CONTEST: Win an Autographed Book by Peninsula Native Maria Murnane

Last year, Patch who, in just a year or two, went from selling self-published copies of her first novel out of the trunk of her car, to touring the country as a published author, armed with contracts from both Amazon Encore and Random House.

Today, Murnane - a Palo Alto native who graduated from Paly and whose family still lives in Midtown - is living the dream in New York, and has turned that first successful novel, Perfect on Paper, into a series, which is also being shopped to Hollywood producers as a potential movie.

Her character, Waverly Bryson - named for one of her favorite streets in Palo Alto, Waverley Street - is one just about everyone can relate to, who attempts to navigate several embarrassing dating moments and career missteps, all while watching her friends become successful, get married and have babies.

Murnane's third book in the Waverly Bryson series, Honey on Your Mind, hits the shelves July 24, when she will be back in her hometown for a couple of release parties.

Patch will be on hand to support Murnane on Tuesday night, July 24 at 6 p.m., when she will be celebrating and signing copies of her book in downtown Redwood City at , 2048 Broadway St.

HOW CAN YOU WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF ONE OF MARIA MURNANE'S BOOKS?

Inspired by the humorous trials and tribulations of her heroine, Waverly Bryson, Murnane wants to hear a hilarious tale of YOURS.

In the comments, share with us a "Waverly moment" of your own - be it a dating mishap, a career foible or just one of those I-once-stepped-out-downtown-with-toilet-paper-stuck-to-the-seat-of-my-pants-kind of stories.

Two winners will be selected to receive an autographed copy of one of her books (you get to pick which book in the series you want to receive).

You can choose to meet Murnane in person at her release party in Redwood City on July 24 and pick up your prize from her directly - and get the chance to meet and chat with her! - or if you can't make it to the event, we'll make sure your copy reaches you by mail or delivery.

If you're too shy to share an embarrassing story, just leave a comment letting us know your name and that you'd love to give one of Murnane's books a read.

Leave your comment by Sunday, July 22 at 5 p.m. The two winners will be announced first thing Monday morning, July 23.

to read Patch's interview with Murnane in 2011, shortly after signing her major publishing deals.

to read Murnane's blogs, which appear regularly on Palo Alto Patch.

OFFICIAL RULES AND DEADLINES:

• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
• To enter, leave a comment on this article, and INCLUDE YOUR NAME so we can announce you as the winner if you win.
• All entries must be received by this Sunday, July 22 at 5 p.m. (in other words, comments must be logged on the site by that time).
• You may enter as many times as you like, as long as each tale you share is different.
• Two winners will be selected in a random drawing.
• Each winner will receive an autographed copy of a book in the Waverly Bryson series by Maria Murnane. The winner may select which book in the series they would like to receive. Approximate value of each prize is $25.
• To view the full official rules of this contest, see the PDF form available for download in the photos section of this article.

Enter now!