The night was off to a great start and as I was able to introduce myself to Laurie before things got started. And then I turn around and there’s Sara Zarr, author of Sweethearts and Story of a Girl, chatting in the corner! So while talking to her who comes up? Why, it’s James Dashner, author of The 13th Reality series! And as if that’s not enough, Jenn (marketing manager at Kings English) waves across the room and calls out “Emily!” Emily as in Emily Wing Smith, author of The Way He Lived, whom we’ve been emailing about an interview together.  Why, oh why, didn’t I take my photo with Emily? She turns right around and introduces me to Anne Bowen. And I swear there were a ton of other authors there that I didn’t know who they were.

First, a special message from Laurie just for the readers of Maw Books!

There’s nothing like an amazing author coming to town to get all the Utah writers together in one room. And it was so much fun to be in that room and for once felt comfortable there.  I carpooled up with my friend Cari of Book Scoops and while there we discovered that the gals over at My Favorite Author are based in Salt Lake too.  That was fun!

I can’t believe how fun the night was and Laurie was kind enough to speak to her fans, local authors and bloggers.  I recorded as much of the conversation as I could. Laurie has some wonderful things to say.  She speaks about body image, eating disorders, writing Wintergirls and Speak, writing, literacy, on changing the canon of literature taught in schools, and teen book bloggers.  Enjoy!

Would you like to win a copy of Wintergirls?  Not just any copy, but a signed copy?!

Thank you to The King’s English Bookshop for sponsoring this amazing giveaway!

The Kings English Bookshop has been Salt Lake’s literary resource for independent minds since 1977. We have the most comprehensive children’s book selection in the state of Utah as well as mysteries, new fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, nature, and western writers. Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood of Salt Lake City, the store provides services to people anywhere in the world. If you are in town, drop by; there are chairs scattered throughout eight book-packed rooms.

There are tons of ways to enter.  One entry will get you in, the rest is up to you.

• To enter: Leave a comment on this post with your thoughts about body image and eating disorders or responding in some way to the video.
• One additional entry for each of the following:
  • Leave a comment on my open letter to Laurie Halse Anderson, my Wintergirls, Speak and Chains book review and The Ides of March Madness post telling me which book you think will win the charity book reading tournament.
• For TWO additional entries:
  • Blog about this giveaway in a post (not sidebar).
  • Subscribe to my blog’s feed to receive updates either through your favorite RSS reader or by email.
  • Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the giveaway. 
    
• For FIVE additional entries each:
  • Visit the King’s English website or blog and come back and tell me one discovery.  A new book to check out, a favorite title from a bookseller, a favorite author who calls Utah home, upcoming events that you think I should cover, who founded The King’s English, your favorite author who’s paid the Kings English a visit, etc.  You get the idea.  Go and discover!
• For TEN additional entries:
  • Visit the IndieBound website and tell me why we should shop local.  Also consider showing your support of Indie Bookstores by becoming an affiliate.

Contest will close at midnight on Friday, April 10th, the same as the Jodi Picuolt giveaway.  Open internationally.  Thank you again to The King’s English Bookshop for hosting Laurie Halse Anderson and for sponsoring this giveaway!

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

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.