BookCon 2015! Day 2
Day 2 started very similarly to Day 1. Except I woke up 30 minutes earlier. I got giddy when I heard “NO FEET IN THE STREET” and loved talking to my fellow booklovers in line. One thing they did change was the time in which WORD bookstore opened. The previous day the bookstore opened at 10 am, today they opened at 8 am when the doors opened. Bookcon also redid the way the line was setup making it easier for people to be herded through the buying process. I know many people were upset when they found out that the bookstore would be opening up earlier because this was a big day for those going to see the Youtubers, which required a purchase.
Despite many people’s assessment that it was unfair, it was smart of Bookcon and I support their decision. Day 1 was awful and completely unorganized in the first few hours of the bookstore opening. I talked to many people who were pushed and shoved before the blue lines and barricades went up (when I went through they were up).
But After Day 1 I refused to enter the Queue Hall after I was released at 10 so I went straight to the Show Floor line and sat. I chatted with my fellow prisoners again until our parole was granted and we were released to the Show Floor.
There was a little more confusion on what “DON’T RUN” really means because of the ‘First In Line Red Carpet Event & Author Breakfast’ held by Penguin Random House. This event was a signing and book give away with muffins and coffee. Nicola Yoon (Everything, Everything), James Dashner (Maze Runner), Jennifer Niven (All the Bright Places) and E. Lockhart (We Were Liars) were the authors in attendance. This was the top priority event I was planning on attending on Day 2. I was so happy when I realized I wasn’t too far from the beginning of the line and given one of the event tickets.
After I received my Maze Runner and Scorch Trials Collector’s Edition Signed by James Dashner and forwent the muffin I was back on the Show Floor and on the search for Free Stuff. I managed to get in line for Cassandra Clare’s Lady Midnight Sampler, which one of the most sought after items.
An event that was on my tentative schedule and I accidently stumbled upon because of tired shoulders on the Downtown stage was the There’s Safety in Numbers: Survival Tips for Writing Epic Series from James Dashner and Ridley Pearson Panel. (Noticing a tread? I’m A Proud Member of Dashner Army!) I love this conversation because they touched on topics that I found very useful for the novel I’m trying to finish and clean up. I will also mentioned that I was the first to be allowed to ask James and Ridley a question about who they make sure with the number of characters in their books how the reader does forget/confuse them.
After James and Ridley answered questions fans rushed the stage and I will admit I was among their numbers. I got a picture with James and Death Cure signed!
I also stayed around the Downtown Stage and sat in on the Drawing Contest between Nick Bruel and Mike Curato. This was a hidden gem that I did not plan on but SO glad I did. These two men are so creative and talented. They were able to create a drawing that told a complete story at the drop of a hat.
After this point I decided that I was done carrying round my books and went back to my hotel and returned to Bookcon. One of the best decisions I made about this trip was picking a place to stay within walking distance of the J.C. Having taken a taxi to and walking back took less than 30 minutes. When I returned I was right on time to line up for the last even I planned on attention. The Big Bad Theory: Tropes and Archetypes of Evil in Science Fiction and Fantasy Panel. The panel consisted of Charlie Jane Anders, David Wellington, Ilana Meyer, Michael Buckley, and Scott Westerfeld. This was an entertaining and enlightening panel.
Having always loved villains it was interesting hearing these authors put in their two cents about their favorites, the overdone tropes, the different ways we see, write, and feel about villains.
At the end of the panel I was able to snag the only copy of Positive, David Wellington brought and selfies with most of the panel. Upon exiting the room it seemed that the sky had opened up and was pouring its sadness at the conclusion of Bookcon by drenching those attempting to leave.
It was at this point I was SO glad I made the midday trip back to my hotel after watching people trying to keep the bags and bags of books they acquired dry.
BookCon Recap
MOST IMPORTANT TIP: GET AND USE THE BOOKCON APP!!!
All it all I was an amazingly awesome time and I don’t regret anything. Throughout all the lines and surviving the crowds, I meet so many cool people and their parents, all who deserve to be given awards. Despite the fear of overage fees because of the weight of my bags and the state of my body I would do everything again. I am really excited back the prospect of Bookcon 2016 in Chicago!
Until Next Time!
BookCon 2015! Day 2 was originally published on FroggyChemist Blog
