I’ve been to a lot of conferences, but for some reason last weekend’s ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim turned out to be one of my faves. Here are the first ten memories that spring to mind:

1. Meeting Gene Luen Yang, author (among many wonderful works) of the wonderful new Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels published by Dark Horse
2. Giving a very surprised ten-year-old Unshelved fan a custom sketch of Dewey and watching her face light up with about sixty differently wonderful emotions
3. Three, count ‘em, three separate visits to Disneyland/Disney’s California Adventure
4. Seeing all the folks wearing our gear on Unshelved Day
5. Doing a top-secret photoshoot with Maurice Coleman, photographed by the awesome Ang Moeny, with help from Equinox’s Grace Dunbar, the purpose of which will be revealed in the fullness of time
6. Selling a lot of books - not just Unshelved collections, but Runtime Error and Poopy Claws too
7. Industry gossip with Nancy Pearl and EarlyWord’s Nora Rawlinson and Chris Klein
8. Hanging out with my old friend and fellow cartoonist Dave Kellett, who exhibited across the aisle from us
9. Amazing old cars at the Random House party
10. [Redacted - What happens at ALA stays at ALA]

… plus a hundred other great experiences with friends new and old. Thanks to everyone who came by the booth to say hi and support us one way or another. We look forward to seeing you next year in Chicago!