I have a special section on my bookshelf of books that have been signed by the author. Only two were bought after they had been signed – the rest were from times I got to meet the author and tell them how much I enjoyed reading their books. 

What authors have I met?

Richard Paul Evans (twice)

I have met my favorite author twice at a bookstore in Dayton, Ohio. Once was for The Broken Road, the first book in his most recent series. The other time was when he was on tour for his young adult series, Michael Vey. My daughters went with me to the Michael Vey book signing and they really enjoyed meeting an author of a book series they enjoyed as well. After reading almost all of his books, I thought it was really nice to listen to him talk and get a feel for the person behind the stories. 

Gretchen Rubin

A friend introduced me to Gretchen Rubin books with The Four Tendencies. It is now my favorite personality book. I quickly read the rest of Rubin’s books and listen to her podcast weekly. She was recently in Cleveland with her newest book Outer Order, Inner Calm and I drove up to hear her talk and get an autographed copy of her book.

Scott Hahn

Rome, Sweet Home by Scott Hahn was a very important book in my faith journey as an adult. He came to speak in Ohio and after his talk, he signed books in the back of the room. I bought a book of his that I haven’t read yet and he signed it, putting down the reference to my favorite Bible verse without knowing it!  

J.D. Vance

I read Hillbilly Elegy and within a year, J.D. Vance was scheduled to speak locally at an annual event. I was able to go and really enjoyed seeing him in person after reading what he experienced in life. I was able to stay and meet him briefly after he spoke right before he had to leave. I had brought my own copy of his book and he signed it for me.

Dr. Ben Carson

Before running for president, I was a fan of Dr. Ben Carson’s life story. I read Gifted Hands and knew his story. During his campaign, he would hold book signings, so I was able to meet him and get a signed copy of his newest book while visiting friends in Iowa.

Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman – also twice)

Ree Drummond has done book tour with her latest cookbooks and I was able to see her once in Cincinnati and once in Columbus. The lines were long, but she remained friendly and sweet the whole time. She was always willing to chat and take pictures. (It’s a small world: My cousin’s mother-in-law knows her and used to write photography blog posts for Ree’s Web site!)

Jeff Shaara

In Washington State, Shaara talked at a local library and we went to hear him speak. We had our youngest (a baby) with us and couldn’t stay for the book signing. I am a fan of how he brings history to life, so I still count it as a very neat opportunity that I got to hear him speak.

What authors did I not meet?
(But have signed books from …)

Gretchen Rubin

My husband finished my collection of her books for my birthday, which included a signed copy of The Four Tendencies. It was a really neat and thoughtful gift, since I would include it in my top 10 books. I did get to meet her shortly after getting this signed copy, so it almost counts.

Simon Tofield

I could not make it to the bookstore in Cincinnati when the Simon’s Cat illustrator came, but I called and ordered a few copies to pick up later in the week. One was for me and the others were gifts to family and friends who love the cartoon. Haven’t seen Simon’s Cat? Visit here!I could not make it to the bookstore in Cincinnati when the Simon’s Cat illustrator came, but I called and ordered a few copies to pick up later in the week. One was for me and the others were gifts to family and friends who love the cartoon. Haven’t seen Simon’s Cat? Visit here!

Who do I want to meet?

(My husband asked me this when he was wondering what book I would want signed next.)

Jeff Shaara – to get a book signed since I’ve heard him talk!

Eric Metaxas – I have several copies of his books on my bookshelf and highly recommend his biographies on Bonhoeffer and Luther to my family and friends.

Debbie Macomber – I have read many of her books and so many are set in Seattle and Alaska, which I enjoy because I’ve lived in both places.

David McCullough – I also own several of McCullough’s books and always learn a lot when I read his books.

Erik Larson – I recently discovered Larson, but he has a gift of bringing history to life in small segments. It would be neat to meet him.

John Grisham – I read the paper every day when I lived in Mississippi to see if Grisham would ever emerge to meet him. One day …

What authors have you met? Who do you want to meet? Share on the blog!