First let’s start with some of the character names: Hashbrown Winters, Brody the Ape Slayer, Snow Cone, Whiz (he has a bladder problem), Hummas Laredo, Butter Bibowski, Bubblegum, Four Hips, Pigeon, Gurgles Dunderland, Squeaky Mittons, Wish Bone Parker, Echo Rodriguez, Fibber Mckenzie, Measles, Yeti, McKean, Twinkles, Brandy Newspickle, Saddle Bags Bollinger, Cup o’ Noodle Hickock, Frosty John, Hambone, Teeter-Totter Williams.  Um . . . yeah.  Seriously not even kidding.  That alone should give you a taste of what kind of book this is.

Hashbrown has a lot of great friends and runs his treehouse club like a well oiled machine but when his arch enemy, Hi Mashimoto, starts his own rival treehouse club, Hashbrown is so jealous that he will do anything to prove that his treehouse is cooler than Mashimoto’s.  What he doesn’t expect is that Mashimoto will go to any length to secure his domination.

Kids will love the story, the antics, the stink bomb during school assembly, the prison out back of the school that holds all the bad kids, and the dungeon in the basement of Prudence Elementary.  Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness is so random, so quirky that boys will eat it up.  Lots of strange humor and more than one potty joke.

But more than that, reminds me that reading is supposed to be fun.

Links of interest: Frank L. Cole blog, more book blogger reviews.
Genre:  Fiction, approx ages 9-12.
Publisher: Bonneville.  January 8, 2010
Paperback, 128 pages. ISBN 1599553783
Source copy: Review copy sent from author
Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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.

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?

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.

Tired of being treated like a child and eager to make a grandiose impression on the older woman, Charlotte volunteers to care for a baby whose mother died in childbirth and who’s depressed father is not up to the task.  The baby reminds her of her own mother, who also died when giving birth, and while she comes to love little Rose very much, the task is not what she expected.  Taking care of a newborn while pushing a handcart across the plains is certainly no picnic.  Charlotte’s gotten in over her head and while she wants to prove her worth to the company, it may be an assignment that she can’t handle.

The historical background for the book is fascinating.  It’s less about the doctrine of the  Mormon faith  and more about the need for a family to belong to something larger than they are.  It’s great to see historical fiction books in the mainstream markets which tackle this subject .  A subject which I would love to find more of,  as the very premise of the idea lends itself to incredible stories.

The company has a great cast of characters and Charlotte is touched by each of them in different ways.  She’s determined to prove that she has what it takes but discovers that nobody can no anything without a little help.  I enjoyed this coming-of-age novel and am sad to see it out of print.  If you come upon a copy of it, snatch it up!

Links of interest: Ann Cannon blog,  more book blogger reviews.
Genre: Historical fiction, approx ages 9-12.
Publisher: Yearling. 2002
Paperback, 256 pages. ISBN 0440418402
Source copy: Own
Charlotte’s Rose is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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.

Bree shared with us everything that we wanted to know about The Dark Divine, the writing process, getting published, how she cried when she first saw the first (and awful) cover of the book, and even brought us all nail polish.  Unfortunately, she didn’t share what was going to happen in the sequel.  Smart woman, she is.

Photographic proof of Bree’s awesomeness (she’s second from right on top).  Thanks for paying us a visit!  Everybody loved your book!

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.

If I may be so bold to say, this is one heck of an author interview.  I love Leeann’s thoughts about her book, autism, reading and her life.   Please leave her a comment!

Maw Books:  Why did you write A Child’s Journey Out of Autism?  What was it that gave you that initial spark?

Leeann Whiffen: I just kept feeling it. I would be going about my day, and then I’d feel it. You need to write this down. So I blew it off for the first few times until I realized that each passing day made it harder for me to remember certain details. Initially, my intentions were to write our story so that Clay and my other two boys would know everything that transpired. But as I began the writing process it became clear to me that there were other reasons why I needed to write and share this book: to give parents hope and inspiration, to bring awareness to the struggles families endure, and so that my book could be the friend and support that many parents need along their own journeys.

Maw Books:  I know you love to read (and I love bumping into you at author signings) but did you love to write previously before writing your memoir?  In other words, did the writing come easily (well as easily as it could get I guess) for you or was it a struggle?

Leeann Whiffen: No. I mean, I know that must sound strange considering many authors seem to kick off their writing careers by winning the fourth grade write-about-your-favorite-tree contest. But, not me. I’ve always had a love for the written word, but I didn’t realize my love for the actual writing process until I began writing my book. I found that I’m able to articulate myself much better in writing than verbally. It gave me a freedom and creativity with language that I had never before experienced. That realization then lit my passion as I spent many hours studying and practicing the craft. I took what I learned and used it as I found my own voice and style.

Maw Books:  Was it cathartic at all to analyze your feelings that you didn’t have time to deal with during Clay’s treatment?  What was it like emotionally to write this book?

Leeann Whiffen: I never intended it to be cathartic, but having to relive every emotion, every experience so I could accurately portray our story was one of the most agonizing yet exhilarating experiences I can recount. There were times where, after finishing a particular sentence or paragraph exactly the way I wanted, I felt light and airy. I’d get silly with my kids and dance around the house for the rest of the day. I’m not sure if I ever really faced the grief the first time around. I seemed to gloss over it while I distracted myself with trying to launch Clay’s behavior therapy program. There were times where it took me quite some time to complete certain parts of the story because it was just too heavy; but afterward I felt like I had just overcome that difficult part of my life, all over again.

Maw Books:  One thing that I was really impressed with is that seemingly within days of Clay’s diagnoses, you had already researched and were implementing a plan of attack for his treatment.  What were those first few weeks like and how important were they?

Leeann Whiffen: The first weeks after diagnosis were a whirlwind of emotions probably due to a combination of grief and pulling all-nighters as I desperately tried to figure out what we were going to do. Suddenly, it became real and impending. I think I was frantically working my way out of the grief, a distraction of sorts. The immediacy was warranted because I had already done so much research, and I knew that timing was vital. The clock became my boss as I began putting the pieces into position.

Maw Books:  As a parent, I can only imagine that losing a child to autism is devastating.  But yet, through early intervention, you were able to reverse Clay’s diagnoses. Have you received any pushback or felt any guilt because of this?

Leeann Whiffen: Guilt, absolutely. I have friends who also worked feverishly to help their child with autism, yet their outcomes weren’t the same. I ache for them. We dreamed the dream together. After Clay’s diagnosis was removed, I found that I couldn’t tell some of my closest autism friends. I knew they would be happy for me, but I also know the feeling of wanting something so much, that you would not hesitate to give your life for it. You’re happy for others, but oh, how you want it for your own child. Mothers place so much guilt on themselves that as women we need to stick together and make sure we support and uplift one another. Pushback, not so much.* Some resentment, yes. But I understand where it comes from.

*Of course there’s general pushback from certain groups who believe autism should not be “treated” or “cured” but that we should accept the individual for who they are. I don’t agree that those two things are mutually exclusive. We can accept our children while also helping them cope and reach their full potential in life. That’s also our responsibility as parents of “typical” kids.

Maw Books:  If a parent suspects that their child has autism or is diagnosed with autism what is the first thing that you would want them to know?

Leeann Whiffen: Early intense intervention = best prognosis. That’s not just Leeann’s “I’m a mom of a child who recovered from autism” philosophy. It’s backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Surgeon General, and decades of research. I encourage and urge parents to look beyond what the school district and/or state early intervention program provides. Make sure it is intense enough to make a difference. My early intervention specialist admitted that Clay’s needs were way beyond what they could provide. Unfortunately this often means parents have to find funds (sometimes to the tune of $50,000 per year) to supplement or start their own programs. But it’s worth it. Take action right after diagnosis because time goes on whether or not you stand by and watch, or jump in headfirst.

I try to make it clear that although my son recovered from autism, not all children will have that same outcome. And doing what we did doesn’t guarantee success because each child is unique. But how do we determine who will and who won’t? We can’t. That’s exactly why I continue advocating for early intense intervention and helping parents gain fast access to potentially life saving treatments. Because even if the end result isn’t full recovery, research shows nearly all kids will progress to some extent with early intervention – especially those implemented with a high degree of intensity.

Maw Books:  And where is the first place that they should turn to receive support and information about early intervention?

Leeann Whiffen: Autism Speaks has a 100-day kit for newly diagnosed children here. It includes extensive resources, many of which are tailored to where you live.

I’ve co-authored a fast start checklist with Tina Dyches, Ed.D that outlines the steps to take right before and after diagnosis. It’s geared toward Utah residents, however, it can be adapted for most other states as well. You can find it here.

Maw Books:  Tell us about Clay’s Law and how you have become proactive within the autism community.

Leeann Whiffen: Way back when Clay was diagnosed, I made a commitment that if I were ever to get to a point where my life wasn’t consumed with overseeing and administering his therapy, I would get involved and try to make it easier for other parents to access vital resources. Since then, I’ve been continually active in the autism community through my own efforts or various organizations.

In the Utah 2009 legislative session with the help of Senator Howard Stephenson, we introduced an autism insurance reform bill, Senate Bill 43, or Clay’s Law (named after my son). This bill would have stopped the discrimination from private insurance companies in Utah for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Ultimately, it didn’t pass, but we plan to keep pursuing autism insurance reform and continue to explore solutions that help families gain access to evidence-based treatment. In pursuing Clay’s Law, I co-founded and serve as the president of the Utah Autism Coalition, a grass roots, non-profit group comprised of over 700 parents and professionals throughout the state of Utah. We will soon be taking applications to assist parents in funding evidence based treatment programs.

If you’d like to donate to our group (in which your funds go directly to help and support our local autism community), please visit www.utahautismcoalition.org.

Maw Books:  How in the world did you find the time to be a mother to three sons, a wife, a passionate advocate and write a book at the same time without seriously losing it all?

Leeann Whiffen: Who says I haven’t lost it? First, I have an extraordinarily supportive husband (who is also well known for giving surprise super wedgies while in a heated game of “tackle Dad”). Second, determination. Third, perseverance. Our family motto is Numquam Cede, which we had made into a sign and hangs above our pantry. It’s Latin for “never give up.” I expect everyone in our family to adhere to that philosophy. One can never expect success unless they’re willing to try, and try again. Hard.

Maw Books:  What has been the most memorable experience that you have had from reader reaction to your book?

Leeann Whiffen: This is a tough question because I’ve received moving feedback and personal stories from all over the United States and the world including South Africa, Macedonia, Bermuda, and Ireland to name a few. In fact, this may sound lame, but I keep all of them in a special file. There’s something about being an author and getting feedback from your readers, telling you that your book touched their life in some way.

Here are some that left an indelible impression:

- I lost my husband on 9/11. He was a firefighter, and I never thought it would be possible to experience the despair and sadness that I felt after that happened. For the first time since then, I feel that way. I’m hoping you can pass on your strength.

- I’ve decided to dedicate my life to find either the cause or cure for autism (10-year old girl)

- We are starting to get our little boy back because of your book

- You make us cry a lot, but you give us hope.

- I’m a junior majoring in special education. Before your story I was set on being a second grade teacher, but now I’m so inspired to learn more about helping children with autism.

- I’m re-reading your book for inspiration. It gives me more strength to carry on.

- Having been raised in the tough streets of Sydney, Australia, I can tell you that I was in tears after reading the section when Clay was reassessed.

- I’m re-energized. I don’t expect recovery, but you’ve given me renewed energy.

- I’m a preacher’s daughter, and I normally don’t speak out like this, but you’ve inspired me to work with kids and families affected by autism.

- Whenever I feel sad, especially deep in the night, I will read a few pages from your book, and it consoles me.

- I live in Russia and we don’t have any of the therapies or resources you mention in your book. Pediatricians and neurologists say there’s nothing we can do. But you gave me hope that my son can recover and I’ll do everything I can to educate myself.

Maw Books:  Those are beautiful.  What are your boys favorite books to read right now?

Leeann Whiffen: Clay is a huge Fablehaven fan. When book five came out, Clay would get up an hour before school to squeeze in as much reading time as possible. He finished it in two days. Brandon Mull, if you’re listening, Clay’s dying for Candy Shop Wars II, so could ya hurry it up already? Brandon’s practically our neighbor and we didn’t even know it until we were at a book signing and he asked where we’re from! My oldest, Drew, has loved and read all of the books in the Percy Jackson, Lightning Thief series. Judd, my five-year-old loves the book I Love You More and tells me daily (in keeping with the theme of the book) that he loves me more than the greatest lego structure ever made.

Maw Books:  And you?  What’s the last book that you loved that you would recommend?

Leeann Whiffen: I would be dishonest if I didn’t say that the last book I read and loved in a way only a mother loves a child is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. (Oh, how I wanted instead to tell you the name of some obscure literary treasure that practically no one knows about.)

The book that has changed my life is On Becoming Fearless by Arianna Huffington.

Maw Books:  I know you are so excited to see Kathryn Stockett next week while she’s on tour here in Salt Lake City.  I can’t go *sob* so you must tell my everything! Do you read books that feature autistic characters?  Any that you were particularly impressed with?

Leeann Whiffen: I don’t read books that feature autistic characters anymore than I read any other book. However, Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was extraordinary; it’s one of the most creative novels I’ve ever read right down to the simple, sporadic illustrations. The voice and character development of Christopher, the high functioning autistic teenager, was spot on.

Maw Books: Did you learn anything about yourself while writing this book?

Leeann Whiffen: I’ve emerged from a shy girl raised on a small ranch in Idaho to a fearless woman who believes that monkeys occasionally do fly out of butts.

Maw Books:  You’ve got me laughing now! What do you believe the secret to happiness is?

Leeann Whiffen: The secret to happiness for me is the following: 1) social interaction and relationships. I’m more of an introvert, but if I don’t consciously work to spend a certain amount of time with friends or family, I start having symptoms of PMS. 2) being a part of something much bigger than myself – altruism 3) doing something new and novel. This is often scary and difficult, but necessary to grow and push myself in different directions.

Maw Books:  And I’m sure one of the most often asked questions you receive, but I can’t help asking myself.  What’s Clay like today?

Leeann Whiffen: Are you ready for what will sound like the world’s worst family Christmas letter? Clay recently took first place at a state gymnastics competition, and sixth nationally. He also the chess tournament in his fourth grade class and is at the top of his class academically. His teacher has even assigned him to tutor a couple of his classmates. He has lots of friends and loves playing “speed” (a basketball game) during recess with his buddies. Best of all? He has one of the most optimistic personalities of any kid I know. When I’m in a crappy mood, I just go talk to Clay and I remember why life is so good. He cheers me on with school and my advocacy efforts. He cheers his brothers on. He sets goals and works hard to achieve them. One day he came home from school and told me that he sat by the boy at lunch who doesn’t have any friends. Our downfall? We like to sing “Telephone” by Lady Gaga in the car together, but I realized the other day that we just sound like dogs howling at a fire truck.

Maw Books:  How awesome is that?! Any last words that you would like to share?

Leeann Whiffen: One of my favorite authors, Jeanette Walls (The Glass Castle, Half Broke Horses) said once, “The shame is not in falling, the shame is in staying down.”

Maw Books:  Beautiful.  Thank you Leaann!

Links of interest:  Leeann Whiffen website, blog and Twitter.  Maw Books review of A Child’s Journey Out of Autism which is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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.

Autism.

It’s a word that Leeann refuses to even say.  While she still has big hopes and dreams, they have suddenly shifted to something much more immediate.  Each day Clay slips farther into his shell.  This is something that she can not ignore or wait out.  Through immediate and exhaustive treatment, Leeann fights as only a mother can fight.  A fight to reclaim her son before it’s too late.  The title of her moving memoir, A Child’s Journey Out of Autism: One Family’s Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure by Leeann Whiffen, is aptly named.  For it is a fight that she wins.  Clays diagnosis is completely removed.

This family’s story however is not as simple as the above description makes it seem.  The research that Leeann conducts is overwhelming.  The intensive, in-home therapy treatments are not covered by insurance and the $40,000 price tag is a financial strain.  Add on top of that the added strain of relationships, friendships and simply on oneself, and the years of treatment are exhausting

In A Child’s Journey Out of Autism, Leeann shares her darkest moments, the lowest of lows, her guilt, worry, sadness, unbelief, and her highest of highs, her determination, strength, energy, and the happiness in reclaiming her son.  She writes with such honesty and beauty.  Such an important book to read regardless if you know somebody with autism or not.  Every child is different and this is just one family’s journey of customized treatment and recovery but it’s a testament to a mother’s love for her child.  It is a testament to empowered parents.  It is a testament to the joy of a child.  To reclaiming that which was once lost.

Watch this short trailer for the book featuring Clay himself and then watch for my author interview with Leeann Whiffen immediately following this post.  Leeann lives locally to me and I’ve been fortunate to meet her on several occasions.  Reading her book is like discovering a friend that you wish you always had and if it’s not to bold of myself to say, I feel fortunate to now call her one myself.

Links of interest:  Leeann Whiffen website, blog and Twitter. More book blogger reviews. Did you know April is National Autism Awareness Month?  Check out all my book reviews that address autism.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Publisher: Sourcebooks. March 1, 2009
Paperback, 336 pages. ISBN 1402218389
Source copy: Review copy
A Child’s Journey Out of Autism is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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.

Kathryn Lynard Soper is the mother of six children and discovers at the birth of her seventh child that something has gone seemingly horribly wrong.  Newborn Thomas was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  Gone were her expectations of what this child would be and in its place was fear, doubt, and anxiety.

Could I love such a son?

I rubbed my arms and legs with a rough washcloth, determined to scrub away not only blood and sweat and oil, but also doubt.  Of course I could love Thomas.  I already did. I loved him as I’d loved each of my new babies with a primal strength full and fierce .  . .

Yet I knew the bond wouldn’t be enough, not for long.  It was instinctual.  Even animal.  Thomas deserved human love, the delight and appreciation and tenderness one unique person feels for another.  I’d never felt this for a person with Down syndrome or any other disability. I didn’t know if I could.

Goose bumps rose on my arms – the hot water was gone.  And my time to indulge in weakness was gone.  A child waited in a plastic box down the hall, and six more were waiting at home, waiting for security to surround them like a warm mantle, soft yet strong. Waiting for their mother.

The Year My Son and I Were Born follows the first year of Thomas’s life.  The writing is raw, stark, and so completely honest.  Soper holds nothing back. All of her emotions are laid out for everybody to see.  There are highlights and extreme low lights and we, as readers, are privy to it all.

Read this book and watch the video.  I dare you to  not cry.  I dare you.  Because it just can’t be done.  It can’t.

One of the very best and compelling memoirs I’ve ever read.

Links of interest: Kathryn Lynard Soper website, more book blogger reviews.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Publisher: GPP Life. March 3, 2009.
Hardcover, 336 pages. ISBN 0762750618
Source copy: Library
The Year My Son and I Were Born is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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.

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.

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.

• 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!

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.

There are a lot of great upcoming events in the Utah area and I wanted to spread the word about them (particularly the Utah Book Bloggers upcoming social).

February 6th, 1pm – Authorpalooza at Barnes and Noble South Towne Marketplace

• I don’t see an official author list but from what I see on all of the Utah author blogs, anybody who is anybody will be there.
• 30+ authors! Gotta love that!

February 11th, 12th, and 13th – Life, The Universe and Everything Else (LTUE)

• A three day symposium with panels, workshops, presentations and papers on writing, art, literature, media, science on aspects of speculative fiction.
• Brandon Sanderson, James Dashner, Stacy Whitman, Lisa Mangum, Nathan Hale, Brandon Mull,  Jessica Day George and more.
• My husband LOVES this event!  Best part?  It’s free!  On campus of my alma matter BYU.

February 27th – Book Bloggers Winter Social!!

• If you are a book blogger who lives in Utah make sure you are registered in the Utah Book Bloggers Ning group from which I send out all announcements.
• Book bloggers, publishing folk, authors, writers and book enthusiasts – Save the date for the evening of February 27th!  We will be having dinner at a local Salt Lake City restaurant and will send out details once they are solidified (hopefully this week).
• Our socials our awesome!  And to our awesome authors, please come to support our book bloggers! It’s certainly a highlight. Our last two events: summer social, bloggers bash.

June 14th-18th – 2010 Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop

• A MUST attend for anybody seriously interested in writing for young kids.  I can’t believe how many of our local writers author contribute their success to this workshop.
• I wish I could send my husband.  We’ll be saving up for next year.  Registration is open now.
• Hmmm . . . . I’m not  a writer but as a reader I’m a bit jealous at all of those authors congregated in one spot. Wonder if I can talk anybody into a press pass of some type so I can blog about it? *hint*  Plus Bonny Becker is going to be there. LOVE.

Kings English Upcoming Events

• I’m personally looking forward to Chris Cleave on February 22nd, author of Little Bee and Gary Paulsen on April 14th.

Am I missing anything coming up in the near future?  Don’t forget to save the date for February 27th!!!  Seriously. Save it.

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.