Hey Everyone!

When I picked my next book to read this morning, I noticed I had a signed copy, which I love. This got me thinking back to my experiences of signed books and the stories behind them, inspiring this post.

Books featured heavily in my childhood. It’s a gift that I will be forever grateful for. I still have my first signed book. I remember going to Waterstones in Stratford-upon-Avon, queueing outside to meet my childhood hero, Jacqueline Wilson. I was only 11 at the time, and I remember feeling so excited yet so nervous to speak. I was meeting someone I loved and admired—someone who created so many worlds for me to explore, like she did for so many other children.

Getting a signed book used to be really difficult. The majority of book signings were in London or in faraway places I couldn’t get to. Thankfully, obtaining signed copies now is relatively easy—you just need to be quick with preorders. As much as I like how accessible signed books are, I do think there’s something really special about having a dedication that’s just for you. I have some I’m really proud to own.

These signed books all tell a story. I haven’t met the writers, but I love owning something completely unique to me (unless another Charlotte has a copy—but you get the idea!).

I also really appreciate it when writers sign books with something that relates to the plot, just like this one from Kelly Mullen in my copy of This Is Not a Game.

It’s interesting because I remember wanting to meet my favourite writers and wanting them to sign my copy of their book. Now that we have access to this, I find myself wanting something different in my copy so it still feels personal to me—like it truly belongs to me. My guess is that it’s just another example of life: as soon as we get something we want, we start wanting something else. What do you think?

Big Love xxx