Unless you’ve been living under a non-book related rock, you would know that LAINI TAYLOR (author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone and subsequent books) is in town! It’s rare that us Aussies get to meet an American author, so despite the fact that I had not yet read the series that everyone raves about I headed down to Library at the Dock last night to hear her talk and to see what it was all about, thanks to Hachette and The Little Bookroom.
Of course I bought the first two books in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy and picked up a cute Little Bookroom bookmark. My friend and I walked in right on 6.30 so we sat right up the back and when I tried to take photos the light was not kind to my phone, so no photos of Laini talking, unfortunately! She was so great to listen to though. She spoke about her writing process and how, before she started writing DOSAB, she actually had in the works a science fiction novel set on another planet where the military was kidnapping ballerinas! She did confirm that this book will never see the light of day – too bad, I reckon! Laini keeps inspiration journals as writing prompts and she said the start of the book always takes forever to write, while the end goes quite quickly. She still goes over her deadline though, and needs to take herself to a hotel just to be able to get the writing done. Laini also spoke about how her characters came to be and how the story developed, luckily without giving away spoilers! I am really looking forward to reading these books and I know I’m going to regret not buying book three right there and then!
When it came to the signing, we were at the back of the line (I always end up there!) so we had a quick chat with Laini about how she had enjoyed her whirlwind trip down under. She said she’s definitely planning on coming back which is always great to hear! I got a photo, too:
GIVEAWAY
Everyone’s favourite word, right? Well thanks to the great people at the event last night, I have one signed ‘An Evening With Laini Taylor’ poster to give away! Open to Australian residents only.
Crash My Book Party 
I only just started reading Laini Taylor’s books! And Daughter of Smoke and Bone absolutely blew my mind. I’m reading book #2 ASAP. That is so awesome you got to meet her, too! :))
So glad you enjoyed it, I am so excited to start them because so many people have said great things! She was so lovely too, I wish I’d had something smart to say about her books haha
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!! I was eyeing off this poster at the event – I love the colours. And does it help my chances if I tell you that was signed with my sharpie? LOL.
Great recap too! And I love the pic!!!
And as per your giveaway instructions, I am supposed to tell you why I love Laini’s books? Well, that would be a loooooong post. Let’s just say that I ADORE them 🙂
That was your sharpie? Haha Laini said she wasn’t sure who left it behind! Fun fact – the poster was designed by a friend of Leesa’s from The Little Bookroom 🙂
Everyone loves Laini’s books! I haven’t read a bad word about them 🙂
Yes. I took some things to get signed for a giveaway, but it was running so late we had to hurry through.. we didn’t get the things signed, but left the sharpie… at least it came to good use 🙂
Saw you getting the poster, second last in the line here haha. Totally regret missing the talk bit gah!
Oh no you missed the talk? That’s so unfortunate, it was a great talk! (not rubbing it in or anything!)
I got to meet her at the Hachette blogger night on Monday. It was so exciting because I absolutely love her books. I loved the story of how DoSaB came about. She was so inspiring and amazing. Glad you got to meet her 🙂
Yeah she was great to listen to, glad you love the books! I love reading such great recommendations 🙂
YAY, you got to meet her too 😀 Isn’t she just absolutely amazing and so, so sweet? I just started her series as well, while on the train to the blogger night haha. The first few chapters were already amazing! I’ve been meaning to pick up the books and read it, and now I have the excuse to finally join the bandwagon. I hope you enjoy the books Brit xx
She was just the nicest person ever! She didn’t mind signing the poster for me even though it was right at the end of the night and I’m sure her hand would have been sore. I’ve also been meaning to read the books for ages, I’m looking forward to being able to get on the bandwagon too haha
I’m about halfway through the first book and I absolutely can’t wait to finish it and continue with the rest of the series 🙂 I met Laini Taylor too and she was so lovely!
Are you going to post a review? Can’t wait to read it!
Though I haven’t yet read the second in the series, I absolutely adored Daughter of Smoke and Bones! It was definitely one of my favourite reads of 2013 — there was something about the way Laini Taylor took a really old idea, and twisted it into something new and fresh that I just loved so much. And of course her prose and characters were spectacular. 🙂
I love this series so much that it inspired me to go to Prague. And she is a really nice person as well. Got some great photos at the event