I was an Events Coordinator for Borders in Monroeville, PA and Stephenson was doing a reading/signing for the release of Cryptonomicon. I was so pumped! I had just read Snow Crash and loved it. His appearance was also my first big event with a national author. I had no clue what I was doing really, but thought I had everything under control—not quite. I had totally forgotten to have anything for him to eat before the signing! I ran out at the last minute and bought what I would eat—JUNK FOOD! I bought some fresh baked cookies and some salty snacks and made a bit of a spread. I think his PR person was horrified. Stephenson was more than cool about my lack of experience, the food selections, and the monsoon-like rain that accompanied his arrival. He was a lot more reserved and nerdy (in a good way) than some of his promo photos portrayed him. We talked a little about Snow Crash and I got him to sign a copy of Cryptonomicon for me. I still laugh when I read the inscription:

“To Rich—Thanks for your help w/ the signing (and excellent taste in food!)”