Yesterday I was lucky enough to meet William Joyce and while it took five and a half hours to get there, it was definitely worth it.
When it was nearing my time to get my book signed, he started talking about his Instagram and Twitter accounts, and how much fun heâs having on them. Since she was the next person in line, my mom took this opportunity to point me out and mention how Iâd talked to him the night before on Twitter, saying Iâd be coming from Mississippi in hopes of meeting him.
He was SO GENUINELY EXCITED, looking utterly shocked and asking in disbelief if that was me, and when I nodded or said yeah (I donât remember; THIS WAS ALL KIND OF A BLUR TO ME I WAS SO HAPPY), he was like, âWE HAVE TO GET A PICTURE.â
Even the person Iâm guessing was his assistant became enthusiastic over the fact that I was there, that Iâd traveled that far to be there for the signing. (âOH ARE YOU THE ONE FROM MISSISSIPPI?â) I was blown away by the fact that heâd apparently talked about me. BUT YEAH THEN THEY TOOK THE PICTURE and excuse my haggard appearance because I was exhausted BUT HE WAS JUST. THE SWEETEST. SO EASY TO TALK TO AND BE AROUND.
AND LOOK AT HIS SIGNATURE? THE JACK DOODLE. And the message he had Nightlight give me, haha. slkdjfslkfdj
Seriously, though. I arrived an hour early and got to hear stories from a number of locals about how kind and personable he is, how heâll continue signing books until every person in line has been tended to, how heâs so dedicated to his hometown. I thought I couldnât respect him anymore than I already did but WELL.
Plus, hearing him talk about how much he enjoys being on Instagram and Twitter, interacting with fansâ guys, please support this man however you can. Follow him on those websites, check out his books, buy them if you can. He puts so much love into these stories and characters - let him know how much you appreciate his work.
TO SUM EVERYTHING UP, William Joyce is an amazing person and Iâd gladly drive five and a half hours or more to meet him again. AND THOSE OF YOU GETTING THE JACK FROST BOOK ARE GONNA LOVE IT. (I hope.)