Don't You Know You're Awesome?

If there is one thing that constantly amazes me, it is how normal authors are.

I'm not sure why I always expect authors to be very aware of how awesome they are and unapproachable because of that. Instead, I've found every author I've met to be extremely nice, eager to sign things when asked, and generally normal people.

The first author I officially met was Holly Black, back when I was a mumbling freshman in high school. I have loved her books since I was a fifth grader and actually asked my parents to pay for my World Fantasy Convention ticket instead of physical birthday present just so I could meet her. When that day came, just two days after my fourteenth birthday and two days into my first National Novel Writing Month, I was afraid. I had no idea how to approach her. Gathering up my courage, I went up to her after the panel ended. She was all smiles and signed my copy of Valiant without any hesitation. It is the first book I ever got signed and still holds a special spot on my bookshelf.

I didn't have a chance to go to any other signings in high school. Instead, I got involved watching the Vlogbrothers on YouTube and following Maureen Johnson on Twitter. Now, both Maureen and John are extremely above average on the awesome level. I'm talking about being off the charts. And, still, they respond to people on Twitter and YouTube and just put their influence to good use. They could be like RPatts and encourage their fans to destroy people they don't like, but instead, they raise money for things like ShelterBox and This Star Will Not Go Out.

Since my first signing, I've met Suzanne Collins, John Green, Billy Lombardo, David Levithan, and others. Every time I meet one of them, I am astounded at how relaxed they are. As if they don't realize how much we idolize them.

It's kind of crazy, but if I'm ever a published author, I hope I act the same way.