When it comes to remembering authors of books, even books I've loved, I fear that I'm the worst librarian alive. Combined with the fact that I'm star struck when I meet authors whose books I enjoyed, I usually go quiet when I get a book signed, though I whoop and holler and high-five with Bill and Jana at our booth later on.

At ALA midwinter in Denver, I was walking down an aisle when a publisher's rep I know popped out of her booth and asked if I'd like to meet Kevin J. Anderson. I'd read several of his Star Wars books, including Dark Saber and the Jedi Academy trilogy, and I was thrilled to meet him and Rebecca Moesta, and to get a copy of the first book in the Saga of the Seven Suns series, as well as their recent YA collaboration in their Crystal Doors series, Island Realms.

But I was nervous. And in that silence when they were signing books for me, I made the mistake of opening my mouth. And thanking Mr. Anderson for writing the Dragon and Thief series (written by Timothy Zahn (I checked)), which I told him I enjoyed so much.

The problem is, he didn't write it.

But he was a gentleman – he smiled, shook my hand, and handed over a copy of the fabulous Hidden Empire (subject of Sunday's book club) and sent me on my way. I didn't realize what I'd done until months later, when I woke up, after working on the book talk, and started cursing myself.

So I just wanted to tell him that I'm sorry about the mistake, and to thank him again for that copy of Hidden Empire. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Saga of the Seven Suns books, as well as his new fantasy, The Edge of the World.

Gene and are talking about putting together a speaking tour of library schools in 2010. The idea is to sign up as many as possible (our goal: all of them). The more schools we can sign up, the less we can charge each one.

If you're interested in having us come speak at your library school (or elsewhere) please email me and we'll start talking!

Thanks to everyone who has already ordered a copy of our new book Reader's Advisory, either directly from us or through our distributor Ingram Publisher Services. Publishing a new book is the most expensive and scary thing we do each year, and so we definitely appreciate your vote of confidence in Unshelved and in books. Viva la paper!

For those of you still on the fence, remember that we're still signing each book and I'm drawing a character doodle as well. We've put together some compelling book bundles, with and without our bestselling Read Irresponsibly book bag and Contains Printed Matter messenger bag. And you'll still get free shipping in the U.S. through this coming Monday, August 31.