Maw Books » Author Events

In Utah This Saturday? Don’t Miss Writing for Charity

Natasha Maw — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:05:41 +0000

This Saturday is a huge day for children’s literature in Utah with Writing for Charity scheduled to occur. If you will be in Utah, this Saturday, August 21st, then you NEED to be at this event.

The goal of Writing for Charity, as stated from the Writing for Charity website:

Help us give books to those who need them. Our goal is to give books to all of the kids in at least ten of the lowest socioeconomic populated schools in the state. That would be approximately 6,000 books to 6,000 kids. And not just any books, but books by Utah authors, their neighbors. Where possible, these books will be signed and the author will speak to the kids. Our hope and our expectation is that by giving kids their own books, and making these connections, we will spark an excitement for reading, and an understanding that writers are normal people, like them, and that writing is something they can do too

Do you believe in this cause? You can do one of several things: Register to attend the writing workshop (for writers), and/or the evening extravaganza (for everyone), or by making a donation (pdf link), and even bid on awesome silent auction items.

Authors at the workshop include:

Anne Bowen
Laura Card
Kristen Chandler
Kristyn Crow
James Dashner
Bree Despain
Sharlee Glenn
Christine Graham
Mette Ivie Harrison
Sydney Salter
Matthew J Kirby
Mike Knudson
Kristen Landon
Sheila A. Nielson
J Scott Savage
Emily Wing Smith
Wendy Toliver
Rick Walton
Dan Wells
Jessica Day George
Ann Dee Ellis

And as if that isn’t enough, the evening involves an all star panel as well:

Ally Condie
James Dashner
Bree Despain
Jessica Day George
Shannon Hale
Brandon Mull
Brandon Sanderson
Sara Zarr

Last year I gifted a registration to my husband for his birthday and we can personally attest to the OUTSTANDING event that these authors organize. I swear just about every Utah author we had was there. Stepping into that room was like stepping into a candy store – I seriously didn’t know who to go talk to first. We are looking forward to attending the evening panel and entertainment this year. Everyone is invited!

Details as to cost, times, location, etc are all found on the Writing for Charity site. And remember – every penny goes towards the purchase of books for Utah kids in Utah schools!

Will we see you there?

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Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Utah Book Bloggers Winter Social Photos and Fun!

Natasha Maw — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:31:59 +0000

I am really remiss in posting about our AWESOME party that we had last week. Not for lack of enthusiasm though but rather my intimidation of all the links that were needed for this post.

Can I just say WOW?!! For those of you who have been following my blog for a long time know what a fantastic community of authors and book bloggers we have here in Utah. One year ago I hosted our first social in my home and our second summer social in the park. This party blew those parties out of the water. No way we would even fit in my house anymore! Seriously, if you don’t live in Utah, you are just missing out. We had a crazy bunch of book bloggers, authors, soon to be published authors, booksellers, and book enthusiasts in one room together. I’d say there was about half authors and half bloggers and I’d say near sixty attended. From the noise level, laughing, and smiles that I saw on everybody’s face, I gather that a good time was had by all!

But enough talking. Let’s just see the pictures.

Back row: Ann Cannon, Catie from ook Bound, James Dashner, Emily Wing Smith, Suey from It’s All About The Books, Sydney Salter, Michelle from Flower Petal Books. Front row: Jenni from Jenni Eylse, Debbie from Cranberry Fries, Bree Despain.

Back row: Suey from It’s All About Books, me, Kim from Good Clean Reads, Shannon Hale, Michelle Teacress , Ann Cannon. Middle row: Cherylynne from Critiquing the World and Cari from Book Scoops. Front row: Karen from Typing With My Toes, Melissa from One Librarian’s Book Reviews.

Karey Shane and I:

Alison from So Many Books, So Little Time and I (whom I’d been wanting to meet for a VERY long time):

Jean Reagan, Becky Hall, Kristyn Crow,and Sydney Salter:

Passing out the books:

Jenni from Jenni Eylse, Debbie from Cranberry Fries

Nikki Mantlya and Shannon Hale:

James Dashner and wife:

Leisha Maw and Melissa from Storybook Story:

Cailtyn from All Things Print, Rachelle from bibliobabe.com

Angie from Angieville and husband Aaron Michael:

Brenda from Brenda Loves Books:

Becky from One Literature Nut:

Suey from All About The Books:

Melissa from One Librarian Book Reviews and husband:

Talking it up:

Kim from Good Clean Reads, Shannon Hale, James Dashner:

Bree Despain and Emily Wing Smith

Suey’s husband with Sydney Salter and Brodi Ashton:

Almost the whole group. Can I just say I was ecstatic with our turn out?!

And I know there were people who didn’t make it on camera. Like where is Anne Bowen? My sister Leisa? And I REALLY missed those of you who were unable to make it. Oh, please come next time!

I wish I could tell you all the great conversations and funny stuff that happened but sometimes I’m just not very funny like that. But there was a lot of laughing going on. So I know funny stuff happened. What I REALLY wish is that I had time to sit down with everybody one-on-one for an hour. So many conversations going on that I roamed between tables all night.

I love how blogging brings people together who have never meet each other and yet they can talk all night as if they were old friends. I also love how blogging has narrowed the gap between author and reader. Seriously, when does your average reader get to eat dinner with this amazing group of authors?! So thank you bloggers for coming! Thank you authors for supporting your local bloggers! And a huge thank you to Suey and Becky for being awesome co-hosts! No wonder we had our best social yet.

So are you moving here yet?!

FYI: Our socials are an open invitation to all book bloggers, authors, writers, booksellers, publishing professionals and book enthusiasts. Our next social will be in August as a potluck in the park. Contact me with your email address to make sure you get the details next time (I wish I could seek all of you out but that’s nearly impossible) or subscribe to my blog because I’ll announce it here as well. You can catch up with your favorite Utah book bloggers at our group on the Book Bloggers Ning (more than 50 of us there), subscribing to our shared RSS feed, following the Utah Book Community list on Twitter.

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Authorpalooza – It’s a Party When More than 30 Utah Authors Get Together

Natasha Maw — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:31 +0000

On Saturday I went to Authorpalooza hosted by a local Barnes and Noble. So I seriously thought that I had a handle on who our Utah authors are but I think I gasped when I saw who would be signing. I’ll fully admit that I was not familiar with many of them although plenty of my favorites were there. What better way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday hanging out with these folks:

James Dashner
Jessica Day George
Frank Cole
G.G. Vandagriff
Bree Despain
Jillayne Clements
Wendy Paul
Nichole Giles
Cindy Beck
Terri Ferran
Ronda Gibbs Hinrichson
Heather Justesen
Linda Chadwich
Berin Stephens
Dan Willis
Cory Paulson
Lisa Mangum
Mettie Ivie Harrison
Emily Wing Smith
Sharlee Glenn
AlvinaKwong
Kristyn Crow
Carol Lynch Williams
Ann Cannon
Ann Dee Ellis
Kevin Hall
Larry Myler
Mike O’Reilly
Zane Taylor
Jack Nelson
Rebecca Lerwill
Kim Williams Justesen
Bobbie Pyron
Aubry Mace
Sydney Salter
Nathan Hale
Bron Bahlmann
Alan Bellows
Paul Genesse
Larry Correia

I also ran into Suey from It’s All About Books, Heather from Fire and Ice Photos and Brodi Ashton. Going to these type of events is so much fun. I didn’t take any pictures this time around but I did take video. I REALLY apologize for the sound in this video. I wish for the authors sake that it had turned out better because many of them are an absolute riot. Obviously, there were tons of people there and let me tell you . . . when Utah authors get together, it’s a party!

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Calamity Jack Launch Party with Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale

Natasha Maw — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:12:48 +0000

On Saturday I met up with Suey from It’s All About Books and Heather from Fire and Ice for the Calamity Jack launch party hosted by The Kings English Bookshop. Oh how I wish all of you could be so lucky to have Shannon Hale live in your hometown. She is one class act and HILARIOUS!! And oh, so very very nice. As in, she doesn’t care who is in line because you are the most important person she’s talking to at the moment. Authors seriously don’t come any better. Anybody who has met Shannon will agree.

Calamity Jack, the follow-up graphic novel to Rapunzel’s Revenge (my review), written by duo married team Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by the ever hard working Nathan Hale (no relation) was just released January 5th. And of course they had to party. And of course, I had to go. Especially if it was going to be anything like the launch party for Rapunzel’s Revenge.

Shannon and Dean Hale talked about what it was like to write the graphic novel, Nathan had a presentation about how is life was sucked away from him as he illustrated the book (a fun project – but wow – what a lot of work!).

I captured a few videos for you because I always feel so sorry for the rest of the world to not be at these awesome events. In this first, Shannon and Dean Hale talk about the beginnings of Calamity Jack:

And I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again but Utah is home to a lot of AMAZING authors. Shannon answers the question: What the heck is up with Utah and writers? The voice speaking off-screen is that of Jessica Day George. One such author.

And then the best video for last. This is why I secretly wished I lived next door to the Hales. Would it be too stalkish for me to move? Are they fun or what?! This is how they explain the often asked question: What is it like to collaborate together?

And of course, Shannon and Dean signed books and chatted up a storm.

I’m digging into my copy of Calamity Jack and will have a review for you tomorrow!

Links of interest: Maw Books review of Rapunzel’s Revenge, Rapunzel’s Revenge launch party, interview with Shannon. Shannon Hale’s website, Dean Hale’s website, and Nathan Hale’s blog.
Calamity Jack is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.
Today’s post is part of the Kidz Book Buzz Blog Tour. Check out these awesome bloggers who are also participating:
Whispers of Dawn, Reading is my Superpower, firesidemusings.blogspot.com, Through the Looking Glass Book Review , Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Becky’s Book Reviews, The Hungry Readers, The Friendly Book Book, My Own Little Corner of the World, Book Blather, GreenBeanTeenQueen, Book Crumbs , Abby (the) Librarian, Dolce Bellezza, Homeschoolbuzz.com, The Book Cellar, Carrie’s YA Bookshelf, Bookshelf Monstrosity, Everyday Reading, Frenetic Reader, and KidzBookBuzz.com.

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Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr (Including Video from Launch Party)

Natasha Maw — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:24:48 +0000

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr is Sara’s best book yet.

15-year-old Sam has always been defined as the pastor’s daughter. But not all is well behind closed doors. Citing the pressures of being a pastor’s wife, Sam’s mother is an alcoholic who after one too many DUI’s is now in treatment. But it’s not a fact that Sam wants her friends (who often don’t invite her along to less questionable activities – you know – the whole being the pasture’s daughter thing) to know about nor is it something that Sam and her father openly talk about with each other.

It is during this crisis in her family, that her community faces a crisis of its own. A young girl in the church has mysteriously gone missing and no one is free from suspicion including her own father and the girl’s older brother, whom Sam has always crushed on. This family and community crisis shakes Sam to her inner-core where she also experiences her own personal crisis – one that questions her faith, hope, and belief in something that is bigger than she is.

Although the events of this beautiful novel are huge – alcoholic parent, missing girl – it is also so quiet. Sam is a character that feels so real. Does she really live in those pages? It can’t be possible. She’s out there somewhere. Living. Breathing. The questions that she asks herself are ones that any teen struggling to learn to identify who they are in the world will relate too. Scratch that. Not just teens. Heck, even I found myself relating to Sam in my life right now and supposedly I’m supposed to have it all together right now.

Sam asks herself this question:

Do I believe?

I believe just enough that Jody is alive that I think we should keep looking.

I believe just enough in my mom to try to make a garden for her to work on when she gets home.

I believe just enough in my dad that he’ll have an explanation even if that explanation is that he’s only human.

I believe just enough in myself to know that even if I start in a new school I’ll be okay.

I believe just enough in forgiveness that eventually we’ll be a family again.

I believe just enough in God that I’m praying right now that Nick means what he says.

As a side note, I loved that Sam wanted to create the perfect garden for her mother to take care of. As a gardener myself, I understand how gardening can heal. How the creation of something can bring one hope. When I garden, I’m basically telling myself that I’ll be around to reap the benefits of my work. I have faith and hope in the plants and my ability to bring forth something that will bloom into something beautiful for me to enjoy later. Gardening is an activity that while is enjoyable in the moment is one that is always looking to the future. Sam wants to create a xeriscape garden: a garden which can thrive on very little care. Which I can’t help but think is how Sam thinks of herself, her mother, and her family.

Sara Zarr lives locally to me and it’s been my pleasure to be able to chat with her on numerous occasions. I love that blogging has bridged that gap between author and reader for me. The beautiful thing that I loved about Once Was Lost was that the author completely disappeared in the narration. I did worry that knowing the author behind the book would taint my reading of it. There’s nothing worse than hearing the author’s voice instead of the characters. But I completely forgot about Sara except that I had to keep reminding myself that this amazing story came out her head. How do people do that? Honestly, I shouldn’t have been surprised because Story of a Girl and Sweethearts, are very popular books for teens, but I was in awe of the talent and the story that she’s able to tell.

Once Was Lost has a little bit of it all. A mystery to pull you along, a family in crisis, a young teen discovering her identity and even a bit of romance. But mostly it’s a novel about faith and how to hold on to that faith when the world we know comes crumbling down around us.

I was able to attend Sara Zarr’s launch party at The Kings English Bookshop in Salt Lake City on release day for Once Was Lost. Tons of fun as always as so many other local authors came out to attend the big day.

I captured some video to share with you! In this video Sara talks about how the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart (which happened in our SLC community) inspired the writing of Once Was Lost:

Sara talks more about the writing process for Once Was Lost including how the safe return of Elizabeth Smart and Sara’s own therapy changed the outlook of the book:

And last, Sara reads from Once Was Lost (no spoilers – she reads from beginning of book):

Sara is doing a fun video tour of current book tour, I was thrilled to catch a one second image of myself in her last video!

Links of interest: Sara Zarr website, more book blogger reviews, Maw Books reviews of Story of a Girl, Sweethearts, interview with Sara and breakfast smoothie recipe.
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers. October 1, 2009
Hardcover, 224 pages. ISBN 0316036048
Copy source: Review copy but have since purchased.
Once Was Lost is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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Book Expo America!

Natasha Maw — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:00:14 +0000

(This post is sticky, scroll down for newer posts. Or at least I think it’s sticky.)

If you’re visiting today from or as a result of BookExpo America – welcome! I’m thrilled and excited to be a part of this fantastic trade show!

I’ve always been a passionate reader, in fact, I’ve kept a journal since I was very young and the very first line of that journal is, “I’m eight years old and I’ve read all The Little House on the Prairie Books.” Obviously, I was quite proud myself and hope I can pass on that same excitement to my two little boys.

You can learn more about me on the about me page and in my review policy. Poke around the archives where you will find book reviews of picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction and non-fiction and author interviews with the likes of Newbery authors Ingrid Law, Shannon Hale, Kirby Larson to authors such as Sara Zarr, Bonny Becker, Katherine Center, Jennie Nash, David Ebershoff and more. But I’ve got more than reviews and interviews, you’ll also find me cooking up author recipes in the kitchen with my boys, laughing over all the ways people ruin books and you’ll even catch me doing vlogs as well.

I’m excited to be able to connect with you whether you are a blogger, an author, publisher, publicist, bookseller or an industry professional and look forward to getting to know you!

Happy reading!

(As a side note, I am currently seeking sponsorship, so if you are interested in promoting your company with advertising space, don’t hesitate to contact me.)

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BookExpo America & the 48 Hour Book Challenge – What You Need to Know

Natasha Maw — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:00:28 +0000

This is a bit of a housekeeping post. Many of you may (or may not) know that I’m heading out to New York City to attend BookExpo America, the North American publishing premiere trade show on May 29th-31st. To say I’m excited, is an understatement! I’m also nervous. This is my first time going to New York City. So any tips or advice you have would be greatly appreciated (like how do I see the entire city in a matter of mere hours).

Here’s what I think you (bloggers, authors, publishers, etc.) should know. There is going to be a . . .

Book Bloggers Panel at BEA!

If you will be at BEA, don’t miss the book bloggers panel on Saturday at 2pm in room 1E15. I’m really excited for this panel and for good reason. Dawn from She is Too Fond of Books, Stephanie from The Written Word, Julie from Booking Mama, Beth from Beth Fish Reads, and Amy from My Friend Amy are all on it! Wait . . . and me!

The description of the panel: Book bloggers, via their blogs, Twitter, GoodReads, Facebook, and more, are leading the way in creating buzz for books, offering venues for authors to connect directly with their fans and are reviewing more books than ever in a world where traditional book review coverage is changing. Six top book bloggers, along with Harper Collins’ Jennifer Hart (and BookClubGirl blogger) will discuss how booksellers, publishers and bloggers can combine forces to bring readers and authors together.

I hope we represent book bloggers well! I think we are all a tad nervous (thank goodness I don’t get stage fright!) but excited to be having this awesome conversation together.

But what if you’re . . .

Not at BEA? You Don’t Have to Miss the Panel!

Call in to Blog TalkRadio at 347-945-614 on Saturday, May 30th at 2pm EST to listen live to the panel! My mom said she’s calling in. So you should too! Seriously, great opportunity to listen in.

But if you are there in person then . . .

I Want to Meet You!

The fine folks at the Firebrand booth have come up with a very innovative way for bloggers, publishers, and authors to meet. They are generously hosting book bloggers at their booth during the show.

I’ll be running around crazy trying to meet authors, publishers, and publicists during BEA but if you are going to be there and want to make sure that I don’t miss you then come find me at the Firebrand booth (#4077) on Friday from 11am to noon. And of course, you can find me at the panel on Saturday as well. Stop by and say hello! I really don’t want to look like a dork twiddling my thumbs.

But I’m not the only one, you can . . .

Meet Other Awesome Bloggers!

There are 40+ bloggers also signed up for time slots at the Firebrand booth! Go take a look at the schedule and make sure you don’t miss meeting your favorite blogger (or soon to be favorite blogger!).

In addition to the awesome panels, bloggers, authors, and vendors, I really, really want to go to . . .

Kidlit Drink Night

Who: Kidlit bloggers

When & Where: Friday, May 29th at 8 pm at the Houndstooth Pub at 520 8th Avenue and 37th Street in the lower bar portion of the pub. Hosted by Betsy of Fuse #8 and Cheryl at Brooklyn Arden.

Can I clone myself? Maybe I’ll be there? Maybe I won’t? Argh! Because it’s the same time as . . .

BEAtweetup

Who: Publishers, agents, PR & marketing pros, media, booksellers, librarians, reviewers, book bloggers, readers, authors, vendors who cater to the book community, and more.

When & Where: Friday, May 28th at 8pm at Greenhouse at 150 Varick St (between Vandam & Spring). Hosted by Kat Meyer and a lot of other wonderful bookish tweeps and sponsors. Check them out.

Look for me there! I’ll be the one without a drink in her hand. I hope I don’t feel out of place. But wait! How could I possibly? Lots of friends and new people to meet!

And then after I get back home, crash, and live in the afterglow of BEA, I’m going to participate in . . .

MotherReader’s 48 Hour Book Challenge!

Seriously, I really, really hope we have a lot of “adult” book bloggers sign up in what has in the past been mostly a kidlit event. Pam, our host, is ever so awesome and is eager to cross-promote our “communities.” Go check out the 48 Hour book Challenge details and sign up. The best part? Guilt free sleeping!

Need something to read during the 48 Hour Book Challenge? Don’t forget my current giveaway of The Secret Keeper by Paul Harris.

Phew! Did I get it all?

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LA Times Festival of Books, Part 3: In Which I Meet Some Awesome Authors (And Vlog About Them Too!)

Natasha Maw — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:42:37 +0000

This is my third post about attending the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. I previously posted a vlog with Trish and Amy and also a photo post about meeting some wonderful book bloggers. Today’s post is all about the authors! I LOVE authors! I can not believe how many wonderful authors I was able to meet, bummed that there wasn’t enough time in the day to meet everybody there, and then even more bummed when I discovered authors were there after the fact.

I ended up sticking around the children’s area most of the time. I wish I could have been everywhere at once! First off, I have a vlog where I show off my signed books, talk about the authors and pretty much smile because I’m still so happy. I do overlap with my written summations below as well.

Jacqueline Woodson was one of the authors that I was really looking forward to meeting! I’m late to the game and only started reading Woodson’s books this past year and each one that I read just gets better than the first! I was estatic when a couple of months ago, I received an email and the sender said Jacqueline Woodson. No way that it was the Jacqueline Woodson. She said thank you for reviewing her books and that I had a beautiful family. After listening to Woodson on a panel (more details about that in a later post), I was able to catch up with her while she was walking to her book signing. I told her that she probably didn’t remember me but she sent me a nice email once. When I explained, she immediatly said, “Yes, the one with the beautiful family!” And then later while she was in a booth we were able to snap a photo and chat a bit more. She offered to take me all around Brooklyn when I come up for Book Expo America. While I don’t think I have time to take her up on the offer (but how cool if I had an extra day!!), isn’t that sweet to say so in the first place? She’s just as great as I thought she would be. Books I’ve reviewed by Woodson are Peace, Locomotion, Locomotion, Show Way, Feathers, If You Come Softly and Behind You. Jacqueline Woodson’s website.

Ah . . . Kathryn Fitzmaurice was a total and VERY pleasant surprise for me. I had no idea that she was there until I happened upon her booth while she was signing. When she discovered who I was she jumped up and gave me a huge hug! It was SO nice to talk to Kathryn and I felt as though we were both gushing over each other. Incredibly nice! I reviewed Kathryn’s debut novel The Year the Swallows Came Early and have an author interview as well. The best part? Kathryn sent me another signed copy of her book (because I”m not giving up mine!) to give away! So watch for it with a guest post from Kathryn. Kathryn Fitzmaurice’s website.

We check out David Shannon’s books so often from the library that I often ask myself how come we actually own so few of them? I was brave and bought two books, David Gets in Trouble and No, David, that were not board books. Very scary in my house. David was fantastic and I’m thrilled to have met him. If you have kids or know any kid, you’ve got to get David’s books. David Shannon’s website.

I attended a middle grade fiction panel that included Newbery author Susan Patron. I had her newest book Lucky Breaks already checked out from the library at home, so it only made perfect sense that I get a copy of my own. Susan was fantastic and agreed to an author interview as well, so that’s exciting! The Higher Power of Lucky was one of the very first books that I reviewed when I started my blog.

How can you not like Jon Scieszka? Two of our favorite books in our house are The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. So much so that they are up high on the shelf and the kids actually aren’t allowed to read them on their own. So bummed I didn’t bring my own copies to get signed so I decided to get Math Curse and Science Verse to add to our collection. When I got home and showed my husband, he was really bummed that I didn’t get The Stinky Cheese Man autographed instead. I didn’t want to buy a duplicate copy, I explained. Apparently, I made the wrong decision.

Another author/illustrator that I was SO excited to meet (I waited outside his booth until he showed up because I didn’t want to miss him) was Kadir Nelson. Look at this photo. He looks even twice as gorgeous in person, which roughly means, he’s really good looking! And SO modest and quiet spoken! I was not expecting that. Nelson is simply AMAZING. Like Woodson, I have a lot of his back titles to go through. The two that I have reviewed which he illustrated are Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story From the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford. I had him sign Henry’s Freedom Box and We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball (book website) which he wrote and illustrated and received many accolades for. I hope to review it soon! Kadir Nelson website.

Another surprise was Judy Blundell, National Book Award author of What I Saw and How I Lied. I’ve had this book in my reading pile forever. She was incredibly nice and I’m bumping that baby up to the top of the pile. One of the questions I asked her was what it was like when she became a National Book Award winner. She said when she got the call that she was nominated that she literally didn’t speak for a few minutes. The people on the other end of the phone line thought she had passed out or something. Excited to have met her. Judy Blundell website.

How about all the authors I missed?! I should have taken another photo of me and Laurie Halse Anderson to at least prove that I saw her again, but didn’t. I attended her panel and afterwards she saw me and crossed the lobby to give me a hug hello. The nicest woman ever. So sad to realize Mary Pearson, author of The Adoration of Jenna Fox was there and I missed her. One of my biggest disapointments was coming home and then realizing via Twitter that Jennie Nash, author of The Last Beach Bungalow and The Only True Genius in the Family, had signed. I’ve reviewed both of her books and she’s done a guest post and an interview with me. I would have loved to meet her. SO SAD!

I missed Ingrid Law even though I brought two copies of Savvy from home for her to sign. I missed her panel and couldn’t find her later. I did attend Kate DiCamillo’s panel, which was fantastic, but her line for signing was HUGE! I also brought books from home as well but just lugged them on back unsigned. Of Kate’s books I’ve reviewed Great Joy, The Tale of Desperaux, Tiger Rising, Because of Winn Dixie, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

I also attended a panel with Patrick Carmen and even asked a question. His line for signing Skeleton Creek was pretty long (that’s him on the left) and I felt pretty weird approaching him without a book to sign (I didn’t want to rebuy it when I already had it at home). And of course, Eric Carle was mobbed. No chance in meeting him without being in line hours before he showed. Other authors that I would have LOVED to have met but didn’t were Jane Smiley, S.E. Hinton, Luis Alberto Urrea, Janet Fitch and Lisa See among others. Watch for one final and last post where I recap the panels that I went to!

All in all, it was a wonderful time! Authors are the best!!

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The LA Times Festival of Books, Part 2: In Which I Meet Awesome Book Bloggers

Natasha Maw — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:34:53 +0000

If you had told me a year ago that I would be willing to shell out a couple hundred bucks and book a flight to go down to the LA Times Festival of Books with the intention of meeting people that I only “knew” online, I would have told you that you were crazy! Not only meet them, but hang out with them all day, go out to dinner, and be picked up from the airport and put up for the night (thanks Trish!)!

While my parents thought it was totally awesome (this is coming from my mom who once put a pillow and pajamas in the car when she went to an overnight conference, made eye contact with another woman in a session and wha-la, she had somewhere to sleep!), my in-laws thought I was a bit strange to meet people that I have never met before. They just wanted me to come back alive. But let me tell you. I truly felt like I knew these bloggers already and what was so fun is that their personalities are exactly what you thought they would be and there was never an awkward moment of silence. Do you ever try to talk about books and blogging to your family and friends and they just get this confused look on their face? These awesome ladies “get it.” So nice to talk to people who understand.

Since I began blogging a year and a half ago, I had no idea that this “hobby” would take me to where it is now. As a stay at home mom, I enjoy the connection that I am able to make with other readers. I never imagined that I would call people that I only knew online, friends. Because aren’t the people who do that, well . . . crazy? But it’s true. They are friends. And it was a privilege to meet some of them. It makes me wish I could meet everybody! Back in January, I hosted the Utah Book Bloggers meet-up, so I already knew how wonderful book bloggers are and so I was looking forward to doing the same with the book bloggers in southern California.

My new “IRL” friends are Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?, Amy from My Friend Amy, Lisa from Books on the Brain, Jill from Fizzy Thoughts, Ti from Book Chatter and Other Stuff . . . , Wendy from Musings of a Bookish Kitty, Tracy from Shelf Life and Florinda from The 3 R’s: Reading, ‘Riting and Randomness.

We had a great time chatting, attending panels, and going out to dinner (courtesy of TLC Book Tours – thanks gals!).

Taken a few minutes after we (Florinda and Wendy to catch up later) all met. See how quickly we all cozy up?

Ti, Jill and Lisa hanging out:

Amy, Wendy, Wendy’s husband and Florinda looking cool:

Trish tweeting:

Jill and Florinda waiting for the panel to start:

Wendy and her husband:

Trish and Ti:

Amy and Florinda:

The whole gang (minus Tracy) enjoying dinner and blogging talk:

Me and Jill (blurry):

Jill and Trish:

Wendy and me taking photos:

After dinner:

TLC Book Tour Coordinators, Trish and Lisa:

Me and Lisa:

Florinda and me:

Ti and me:

Me and Jill:

Amy and Trish:

Amy and me (Amy looks adorable. Me – I’ve got my eyes closed!):

Me and Trish:

Amy, me and Trish:

This is me, happy to be on the computer (and yes we couldn’t help tweeting each other even though we were in the same room):

Many of the photos are mine but many thanks to Ti, Lisa and Amy for letting me “lift” a few of theirs as well!

I plan on having two more posts about the LA Times Festival of Books in addition to my earlier vlog. One on all the amazing authors I met and another to recap the panels that attended. In the meantime, check out Jill’s posts (to FoB or not to FoB, Social Media Panel, Window on the World Panel, Intimate Strangers Panel, Borderlines Panel, S.E. Hinton Panel), Ti’s recap, Lisa’s recap, Trish posts the vlog we did together as well as her own vlog, Wendy’s recap, Amy’s vlog, top ten list and recap, Tracy’s recap, Florinda’s recap.

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The LA Times Festival of Books, Part 1: In Which We Vlog

Natasha Maw — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:38:26 +0000

As many of you know, I flew down to Los Angeles over the weekend to not only attend the LA Times Festival of Books but to also meet some amazing bloggers! I had a BLAST and hope to share my experience with you in a series of blog posts and at least one video. Tons of great books, great authors, great signings, and panels! But to whet your appetite, Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?, Amy from My Friend Amy and I made a short vlog to give you a sneak peak into the experience that we all had.

In addition to Trish and Amy, I also met up with Jill from Fizzy Thoughts, Lisa from Books on the Brain, Ti from Book Chatter and other stuff, Wendy from Musings of a Bookish Kitty, Tracy from Shelf Life, and Florinda from The 3 R’s: Reading, ‘Riting and Randomness. It was a great group! You can read Lisa’s, Ti’s and Tracy’s recap of the events for more bookish goodness to tide you over until I post more. I’m in awe that they can blog about it so quickly! I’m still recovering!

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