Author Event Recap and Giveaway: Libba Bray

Hello readers! Tonight I had the privilege of attending an author event for the lovely Libba Bray!  I had met Libba at another signing so I knew I was in for a treat because this woman is laugh-out-loud hilarious!  The signing was held at the independent bookstore Vroman's in Pasadena, California.  Don't forget to scroll down and enter our giveaway for a signed finished copy of The Diviners below.

Libba as spunky as ever!

Libba was on tour for her newest book The Diviners, which is a mad-cap adventure, equal parts fun and creepy! You can read my review for it here. I'm happy to report that The Diviners is the first in a four book series, and each will be as long or close to as long as the first one.  Libba says the book doubles as an upper body workout, when you need a break from reading.  Libba started research on the 1920's four years ago as part of writing this book! Impressive, and it shows in the writing, in my opinion. 

A pensive Libba

Libba talked about her process she goes through writing stories and said she's often in the "naughty seat" when it comes to deadlines.  Her worst experience with that was with the writing of the last installment to the Gemma Doyle triology.  She said it "was like the Bataan Death March without the funny bits."  She turned in her copy and just knew it was just wrong.  She received back a twelve-page single-spaced editorial letter saying basically "what were you smoking when you wrote this?"  Obviously, she had much to change for the final copy and chalks up the difficulties to not wanting to say goodbye to the story.  

When questioned about how she gets rid of writer's block, she says she "just puts a dead body in something, if I feel blocked, I just need to disembowel someone."   Seriously, she said that she thinks writers block is about fear of being vulnerable and putting out something bad, and you have to get over that.  Fun fact: Did you know David Levithan, writer of Every Day is her editor?!

I had a blast at the this signing!  Libba could easily make a serious amount of cash being a comedian.  She's quick,  witty, and very obviously talented! 

I must mention this is the first time I've ever been to a signing where the publisher ordered pizza for the crowd attending and I thought it was very sweet and generous!  Way to go Little Brown Books for Young Readers!  

Ooooh books! I could browse for hours!

Meeting Libba again was a wonderful experience, but as an extra bonus, I also got to meet one of my first Goodreads friends, Arlene with Winterhaven Books!  We had such a blast, talking like we were old friends, even though we've never met in person before!  We shopped after in the amazing YA section.  (Vroman's has such a superb selection). We basically closed the coffee shop down, chatting and gossiping away after the event! It was so very nice to finally meet you, Arlene!  I hope we get to do again real soon.

We’d like to show our appreciation to you lovely readers so we’ve decided to give away a SIGNED finished hardcover of The Diviners.  The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  So fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!  The only requirement is that you follow the blog via GFC. The giveaway will run for two weeks, so make sure you get your entry in soon.  Thanks for visiting and good luck! 

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