The California part of my book tour was so much fun! It all started in Los Angeles with my amazing author escort, Lisa. Actually, I now think of her as Wonder Woman because she made miracles happen. When she asked me if there was anything I wanted to see, all I could think of was Sprinkles. I’d heard that Sprinkles cupcakes rival Crumbs. I’d been lusting after Sprinkles for years. So when I mentioned Sprinkles, I assumed I wouldn’t have enough time to go there and I’d miss it yet again and oh well. But that’s not how things went down. Lisa took us straight over to Sprinkles, which of course was right around the corner when I mentioned it (hi, non-coincidence!) and I finally got to go! Here’s Lisa at Sprinkles:
This is what I have determined. Sprinkles cupcakes are the best cupcakes in the world. Even better than Crumbs. I know! But it’s true. Oh Sprinkles, how I will miss your deliciousness. Another treat I will never forget: In-N-Out. I’d been hearing about In-N-Out for years. Steve Carell said how after big events he likes to get In-N-Out and go home to chill. That made me want to go. My research showed that they didn’t have a veggie burger, so I thought I would never get to join in the fun. But! One of my Facebook friends said that they have a secret off-the-menu item. Secret grilled cheese. And that I should get the grilled cheese animal style. Which I did. And wow, was that one of the best things ever. So. Freaking. Good. Thanks a million, Morgan!
We did some stock signings at various bookstores. I’m thrilled to report this breaking news: Barnes & Noble stores are doing stepladders of my books. Stepladders are types of metal floor displays that are much larger than the cardboard ones. If you’re entering my floor display contest, it sounds like you will probably see one of these displays. Righteous! I also saw some really sweet endcaps, which you could also document for the contest:
My first event was at Borders in LA. Can I just say that Lita Weissman is incredible? She organized an event that far exceeded my expectations. There were tons of huge displays of my books all throughout the store, including right when you come in. She had cool flyers and bookmarks made. She even had a huge birthday cake for me! With sprinkles and hearts!
Everyone sang when I came out. I just felt so welcome there. The readers who attended were fabulous and so was the staff. Thanks to everyone for making my first official book tour event one I will never forget.
I got to meet up with my friends Jordi and Fabien. It was funny – they lived in San Francisco before moving to LA like two weeks ago, but I didn’t know they’d moved. So when I told them I was coming to San Fran, they were like, Drat, we just moved to LA. But then I was like, Sweet, I’ll be in LA, too! I hadn’t seen them in a long time. They were so LA with their cool summer fabrics and Cali boy ways. I had a great time walking around West Hollywood on a cool night with them.
The next morning, it was time to leave for San Francisco. I cannot even describe to you how awesome the ride to the airport was. At my Borders event, I mentioned Cast Away. I’ve seen that movie so many times and adore Wilson. That scene where Chuck loses Wilson out to sea and he’s all, “I’m sorry Wilson! I’m sorry!” No matter how many times I see Cast Away, that scene will always get me. Anyway, it turns out that Lisa’s husband is a producer who worked on the movie and…you guys, you’re never going to believe this, but he had Wilson on his bookshelf and Lisa brought Wilson for me and I got to hold Wilson all the way to the airport. The actual Wilson! Well, about 20 Wilsons were made, but this was one of them. You can imagine how much documentation took place. Wilson with small palm trees. Wilson with big palm trees. Wilson with flowers. Wilson at In-N-Out (I took Wilson in with me and everyone was totally noticing him). And of course, Wilson and me:
I’ll tell you more about the tour next time. Tomorrow, New Jersey:
Saturday, May 8 – 4:00
Pizza party, discussion and signing
Books & Greetings
271 Livingston Street
Northvale, NJ 07647-1915
Phone: 201.784.2665
The remaining tour info is here. Hope to see you on the road!
Susane Colasanti - Blog 
In-N-Out is definitely something I indulge in every time I’m on the west coast. It’s SOOO GOOD.
I know! I will def be retuning next time I’m there. Grilled cheese animal style! And I have to get fries next time as well.
Ah! Sounds so fun.
Reading your blog always makes me want a cupcake.
If you ever encounter Sprinkles, you will know what cupcake nirvana tastes like.
Wilson! That’s amazing. My roommate thought it was cool too, and likes the picture. I feel like if I say “non-coincidence” I will sound like a broken record. =D
It’s great that not only does the reading public get to experience you, but you’re getting to experience things like this, too. I must say, I’m a little surprised that Sprinkles beat out Crumbs! That’s a serious compliment coming from you. Glad to see you’re having fun!
TOTAL NON-COINCIDENCE! They are all around. But this we knew.
I wasn’t expecting Sprinkles to surpass Crumbs, either. The cake is moist, rich, and heavy (but not too heavy – just enough to avoid that airy dryness most cupcakes have at the end of the day). We can classify the flavors as gourmet. And the frosting is an experience in itself. There’s no way I could return to LA without another Sprinkles excursion.
Aw, how fun!
It’s so awesome seeing Something Like Fate in all stores when I’ve been dying for a copy only a little while ago.
Awesome cake, too!
Love, Hannah S
The cake tasted just like it looks: pink and sweet 🙂
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