Stephenie Meyer author visit

This evening I visited Summit elementary school in Seattle to see Stephenie Meyer speak. The visit was sponsored by All for Kids bookstore (Thanks!) The crowd was enormous, with at least 600 bodies filling nearly every seat in the auditorium. There were far fewer costumes than I would have imagined for event of this nature, so that was a bit disappointing. Sadly, as with the parade, nearly all of you STABies cancelled on me. I did, however, go since I promised a few individuals I would get them books. Thankfully, I was with my lovely assistant (manager), Alene, so I wasn’t too lonely. I was one of the very few people in my demographic at the event. (Surprise!)

Ms. Meyer had no prepared comments, nor did she read from her newest tome. She opted, instead, to answer questions from the audience. There were some extremely insightful and ponderous queries presented to Ms. Meyer. For example, one question was, “What does Bella eat for breakfast ?” Another was, “How much wood, would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” She refused to answer questions regarding the future of the characters in the books, even when threatened with physical harm.

We purchased our books at the door which was a mistake as those who bought their books before hand were given a better place in line. Our ticket number was 1021. However, a librarian friend of mine was there with her daughter. They had bought a book before hand and recived a ticket, but, alas, forgot to bring their book. She offered me her ticket. It was number 61. I’m only a little embarrassed to tell you I nearly cried with joy.

After the Q&A, we were ushered into an adjoining room where I’m pretty sure we were breaking the fire code by half. A few tables were set up for various arts and crafts related to the books. Alene and I took the time to chat with Megan and Kathryn from STAB who had also come. They had good tickets too, but not as good as ours. (Tee hee.)

When our number was called we were herded into line to wait in an antechamber to go into a waiting room to be frisked and wanded before approaching Stephenie Meyer. We were given explicit instructions, “1) at no time are you to make eye contact with Stephenie Meyer, 2) you are not to make sudden movements around Stephenie Meyer, 3) do not talk to Stephenie Meyer, 4) do not breathe in the direction of Stephenie Meyer, 5) do not feed Stephenie Meyer,. . .” and the list went on.

We made our way through the line and Ms. Meyer was extremely nice. She took our books and graciously signed them. We were then escorted out the door into the chilly night breeze. And that was pretty much it. As you can see from the picture I had a pretty good time.

Too bad for those of you who didn’t go, but feel free to place your holds on her much anticipated book or (audio version if you prefer) if you have not already done so.