We Heart Indies Day! *Contest*

Yes, it's possible this is a made up day, created by Lisa & Laura Roecker, but since I love independent booksellers and Lisa & Laura I'm playing along. To celebrate, I'm giving away books. Contest rules at the end. But first, why I love independent booksellers.


Sadly, my favorite independent bookstore, Books Etc. in Falmouth, Maine has now closed. What made Books Etc. so special is its booksellers. They were incredibly knowledgeable and well-read without being snobby. They'd recommend a deep literary novel, along with a current favorite romance or mystery. One Saturday, when I'd mentioned I was writing a YA novel, they handed me ARC of The Hunger Games and told me how much they'd all loved it. Yes, Borders and Barnes & Noble can stack piles of books to mark what they think will be a bestseller, but in my experience, it's the independent sellers that hand-sell smaller books until they hit the bestseller list. I really miss Books Etc. and it's incredible staff, who I could say to, "I need something good to read. What've you got?" and they'd hand me something unexpectedly great. 


Now, I'm looking forward to moving back to Santa Barbara, where, sadly, Borders and Barnes & Noble have both recently closed. But there is a thriving independent, Chaucer's Bookstore, with books literally stacked to the ceiling, and I can't wait to get to know its booksellers.


And now for the contest:


I'm giving away two books--there will be two winners, and each winner gets to pick the book they'd like to receive. Check my website for all the choices (adult and YA). http://www.leenicholsbooks.com/


One book will be given away today. All you have to do is @LeeXNichols on Twitter about your favorite independent bookstore and a random winner will be chosen. Contest ends at midnight, May 31st.


The second book will go to the person who leaves the best I <3 Indies comment on this blog. Tell me what you love about your favorite independent bookstore. You've got one week to leave a comment. Contest closes midnight June 7th.


Good luck and thanks for playing!

iClue Winners are announced!

It was so fun to be a part of this contest and we had an amazing turnout. Thank you to everyone who hosted our mini-mysteries and played the game!


The winner of the 6 autographed books is....

Melissa Wheelock!

Congratulations Melissa! You'll be getting an email shortly and each author will send you an autographed copy of their book. Thanks for your help spreading the word.



And the winner of the iPod Touch donated by The Reading Room, loaded with six AMAZING mysteries is...

Jasmine Miller!


Yay! Jasmine, you'll also be contacted by email for your info. Have to admit I envy you this awesome prize.


Thanks again for everyone who was involved. We couldn't have done it without you!




Next up: Lisa & Laura Roecker have declared May 31st We <3 Indies day. We'll be blogging about our love for Indies and giving away books. I'll be giving away two copies of my books—and you get to choose which ones. If you win you can even wait for Surrender to come out. So check back Tuesday for more fun!