Aww, man, it's on a Tuesday or somesuch. And I'm in New Braunfels, which isn't exactly next door to Houston (although doable on a non-school/work night).
/huge sigh.
i am so winning!
What are you paying me and Bookie not to go?
;)
Speaking of Murder by the Book ... there was a Valentine's Day story about McKenna Jordan and David Thompson who fell in love while working at Murder By the Book, the mystery bookstore they now run. Read it here: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6864334.html
I'm tempted to ask if my brother will take the day off with me and go to Houston to this with me.
I'm too afraid to go on my own. I get lost. :(
I live here and I still get lost. But I have been there before. I'll google map it and find it the same way I did before.
I am going to see if I can make this happen....anyone from Austin going? Who all plans to be there?
WHY JIM WHY? I mean Houston is a nice place and everything, but couldn't you consider just once making the Dallas/Ft. Worth area part of you route? I mean there's this Legacy book store in Plano that attracts the likes of Stephen J. Cannell and Sarah Palin (like her or not she's a pretty big celebrity) on their book tours. I just wish just once you got around to north Texas, we miss you over here. I for one could never make a 6 hour drive south on a Tuesday. :'(
Are people gonna do a hotel thing or just going there and back the same day? If I do this, I will be coming up the night before. Might be easier if people want to meet up for dinner the night before than try on the day. Or maybe breakfast, I might not leave Austin till late...
I got to meet Jim in Dallas last year at the ConDFW at the Crowne Plaza. He was here with David Weber. They both signed my books. I do wish he would hit Dallas again this year though. He was very nice.
How about lunch that day? It's what we did in Independence last year, then all went sorta en masse to the bookstore, which (in retrospect) probably looked like an invasion. A geek invasion, but still...
;)
Who eats lunch? Its breakfast, second breakfast, and all other meals that hobbit said! Anywho, that is probably a better idea. How would that be coordinated?
Worst case senario, one should eat lunch AND dinner, no?
I'm in San Antonio and if I can get the time off I'm going.
I asked if my brother would go with me. He said sure :)
so for now... maybe but where is everyone staying who is overniting it?
If I were to get a hotel off a service like hotwire, that doesn't give an exact location until you book, would booking in an area labled "Houston Galleria Area Hotel" be a safe bet?
People will be able to recognize me by the fact I will have a big present for Jim under my arm. ill say no more than that its a surprise. ;D
*bounces* Someone better freaking film his reaction.
Is it the lap of luxury? Sweet! I just like the thought of being able to roll out of bed and wander around high-end department stores where I would never actually buy anything as a vacation. ;)
That's what we did, AD. It's hard to judge the distance between the Galleria and the site of the signing but being close to the Galleria definitely has other perks and it looks to be about as close as anything else.
Considering 2008 turn out, parking, traffic I would say be at MBTB by 5:30. There are many good lunch places (depending what time we meet?) within a few minutes. I'd be happy to send out some suggestions if people give preferences (I don't eat fast food and am vegetarian but open to anything)? A lot of places have buffet's until like 2:00pm.
If anyone is looking to kill some time an needs suggestions I'd be happy to help. Nice shopping, Half Price Books, dessert places, etc. in nearby Rice Village if looking to kill some time. There's a nice movie theater about five minutes away. We are members of really nice museums (Menil, MFA, Natural Science) and the Zoo which are within 10 minutes of MBTB.
My parents used to stay at the Westin when they'd come to Houston to visit. Its a very nice hotel. The view from the side with the fountain is pretty.
Off the top of my head nearby with decent food, seating and moderately priced include:
Star Pizza: http://www.starpizza.net/home1.htm
100% Taquito or Lupe Tortilla’s (tex-mex): http://100taquito.com/eng.html
Houston’s (American): http://www.hillstone.com/pdf_menus/houstons/Houstons_Kirby.pdf
Amazon Grille: http://www.cordua.com/cordua.cfm?a=cms,c,8,4,46
Picnic (sandwiches): http://www.picnicboxlunches.com/
I can make more suggestions if people are more specific preferences and time to meet (some places close 2-5).
This is a shocker but: I WILL BE THERE!!!!
My boss had a moment of insanity and became nice and let me have the time off. YAY!!!
Still need to find a hotel though for less than 100. The ones near the bookstore are all Marriotts. :P
Any suggestions?
See if you can take over the upstairs room at Star's. It's relaxed and groovy.
*Grin*
Star is a converted 2 storey house. And it's in the middle of a weird convergence of two one way streets, so be alert for weirdness.
It's unlikely everybody would be arrive before 8:30 and Star Pizza closes at 10pm. I would suggest a nearby bar which has a lot of seating, such as The Gingerman http://houston.gingermanpub.com/ (many picnic tables and vast outdoor).
It's unlikely everybody would be arrive before 8:30 and Star Pizza closes at 10pm. I would suggest a nearby bar which has a lot of seating, such as The Gingerman http://houston.gingermanpub.com/ (many picnic tables and vast outdoor).
Day of the signing: Lunch at Star Pizza
After the signing: probably will be a get together involving forum peeps who couldn't make it to lunch.
Um I've never been to a signing before. What should i expect?
Thanks Themostocles. But im in college so that just sounds like friday night.
Chances of showers and I guess there might be some under 21 so a bar may not be a good choice for post-signing venue. A nearby IHOP will be open late and open seating?
Myself and 2, possibly 3, friends are coming down from Dallas.
Given that it's April and Houston, I'm not sure I want to be wearing my duster. ;)
You guys are so high maintainance! :D
Hey, if you are driving bring it. It cools down enough at night.
I am thinking that the day before we try to get a rough head count so we know how many to expect at a food establishment.
Does there happen to be a decent theater near the book store?
I haven't checked with MBTB yet, so... How does it work getting a signed book there? Do you have to order ahead? Do you show up, pay, and get your number to stand in line at the event?Last time MBTB mandated one Butcher hardcover be purchased and three item limit first time through. Store opens at 10am. Last time I called at 9:45, paid by credit card, received a line number (lined up in groups of 10) and retrieved the book later.
Last time MBTB mandated one Butcher hardcover be purchased and three item limit first time through. Store opens at 10am. Last time I called at 9:45, paid by credit card, received a line number (lined up in groups of 10) and retrieved the book later.Thanks! I'll be calling them then!
Edwards Greenway Palace 24. 3839 Weslayan Houston, TX 77027 is really close and nice.
For the Star Pizza lunch it would help to compile approximate arrival time for the reservation. I have two people at 1pm at this time.
Warning: They charge for parking.I believe it's $2 but would first check street parking behind and nearby as often there are spaces weekday afternoons.
Well, we also need to settle on a place for afterwards... And what works for everyone and who can make it...Imagine signing will go until 8:30 or so and most restaurants close by 10. Nearby bars would be a good option. IHOP and Taco Cabana are nearby for eating with good seating.
still meeting at Star Pizza? Count one more in!Since only a few can meet in the afternoon at various times Star Pizza might not be best. I would concur with the Godde Co. BBQ suggestion ((http://goodecompany.com/goodeRestaurantBBQKirby.aspx) ) so people can arrive whenever, not eat and walk to store.
Since only a few can meet in the afternoon at various times Star Pizza might not be best. I would concur with the Godde Co. BBQ suggestion ((http://goodecompany.com/goodeRestaurantBBQKirby.aspx) ) so people can arrive whenever, not eat and walk to store.
Is that okay?
It says it has limited inside seating? And I'm assuming the outside picnic seating allows smoking?I don't think people smoke at Goode Co. since outside it is close to a structure and somewhat enclosed.
Our Event Signing Policies: If you're attending one of our events for the first time, please read carefully so there will be no misunderstandings...
When attending one of MURDER BY THE BOOK's signing events, please keep the following in mind:
1. The talks/readings are free. However, if you want to get any books signed (including audiobooks, movie memorabilia, e-readers, other items), the new book must be purchased from Murder By The Book.
2. You may always bring earlier books to be signed, but a limit may be imposed for authors who draw very large crowds.
3. For the bigger signings, numbers will be handed out, with attendees lining up for the signing in numerical order. Arrive early for low numbers.
When sending books to be signed:
We'll get THREE books that you send signed for every ONE copy of the new book purchased from us.
, are we able to bring our own copies of 'Changes' in or are we required to buy a copy there in order to get it signed?From 2008 MBTB experience must purchase any Butcher hardcover (even though policy reads "the"); can get three signed first time through the line; and didn't require a second Butcher purchase to go through the line a second time. You can see my past postings for suggestions.
Is Priscilla going to be there? I'm curious. Then I can wear the "White Collar" shirt I won so people will know who I am. ::)
I won't be able to make the BBQ but I'll see (meet everyone for the first time) at the signing.
I thought we met before? Or was your name on here always *V* and your pic just looks like someone I've met? :)well my real name is Veronica but if you live in the Houston Area we could've met somewhere. I used to use my paintball name as Forum names (Medusa) but since I haven't played paintball in years I kind of shied away from that. I will be playing a 26 hour paintball scenario this weekend coming up so the return of Medusa may be revived.
Any Houston locals, or others that made it here already want to get together tonight?I probably can't join you guys until 9:00 if I can at all but will confirm. Maybe we can PM each other cell numbers
I'm getting nervous this close to the signing. I'm not good at meeting new people. :-[
I'm getting nervous this close to the signing. I'm not good at meeting new people. :-[
Decorum: Don't ask questions with spoilers for Changes, since most of the crowd won't have read it? :)
Mickey,
Hi! Here are the answers to your questions:
1. we do NOT close between 6 & 6:30. However -- and this is for EVERYONE coming tonight -- if you arrive early, please do NOT park in front of any businesses that are still open. Additional street parking can be found on South Blvd., a block behind our store. Thanks!
2. It will be like this: Introduction, Butcher talk, Q&A, trivia contest, then signing (lining up in order of your numbered tickets).
See you tonight! And don't forget: Patricia Briggs is here this Friday, too! :-)
Hey folks! I just heard from Aine and Themo - they're at the restaurant and couldn't find anyone. They saw that people were already at the bookstore, so they're headed that way. If you want to get a message to them, let me know!
Yeah, tell them to save some of the good questions for KC. :P
For the love of our sanity, would someone please take video when he's talking to the crowd?!?
... WAIT! Does that mean you're actually going to be at the signing in KC?? *looks hopeful*
Did the two people I thought won the trivia contest actually win it?
Meh. Thats nothing compared to the MAP. That's WIN:)
Meh. Thats nothing compared to the MAP. That's WIN
errr, every time I try and post that video it gets all wonky. I did manage to post it once, but then it linked straight to my photobucket and sent you to my album. Anyone know what I am doing wrong?
OH! AND JIM CUT OFF HIS HAIR!!
*GASPS*
I love the store and glad they got the business but it was even ill suited (parking, sitting, hearing, purchasing, etc.) in 2008 with half the people. However, I don't think there are any better stores. For Charlaine Harris MBTB arranged for the event at the downtown Public Library which has a large hall and parking.
Here's my pic with Jim. It's from my facebook as well, but you should be able to see it. :) I look like a creeper in it though. ><
Agreed. Also, with all the people, I didn't get to browse for other books like I wanted. Sad panda.
Here's my pic with Jim. It's from my facebook as well, but you should be able to see it. :) I look like a creeper in it though. ><
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3857702&id=603087392
You know I had a feeling that was you at the signing. The UT shirt and the UT earrings were what tipped me off.
I think you and I are the only two people who asked more than one question. heh
I've seen Jim with short hair.
This is not short hair.
This is "I'm shipping out tomorrow" hair.
When I saw Jim with the ultra short hair I thought how he could've been hanging around inside the store for an hour and no one would have known!
I've seen Jim with short hair.
This is not short hair.
This is "I'm shipping out tomorrow" hair.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4499242934_e3c53e0bf0.jpg)
Complete with an "I'm constipated" face. Jim just doesn't pull off the menace. :DExcept for in written word... The evil bastard :D
Complete with an "I'm constipated" face. Jim just doesn't pull off the menace. :D
Well, he did say that Lash's story isn't done yet....
That part was kinda weird...I was right there in the third row and I couldn't tell if he said Lash or Lasciel.
That part was kinda weird...I was right there in the third row and I couldn't tell if he said Lash or Lasciel.
Oh, and MF, Themo and I enjoyed meeting you and your lovely girlfriend and getting some toll house cookie points pre-emptively. ;) :D
Here's the Incident in Independence thread:
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,12215.0.html
We really need a sequel. Fyr. *cough*
(today Bookie jumped on a bungee trampoline and Mystic rode a carosel. Discuss. ;) )
I won't be able to post up the video 'til I get home, but I will! Also, I put the Q&A in the Q&A thread ( http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,11734.220.html ) and was gonna post the trivia questions in the trivia thread.
I own a kilt! Nothing wrong with them. Don't think i will be jumping on somthing with everyone under me, though...
Too...much...innuendo. Must...resist...snark. :D ;)
Has anyone heard from her? Did she try to keep it in and had to be rushed to the hospital?She was still healthy yesterday evening. And she made it back to California fine.
Has anyone heard from her? Did she try to keep it in and had to be rushed to the hospital?
I believe it was too much...especially the "left myself wide open" part added there at the end...made all my neurons fire at once and I ended up unconcious for, like, two days. ;)