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Nora Roberts's |
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Roni's Report from Eatontown, NJ
I had a great time at Nora’s signing Wednesday night. I had a nice short ride about 45 minutes on a beautiful fall day in NJ. I got into town early so I could checkout where the Borders was before I went to a near by mall for someshopping. Ginny and I had arranged to meet there by 5:00 – but we both were there by 4:00. I had come prepared with a small Halloween bag with dots and chocolates inside for Nora. I also found a pez dispenser with a skeleton – didn’t know they still made them.
By the time I got to Borders they were all set up – had a big Welcome Nora sign hanging in the window above the entrance to the store – so neat. They also had a woman at a table as soon as you walk in the store. You had to first buy your books and then go back to the woman for a ticket. The tickets were by group with approximately 50 people in each group. They had very strict rules when I got there such as Nora would only personalize Northern Lights – no books from home even allowed in the store – she would only sign her name to Blue Dahlia if you also had Northern Lights – no posed pictures. One of the women waiting called a friend and told her that the “Nazi’s in the store wouldn’t even let her bring her book from home into the store.” Ginny and Nora got there about 15 minutes after me and those rules were instantly changed by Nora so by the time Ginny checked in they were all different. Yea Nora!!!
Ginny found me sitting in the front row in my blue GMA Hooked on Nora shirt reading my copy of Blue Dahlia. I didn’t get very far with the book at the store – it was too much fun talking to everyone and listening to all the conversations. After waiting a couple of hours a man came out and set up a microphone, brought in a cooler with drinks and a plate of M&Ms. He set up the mic and left only to return a few minutes later, pour out a Diet Pepsi and disappear with it. I wonder where that was going (LOL).
Pretty soon Nora appeared and quickly got started with questions – no pretalk since everyone had already been standing long enough. She was great fielding the questions about her writing process, location etc. There was an article in the local paper that I don’t get but apparently the reporter made a few errors that she corrected in response to questions. She was great with the baby question – after the experienced members of the audience got done groaning – she asked the woman why she wanted Eve to have a baby and then talked about how kids change your life and how long it was taking for Mavis to have her baby (BTW she didn’t say which book it happens in because she doesn’t know – she hasn’t written it yet!). She was gracious to everyone during the signing – so patient even though she looked tired and relieved tha she would be done soon. There were probably about 150 people and she was done and on to the next stop by about 8:30.
I had dinner with Ginny and 2 friends she brought with her to the signing and had a great time with the ribs at TGIF. Our waiter Mikey was a piece of work but a good time was had by all. It was great meeting Ginny and her friends (sorry my mind just doesn’t hold names very well) and talking about Nora over dinner.
ADWOFF > NORA'S TOURS > Northern Lights Tour > Eatontown, NJ > Roni's Report
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