Who Needs Rock Stars When You've Got Authors? (With a Giveaway!)

My name is Susan and it's been seven days since my last confession post.  Neglecting my blog does sometimes feel like a sin, but that's kind of what happens this time of year.  I forgive myself.  Which doesn't mean I won't be trying my best to catch up before 2012 disappears for good, it just means I'll do what I can.  In the meantime, I wanted to share some fun, bookish things that have happened in the last couple months: 

1.)  My 10-year-old daughter, who is at least as big a bookworm as her mother, loves author events.  So, when I heard that Shannon Messenger, a debut middle grade author, would be signing books in our area, I decided it would be a wonderful occasion for a little mother/daughter bonding.  And it was.  Changing Hands is a fabulous indie bookstore in Tempe, always an enjoyable place to visit.  We would have had a great time just browsing, but we were excited to listen to and meet Shannon Messenger, too.  Before signing copies of Keeper of the Lost Cities, the engaging author talked about writing and her path to publication.  Then she answered questions from the audience, several of which came from my little budding author, who (unlike her mother) fears nothing.  If she wants to know something, she asks.  Shannon answered all the inquiries very graciously.  Then, she signed books and chatted with everyone in line.  It was lots of fun. 

I haven't read Keeper of the Lost Cities yet, but my daughter has.  Several times, in fact.  She loves it and can't wait to see what Shannon Messenger does next!

2.)  A few weeks ago, MG fantasy author Brandon Mull visited the Phoenix area as part of his book tour for Arcade Catastrophe, the newest installment in his Candy Shop Wars series.  My daughter (the same bookish young lady I talked about above) came home with amazing news: not only would the author be visiting her school, but she had been picked to introduce him when he spoke to the student body.  Thrilled does not begin to describe her reaction to this fabulous opportunity.

I had planned to join her on the Big Day, but a monster cold was kicking my butt, so I ended up at the doctor's office instead.  My daughter said the whole thing was awesome.  She had lots of fun listening to and visiting with the very, very nice Brandon Mull.  Our whole family had actually gone to see him at Deseret Book the previous year (see photo above), but she was excited to spend more time with him.

The good folks at Shadow Mountain asked me to post the book trailer for Arcade Games (which I haven't read, but my daughter says is great) a few weeks ago.  I'm a little late, but here you go:



Pretty fun, right?

3.)  I abhor Black Friday shopping, let me say that right now.  But, when my mom and sister are visiting and want to chase deals at Deseret Book (since neither of them have one close to where they live), who am I to spoil the fun with my I-hate-Black-Friday attitude?  There weren't very many people at DB, thank goodness, plus there were some good deals going on, plus we finished our little excursion at Tia Rosa's, the best Mexican restaurant around, so it was all good.

Anyway, while I was in the store, I noticed Mark S. Nielsen sitting at a table signing copies of his book, I Believe in Jesus Too.  The title will probably sound familiar because I reviewed it not long ago.  As we chatted, Mark asked about doing another giveaway on my blog, just like the one I ran back in May.  Of course, I agreed.  It's a lovely book and I'm happy to help someone win a copy of it.  Although it's not preachy, I Believe in Jesus Too is about children who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Obviously, you don't have to be LDS to enter the contest, but I wanted to make sure you all know that it is about Mormonism.

Okay, so, up for grabs is one hardcover copy of I Believe in Jesus Too.  The giveaway IS open internationally.  Here's what you need to do to enter—just leave a comment on this post by midnight on January 1st saying that you're interested in winning the book.  For fun, why don't you tell me what you're looking forward to most this holiday season.  And ... that's it.  Easy cheesy.  Good luck!

Let's see, I think that's all I've got for you today.  Watch for more reviews to come, but if they don't happen right away ... forgive me, yeah?