Writing Event Recap - YA By the Bay

I returned to YA by the Bay and had the best time.

YA By the Bay Recap

I returned to the first book conference I ever attended, and it was a blast!

I got to hang out with some new writers and some I had already met before, and I got so many good books.

Some of which are these…

His Surprise Return and Courtside Crush by the AMAZING, the WONDERFUL Kayla Tirrell.

• Here she and I are at the welcome dinner. We had time to chat on Thursday and Friday, and I can’t wait to read her books—or hang out again! Is it time for the next event??

• I started His Surprise Return the day I bought it, and I’m already hooked in Ch. 1.

Iron Rose by Abigail O’Bryan

An Infinite Pull by Taylor Simonds

Covalence by Andie L. Smith

• All of these ladies are FABULOUS, and I got to hang out with them and some other writers. We went for coffee and to some niche thrift and vintage stores.

(Pictured from Left to Right: Lucienne Diver, Andie L. Smith, Taylor Simonds, Vanessa Montalban, Moriah Chavis, Abigail O’Bryan) - I’ve tagged their books :)

Beyond the Wall by Jessica Kaye

• She was the first new writer I met at the conference and so kind! I can’t wait to diver into her book. :)

Lastly in my stack, Candace Kade and I swapped books, and I’ve already started reading her book! IT. IS. SO. GOOD!!! She and I were on a panel together, and she’s a delight. On the second day, a student drew up together, so we had to recreate the image.

Here’s me on the plane reading her book. I’ve already ordered the rest of the the trilogy. Click on the image to get the first book from the Zon.

The best part was meeting new writers and hanging out with them. I truly feel like I’ve made some amazing new friends with some wonderful books. My TBR and my cup are both full. :)

Highlight of YA By the Bay

The keynote speaker at the event was RL Stine. I met him the first year of the event, and he’s hilarious and so kind. On the last day, he complimented the cover of my novel, The Curious Case of the Midnight Specter. So, of course, I gave him a copy.

I have a picture of the AUTHOR OF GOOSEBUMPS holding my book. He may never read it, but he HAS A COPY. And he wanted it signed. Please excuse me while I faint.

Takeaway

If you’ve never been to a writing conference, or a book event, I highly recommend it! I’ve always wanted to go to Realm Makers, and after the event, I might have to make a way to go this coming summer—if not to see some of my friends again!!

Writers are the best people in the world. :)