A Few Pics

by Stephanie Black

I had a great time in Utah last week. The Book Academy conference was a lot of fun. I enjoyed teaching my villain class, and the class members provided awesome comments that really added to the class. And as always, it was great to hang out with a bunch of writers. I was delighted that for both of Saturday's book signings, I was scheduled with another author. The difference between signing with another author and signing alone is night and day. With another author, it's a blast.

It was also fun to hang out with my BYU-student daughter. I took her grocery shopping, we went to lunch, we wandered around campus and took pictures, and I got to attend her ward on Sunday--she has church in the MARB, which is where I had church my freshman year. Awww. Things have changed a lot on campus since I was there, both in the appearance of campus (new buildings, etc.) and, apparently, in what the wards are up to. As I sat there in Relief Society and they were making announcements, a member of the activities committee asked, “How many of you have been assassinated?” Several sisters—apparently the ward’s resident undead—raised their hands. “If you haven’t assassinated anyone, now would be a good time,” she continued (well, not exactly now—no assassinations allowed on Sunday). Wow. In my day, we were just counseled to get our visiting teaching done. Two of my daughter’s roommates have already been offed, one by the bishop—a very sneaky hit, as no one knew he was playing. I like the bishop. He greeted me with “You must be Amy’s sister," which earned him big points from me.

I also got to attend an open house celebrating my grandfather's 90th birthday. How cool is that?

Here are a few pictures. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures at the conference—it’s just like me to carry my camera around all day and not use it (And Amy, if you’re reading this, can you send me the pictures you took at the dinner?).



Here I am with Jordan McCollum. Jordan is almost ready to submit her first novel. I can't wait to read it!



Here's proof that I actually signed at least one book at my signings--or was the photo staged? You decide.



Here I am with Jon Spell. Jon brought me watermelon and juicy pear Jelly Bellies--isn't that awesome?



Here I am with author Michele Paige Holmes. It was great to see Michele again. Michele's new book, All the Stars in Heaven, was released this year. I enjoyed her first book, the Whitney Award-winning Counting Stars, and am looking forward to reading her new one.



Here I am with author Becca Wilhite. It was delightful signing with her. Becca is holding Jordan's daughter, who loved the chocolate truffles on the table. While we were sitting there, my daughter picked up Becca's novel, Bright Blue Miracle, and started reading. She was hooked. And my daughter is a very tough critic, so you know it's gotta be good.



And here is my daughter and her boyfriend who, as you can see, is large in stature, but hasn't read the BYU dress code very closely.

It was a great weekend!