As a self-proclaimed book lover, I have to say, it has been a great summer for books!

At least, in my little world.  May saw many novels by some of my favorite writers: Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk, Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster, Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris, The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong,  just to name a few.  The next couple of months are also bringing out some books I’m looking forward to, including Rage Against the Meshugenah by Danny Evans and Vampire Haiku by Ryan Mecum.

And one thing these books also have in common is the fact that the authors never have any book signings schedule for Florida.  I know it’s not the authors’ fault but still, it really sucks.  I’m an avid reader.  I enjoy having signed books.  (My two most notable ones so far are Stardust signed by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess and a book of poetry signed by Jim Carroll.)

I have a few authors that I faithfully follow, whether from other books or online blogs.  (Or, in Mr. Gaiman’s case, both.)  I would love nothing more than to stand in a ridiculously long line, get my two seconds of gushing whilst collecting the autograph, and walk away with a new prized addition to my growing library.  But I don’t even get the chance.

Unless I want to drive to Atlanta.  Which is seven hours away.  Which is a hell no.  (Unless it’s someone epic.)

There are some authors, primarily the well-known ones, who work with their local bookstores; the bookstores will take orders for reserve books, which the author will then come in and sign when they can.  But this isn’t an option when you’re following a lesser-known or up-and-coming author.

Seriously, what does Atlanta have that we don’t?  I mean, come on: Disney World! Theme parks! Clubs! Fun stuff! Well, fine.  The Atlanta population is something like twice the size of Orlando’s.  And, okay, it’s conveniently located so you can just swoop by on a book tour.  But… um… Disney World!

Okay, so maybe Orlando isn’t exactly the cultural center of the world.  But it totally sucks being a book lover living in a state that is often ignored in the literary world.

Some day, I’m going to be able to look one of my favorite authors in the eye and tell them how much I truly enjoyed their writing. I know they will have heard it a million times over but it will mean a little bit more to me.

(Edited to add: I forgot Buzz Aldrin is actually coming to my neck of the woods. So that kind of makes up for things because it’s freakin’ Buzz Aldrin!)

Filed under: books