Don’t you love when an author does a video that talks about the book he or she has written? This is getting to be a very common thing, and I really enjoy it. Part of the thrill of being a reader (to me) is finding out more about the author. That’s the reason I go to so many book signings and why I enjoy interviewing authors at my site Working Writers.

Robin Maxwell, who has written the wonderful O, Juliet, has done a couple videos talking about her life and her inspiration for writing the book. Robin has been one of my favorite authors for quite a while, and I had the pleasure of interviewing her a while back.

In this video she talks about her personal love story, her first novel, and how her husband helped her move from the city to the wonderful desert property where she lives now. I also liked how Robin talked about how her husband got her moving – literally! He is a physically fit person and got her moving more. Isn’t that the case with so many of us writers? We sit and write (and read) and often it takes someone or something to motivate us to get out of our head and into our bodies a little more.

Enjoy this video:

Robin is also having a giveaway contest at her blog. This one involves poetry, so you all know I’m very excited about it! (The world needs more poetry! Have I said that ten or twenty times here before?)

Back to the contest, and details from Robin:

There’ll be two separate contests (and winners), one for adults, and one for young poets age 13-18. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll need to let me know that in your entry. The winner in each category will receive a signed copy of O, JULIET, a Renaissance style leather-bound journal in which you can continue writing your award-winning poetry and prose, and a leisurely phone conversation with me.

To Enter, simply send in your poem (of any length) here to this blog by February 2nd. Please clearly include your name, email address and whether your poem should be judged in the adult or 13-19 year old category. The two winners will be announced on Valentines Day, 2010.

That’s all you have to do! Comment on her blog post and you’re entered. What a great prize.