"WORDS ARE, IN MY NOT-SO-HUMBLE OPINION, OUR MOST INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE OF MAGIC. CAPABLE OF BOTH INFLICTING INJURY, AND REMEDYING IT." ~ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

Monday, December 6, 2010

Me and Orson Scott Card (+ SIGNED ENDER'S GAME GIVEAWAY)

That's right, you read that title correctly!

Two weeks ago, I MET ORSON SCOTT CARD!!

*dies*



*revives*



*dies again*

PROOF:
Me & Orson Scott Card!!

Orson came to Northern Virginia for his first ever signing of his new book Pathfinder. (More on the amazingness that is that book later.) It was hands down one of my favorite signings ever. Not only because this man and his book Ender's Game (and the rest of that series) had a huge impact on the reading side of my literary journey, but because he was funny, and personable, and would sign as many books as someone wanted!! (Okay, that last part is just an added extra...)

He shared some fun stories and anecdotes, one of which I found really interesting: he doesn't reread books when writing their sequels. I guess an added benefit to having such a large fanbase, is that he's able to go to his online forum to ask questions if he can't remember. (For example, he couldn't remember what he'd already written about one character's father, so he just asked his forum and a reader answered for him!)

He also mentioned his love of nonfiction books, because those, he says, are the books that can really fill your head with foundation for great fiction. He spoke a bit about the Ender's Game movie in the works. (I can't wait!)

The entire experience was so... surreal to me. And yet, it so wasn't because Orson Scott Card puts it right out there that he's just a regular guy. But he's not, really. Not to me anyway. Ender's Game was required reading for me in either 8th or 9th grade in high school. I fell in love with it--and all the books that followed. I've reread it once every year or two since then, and I'll probably do so for a long time to come.

I still have my original copy, that I had for school, with my maiden name written in Sharpie across the top of the pages. It's pretty much in tatters, and I love it that way. But guess what? Now, I have a new, crisp signed copy--personalized, just for me! I know I'll continue to read my first copy because there's something about opening those soft and worn down pages that's as familiar as coming home to me (<---cheeseball alert!) but I love,love,love having my own signed copy.

And guess what else? I got a second signed copy to giveaway to one of you guys! I mean, I KNOW I'm not alone in my love of Ender's Game. I couldn't be selfish and just get my own without getting one for you guys too.

Therefore, my giveaway for the month of December is for a SIGNED Ender's Game and a SIGNED Pathfinder!

Two winners. One for each book. All you have to do to enter is:

1) be a follower
2) leave a comment on this post, telling me
        a) which book you'd rather win, if you're chosen
        b) or let me know if you don't have a preference
        c) OR if you don't win the one you prefer, please let me know
            if you don't want the other one
3) tell me where you're from, since this contest *IS* open internationally
    and I love to know where you guys come here from!
4) and leave your email address

You don't have to blog it or tweet it or whatever, though if you choose to that'd be cool too :) (Leave links to the places you spread the word in the comments of this post and I'll give you an extra point for each!)

I'll use random.org to select the winners.

This contest closes at midnight on December 31st, 2010--that way the winners can start the new year off with their new SIGNED Orson Scott Card books!

Thanks for stopping by!
Sara

65 comments:

  1. 1) be a follower (CHECK!)
    2) leave a comment on this post (CHECK!)
    a) Pathfinder =D
    c) I'll pass if I win Ender's Game, hopefully deferring to someone who doesn't own it/hasn't read it =)
    3) USA (Oregon)
    4) HornBowler@netscape.net

    Also added the contest to my sidebar (http://the-wolfs-den-147.blogspot.com/)

    Thankies!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1) I'm a follower!
    2) I don't have a preference as to which book (I'd LOVE to read them both)
    3) I'm from Canada - Ontario
    4) stellarbookblog@gmail.com

    I tweeted for you! http://twitter.com/#!/krystal_osmond/status/11779348264656896
    And I'm posting the contest on my sidebar! http://www.stellarbookblog.blogspot.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So jealous!

    1) i'm a follower
    2) I'd prefer pathfinder, but I'll take either :-)
    3) Florida
    4) sarah.nicolas.ya(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, thanks for the giveaway!

    I'm a follower!
    I'd love to own a signed copy of Ender's Game (I don't own it, just borrowed it to read it & I absolutely loved it), but I wouldn't mind Pathfinder, too 'cause I really want to read it!
    I'm from Macedonia!
    sandric.sk(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Sara! So awesome that you met Orson Scott Card! I'm totally jealous! ;)
    Please enter me in your contest.
    Thanks so much,
    Amy (Lady Reader)

    1. I'm a follower via GFC - Lady Reader
    2. Leaving a comment
    B. I don't have a preference. I love to have either one!
    3. ATL, Georgia
    4. amydelrosso@gmail.com

    Links:

    http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbabblingflow.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fme-and-orson-scott-card-signed-enders.html%3Fspref%3Dfb&t=Me+and+Orson+Scott+Card+%28%2B+SIGNED+ENDER%27S+GAME+GIV...

    http://twitter.com/ladyreaderstuff/status/11784371874824192

    http://ladysbookstuff.blogspot.com/2010/12/babbling-flow-me-and-orson-scott-card.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a follower!
    I'd like to win Pathfinder!
    I'm from the Philippines! Thanks for making this international!
    precious_shusky@yahoo.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Of cousse I'm a follower!
    Either one would be awesome, I've read Enders Game but dont actually own a copy (and anything signed my Orson Scott Card will make me squeel like a little fan girl)
    From Kansas!
    anedia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Long time follower!
    I would love either one, since I haven't read either of them. I wanna know the greatness!
    I'm from Utah!
    beckwithliz[at]rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. you mean it closes in 2010, not 2009:D FAB FIVEAWAY!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've seen Ender's Game around before, but still haven't read it yet (don't worry even if I don't win I plan on getting it from the library).
    That's pretty awesome how he goes to the forums when he can't remember what he wrote. ^_^

    GFC follower
    I'd like to win Ender's Game (since I've never read the series)
    US
    Tweeted HERE

    hauntingorchid (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  11. 1) be a follower (CHECK!)
    2) leave a comment on this post (CHECK!)
    a) Enders Game
    c) but, happy for either.
    3) You already know all my deets, but NJ, USA
    4) You have my email, etc.

    Also added the contest to my sidebar. :) And I'll tweet about it several times before it's over...not need to give me extra points, I do it because I loves you.
    Love the picture of you two. :)

    Huggles,
    Lola

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lucky you got to meet him!

    1) I'm a follower too!
    2) Both sound really good, so I'd be thrilled with either of them.
    3) Cambridge, MA
    4) tmilstein at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. 1) be a follower: CHECK
    2) leave a comment on this post, telling me
    3) tell me where you're from, since this contest *IS* open internationally
    and I love to know where you guys come here from! NAWF C'LINA (same as OSC)
    4) and leave your email address FIVE CAT A T G MAIL D OT CO M

    ReplyDelete
  14. That's so cool! Ok, embarrassing confession: I've never read Ender's Game! So I definitely want that one, though the other one looks awesome, too :)
    I live in Houston, TX, and my email is meredithmoore5@gmail.com. Thanks for the giveaway, Sara!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, great giveaway! what fun to meet the author in person :)
    I'm a follower living in Littleton, CO.
    I'd love to win Ender's Game, since I never have.
    My email is lisadgibson@live.com
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh man, this is beyond cool! I don't really have a preference because even though I have read Ender's Game it was YEARS ago, and besides I would LOVE to own a signed copy, but I'll take either one.

    I'm from Seattle, but I live just outside Atlanta.

    mattmrush(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Follower: Yep!
    Which one?: Either!!!! Though I'd love a new copy of Ender's Game. Mine is so well-read pages are falling out!
    Where From? Montana. Yee-haw!
    taylor.mathews at gmail dot com

    Also, I'm totally jealous you met him! SO COOL!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So cool, Sara! You'll have to tell me when you're going to these things - I'll def drive up! People rarely if ever come to sign stuff in H'burg - boo!! :(

    1) I'm a follower. (Well, not in life, but of your blog. ;))
    2) I don't care which I win, if I win. Both = fab!
    3) I'm from Harrisonburg, Va. :)
    4) ricki [at] rickischultz [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awesome! I attended a conference he spoke at once, and it was amazing. Can't wait for Pathfinder!

    ReplyDelete
  20. WOW!

    I am an old follower - I Read Banned Books
    I would love Ender's Game, but would take both.
    I'm from Austin, TX baby!

    jenbigheart(at)yahoo.com

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  21. OH MY GOSH! I love Orson Scott Card. So does my best friend, she's an Orson Scott Card fanatic! If I won this, it would be an AWESOME to give this too her for christmas :P

    I don't have a preference!

    I'm from Georgia!

    Thanks for this awesome giveaway!!!

    hilarystlaurent AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am a new follower (Lexie@BookBug)
    I would love Pathfinder but would take either!
    I'm from Logan, UT.
    Tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/LexieBookBug/status/11834354288300032
    lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm a follower
    I would love to win Pathfinder
    I'm from the US of A (Utah)
    thanks for the giveaway!
    -Danna
    adannabanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. How exciting! I will probably drool all over myself when I meet James Dashner next october - yes, I AM counting down the days! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  25. 1) I'm a follower!
    2) I would love to win Pathfinder, but Ender's Game is fine too.
    3) I'm from California.
    4) titania86[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm a follower, I'd love to own either, and I'm in Illinois. email: atall.noone(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. +1 follower
    +1 comment
    Pathfinder, please. Have Ender's Game. And Ender's Shadow, and...
    I hail from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
    Cinette5@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow. Now I gotta see if he's coming around here or if I already missed him. I'm in Dallas, TX, USA.

    Email is saulgoode35 at yahoo.

    The Ender series is one of a handful of books I grabbed when I got divorced. I took King's and Bradbury's writing books (On Writing and Zen), Boy's Life, and a few others I forget, but they're in a box in the garage because the new baby took over what used to be my office.

    I read and poke through Ender whenever I need some inspiration. I would've geeked out meeting Orson Scott Card.

    - Eric

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks so much for this!
    I didn't know Ender's Game was required reading. Too bad we don't have that kind of thing in Greece.

    +1 follower
    +1 comment

    I really don't mind, whichever book is fine, since I haven't read them! :)
    I'm from Greece. :)

    yvantis[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh that is so awesome that you were there a the signing!
    I would love pathfinder.
    GFC
    terilhack(@)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a follower.
    I'm commenting (duh!).
    I'd be happy with either since I haven't read Ender's Game. It's one of those books I've been meaning to read for awhile...
    I'm from Australia!

    jaded747[AT]gmail[DOT]com

    ReplyDelete
  32. *hyperventilates*
    *tries and fails to breath*
    *dies*
    *comes alive long enough to enter*
    Thanks for the awesome contest. I'd lurve either book. I'm also a long time follower/lurker.
    I hail from the City That Never Sleeps (which, if you don't know, is the Big Apple) (And if that isn't helpful, New Yawk Cite`! [New York])
    rivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ack!!! Oh my goodness! You lucky ducky. :) The Elements of Fiction Writing book he wrote (Characters and Viewpoint) changed my life! As for the contest...I am a follower, have no preference on which book, live in Oregon and my email is valgeary@gmail.com *crosses fingers*

    ReplyDelete
  34. So cool! I'm definitely a follower, and I would LOVE either book since I've heard so many great things about the author. :) I'm from Virginia and my email is pamharris1981@yahoo.com.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the giveaway!
    I'd love to win and read Pathfinder. I'm a GFC follower. I'm from the UK.
    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

    ReplyDelete
  36. 1) I'm a follower.
    2) I'd rather win Ender's Game because I've been wanting to read it since middle school but have never gotten around to it. I started reading it at a library then I noticed it had gross food markings on it so I quickly stopped reading it. Eek!
    3) I'm from the boring U.S
    4) lcintocable[at]gmail[dot]com

    Thank you and congrats on having met Orson Scott Card! I can only imagine how exciting that must have been!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'd really love to win either one. I've heard a lot about Orson Scott Card, and the Ender's Game specifically, but I haven't had a chance to read any of his work! Winning a copy will mean that I will finally get my chance to read it!

    I'm a follower :) and I'm from the US.

    contact[a]sectumsempra.org

    - Cialina from Muggle-Born.net

    ReplyDelete
  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  39. follow via GFC
    I'd loved to receive either book
    I'm from Israel
    eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

    I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/EVA_n_essence/status/12023505587535873
    I posted to my sidebar
    http://evasblackspot.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. 1) I'm a follower.
    2) I'd love to win Pathfinder.
    3) I'm from Malaysia.
    4) E-mail: aikychien at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. 1. Follower
    2. I'd love to win either book. I haven't read any Orson yet.
    3. I'm from the US
    4. findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Emma015/status/12162781763600385

    ReplyDelete
  42. 1. Follower!
    2. Ender's Game is officially my favorite book of all time. I haven't read Pathfinder yet. It's a tough decision, but I'd prefer Ender's Game because it's the one that I love to pieces. (Literally. My copy is falling apart.)
    3. I'm from Seattle, but college is Kentucky.
    4. tarynal@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Would love to win this one!

    1) Check
    2) Check
    B) No preference
    3) Ohio, USA
    4) stephanie AT stephaniemloree DOT com

    Extra link on my blog here

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Sara, new goodreads friend. I'm glad the book signing was such an awesome experience! I've never read this author, probably because I'm too old to have his books being required reading in high school! I'm a follower, from Ohio, preference for Ender's Game, and my email is jenniferlanebooks(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I, um... kinda want the signed Ender's Game. If I win, will you hand deliver it? I'll stock up on amaretto, if you want.

    And you know how to get hold of me if you need to. :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. +JMJ+

    What a fantastic giveaway! =D You were so lucky to have had Ender's Game as required reading in school.

    1) Yes, I'm a Follower!
    2) I prefer Ender's Game, but I'll take Pathfinder, too, if my name comes up.
    3) I'm from the Philippines. =)
    4) E-mail me at altaemoeniaRomae [at] Gmail [dot] com
    5) I'm spreading the word on my sidebar!

    Thanks so much! =D

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm a follower!

    I'd prefer Pathfinder, but haven't read nor do I have Ender's Game, so I'd be happy either way!

    I'm from Florida.

    my email is meredithfl at gmail dot com

    Thanks so much! Meredith

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have actually read Ender's Game but I don't have a copy on my bookshelf currently so I would prfer the new book but the old one would be fine as well.

    I am a Follower via GFC

    I am International from South Africa

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    Thanks very much for opening the giveaway to worldwide entries.

    Much appreciated !

    ReplyDelete
  49. Follower
    Commenting...
    Pathfinder
    I live in Indiana -
    regina.linton@gmail.com

    Great opportunity. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'm a follower! :)
    I have heard great things about these books, but have never read ANY, sooooo - if I win, I would like Ender's Game. (But I'll take Pathfinder, of course.) :)
    I'm from the great state of Texas!
    And my email is melodyauthoress AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Awesome contest Sara!

    1. I'm already a follower
    2. I'd love either copy
    3. I'm in the US (GA)
    4. My email is mehlane@gmail.com
    5. I mentioned the contest in a blog post: http://mehlane.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-which-i-share-some-stuff.html

    Thanks for having this! And I'm soooo jealous that you got to meet Orson Scott Card!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I'm definitely a follower of the blog. I know I already mentioned it but I am super envious you got to meet Orson Scott Card. The Ender's Game series have been some of my favorite books since I was a kid. I have a friend who knows him and I have tried ** SO HARD ** not to suggest a random roadtrip down to NC =) In the meantime, it would be awesome (!!) to win one of these books. I don't have a preference - I'm just hoping I'm lucky enough to win. Email is below. Oh - and I live in Maryland.

    sgardn (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm following via GFC as Jasmine1485 and I don't have a preference because I haven't read either :) I'm from Australia

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I follow the blog ^_^ .... I don't have twitter if you following via that route.

    My preference would be for Ender's Game but wouldn't mind winning Pathfinder either :)

    Email is azulchica311 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Obviously I follow you--you're a star on my blog.
    You already know my email and where I'm from (when you coming to visit?) and I choose to win either because, *shudders and hides face behind hands* I haven't read either of them.

    How embarrassed would you have been if I went to that signing with you? I should be banned from the literary world.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Why yes, I am a follower of Orson Scott Card. (That's a much nicer word than stalker, don't you think? Oh yeah, and don't tell Orson.)

    Anyway, if I'm the lucky winner, I'd prefer Ender's Game, although either book would be great. I'm in CT, as is my email: theothernate@yahoo.com

    And although it caused you to die twice, congrats on meeting OSC!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am a follower.
    If I won I'd prefer Ender's Game since I already have an arc of Pathfinder, and even though I'd love a signed copy, I'd rather let someone else have the chance to get the book.
    I'm from the US.

    jlynettes @ hotmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I'm happy with either!
    I'm from Fairfax, VA - Duh...
    BestDays128@gmail.com
    Kelsey

    ReplyDelete
  59. I follow via GFC as xlacrimax
    Both books would make me happy- no preference.
    I am from Lithuania.
    xlacrimax[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am GFC and Networked Blog Follower

    Love to read both of books. Because I have not read any of them

    I am from indonesia

    aleetha.ally at gmail dot com

    I tweet this giveaway
    http://twitter.com/#!/aleetha/status/18864333031219200

    I put it on my blog side bar
    http://bacaan-ally.blogspot.com

    share it on yahoo-meme
    http://meme.yahoo.com/aleetha/p/IECrIdc/

    Thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  61. 1. I'm a follower
    2. I prefer Pathfinder, but will gladly take Ender's Game
    3. Southern California
    4. jwoo1030@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. 1) Follower
    2) Ender's Game - but would love either
    3) US
    4) dmarks 199 at gmail dot com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  63. 1. Follower
    2. I prefer Pathfinder, but will gladly take Ender's Game
    3. US (Hawaii)
    4. khyla_808ATyahooDOTcom


    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/khyla_rahchelle/status/20216862113538048

    ReplyDelete
  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'm a follower!!!

    - I would love to win Pathfinder, but either is fine!!!

    - I'm from Illinois!

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

Yay! I love when you have things to add :)