Have you ever had the chance to meet your favorite author? Been fascinated by an author you’ve never heard of based on a book talk? This year while attending the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting I attended a number of author panels. To kick off  the conference I saw Ruth Ozeki (My Year of Meats and A Tale for the Time Being – March 2013), Terry Brooks (The Shannara Trilogy) and the hilarious Gregg Olsen, (true crime and Young Adult fiction). I’d never heard of Olsen before and am not planning to read his books, but he’s a great speaker.

Ruth Ozeki and Terry Brooks

There was a panel for new authors and their books (sorry, no pics) including, Tara Conklin, with The House Girl, Dina Nayeri with  A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea and Margaret Wrinkle author of Wash.

Amity

I finished the conference with a book talk. Jacqueline Winspear is on the far left with her book, Leaving Everything Most Loved and the panel is watching Amity Gaige, as she introduces her latest book, Schroder.

Of course not all author sightings occur in formal settings. Here is a sample of author sightings from previous conferences. Can you match the author to their book?

1) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part–Time Indian
2) The Shining
3) When It Happens to You
4) A Game of Thrones
5) It’s a Big World, Little Pig!
6) The Joy Luck Club

— Pamela Mann