Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is: Freebie!
In the spirit of doing whatever I damn well please, I figure now is as good a time as any to do Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Shannon at BEA!!
1. Shannon is a night owl.
This means that when you see me zombie-walking into Javits, I am not part of some promotion for the newest apocalypse book, I am a human who probably didn’t bother to fall asleep until 4:00am. I’ll eventually wake up, but not likely before noon, and not without a lot of help from my friend caffeine. Also, I am a terrible sleeper in hotels, as a side note, so please, show pity to Holly and Val, they might need a hug (or some hard liquor, whichever you feel like providing).
2. Iced Coffee is my drug of choice.
Speaking of caffeine, I’d be remiss if I didn’t explain the thing that will be glued to my hand as though it was some kind of surgical enhancement. Large Iced Dark Roast, cream and three equal. Bonus points (and a free coffee for you!) if you will fetch me one. I am not even kidding. I shall seek minions to keep me in iced coffee. You can apply in the comments section.
3. I live in flip flops.
I bought a “nice” pair for BEA, but if we are being honest (which we are), I am far more likely to wear this pair of grungy disgusting ones. Or at least keep them in my bag just in case. Don’t judge me if you see me wearing them, because I am just a girl with sore feet that have practically molded into these dumb shoes.
4. I am scared.
Look, I know I am a grown-ass adult human and should probably be able to navigate a conference center like a big girl. Spoiler alert: Not so much. Seriously, your expectations are too high.
5. I may or may not be crying in the corner because I miss my small humans.
Yes, breaks from your small humans should be a good thing, but I have never been away from them. And they’re really cute, and I like them! Especially when they are not making noise and I am only thinking about the cuddles.
6. I will be freaking out about my appearance.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following: My clothes, my hair, my weight, my shoes, my bag, my face… you get the idea. I will have at least two backup outfits for each day, and will be self conscious in the one I choose. If you see some weirdo pulling at their clothes and trying in vain to tame flyaways… yep, that’s me.
7. I will want to talk to you but I will be so anxious I will forget how to speak.
If you knew me in life, I would not shut up. But since I am just meeting you, I have forgotten how to speak English, and I never learned how to speak any other language, so that isn’t a viable option either. But I DO want to talk to you. Promise!
8. If it is hot and overly crowded… I will need to move.
Nothing can send me into a panic attack the way a hot and crowded room can. I can do one. I cannot ever do both. So if I randomly flee? Yeah, that’s probably why.
9. I will be suffering from Internal Book Panic (IBP)
I know that there will be books and authors that I will miss out on. I do! You, as a bookish community have told me this, and my logical mind has prepared me thusly. However. IBP is a real thing, and even though I will outwardly smile as I watch people walking away with Coveted Copy from Best Authorever, I will inside be a raging mess of IBP.
10. I am probably going to be starstruck.
I have never met anyone famous. Anyone, ever. The only person I know with a Wikipedia page is a felon, and I am not kidding. So there will be authors who I will be fangirling over… but there are also celebrities. I should probably just stay away from them in general because there will be gawking. Because frankly, you can’t tell me that Alma Coin personified will be in the same room as me and expect me to NOT lose any remaining cool I had. Then throw in the lady that swam to the US from Cuba, the former Today Show weatherman, the Mindy Project’s namesake, a former supermodel, and that dude in the movie about Facebook? Yep, I’m done. Sorry, not sorry.
Oh, what I would give to go! But most of the above applies to me, too! I don’t do crowds too well and completely lack any social grace. Those poor authors would have to see a woman go into a complete fan-girl frenzy over all those books!
You know, I imagine they see a LOT of weird stuff, even weirder than we could even imagine 😉 We are probably super normal for them, because we KNOW that freaking out is strange behavior!
HAHAHA I LOVE YOUR LIST.
“I am scared.” <–dude, me too. So it looks like Val will have to be the adult here. And oh man, the socializing. I want to talk to everyone too but OHMYGOODNESS HOW DO I EVEN FORM WORDS HOW DO I ACT COOL IN THE FACE OF PEOPLE. These are the things that run through my mind. Also, I am usually a night owl too (which, c'mon, you know this already), but I'm definitely gonna need all the sleep I can get for the conference (and that means early bedtime, damn it). But I'm not a morning person, so don't expect me to be able to form sentences or socialize in the wee hours. It takes me awhile to wake up.
I PASS AT BEING THE ADULT. I PASS. Ok I might be able to take the reins but it will be hard. Everyone will think I am 15 years old.
Thanks! 😀 I don’t know what we are going to do, because Val is claiming she can’t adult either? Crap. I mean, I can do SOME things. I can be the planner. The executive, if you will. I’ll do all the technical details and planning, Val can be in charge of public relations. Holly, you need a “thing” to be in charge of. We’ll think of something!
HAHAH. yup. yup. yuuuuuup. I like your “greeting someone famous face”. I’d probably play it cool and then make some kind of obscure joke they wouldn’t understand (because who does? really?) and they’ll do the slow-turn-away. 😉
Ha thanks! I will really be much more nervous and weird, but wouldn’t that face be fabulous to greet people with? BWHAHA. I would then have to take pictures of ALL the people I encountered, because obviously.
This was a great idea for a list! I can relate the most to being able to talk to people, since I’m so quiet and introverted. I’d love to go to BEA one of these days, though I’d probably have to bring two little red wagons to transport all the books I’d buy!
Aw thanks! I do hope you get to go to BEA one day! I LOVE the wagon idea hahha. I don’t know how I am going to do it- I am kind of hoping two big bags will be enough? Fingers crossed 😉
Totally relatable, Shannon. Good luck at BEA!
Aw thanks so much 😀
I love this post Shannon! 🙂 I don’t think I’ll ever get to go to BEA, but I can totally relate to many of these points you’ve made. I hope you have an amazing time.
Aw thank you so much! I hope you get to go to at least something similar at some point (unless I hate it or something, and then I can warn you 😉 )
GOSH, SHANNON. I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU AND JUST SIMPLY HANG OUT WITH ICED COFFEE ENTERING OUR ESOPHAGUS. Okay, that actually sounded slightly weird. LOL! But seriously, all of these just made you even more endearing to me. How I wish I could go there and meet all of you 🙁 I got a pass but alas >_> TICKETS. AND VISA. AND HOTELS. *dies*
Well that sounds like a HUGE win to me! We can talk books and drink coffee and well, that sounds like the best day ever, no? And thank yoU! That is so sweet 🙂
It really stinks that it is so much to get here. I didn’t know you needed visas too, UGH. I assume the plane tickets are the worst part, since you can share hotels (ours is only like, $300 per person for 4 nights, so it isn’t bad!), but man, the airfare must be so bad. I hope some day, you are able to swing it, and we shall find someone to bring us BOTH all the iced coffee 😀
Oh! I wish I could go… maybe I could stowaway on a ship crossing the Atlantic 🙂
I would definitely be way out of my comfort zone too.
Enjoy – can’t wait to hear how it went. Lots of pictures please 🙂
When Bad Covers Happen to Good Books
Aww I wish you could come too! Honestly, a boat across the Atlantic sounds kind of fabulous- a nice Transatlantic cruise would do you a world of good 😀 And YES- tons of pictures, I plan on bringing my DSLR!
Haha, I hope that is the exact face you use to greet the famous – it’s amazing!
I don’t think you’re alone here, I imagine there are plenty of people who feel exactly the same way as you do. 🙂 I’m also a night owl – if I didn’t have to work 9-5 Monday-Friday then I’d be up until 4 in the morning basically every night.
Great list, Shannon!
Hahha how funny would that be for real? I know what you mean, I think a lot of people ARE pretty nervous and anxious- after all, we are a group of people who love sitting at home and reading 😉 Thanks so much 😀
THIS POST IS THE BEST. And that is 100% an appropriate face to meet the famous. It’s just a great face. Omg, I love the way you talk about your small humans. SOOO CUUUUTE. I think I would die of a very slow and painful panic attack if I went to something like BEA. As awesome as it sounds…nope. Too many people. *gulps* I get socialled out by just going around to the library where there are all of 3 people there. -_-
But still. YOU ARE SO FUNNNY. OMG SHANNON. I LOVE YOUR BLOG.
Hhahah thanks! I get so anxious in super big groups, BUT the Javits Center looks really big and airy, so I am hoping that it won’t be as bad as I am imagining? Like, the MALL is too crowded for me most days- I have literally had panic attacks and have had to leave- so let’s hope this isn’t too bad!
And seriously, you are making me blush 😀
Hey jealousy! I wish I could go. This post was really entertaining!
Aw thanks! I do hope you get the chance to go at some point!
Dear Shannon
You just totally read my mind!! I loved that I am not the only one that fears these things esp. In reference to items 1,4,5,6,8,9,10. Like I know I will not get every book too but why in the deepest pit of belly do I feel this little ball of anxious stuffs beginning to bounce around like cracked out jack rabbits. I also have begun to worry about missing my little human. I mean it’s like really a total of 3 full days tues-fri night and I always said I wished for a break but not…. I’m very conflicted on this. I plan to do many FaceTime chat which or may not end in incoherent blubbering. My mind is so over,laced on anxiety that it like cancels it self out and it just does not compute. Lol
Can’t wait to meet you. Ps if you forget how to speak just blink once for yes 2 for no and 5 times rapidly for get that book right there! I’ll be your translator
❤️ Your sister in IBP
Brittany
Oh sweetie, I feel you. I have been wanting a break so, so badly, and I know they will be with my mom most of the time and that she will take good care of them but… it’s so HARD. I have been away from them… never. I’ve been away from Lena for 3 nights total- the night she was born, and when I had Sam, and only away from Sam when he was in the NICU and/or having surgery. And my mom has no idea how to even do any of that stuff, so I won’t be able to video anything with them, and it is making me so, so sad, and I am pouring this out to you because you understand! And like my dumb husband is so useless, and I am just so panicked, and ugh. We can cry in the corner together if we have to 😉
And I am SO glad I am not the only one with IBP! I was actually afraid to admit that one, because we are not “supposed to” be worried about the books but… I AM!
And I LOVE that plan- you can tell people that I am not having seizures, I am just having a case of the awkwards 😉
GAH I AM SO SAD I CANNOT GO TO BEA. Because seriously, we could bond over uncomfortable feels and non verbal communication and caffeine. As it is I shall have to pine that the Atlantic is too large and that until I sell a kidney BEA is out of reach. However I hope you have a fab time!
Awww I am sad too! I would enjoy that bonding experience 😀 I really wish they could have some kind of big international bookish event, even if we all just went ONE time, it would be so amazing! And thanks so much 🙂
Great post for getting to know you better, Shannon. Enjoy BEA!
Aw thank you so much!
Hahahaha, oh Shannon. You are literally the best. I feel I’d have these same sentiments if I were going! Except the small humans because I don’t have any yet. The best advice I can give is just be yourself and don’t be afraid to go up to these bloggers, authors, and people you want to meet. You’ll regret it later if you don’t take the chance, and they’re really sweet. Don’t forget, they are awkward blogger people too!! They are NOT intimidating in the least. Have loads of fun <33
Aww thank you so much! I seriously think that the only thing keeping me from full on panic that I DO know that a lot of other people feel awkward too, so we’ll all kind of be in the same boat. As for the non-awkward people… well I guess they’ve been around us bookish people long enough to understand 😉
Love your list 😉 I guess you probably be the only one who’s intimidated, have fun !
probably *won’t*, I forgot a word and I’m not even at BEA !!
Thanks so much! I agree, I think there will be a lot of people in the same boat, luckily!
Hahaha great post! Nope, I won’t be going, because money and travel. (And I’m afraid of people) I hope you have a good time and don’t miss the little humans too much. You’re so brave for going! Try not to worry about what you look like, I’m sure you’ll look fine. 🙂
Aw thank you so much! It IS scary- the money, the people, the random bus, the whole thing. But hopefully it’ll be worth it!
I’ll be at BEA on Friday! EEEK it’s my first one and I’m so excited. I too will be self-conscious about my weight/clothing choices/hair and will be tugging on myself all day, so don’t worry about that 😉
Oh YAYYY! It IS exciting, and kind of scary, but definitely more exciting! Hope to see you there 😀
Here’s my advice…It’s going to be very hot and very crowded, so don’t worry about your appearance. Trust me. The most valuable lesson I learned is that it’s important to be comfortable and wear functional clothing. Cargo shorts and a light t-shirt. Also, they used to provide lanyards for your badge, but last year they didn’t. I ruined my shirt because it was a pin and by lugging books around it tore a hole in my shirt. But a lanyard and bring it along or wear a shirt you don’t care about putting holes in. Back to the cargo shorts. It’s hot and you’ll nee to carry things like money, swag and your ID. A purse is impractical since you’ll be getting lots of tote bags to fill with books. Cargo shorts allow you to securely store your important things and they keep you cool. Within ten minutes the heat and humidity in the place will turn my hair into a frizzball, so I know not to even bother, and since I suck at waking up early and doing more than brushing my hair, that is fine. Also, don’t get too set on certain books. Somtimes the line is ridiculously long and you’ll be wasting your time and missing out on other books, plus, it’s not a guarantee that if you’re in line for an author that you’ll get a book. I waited for over an hour for an author once and they ran out of books a few people before me. Yes, they should have been keeping track of the # of books, but it happened. Just have fun, though. I’ll be there on Thursday. I’ll definitely be in line for Josephine Angelini, Sara Raasch, Claudia Gabel and Megan Shepherd. I hope to see you there. I’ll be the one with 4 feet of frizzy hair (in a ponytail) and cargo shorts. My nametag will say Books-A-Million, not Michelle’s Minions, but I’m trying to figure out how to identify myself that way. Maybe a paper nametag.
Michelle @ Michelle’s Minions
Well this is VERY good advice! AMAZING, actually. People keep posting about it- how to dress, what to wear, all that stuff- so I have been so hyper-aware of it. I am SO GLAD you are telling me that it is NOT that important. I bought a big old cross-body tote that I could throw my money and stuff in, but also BOOKS.
And THANK YOU for reminding me about the lanyard! I need to get out this weekend and grab one, I seriously would have forgotten!
And dude, that is the EXACT hair problem I have too! Which is why I am so panicked, I guess? I end up looking like Monica in the Friends episodes in Barbados 😉 I am thinking a bun and headbands. It’s my only hope 😉
I am definitely planning to try for Josephine, and I WANT to see Megan Shepherd because I loved The Cage, but I may have a conflict. Either way, I hope we do run into each other! My nametag will say my name, and I will probably be wearing those fugly flip flops 😉
Ahhh . . . such a great list! I would love to go to BEA so, so much. If I was going, I have a feeling I would be able to relate to a lot of these, especially the starstruck one. I have never met anyone famous either. If I were going to meet an author that I absolutely loved, I am not sure how well I would be able to communicate (if at all).
Aw thanks! I agree, I almost feel like I will avoid the people I love instead of seeking them out, just for that reason! It’s scary!
Have fun at BEA!
Here’s the link to my Top Ten Tuesday post for this week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-ten-tuesday-sexy-male-characters-in.html
Thanks!!
HAHAHAHAAH FIRST OFF I AM WAKING YOU UP EARLY. Just kidding. I’ll make sure to bring you some coffee. I don’t think I can afford a HUGE SIZE but we’ll see. You can give me my $4 back maybe hahahahhaha. I usually like hotel rooms, and their beds. I don’t know it depends. We’ll see. I’M SO FREAKING EXCITED TO MEET YOU. But I know I’m going to get anxious and nervous about all the books. BUT STILL. EXCITED.
Well, I don’t know how much chain prices differ in New York, but here, a large iced dark roast with cream and 3 equal is $2.53, and I will gladly give you ALL the money to procure me some. I am excited tooooo! And also insanely nervous. SO NERVOUS.
Oohhh iced coffee is an EXCELLENT drug of choice! And I’m also sending my love to Val and Holly 😉 Good luck with that whole “sleep” thing!
Might I suggest bringing something to stim with when you get anxious in the crowds? Maybe a stress ball or a rubber band or something similar? But I so get what you’re talking about – I hope everything goes well and you can beat the anxiety 😀 And if you have an attack, just get right back in when you’re ready *hugs*
Yeah, Val and Holly will need the happy thoughts 😉 And that is SUCH a good idea! I love it! I could use like, hair ties around my wrist even, that could work! I am totally doing this, you are such a life saver!! Thank you so much!! 😀
Great topic! I’ll be right there with you for all of these but the iced coffee. You can have my share and this zombiefied human will just need a little more time to weak up. 🙂 And IBP! At least now I know what to call it.
Hahah I will gladly have your share! And I do think IBP should be an actual diagnosed thing, especially when I am losing my mind in line for a NEEDED ARC 😉
I would love to go to BEA! I would be right there with the iced coffee as well. Have a great week!
Aw thanks! And that would be quite fun, I think from all the responses, we could get an iced coffee club started 😉
I’ve always wanted to go to BEA and all the other awesome book events. I will make plans to go one day. Every time I think about events like this, the longing is palpable. LOL
Oh, I feel you. Last year when everyone was there, I was so full of jealousy, I VOWED to go this year. I just got super lucky that two of my closest friends decided they would come too, or I couldn’t have afforded it at all! I really hope you are able to go someday! Next year it is in Chicago- does that help at all?
Oh wow, this is going to be me! It’s my first time attending BEA and I’m already going through all these things. I keep telling myself to be calm, but I can easily see myself running around like a maniac. I’ve asked my BEA buddy to slap me if this happens.
I know, calm is NOT happening- at least, not in my mind! Outwardly, I may LOOK calm, but inside? Nope. I will be a MESS. Hopefully neither of us has to be slapped too hard 😉 Hope you have a fabulous time!!
LOVE this, Shannon! Okay, take a deep breath and repeat after me: “I don’t need ALL the books. I am calm and confident in the face of strangers and famous people alike. I look great!!” Got it? You’re good. 🙂
I don’t need all the books (just most of them). I am calm and will try not to vomit in the face of strangers and famous people alike. I will not stalk Julianne Moore and ask her about Katniss and Peeta. I don’t look like complete garbage. Good enough? 😉
You’re getting there.
IBP – love it!
Pretty much all of us are starstruck and excited and nervous and freaking out – so you’ll blend right in. 😀
Can’t wait to meet you!
I am so excited to meet you too! I think the fact that everyone else is freaking out is the only thing keeping me somewhat sane 😉
You are SO funny! I will be at BEA (my fourth time!) so I can completely relate. I hope to see you there and that you enjoy yourself 🙂
Aww you are too kind 😀 Whoa, 4th time! You have ALL the advice then, no? 😉 And yes, I hope to see you there too!
Awwww! Wish I could meet you this year at BEA girl. I feel like waiting in those inevitably long ass lines would be a lot more fun with somebody like you to talk with :p I’m unfortunately not going this year, though next year is looking quite likely. I can’t wait to hear about how your adventures at BEA go this year, and get some expert tips for myself next year.
Have a blast girl <33 and try not to sweat the appearance stuff. Hahaha coming from my high maintenance and fashion obsessed self this may be hypocritical but STILL. I have a feeling nobody will be judging anybody at the event (….if anything I can see people judging books LOL)