First Stop on the Words of Wonder Tour: Carpinteria, CA

I’ve joined up with five other debut middle grade authors this year for the Words of Wonder West Coast Book Tour! A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of signing books with Jenn Reese, author of ABOVE WORLD, at the Curious Cup Bookstore in Carpinteria, CA. I was excited to go back to Carpinteria, as that’s where my husband and I spent our honeymoon. What could be better than a tax-deductible vacation book signing in such a great location? Below are some pics I thought you would enjoy.

Here’s me, Jenn, and Kiona, the owner of The Curious Cup bookstore. If you’re ever in Carpinteria, you should definitely check out The Curious Cup. I could’ve spent hours in there browsing through the titles. Kiona is really helpful and  supportive of new writers. Hands down, it’s my new favorite independent children’s bookstore.

Here’s me and Jenn signing! We were invited to participate in Carpinteria’s First Friday event where the local shops extend their normal business hours and offer entertainment and/or giveaways. This means Jenn and I got to listen to live music while we were signing.

(Okay, this really has nothing to do with the signing, but the Hunger Games freak in me thought it was so cool I just had to include it!)

The best part by far was getting Jenn to sign my copy of ABOVE WORLD. She signed it with my favorite line from her book, “We share the same sky.” Beautiful.

I’d been really nervous about the signing, but I ended up having a great time. Jenn and I will be meeting up again this Friday, along with Anne Nesbet, author of THE CABINET OF EARTHS, at Mrs. Dalloway’s bookstore in Berkeley, CA. If you’re in the area, stop by to say hi. Am so looking forward to it and already plotting what new books I want to buy!

Now tell me, what is your favorite independent bookstore?