Okay bookworms, deep breath. This past week was absolutely unreal. I met five authors whose books have taken over my shelves, my brain, and my heart. From a more intimate moment on Monday to the buzzing chaos of YA Day 2025 on Saturday, it felt like every bookish dream I’ve ever had came true all at once.
And because I know you’ll want all the details, here’s the full rundown. From character chats to shared laughs, these are the memories I’ll be holding on to forever.
Monday: chatting with Callie Hart like old friends
Let’s just say this week started off strong. I got to meet Callie Hart and we talked about everything. And I mean everything. From her absolutely stunning hair (seriously, it’s even more beautiful in real life) to her unforgettable characters. We ended up talking about who from her other series would actually get along with Saeris, and spoiler alert: Kit from Halo and Sloane from Blood and Roses would 100% be her kind of people. I loved how easy the conversation felt and how generous she was with her time and energy. She’s as fierce and thoughtful as the stories she writes, and meeting her honestly made my whole week.
S.F. Williamson: the calm in the YA Day storm
S.F. Williamson, author of A Language of Dragons, was one of the highlights of YA Day for me. I was so happy to see her there. My friend and I were stuck way back in the crowd, surrounded by people waiting for other authors, and we were low-key panicking that we wouldn’t get the chance to meet her. But everything worked out in the end and I’m so glad it did. She was lovely and so kind to everyone, and meeting her felt like a breath of calm in the middle of all the chaos. I’m really hoping more readers discover her work because she absolutely deserves the love.
Saara El-Arifi: my reason for YA Day
Okay listen, I originally wanted to go to YA Day 2025 for one reason: Saara El-Arifi. I’ve been a huge fan since The Final Strife and getting to meet her was such a full-circle moment. We didn’t talk for long, but we had a sweet little chat about my name (she thought Chiara was beautiful) and somehow we ended up talking about The Lion King 2. A queen recognizing another Kiara moment? My heart was so full. She was warm and kind, and it felt like talking to someone who genuinely sees her readers.
Laura Wood is the sweetest human
I don’t even know how to explain it, but Laura Wood is just the sweetest human ever. Talking to her felt so natural and effortless, like the kind of small talk that doesn’t feel small at all. We chatted about her books and how absolutely gorgeous they are (seriously, the covers alone deserve awards). She made me feel so comfortable and appreciated, and it’s easy to see why her stories are filled with such heart.
Lynn Painter: the YA queen of the day
Last but absolutely not least: Lynn Painter. She was just as sweet and bubbly in person as you’d expect. We talked about how absolutely wild it was that so many people showed up and most of them there just for her! She was a little stunned by the crowd, but in the best way. You could tell she was genuinely touched. It was quick, but even in that moment she made me feel seen and part of something bigger. Honestly, it was the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Five authors. One week. And so many memories I’ll be replaying over and over again. I walked into this week excited to meet some of my favorite writers and walked away feeling even more connected to the stories I love. Whether it was a long conversation or a few shared words in the chaos of YA Day, each moment mattered.
If you ever get the chance to meet an author you love: take it. Even the smallest exchange can make you fall in love with a story all over again.
Now excuse me while I go stare at my signed books and try to recover from the most bookish week of my life.
heavenlybookish 