By Reigha Weaver | Arts & Life Writer
About 400 Stephanie Garber fans gathered Thursday evening at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre to hear Stephanie Garber chat about her new book, “The Mirror of Infinite Endings,” a companion novella to her “Once Upon a Broken Heart” series.
Hosted by Fabled Bookshop and Cafe, this event was the fourth stop on Garber’s “The Mirror of Infinite Endings” book tour. The book is, as of Sept. 21, the number one most held book for libraries according to the School Library Journal.
Garber was in conversation with Katie Bernet, author of “Beth is Dead,” who asked Garber about her inspirations, writing processes and her favorite characters.
Garber said she got the inspiration for the book’s title while on a plane with her agent. She also noted her being inspired by a quote in “Once Upon a Broken Heart.”
“‘Evangeline rarely believed there was only one option,'” Garber said, quoting her book. “‘She believed what her mother had taught her, that every story has the potential for infinite endings.’”
Next, Bernet took some questions previously submitted by event goers. They ranged from writing advice to perspective shifts to sillier questions.
When asked how Jacks, the male main character, dyed his hair blue, Garber said he did so with “blue Manic Panic dye.”
Houston freshman Samantha Cartagena had found out about Stephanie Garber through friends and was awestruck to be able to attend the event.
“I really loved ‘Caraval’ and ‘Once Upon a Broken Heart,‘ so I wanted to see her live and get her next book,” Cartagena said.
Garber also shared an insight into her next project, a sequel to her book, “Alchemy of Secrets.” Garber also teased potentially returning to The Magnificent North, a location in “Once Upon a Broken Heart,” which would focus more on secondary characters Chaos and Lala.
“My favorite part was when Stephanie Garber announced that another book is in the works and when she encouraged me to pursue my writing dreams,” Cartagena said.
The event included games with prizes of Fabled gift cards, a Fabled merchandise table, glittery lemonade and, for those who brought books, a special stamp to put on the cover page.
Attendees were able to purchase a ticket that included a book, allowing them to get it personally signed by Garber herself and to meet with her.
“Stephanie Garber was the sweetest person ever,” Cartagena said. “She has the best smile and she encouraged me to keep writing my book, so I’m really glad I met her.”
