Blogging

seeing someone realize her dream, and how to keep a bookstore manager from ruining the experience

After bbq with Heather and 2+ hours of catching up while standing in line, we got to see Jenny during her Atlanta book signing!

Everyone in line had sticky “post it” notes of varying colors inside their books to signify tiers of early signing, but we didn’t get there early enough to get a sticky note in our books.  In fact, I didn’t even have a book, since I’d pre-ordered the kindle version of Jenny’s book.  I decided to buy another, because supporting first-time published authors who were first bloggers is cool.

By the time the signing began, we had a few hundred people in front of us.  After about an hour, we too were handed yellow sticky notes.

Normal people put their names on the sticky note, but since I’ve talked to Jenny at each of the past 3 BlogHers, on email, and on Twitter, I didn’t see the need.  Right before Heather and I walked up to her, the Barnes & Noble manager looked at my book and asked where my name was.  “I don’t need to write it; she knows me,” I responded.  She smirked.

I walked up and opened my book.  It had already been autographed!  For the second time in my life, I just happened to buy an autographed book (“The Four Hour Body” was the other).

Me:  “I guess it’s already signed…maybe you can personalize it!”
Jenny:
B&N Mgr:  “You sure she knows you?”

At this point, I want to throw one of the cupcakes on Jenny’s table at the B&N manager’s glasses.  I smile and pose for a picture while something is written in my book.  Something personal, I’m certain.

Me:  “So, guess I’ll see you again at BlogHer, right?  Congrats on … all this!”
Jenny:  “Actually, I’m not going this year, but I’ll be at BlogWorld…go to that!”
Me:  “I’d love to!  It’s on my birthday, June 7!  I was thinking about it, but my wife said something about wanting me to be with family on my birthday, and something about my going to Spain in July and New York for BlogHer in August already.  Women…”
Jenny:  “You should come!  I’ll see you there.”
Me:  “Okay, then…congrats again!”

I looked down, hoping for a “Muskrat” or “Michael” reference I could show the B&N manager.  Instead, I got something even better.  I think.

And while the middle finger aimed at the B&N manager may have stayed hidden in my right pants pocket, believe me–it was there.  Even if only ironically.

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18 Comments

  1. Nice! The best part? You can sell it on eBay without having to hope that somebody named “Muskrat” is looking for an autographed copy of her book!

  2. I wonder sometimes if Jenny knows any of us as well as we know her now.

    • I think if I’d spent multiple consecutive nights meeting hundreds of people each night, I’d be lucky to know my own name at the end of the night.

  3. Sybil Law

    I can’t believe you didn’t make that middle finger more prominent!
    Nice autograph, though! 🙂

    • I should have, but I didn’t want to upset the few people still in line behind us who might have been lumped in with “that asshole who’s giving B&N the bird.”

  4. So awesome. Jenny is the bomb.

  5. Pretty Bride

    She knows and loves you. You’re her oldest AND dearest friend!! Wish I could have been there–what an amazing experience for her.

  6. I met Jenny at a blogher thing two years ago…she is way nice. Actually it was the same one I met you and BHJ and Home and Uncool. You all seem like nice peeps.

  7. Jenny is such a bad-ass. DOWN WITH SNOOTY BOOK STORE MANAGERS!

    Had a great time with you that evening. Thanks for keeping me company! It was either you or sit on Anissa’s lap most of the evening. 😉

  8. have you read it yet? i ordered the kindle version two and zipped through it. i’m so happy for her. totally don’t know her, but so very happy.

    and the B+N guy? D to the B, bro.

    • I read about half on the plane ride back from Maryland a few weeks ago. I wish that were a longer flight. I’m going to have to think about that “DB” thing for a bit…I’m sure I should understand it, but…

  9. Haha! You showed that smirky store manager! I too am a huge fan of the hidden pocket bird. Actually, I learned it from a friend who lives in Atlanta, as a matter of fact. Small world. Go Jenny!

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