Blogging from A-Z April Challenge – F

F is for Fangirl

I’ve heard this phrase quite a lot recently via Twitter in relation to books and characters. However, Wiktionary gives its defintion as “A female fan who is obsessive about a particular subject (especially, someone or something in popular entertainment media)…To behave like a fangirl; to be obsequious, star-struck…etc”– and I would say that this description fits pretty much every book blogger that I follow or connect with; including myself.

It may have originated with the publication of Rainbow Rowell’s novel Fangirl I really don’t know but it seems to fit any girl (or woman) with some sort of obsession. I’ve not actually read this book, I’m just aware of it.

 

 

So, the reason for me choosing F for Fangirl…

I recently went to an author event where I had received an ARC of the novel so reviewed prior to the event. The author very kindly thanked me for the review and I continued to promote the event by means of Twitter etc. I attended the event at my local library with a friend.

I even asked a question…I don’t like – I’d even go so far as to say I detest public speaking so this was a big thing for me…my heart was pounding ten to the dozen, what if he thought it was a crap question, what if there is no answer = awkward! but no it was all fine

After the q & a the author was signing copies of the book, so up I went with my ARC feeling a little awkward about not actually having bought the book, as I presented it he looked at me expectantly and it took me a few seconds to realise he needed to know who to dedicate it too, so I said to Lindsay please and he said “Lindsay Hill?” Well I almost died on the spot! That he’d actually remembered enough of our interaction via social media and that he’d remembered that I’d positively reviewed his book enough to remember it and mention it and thank me for it! I was extremely touched but was also trying to sting together a coherent sentence whilst blushing bright red! I know…I know authors are just people, but if you’re anything like me, you hold these people in such high esteem and then when you meet them in real life it’s such a strange experience. Star struck was an understatement 🙂

The Cheshire Cat has nothing one me!

Then…as if this wasn’t enough, his wife sought me out as my friend and I were having tea and cake to ask if I was Lindsay, and to give me a cute little promo badge to accompany the book. We then had a really lovely chat about her experience of living with a debut author.

The same thing also happened when I went to the SJ Watson event at Booka Bookshop in Oswestry and I bought a copy of Before I Go To Sleep  and went to have it signed. I was again, a shy, blushing, mumbling mess!

 

How do you react when meeting authors you’ve read and liked?