with everyone, but I had a long drive ahead of me to return home, and I didn't want to get back too late because I knew my mom had to work the following morning. Oopsies mom. Sorry we got back at 2:30. I know she was dragging the next day, and even I was too. I guess this is a sign that I'm starting to get old! HAHA. But I can honestly say that this trip with my mom is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to go on another one with her. It was the best, and I'm so so so happy that I invited her and she was able to get the day off to come with me. It would've been a lot less fun without her. She's the absolute bomb dot com and means the world to me. (I'm pretty sure she fangirled over meeting Nikki too. She couldn't believe Nikki came up to her knowing who she was and hugging her and it was just so stinking adorable!!) 

Anywho, here's some more pictures from the evening. Mary took one of Marissa Meyer and I and as soon as I can snag it from her, I'll update this!

Gennifer Albin, Me, Jessica Brody

Me showing off my tote and business card!

HUGGING MY AUTHOR BESTIE NIKKI!

Obviously we hugged a TON, not even kidding

Mom and I just chillin with our Fierce Reads Snuggie

 And if you didn't think fun was had by us all, well here's evidence that it was one hell of a time! I can't wait to go back soon!!!! Thanks Irving Public Library for putting on such a fabulous event!

Mary, Me, Moms

Did you go to any of the tour stops on the Fierce Reads tour?

Tell me about em! :)