This year's Book Expo took place the weekend of May 30-June 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I had never attended the Book Expo before, but I knew plenty of bookseller friends who had and who told me I simply MUST go.

A good WriterGroupie always girds herself with information before going into book-battle, so I not only talked to friends before the Expo about what to expect, I e-mailed one of the Expo employees to ask a few important questions ahead of time, such as when to arrive to get authors' autograph tickets! Once at the Expo, I was also lucky enough to run into several friends who kept me on my toes as to where to go, who to see and what to look for.

Any time you try to fit a three-day event into one day's attendance, the key word is sacrifice. You can't get to everything and see everyone, especially when there are multiple signings and giveaways happening simultaneously. So I knew I was bound to miss someone or something wonderful in my quest to fit as much in as possible. Arriving at about ten minutes to seven on Saturday morning, I headed first for the autograph ticket booth. Certain popular signings were designated "Tickets Required" and I was interested in three signings: Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury and a group of cartoonists including "Garfield" creator Jim Davis and "Cathy" creator Cathy Guisewite. The ticket booth was not scheduled to open until 7 a.m., but when I arrived, people were already getting their tickets and in fact tickets to two signings, Ray Bradbury and James Patterson, were already completely gone! People in line were upset when they learned that tickets apparently were handed out as early as 6 a.m. I grabbed one of the last Dean Koontz tickets and the cartoonists' ticket and made my way over to registration to get my badge.

After I picked up the badge, I went over to the food court where I would be meeting a friend who'd promised to give me a quick overview of the layout and procedures of the Expo. I quickly ran into other friends who told me about some of the signings they'd already attended and books they'd picked up. Around 8:30 a.m. we went over to the line in front of the doors of the main exhibitors' hall. The doors opened at 9 a.m. and a mad rush was made for various booths for all the promotional books, bookbags, posters and more goodies being handed out in limited quantities. My friend steered me through the stampede toward the area he felt would have books that would be interesting to me. I wound up getting quite a few books include two of my favorite finds of the morning: an advanced reading copy of Terry Pratchett's latest book, "Monstrous Regiment" and an advanced reading copy of Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child's latest Agent Pendergast novel, "Still Life With Crows".

I didn't have time to wander, however. I put my morning finds away in the car and headed off on my own for the first signing I wanted to attend: Trading Spaces handsome carpenter, Ty Pennington would be appearing in one of the publisher's booths, signing a poster of the cover of his forthcoming book of home improvement tips: "Ty's Tricks of the Trade". This was a previously unannounced signing that I only found out about when I read the Expo's own daily update magazine while sitting in the food court that morning. Despite being previously unannounced, a good-sized line of (surprise surprise) mostly women waited impatiently for their turn to talk to the hunky carpenter. I joked with the ladies in line behind me about the oddness of one of the longest lines at a publishing exhibition being for a carpenter on a TV show! My turn came after about 15-20 minutes in line. I admit to gushing a bit. Okay, a lot. On Trading Spaces, Ty is generally a very hyper, ADD personality. He's the lovable but crazy class clown. In person, he was a bit more mellow, maybe even a little shy at all the attention. He has a naturally outgoing personality, though, and was warm to everyone. When I told him I loved him and the sparkle he brings to the show, he responded with a grin, "Well, I love you too!" I told him (truthfully) that I didn't like the episodes without him, that I really enjoyed the personality he brought to the show (and his carpentry, too). He seemed a bit surprised, but definitely pleased at the compliments. I really liked him in person even more than I had on the show. A great start to the day.

From there I went over to another inbooth signing by two of my favorite people: writer Marc Scott Zicree and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actor Armin Shimerman. They were signing the second book in Zicree's fantasy series "Magic Time", called "Magic Time - Angel Fire" and the CD audiobook of the first in the series, simply called "Magic Time", as read by Shimerman. Both gentlemen were as charming as ever and it was a joy to see them.

Moving right along, I headed down to the main autograph hall for the Dean Koontz signing. As expected, the line was long, but a friend soon joined me in line and we passed the time discussing the various goodies she'd picked up in the exhibitors' room, including a few graphic novels from the graphic novel/comic book area. I was particularly interested in her find of the graphic novel "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", which I'd heard many good things about, but I worried they'd be long gone by the time I got back up to the main room. The long line for Dean Koontz moved along, not terribly fast, but not impossibly slow either. For the amount of people there, he seemed to be signing at a good pace. I'd met Dean before, at more relaxed signings and always found him to be very pleasant and gracious, and while I wanted to give him the URL to the page dedicated to him on this website, my highest priority was just to get a signed copy of his new book, "The Face". By the time I reached the front of the line, I could see that Dean was frazzled, signing away as fast as he could, no personalizations allowed per the people running the autograph area. And even though personalization was not really a priority to me either, I didn't like the attitude of the people around Dean, but I certainly don't blame him for their behavior (i.e. I tried to hand him a card with my website on it, but was physically kept from handing it to him -- very unpleasant behavior -- I understand they were trying to move the line along, but I really didn't like how I was treated by the autograph area/publishing folks, when I was just trying to hand the man a business card!). Still, I got a signed copy of "The Face" (handed to me by the publishing/autograph folks -- we weren't allowed close to the author's table itself), and that was the goal. Once again, I would like to emphasize that I attribute no unpleasantness in this situation to Dean, and I very much look forward to reading his book.

While waiting in line at the Koontz signing, another ticketed signing in the next aisle wound up moving quickly and still having books available to be signed for those who hadn't been able to get tickets. This was for actress Jane Seymour and her new book of inspirational stories, "Remarkable Changes". Since I have been a fan of Ms. Seymour's for more than two decades, I asked my friend to hold my place in the Koontz line while I quickly went over to the Seymour signing. While again, there were no personalizations, as the actress was signing as quickly as she could, at least I was granted a brief moment to tell the actress how beautiful she looked (very true -- and it was a nice change to see an actress over 40 who did not feel the need to try and look like she was 25!) and how much I enjoyed her work. She smiled and thanked me, then I was quickly shuffled off by the autograph folks so they could get more people in. I didn't feel badly treated there, though, as at least I had my moment to speak to her.

Having a few brief moments to spare before I needed to get in line for the next signing, I ran back upstairs to the exhibitors' room towards the area my friend had indicated she'd gotten the graphic novels in. None were in sight, so apparently I'd missed them, but with no time to be sad, I had to head back downstairs for the next signing. On my way out of the exhibitors' room, I passed a familiar publisher: Hay House. They publish a lot of New Age and self-help types of books and accessories. As I passed their booth, I was stopped in my tracks when I saw a picture of their upcoming signing that afternoon: world-renowned psychic Sylvia Browne. I've been a fan of Sylvia's for years as she's appeared on shows from The Montel Williams Show to Larry King Live. Though Sylvia lectures fairly regularly in the L.A. area (if one can afford to attend!), it was a very rare chance to actually talk to her one on one. Her signing was scheduled a bit later in the afternoon and I was very excited for the opportunity to see her in person.

Containing my excitement, I returned to my mission: the previously announced appearance of Trading Spaces host Paige Davis. Prior to knowing that Ty would be appearing at the Expo, seeing Paige was intended as a highlight of my day. When I arrived, her line was quickly filling up -- and this was an hour before her appearance! Clearly, this was going to be a popular signing! I was particularly looking forward to getting the Trading Spaces book she was supposed to be signing. The hour of her appearance came around and passed -- she was running late. But we'd been waiting an hour and had no intention of going anywhere. Until... Paige finally arrived and the autograph area/publishing reps informed us that she would not be signing a Trading Spaces book or any other book. Instead she would be signing a postcard promoting her own forthcoming autobiography. There was much disgruntlement at this switch and many people left the line. Since there weren't a huge amount of people in front of me, and it would go even faster simply signing a postcard, rather than a book, I figured I'd stay for a few minutes and get my postcard signed. And so I waited... and the line didn't move. And I waited some more... and the line didn't move. No one could figure out what the hold up was. So I waited another half hour and the line had barely moved! Others in line peeked ahead and apparently the hold up was Paige herself! Instead of efficiently signing, knowing she was only scheduled to be there for half an hour (!), she was stopping and talking for several minutes with each person, writing long messages on the postcards, posing for multiple pictures and in general getting through 1/10th of the people every other line was! Disgusted by this thoughtless, poorly handled behavior (and far more interested in getting in line for Sylvia), I (along with several other people) tossed away the postcard and left the line. I later heard she'd stayed another half hour, but had only gotten through another handful of people! With that kind of behavior, the experience turned a lot more people (myself included) off of the performer and her forthcoming bio than onto her!

Thrilled to be out of that frustrating experience (truly the lowpoint, waste of time of the day), I headed quickly upstairs to the Sylvia Browne signing. Due to the fact that Sylvia's appearance had not been publicized as part of the Expo, the only way people knew about it was if they happened to see the poster at the publisher's booth, as I had. So the actual line was surprisingly small when I arrived, though it grew as the moments passed and word spread. Knowing that I wouldn't have more than a few seconds with her, and tempting as it was, I felt it inappropriate to ask her to answer questions about the future at a venue where she was there to sign her books, I decided to simply tell her how much I've enjoyed watching her television appearances for years. When I reached the front of the line, I got the immediate sense that my impression of her from television was 100% right -- that she's a very warm, genuine, strong woman and that I really like her a lot. I got my book signed (and personalized) and got to tell her how much I appreciated her and got to give her a big hug which was just lovely. This was definitely a major highlight of my day. As a brief tangent, whether or not you believe in psychic ability, Sylvia is an amazing woman. I find her take on spirituality compelling and intriguing and I find her personally forthright and comforting. I'd previously read her autobiography, "Adventures of a Psychic" and found her to be a fascinating woman, an impression I maintain now that I've had the pleasure of meeting her.

From there, I returned downstairs to try and decide between two other signings I wanted to attend, both of which were due to end in half an hour: actor Jamie Kennedy, signing his new book, "Wannabe", and original Twilight Zone writer, Earl Hamner, signing his new book, "The Twilight Zone Scripts of Earl Hamner". It was a tough call. I'd been X'd by Jamie Kennedy on his hidden-camera television series, The Jamie Kennedy Experiment and wanted to say hi to him again. But I consider The Twilight Zone one of the finest written television series ever. The decision wound up being made for me, as Mr. Hamner was running a few minutes late, and Jamie's line was moving fairly well. So I took the chance that Mr. Hamner would stay a little later signing, and got into Jamie's line. I passed the time with others in line talking about my experience of being X'd by Jamie and quickly arrived at the front of the line. When I stepped up to the autographing table, Jamie took one look at me and a big grin split his face. "I X'd you!" he said, happily. I grinned right back at him and said, "Yes you did! And it finally aired!" I teased him for a moment about how the episode I was on was supposed to air in November, then February, then finally aired in May. He turned to one of the people standing next to him (presumably a publishing rep) and said "I X'd her for the show! She was on the Star Trek one and she knew halfway through what was going on and she didn't give it away!" I was a grinning fool -- he really remembered me! Though I did correct him and say I knew far earlier than halfway through what was going on! But I was totally blown away that he remembered me! He signed my book "I X'd you! Don't hate me!" I kept on grinning and then asked for a hug, which he gladly allowed. As I hugged him, I told him "You are so cute!" and give him a quick peck on the cheek. He seemed genuinely happy to see me and I was thrilled to have the chance to talk to him again.

I then headed back across the room where I got into line for Mr. Hamner. He had indeed graciouslly agreed to stay later signing and I wound up waiting another half hour in line and was about the second to last person to get a book signed. I was very excited to meet this great writer. I really idolize those who got to work with and for Rod Serling. I've been at conventions where another Twilight Zone writer, George Clayton Johnson, had attended, but had been too shy to say much to him. When I got up to the front of the line, I found Mr. Hamner to be incredibly friendly and genial and I probably overwhelmed him a bit by thanking him for his participation in one of the greatest television series in history. He smiled and asked, "Do you mean The Waltons or The Twilight Zone?" (Mr. Hamner created long-running series The Waltons.) I smiled and said, "The Twilight Zone, which is still as powerful and effective today in its strong stories and characters as it ever was." Then I added, "Of course, The Waltons is a classic television series, too." He smiled and agreed that Twilight Zone was an amazing series and noted that he didn't think the remakes of the shows ever quite lived up to the original and I definitely agreed. He seemed very amenable and willing to talk about the show (which I would have LOVED), but unfortunately, there was another writer coming to take his space at the table and the autograph area folks had to have him finish up with the signing. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to talk to Mr. Hamner longer. He seemed liked a very nice man who would no doubt have some interesting stories to tell about his history in writing for television!

Finishing at that table, I moved back across the room to the last (and one of the longest) autograph line of the day: the cartoonists. As we waited in line, publishers' representatives walked the line giving us copies of other cartoonists' book collections including "Pearls Before Swine" and "Tiny Sepuku". As I got toward the front of the line, Jim Davis, creator of "Garfield", was signing first. He got a big kick out of my telling him about a Garfield character plush that I'd had for twenty years. He asked "Is it still in good condition?" I smiled and said, "Yes, well loved, but definitely still good condition." I thanked him for more than twenty years of laughter and wonderful characters and he seemed quite touched. He personalized his latest "Garfield" book for me, it's called "I'm In the Mood For Food". Bill Amend was friendly as he signed his latest collection of "Foxtrot" cartoons, "Your Momma Thinks Square Roots Are Vegetables". But the number one reason I was in that line was to meet Cathy Guisewite whose cartoons have always struck a chord in our family. As I told her how much my mother and I connected to her cartoons about mother/daughter relationships, I asked that she sign her Cathy collection, "Love", to my mother. Not only did she sign the book but she also drew a little personalized Cathy cartoon in it for my mother. I was thrilled and I knew my mother would be, too. I thanked Ms. Guisewite profusely and she was incredibly gracious and kind, an absolute joy to meet.

I thought my feet were about to fall off at this point, but somehow managed to do a last bit of (finally) looking around the exhibitors' room. I picked up a few calendars and books from Llewellyn Publishing, a David Eddings poster from Aspect, and then, as the exhibitors' room began to close, I left, looking forward to going through all of the books I'd collected throughout the day.

That night, upon going through the books I'd gathered, a few other titles jumped out and are welcome additions to my 'to be read' pile including: a non-fiction work by Gail Collins called "America's Women" (a 400 year history of women in America), the latest mystery by former L.A. newscaster Kelly Lange called "Dead File", a fun young reader Sherlockian mystery featuring the terrier (yes, dog) detective Samuel Blackthorne set in Victorian-era San Francisco by Scott Emerson called "The Case of the Cat With the Missing Ear", and finally a vampire novel that I actually haven't read called "Night Embrace" by Sherrilyn Kenyon. This last seems a little on the racy side, and despite its vampiric content may turn out to be too much on the 'romance novel' side for my taste, but I look forward to checking it out!

While it's true, I did wind up missing out on some great giveaways, including that "League" graphic novel, a "Lord of the Rings" bookbag, and a "Harry Potter" wizard's hat, and I didn't quite get to all the signings I would have liked (including Ray Bradbury who I missed out ticket-wise, and Julie Andrews & Clive Barker who both had signings on Friday),I had such a great time I can't possibly complain. All in all, a VERY productive and fun day of both planned and unexpected events. I definitely want to attend again the next time the Expo comes to town!