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Tahereh Mafi and Ransom Riggs

Whenever I'm talking to people, I always say, "Oh, my favorite author just wrote a new book!" or something. Basically all authors get the titles of favorite authors. But Tahereh Mafi is truly one of my favorite authors. When I found out that she was coming to town with her husband, who is also an author, I had to go! 

I stressed out a lot about going to this event because I've made a fool of myself at other author events. When I met Meg Cabot, another of my favorite author's, I walked away without realizing she was trying to talk to me. I still cringe when I think of that. When I met Alex Bracken, instead of telling her the things I wanted to, I talked about pot brownies instead. I don't like pot at all, but when I get nervous I often talk about it. Way to live up to stereotypes about my state. 

I really didn't want to make such a mistake with Tahereh though. She is such a huge inspiration of mine. Her stories are so beautiful and her language is so poetic. Plus she is a huge fashionista. 

Image result for tahereh mafi fashionImage result for tahereh mafi fashion

At work we always drool over her wedding photos to Ransom Riggs.
Image result for tahereh mafi fashion
I haven't read Ransom Rigg's books yet. He wrote the Miss Peregrine series, that is coming out as a movie this month. They're filled with creepy photos, so I've been scared to read them. After listening to him and Tahereh talk though, I picked up his books to read.

The two of them are so adorable. They're both bestselling authors, and are always talking about how amazing the other's books are. They were so in love and had so much respect for each other, and it was amazing to see. Part of me wished that Sammy wanted to be a YA author too so we could have their life. But I like ours quite a lot :)

Tahereh gave the best advice about writing. She said the difference between success and failure is time. She said that people usually give up right before they're about to hit something big. She said to keep going, keep writing, and keep at it. She said it much more poetically than I just did, but it inspired me.

Finally it was time to meet them. I was so nervous. When my turn finally came up, I stood there silently for a moment.

Then I told Tahereh that her books got me through the week before my wedding. I was so absorbed in them that I didn't even have time to be super stressed and worry. I just had to know what happened next.

She gave an ahh at that.
Then I told Ransom that I hadn't read his books yet because I'd been scared to, but I was ready now. He personally reassured me that they aren't as creepy as the pictures are.

And then, Tahereh asked if I wanted my books personalized! They were only supposed to personalize their brand new books, but she wrote my name in my older ones as well. It was so freaking sweet!

Then Tahereh asked if my everything went well and if my wedding happened, which I said of course to. She was like well that's fantastic. I thanked them and was so star struck as I was leaving that I forgot to grab my phone from the lady taking pictures. She had to chase me, and I was embarrassed.

It was such a great night though and I'm so happy that I actually got to talk with these authors and not make a complete fool of myself. I can't wait to read Ransom's book and re read the Shatter Me series with Tahereh's sweet words in the front written just for me :)

The same week, Sammy saw Don Cheadle walking home from school.

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