Antony John » Events

Author panels rock

Antony — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:20:16 +0000

Just before I began a YA panel last Thursday at the McClay branch of the St Charles public library, Heather Brewer (awesome writer of the VLADIMIR TOD series) asked me if I’d ever done one before. I said I hadn’t, to which she replied: “Oh, you’re going to love this. Author panels rock.” And you know what? She was dead right.

The panel also featured Susan McBride (awesome writer of THE DEBS series), and the three of us had a blast. The audience was large and enthusiastic, and we could have kept going for hours. True, some of the older audience members may have begun to drift off by then, but never mind.

The great thing about author panels is that it although they are supposed to be an informative forum for readers and would-be writers, they also give the authors themselves a chance to exchange ideas, share experiences, and remember that we have a job like any other . . . only much more fun. I can’t say enough about Heather and Susan, who made me feel like one of the gang, even though I’ve got a long way to go before matching their skill and accomplishments. And to the organizers, all I can say is: When can we do it again?

The YA trio takes on St Charles, MO

Antony — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:14:22 +0000

I’m really excited about an event coming up next week. For a start, it features two great YA authors–and me, I’m afraid, but don’t be put off–plus it’s always interesting to hear authors go back and forth about how they work, why they write what they do, etc. Please come along and attempt to stump us with a mind-bending question.

Teens Writing

Thursday, March 12th, 7 pm
McClay Library
2760 McClay Road
St Charles, Missouri 63303

For teens and those interested in writing for teens, meet Susan McBride, author of THE DEBS, Antony John, author of BUSTED, Heather Brewer, author of CHRONICLES OF VLADIMIR TODD on Thursday, March 12, 7 pm at McClay Library. This event is sponsored by St Charles City County Library District and Main Street Books.

Mad crazy book-signing month

Antony — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:58:07 +0000

My introduction to the world of book signings has come to a temporary close, and what a trial-by-fire it has been. After five events in three weeks, I can honestly say that I enjoy talking about books a lot, and that booksellers are on the fast-track to sainthood. I can also say that it really interferes with writing, so I’m looking forward to a few weeks off.

Still, there were highlights, reminders that the life of a YA writer is a position of insane good fortune, and that writers of books for children and young adults are possibly the finest group of people in the world. For instance . . .

On October 11th, I attended the Saint Louis Big Read. At the author breakfast that morning, I chatted to Laurie Keller, whose picture books my son devours on a daily basis. She was funny, charming, and so modest that she seemed elated to discover there’s a three-year-old who thinks she rocks. Then she did a reading where dozens of children belly-laughed at everything she said. It was brilliant.

The main reason for me being at The Big Read was so I could introduce Catherine Gilbert Murdock, whose books (DAIRY QUEEN; THE OFF SEASON; PRINCESS BEN) are simply spectacular. Again, meeting Catherine reminded me how delightful and down-to-earth authors are. We chatted over breakfast, continued chatting before and after her reading, and chatted some more when she came for dinner. She even let my son systematically erase vital programs on her iPhone without once expressing concern. And yes, she’s as fabulously bright and entertaining as her books would lead you to imagine.

On October 30th, I flew to Seattle for a book signing at the University Village Barnes & Noble. I arrived around noon, and drove downtown, where fellow debut YA author Mandy Hubbard dashed out from work to meet over lunch. (Her novel, PRADA AND PREJUDICE, comes out next summer.) Unfortunately, Mandy and I never actually met while I was living in Seattle–that would have been far too convenient–but we’ve corresponded since, and it was great to chat about all things YA. Again, Mandy reminded how wonderfully humble YA authors seem to be. It’s like we’ve all decided that we’re getting away with the world’s coolest scam, and no one wants to blow it.

At the signing, a lot of friends came out and lent their support, most of them former customers at the Coffee Crew (where I was a barista for a couple of years). Not very many of them fitted what you might call the “target demographic” of YA, but they asked excellent questions, and even laughed encouragingly when I read excerpts from the book. By the end of the evening, I didn’t even feel like a complete impostor anymore. Look, I even know how to hold a pen . . . I must be an author!

Coming soon to a bookstore near you

Antony — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:47:49 +0000

I always figured that if I were fortunate enough to have a book published, I’d try to schedule lots of author events. I like meeting anyone who’s the slightest bit creative, and I like sharing stories of what makes me tick, so book signings seemed a natural fit. Well, I’m pleased to say I’ve got events aplenty, starting on October 11 (which was the earliest I was allowed to begin scheduling). So if you’re in Missouri or Seattle (or anywhere close) in October, please read on!

OCT 11, ST LOUIS, MO: On Saturday October 11 from 3.30-4.15pm, I’ll be introducing Catherine Gilbert Murdock (yes, the author of DAIRY QUEEN. Yes, I know, it’s amazing and I’m honored. Yes, I’m nervous as hell) at The Big Read Festival (www.bigread.net). I’ll even sign copies of Busted if I can stop my hand from shaking. Address: Clayton High School Campus, Clayton MO 63105

OCT 16, ST LOUIS, MO: On Thursday 16th at 7pm I’ll be doing my first solo signing (with a talk and questions) at the renowned Left Bank Books at 399 N Euclid, St Louis MO 63108 (314-367-6731). Come watch me hyperventilate!

OCT 18, ROLLA, MO: On Saturday 18th from 1-3pm I’ll be chatting with and signing books for the good shoppers at The Reader’s Corner at 819 N Pine St, Rolla MO 65401 (573-426-4434). I’m hoping to use the time to talk to anyone who comes by about any aspect of writing and publishing that interests them, so please come meet me.

OCT 25, ST CHARLES, MO: On Saturday 25th from 1-3pm I’ll be hanging out at Main Street Books on 307 S Main St, St Charles MO 63301 (636-949-0105). Like at Rolla, I really intend to just hang out, sign books, and meet readers, so please come along.

OCT 30, SEATTLE, WA: On Thursday 30th at 7pm, I’ll be returning to my old stomping grounds at the University Village Barnes and Noble for a talk, questions, and signing. I can’t wait to see old friends again, so let’s hope they show up! The address is: Barnes & Noble, University Village Shopping Center, Seattle WA 98105 (206-517-4107).