Travis and I had a pretty rare opportunity this past weekend: we got to meet some of our heroes! We went to a book signing where a few of the local authors met together for book signing. I stood in line to meet Shannon Hale, and Travis got to meet Brandon Sanderson. They’re pretty big names here in our community. It was so fun to meet them and they signed some books that we’ve already devoured. So today’s post is just a few tender musings from a writer in a book signing line.

1. Books have affected me for the better.

If you’re standing in line to see Shannon Hale, you could be 13 or 23. As in, the books that kids are reading now were the books that came out when I was in middle school and high school. I asked Shannon Hale to sign my 2003 printed copy of Goose Girl. I loved her young adult series and I still do. I mean, if you visit the pages I’ve posted about my current projects, you’ll find something written by her that I’ve mentioned that has inspired the plot.

I hope that when I publish my own novels, they will be inspirational to other readers and writers. Waiting in line showed me that you can still affect your readers after years the book originally came out.

2. We should support local authors.

The publishing world is like any other—I scratch your back and you scratch mine. Make friends with other writers and editors in your area. Buy and read their books, leave reviews, comment on their author blogs, and basically do things for them that you hope they will do to you in return. If you believe in good karma, then only good things can happen to you when you show some love to fellow authors.

3. I want to publish so dang much.

I mean, come on. That was all that ran through my mind. I want to see a hecka-long line of people who want to meet me. After a lot of NaNo’ing, I am looking forward to completing some projects and seeing where they take me.

What author has left a profound impression on you? How do you support local authors? Comment below!