Last night I returned from NYC with a signed copy of the latest Shopaholic book and an item crossed off my bucket list. I spent Sunday night in the company of one of my very favorite authors: Sophie Kinsella. For the release of her latest book Shopaholic to the Stars Sophie’s decided to do a tour of the US, meeting, greeting, signing, and getting to know her fans. The first stop on the US tour involved a girl’s night out, with makeovers, snacks, and goody bags. As soon as I heard about this, I had no choice but to buy a ticket and trundle five hours south to New York City. The event was held at The Red Door Salon and Spa and drinks were courtesy of Skinny Girl Wine. We got there right at six, and found out that we had half an hour to mingle before Sophie’s arrival. I opted for a complementary makeover and had an excellent time being instructed on the right way to apply eye shadow (thank you, Lisa!), and having my lips made crimson. After that we wandered for a bit, looking at the products and enjoying the food.
You can’t read it here, but the perfume is called “Untold”!
Soon, we saw people wandering by with the most delicious looking cupcakes we had ever seen. “They’re downstairs,” someone told us. So down we scampered in search of cupcakes and instead, we found Sophie. I recognized her instantly and froze right there at the bottom of the stairs. It took her a second to see me, but when she did she smiled, and the people around her explained that they were just moving upstairs. I moved aside and let them walk up, and then quickly grabbed a cupcake before following them for the Q&A session.
Sophie was brilliant. She was warm, poised, gracious, and reminded me just a bit of her protagonist Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). I gathered the courage to ask her what her favorite Shopaholic book was (she said it was hard, like choosing a favorite child, and then said probably the first) and then made my way into line for a more personal encounter once the Q&A was over. My mom and I had originally been planning to bring my little sister Haley along, but last week she came down with pneumonia and as a result was unable to join us. Once I reached the front of the line I explained this to Sophie, along with the fact that she’s been spending her recovery time reading the Shopaholic books. Sophie happily agreed to record a quick message for her, so that night after the event I was able to surprise Haley with a clip of Sophie Kinsella wishing her well. Needless to say, she was thrilled. (I’ll try to get that video up on my Facebook page as soon as I can!)
I finally managed to stammer out how much of an inspiration Sophie is to me, and how, as I new author, I’ve been following religiously everything she’s doing. For all of the makeovers and fun of the evening, I’d have to say that that was my favorite part. Getting the opportunity to tell someone who has had such an amazing impact on your life what their work has done for you is an opportunity that we don’t often get. I’m not sure how eloquent I was at the time, with my nerves doing most of the talking, so I will say it again here:
Thank you so much, Sophie, for all of your work. You make me laugh, you get me inspired, and you’ve created a best friend for me that’s been at my side since early high school. Thank you for creating Becky, thank you for sharing her, and thank you for this latest installment of her exciting adventures. You’ve done amazing things, and continue to be a role model to me, and to so many others. Thank you.
— Amy
I’ll never forget this moment.
This is such a great opportunity for you!
I remember meeting Tamora Pierce at a restaurant and then later at a signing. It’s such a powerful experience meeting one’s inspiration, not to mention finding that she is also an awesome person.