Winter Institute, held by the American Bookseller's Association, is nothing short of magical. I had an incredible time, met some tremendous people and made some connections that I think will be instrumental in my future. And somehow, through all of the insanity, my week kept on bringing me back here - to our blog. Themes like storytelling, meeting our heroes and how we speak to others were constant themes throughout the week. I have so many new stories to share, both my own and others.
First, I want to address something you said in your last post. "What I mean to say is that John Green produces a lot of thoughts in public media. Not all of which are perfect gems." I read your post on Wednesday night and was pleasantly surprised to find John Green addressing that very issue in the panel he was on Thursday. He likened Twitter to his neighborhood, explaining that the Internet should be an extension of our real-world relationships. We say things that don't matter and aren't perfect all the time. If we do this online, it makes people feel like they are having authentic, honest, human interactions. This phenomenon gives online conversations more value, albeit a completely different kind. This panel on social media marketing encouraged us to let people into our stores by simulating the in-store experience online. Tell people what's happening. Tell them about books you like. And let go of the notion that everything we write has to be perfect.
I think this is an interesting idea and I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. John Green's right - we're used to text mattering. When you write it down, you're making a permanent contribution to the world. You're taking a thought from your own mind and making it public. There has always seemed to be something sacred about this to me. But John challenges us to let go of this expectation. We say things all the time that have very little significance or meaning. He's just suggesting that we bend and shift a little. Words still have power, but social media gives us a new venue for more casual communications - which come along with their own benefits. There's certainly a slippery slope there - kids not having adequate introductions and opportunities to use meaningful written words. But that is just another challenge I think we have to consider and meet.
Anyway, enough of that! Let's move on to something slightly more interesting: meeting your heroes. It's a tricky business, especially when you're meeting them in more than one capacity. On Wednesday night, I found myself in line with 500 teenaged girls, waiting to see John and Hank in their show associated with the release for The Fault In Our Stars. Mothers dropping off their 13-year-olds asked me to play chaperone for the evening and I happily spoke with many of them about their love of books, television, nerd culture and life in general. They were all such vibrant story-tellers, which I think is a quality we can thank John and Hank for encouraging in them. I was so impressed by their instant sense of community and camaraderie. Way to go young nerdfighters!
The show was excellent, as I expected, and afterwards I waited my turn in the excruciatingly long signing line to introduce myself. Upon explaining that I was with ABA, John apologized for how "weird" the show must have seemed. John, you should know that nerdfighters come in all forms! I had a blast, but his humility was charming anyway. Oh, and I shared a high five with Hank...
Thursday was a busy day at Winter Institute. Lots of panels, networking, learning about new books being released this year. It was definitely intense. While eating lunch, publisher reps came by in an unending parade of advanced reader copies. Two straight hours of being pitched to with only 10 minutes in between to get up and stretch. It doesn't sound that bad, but when you're in a banquet hall filled with nearly 1,000 people, all talking as loudly as they possibly can, I challenge YOU not to be exhausted by the end.
Ok, so the part you're really interested in - how was my semi-private dinner with John Green? It was great! And by great I mean a completely normal dinner with a room full of average people. John Green - completely normal and average in every way. And THAT was what made the experience so excellent. He listened to everyone and asked thoughtful questions. He talked about the difficulties of owning a small business with his brother (DFTBA Records). And he teabefore for having a childhood crush on former figure skater and North Andover resident Ron Kravette. It was magical. Because at the end of the night, I think we both felt about he same way towards one another - we enjoyed our conversations, would be happy to hang out again and graduated from acquaintances to friends. I'm not even being presumptuous... he said it, not me. And that's what I think I've always liked and known about him - he's just a regular, nerdy, slightly awkward dude who just happens to get a lot of online attention.
So James, I don't know how much I buy into that whole "don't meet your heroes - you'll just be disappointed" saying. I highly recommend meeting your heroes. It gives us a chance to reinvest in our own potential. And therein lies my motivation. Because who separates you and me from John Green.
That's right. Nothing.
Here's to motivation, potential and getting stuff done.
DFTBA, James.
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