Photo Blog: My first Indies Invade Philly 2021 Book Signing

Saturday, November 13, 2021 was a hectic but fun day for me. I took a day trip to Philadelphia for my first book signing event as a blogger. I went to Indies Invade Philly!

I opted to take the train instead of driving because I'm very curious as to what it's like to ride the train stateside. I booked my train tickets way back in June after I bought my IIP2021 ticket. My Amtrak ticket to Philly cost me $18 each trip on coach class. I only spent the day there, I hopped on a return trip back to DC around 2:30pm.

Here's my day told through photos. I'll add more of my IIP2021 experience as I sort out my books and loot. I've only just recovered from Saturday. Lol.

Union Station Washington DC is a thing of architectural beauty. I'm taking the Amtrak to Philly from here.

This was my train, my track. We departed at 6:10 in the morning and it took a more than 2 hours to get to Philly.

I was in Coach class, plenty of leg room. There's an outlet for electronics. Amtrak is definitely underrated.

The view during the ride was spectacular. We had several stops towards Philly.

30th Street Train Station, another thing of architectural beauty. I arrived 10mins after 8am.

IIP registration for bloggers start at 8:30am. I was going to take the Metro to the venue but got Uber instead.

Taking an Uber was a great call. I was able to see a bit of Philly from the car. It was also the faster way.

I finally got to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It's huge.

Registration was super fast. I got my badge. VIP yo!

While I was standing in line, waiting for the doors to open, Teddy Hamilton and Emma Wilder walked by us.

The first author I went to was Sarina Bowen. Her audiobooks were my first MM listen.

She signed my books, my backpack was full of them. She was so nice.

I got to see & talk to Teddy Hamilton! He signed a crap ton of stuff for me.

Narrators Extraordinaire: Teddy Hamilton, Emma Wilder, Aaron Shedlock, Erin Mallon

More narrators extraordinaire: Shane East, Rose Dioro and Jason Clarke

Shane East was just amazing.

Alley Ciz's table caught my attention so fast. I also bought an MM book from her.

Tracey Jerald's table. I love how she displayed her books like this.

I love the colors on Hanna McBride's banner, her table display were so eye catching.

The blogger hour was perfect. Volunteers got their chance to meet their idols too.

Amy Daws was so sweet & funny. I bought her books because I asked about her rubber & loved her story. Lol.

The goddess of sexual tension was so sweet! She talked about rescued dogs in her book.

Jill Bengstsson & Andi Arndt. J's son (in black), I'm assuming is just astounded that his mom is a rockstar.

I was amazed. People came organized, with small suitcases, trolleys, book carts & husbands who tote the books.

Lucy Score had the longest line. She smiled through it and was such a sweetheart.

I got to meet Lucy Score. Her husband was with her too. I love her energy. She seemed so sweet and genuine.

Cheers and thanks to the volunteers and organizers for this successful event. It was fun.

The AM signing session ended at 1pm. I was exhausted and I had more books to take home with me.

I had lunch across the Convention Center. I met up with another bookstagrammer, Lyndsay and her sister in law, Stacie. They were so sweet and this wasn't their first IIP event.

After lunch, I went back to 30th St Station to catch my train back to DC. It was delayed but it's all good.

I'm glad I went to IIP. I was up since midnight & slept most of the train & car ride back.

Truly, I had fun on my first Indies Invade Philly experience. I came home with more books that I thought I would. My shoulders were hurting from the books I carried on my backpack. I was rocking my Tory Burch tote again to carry the books I've pre ordered. It was heavier than I expected.

I think my experience in GRL prepared me on what to expect from book signings. This one was more crowded, but very organized. I was able to meet & get my books signed by the authors and narrators I went for. I met new authors too. I also met a fellow MM reader and bookstagrammer, Lyndsay.

The trip was short and sweet and I was exhausted. When I got home, I slept so hard. I'll unpack my books and will post the swags and stuff when I get to them.