Judging a book by its cover, an interview with a graphic designer

He's got his game face on.

It's something that we all do. Maybe it's wrong or shallow, but we really do judge on appearances. Well, the appearances of books at least.

We do that slow shuffle down our favorite book-aisle, skimming through the titles with our heads bent slightly to the side (so we can actually read the book spines). When one finally strikes our fancy, we pull that book off the shelf to check out the cover, then turn it over and read the synopsis... well sometimes we do that. Other times after checking out the cover we put the book back and start that odd looking shuffle all over again. Most of us don't realize we're doing it, just something about the book wasn't interesting anymore so we forget about it and move on. 

We are visual people, and that's a fact that book publishers are well aware of. A good graphic designer can help turn a great book into a bestseller.

I want to give ya'll an inside scoop on how graphic designers do their job, and to do that I decided to interview Bruce Gore, the art director for Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

AoW: Kelley Armstrong

For a #1 New York Times bestseller, Kelley Armstrong is pretty unknown. Let's fix that, shall we?

To date, this Canadian author has 29 books and novellas published (30 in July), and that doesn't include the dozens of anthologies she's featured in, or the online freebies she frequently writes. Her first book was published in 2001, so she is a writing machine. She is from Canada and many of her books take place either there or northern U.S. She also has a degree in psychology, which enables her to write a depth to her characters that other authors seem to lack. Go visit her Facebook or website, there's always a contest going for freebies.

So far she has currently has three series out:

Women of the Otherworld has been her main writing-squeeze for the past eleven years. They are definitely Urban/Contemporary Fantasy and include a wide array of supernatural talent: werewolves, witches, vampires, demons, ghosts, and necromancers to name a few. The main character in each book is a supernatural woman, and most of the plot lines are 'who done it' mysteries and tied up by the end of the book. There is usually a romantic subplot, and as such usually has a steamy 'grownup' scene or two, but it isn't over done or corny, and most importantly DOESN'T detract from the story; it will not read like the novelization of an 'adult feature', rather like that of an action film meets romantic comedy. The fact that her July release will be her last in the series makes me sad and proud at the same time. Instead of continuing a series past its finish time just to make more money, she's going to focus on her other works so she can continue to write creative, high quality, new stories (she is saying that a random book or short story isn't out of the question, but only as the muse strikes, not as a contract does).

The Edison Group actually includes two trilogy's so far: Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising. These books are based in the same world as Women of the Otherworld, but are YA with each trilogy focusing on a different heroine and group of teenage supernaturals that are the results of various supernatural gene experiments. I haven't come across too many authors who are able to switch genre's from adult to YA, but Kelley makes it seem easy. They are definitely appropriate for tweens, while able to remain interesting for her adult fans. She writes from a teenager's perspective really well, they think (supernatural) teenage thoughts, and partake in (supernatural) teenage activities... well, they do when they aren't on the run from evil scientist's and their 'experiments'. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

Nadia Stafford is the series she's published the least of. This is an action packed series with no supernatural/sci-fi leanings, just pure kick-ass killer woman. I really wonder what kind of research Kelley did with these, because the main characters are mostly hit-men (people?) and she writes the roles very convincingly. I've never met a hit-person before, but I can imagine they act, talk, think, and behave pretty closely to what she's written. Fascinating actually, and I couldn't put these books down even though they aren't in my preferred genres. She really shows that deep down she is a mystery writer, and all the paranormal wrappings in her other books are just that: wrappings. Fortunately for Nadia fans out there, with Kelley finishing up her Otherworld series, she plans on spending some time on this one, with a possible book out in late 2013.

Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, and Kim Harrison should give her books a try. You won't be disappointed. 

AotW: Interview with Marilee Brothers

There are probably a hundred reasons why I love my Kindle and Marilee Brothers is definitely one of them.

She is an author that I probably would never have discovered without it, and an author that I have grown to love these past couple of years. She has several books in The Unbidden Magic series; a YA series about a spunky girl named Allie who discovers her magical talent after a tussle with a satellite dish (she lost). They are great reads, and absolutely appropriate for the young adults, but still fun to read for us older YA readers.

Marilee keeps herself busy; she publishes about a book every year and has a great book blog. As busy as she is though, I've found that she is great about responding to any questions or comments I might write to her on Facebook or twitter. 

So great, in fact, that she agreed to do an interview with me so that you guys can get to know her a bit better.

What kind of jobs did you have before you started writing and when did you

realize you wanted a career change?

I was very young (19) when my husband and I married. Two baby boys quickly

followed. Several years later, we sold all our earthly possessions and moved to a

college town. Through a series of part-time jobs, scholarships, student loans and

juggling baby-sitting duties, we both obtained degrees with teaching certification. We

began teaching. Another baby boy came along. (Gee, how did that happen?) Later, my

husband went into school administration and I became a school counselor. However, I

always loved the world of books. Even though I had very little spare time, I was either

reading or writing. I even managed to sell some poetry. It wasn’t until my kids were

grown and gone that I had the time and energy to attempt a book. My first book was

published in 2008. Since then, I’ve had a book published every year.

What was the most influential book or author you’ve read? Tell us how it

affected or influenced you.

Just one book? You’ve got to be kidding! Here are some that linger in my memory.

Favorite memoirs: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and Unbroken by Laura

Hillenbrand. For pure reading enjoyment: The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

and Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. YA series: Can’t beat The Hunger Games. When I

get stuck in my own writing and want to read beautiful, lyrical prose, I read any book

by James Lee Burke. As you can see, I’m a very eclectic reader.

What are you reading right now?

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown, Bossy Pants by Tina Fey and Roadside Crosses by

Jeffrey Deaver.

Tell us something about yourself that people wouldn’t guess.

I taught physical education and coached a winning volleyball team for a number

of years. I play an ugly game of golf but enjoy hacking my way around the course. I

absolutely love to fish but always give them away because I don’t like eating them.

Out of all your books, is there a character that you relate the most with? Which

one is most like you?

Allie Emerson, my protagonist in the Unbidden Magic series has all the qualities I wish

I’d had when I was her age. She’s brave. (I wasn’t) She doesn’t let her circumstances

hold her back. (I did) I guess you could say Allie is my alter ego. The character I relate

to the most is Allegra Thome, in my adult romantic suspense, The Rock and Roll

Queen of Bedlam. Allegra teaches behavior-disordered teens as I did. Many of the

Books Suggestions for Everyone

This guy has found his next suggestion victim. 

Suggesting books is a frequent occurrence for many of us avid readers. We take any opportunity to make these suggestions; we make them to friends, family members, and even random strangers that glance our way. We walk into books stores only to end up dragging other customers through our favorites, handing them book after book of things we know they'll just love, all because they made the mistake of commenting about the selection,  or of looking confused in our favorite aisle, or even of just making eye contact with us. You've probably encountered us before, hell, you probably have one of our books that we thrust upon you collecting dust on your bookshelf.

Now, I have a few different 'suggestions' lists. I have lists of my favorite authors, of series in a particular genre, of YA books, and so many more.

I also have a list of books I think everyone should read no matter your specified genre. A list of books (or series) I think almost everyone would like if they just gave them a chance, and that will never be completely out of date (at least I hope not).

A list that I am going to share with you.

Book Review, a Report Card for Jenny Pox

Report Card Book Review Title Jenny Pox Book list price $9.99 Author JL Bryan eBook Price $0.00-2.99 Publisher Self-Published Stand alone/Series Series Genre YA Fantasy/horror # in Series 1 of 3 Story- Overall Grade B Everyone knows Jenny Mittens; the social outcast whose daddy is a drunk and who wears gloves year round. She refuses to be affected by her role in the small town s lives in, knowing hat her ‘untouchable’ attitude is actually saving lives. Jenny’s bare touch spreads a plague, Jenny Pox, and she’s spent her life without the comfort of skin-to-skin contact. Her life changes when she discovers two of her classmates share a similar quality, showing her that love can be a pox all it’s own. Plot B Romantic Subplot B Seth could have been better developed, and I would have like more chemistry between the two of them, but still satisfying. Originality B The concept behind the magic is brilliant, but the storyline and characters are reminiscent of many other YA. Magical system A Magic with no purpose but to destroy or kill and activated simply by touch was a welcome change from the norm. ‘Adult Content’ D Too explicit for most YA readers. Some of the scenes seemed to be added for shock value. Drugs were also added, but within context. Ending C I like the direction the ending was going, but feel the author changed it last minute to be able to write sequels. Characters B Most of the characters were completely forgettable. Jenny was great though; she was well developed and atypical.  Protagonist A I love her. She’s not perfect, but she seems real. I’m a sucker for outcasts though. Antagonist B Ashleigh fits too well in a popular yet evil archetype, but her magic was fun and she had well-laid [evil]plans for the future Supporting characters. D They were just stock characters, seemingly interchangeable with each other and fit their stereotypes exactly. Overall Development B POV floated between Jenny and Ashleigh, making them well developed. Other characters came up short by comparison. Character relationships B Author did a decent job, though the relationships were more described than shown; made interactions seem a bit awkward Good role model A- Not a codependent whiner, Jenny knows when to take action and how to think for herself, but marks off for her killing spree Writing B This would be an A if the editing had just been better. I felt there were several scenes that didn't match the otherwise great flow and should have been worked on or cut .* This part has been updated, and I intend no offense to the author** Prose B Author’s Voice A Love his voice. Book really read like a YA, and he really imparted his own sense of style in it. Editing C This book would definitely benefit from better editing. There were pages that seemed superfluous and I found myself skimming a bit. The grammar had room for improvement, though the format, spelling, and punctuation seemed good. Punctuation, spelling and grammar B Additional Notes- Overall a good read. Neat concept, and one I haven’t seen before. The characters fit into the archetypes that are so common in YA fiction, but for the protagonist and antagonist their actions go way beyond the normal and make up for it. I will be reading the other two in this series, and keeping an eye on this author for future releases. There are some graphic scenes that include sex and drugs so this may not be appropriate for younger teens/tweens, though I still consider it a YA book. One of the leading storylines is about the ‘bad-guy’ using Christianity/youth programs as a way to influence others as part of her evil plot. There was no true Christian character, the ones that claim that title in the book are bad, manipulative, or just stupid and I can see how people could find that offensive. I have no idea if this was a reflection of the authors’ own views on organized religion. Some of the scenes have rather grotesque images, ie rotting disease-ridden flesh.

AoW: Anne Rice

Anne Rice. I'm sure most of you have heard of, if not read, her works. I've been a huge fan of her writing since I was a tiny tween, and I can honestly say that her books helped mold me into the bibliophile I am today.

I could have sworn sunlight
would kill me.

Most people know her for her groundbreaking Vampire Chronicles; one of the first to create the 'lovable' bloodsucker that so floods our bookstores now. She is an author where quality trumps quantity every time, never releasing more than a book a year and rarely even that frequently. Her books can always manage to sweep you into a world away; a world where you don't exist and you live every moment through the hero or heroine, even when they are so drastically different than you yourself are. While reading  you can't help but be what she wrote until you turn that last page, which can be a bit alarming; after all, her characters do, say, and want things that are, by definition, supernatural, so don't be surprised if you start calling your friends 'mon ami', get a slight aversion to sunlight and are uncharacteristically thirsty. If you haven't read any of her work and aren't a fan of horror/preternatural fiction, don't write her off quite yet. Anne has also put her stamp on a number of other genres, everything from historical fiction to Christian fiction and even an erotica series(oh my!).


It isn't just her writing that I am such a fan of. Mrs. Rice is a true role model; as an author, and as a strong woman. She stands firm with her beliefs no matter the controversy that may be behind them. I may not agree with everything she believes but I truly respect her. Check out her Facebook page sometime. She and her fans are always posting news articles of various topics, and she is great about adding her two cents whenever possible.


Now, Anne already has an auto-biography out there so I'm not going to go over her full life story for you. I will, however, tell you some of the more interesting points.

• Her given name is actually Howard, after her father. It wasn't until she started school that she ditched it and started going by 'Anne', a name she picked because it was pretty.
• Her mother was an alcoholic
• She married her high school sweetheart, poet (and painter) Stan Rice, having two children and 41 yrs together until his death of brain cancer 2002.
• Interview with the Vampire started life as a short story.
• Her first child, a daughter name Michele, died in 1972 at age five due to leukemia. A few months previous to her diagnoses Anne had a dream that her daughter was dying because there was "something wrong with her blood". Her character Claudia in Interview with the Vampire is said to have been created to help overcome the loss, since she rewrote the original short story into a bestselling novel while grieving.
• After this tragedy, Anne and Stan relied heavily on drinking; a habit they stopped when their son, Christopher, was born.
• Her father, Howard O'brien wrote a children's book called The Impulsive Imp. Anne has fond memories of her father reading chapters of this book to her and her sister as he wrote them.
• Alice Borchardt, her sister, was also a talented writer (and one of my favorites). Unfortunately she died in 2007.
• Writing is certainly a family occupation, because her son Christopher Rice is also a bestselling author, and is a contributor to the LGBT-related magazine, The Advocate.
• Anne is a diabetic, and has had two near death experiences.
• She considered herself an atheist for most of her adult life, having left religion behind when she turned 18. She returned to Catholicism in 1998, though she didn't agree with the church on several social issues. In 2002 Anne stop writing the Vampire Chronicles, instead dedicating her writing entirely to Christ.
• In 2010 Anne very publicly renounced her dedication to Christianity, though she remains committed to Christ, stating that:

"My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me. But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been, or might become." 

•  Anne lived in New Orleans until age 16, when she moved to Texas with her family. She didn't return to live there until 1988, and wrote The Witching Hour to celebrate her homecoming. New Orleans is the setting for many of her books, another fad she started in the genre (I can name at least 2 other Vamp authors who base their stories here).
• Anne moved to California in 2005 to be closer to her son, selling her Garden District home.

Clearly this remarkable woman has had more bumps in the road than anyone deserves, and those were just a few notes on the remarkable journey that has been her life. A true artist and storyteller, she is the Queen of Horror, but isn't limited to that. She's been a vocal advocate for many causes, including gay rights/equality, women rights, and the rights of children, especially when concerning persecution from traditional/outdated religious views. You don't have to agree with her views, but unlike so many famous (and not so famous) people who seem to only be occupied by their own lives, she tries to initiate change from the problems she sees in the world by keeping informed and informing others. She has earned my respect, and I hope yours as well.

Irrefutable proof that vampires sparkle burn in the sun.

To sum it all up, Anne Rice is the bee's knees. You either love her, or you just haven't read her work yet. Well, that may not be true, but to me she is an inspiration and anyone who doesn't think so... well you're weird. I mean, she wrote about vampires who suffered through the same issues we face: loneliness, morality, love, meaning of life, and religion back when it was taboo; she made them conscientious, romantic, and terrifying... and she did it all without a single sun-inspired sparkle!

About me, and about this blog

Books have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my strongest childhood memories are of story-time before bed. It was a special time; my mom, as a single parent, worked long hours and it was guaranteed quality time for us. Most of you probably have similar memories of bedtime stories: excitedly picking out the night's book, having mom or dad sit in bed next to you with the book propped open, pointing to all the different pictures, and of course, asking over and over for one more page (or chapter, or book) before finally dropping off to sleep. As soon as I was able to, there was a role reversal in our household and it became my responsibility to read the night's tale to my mom. Every night I would proudly stammer my way through my Seuss collection; I felt cool when I'd brag to my friends about how I got to read the bedtime story. 


It wasn't until I was a little older that I understood the real reason my mom made me read at night. My mom is dyslexic. After a 12 hour work day, reading anything was hard work for her, not to mention reading aloud. It wasn't just that she wanted me to read because she didn't want to anymore; she wanted me to master a skill that would always be difficult for her; wanted me to really love the written word in ways that she just can't. Don't get me wrong, my mom likes to read, but for her it's not the relaxing pastime it is for so many; for my mom, and many others with this disorder, it takes conscience effort to translate all those letters into words, words into sentences, and sentences into something that makes sense. So, earlier than most, I learned to appreciate reading. I viewed each book I read as a gift. I read a lot, and enjoyed doing so. 


I was age 10 or 11 when I really started to love reading. I was a weird kid and as an only child I spent a lot of time around adults that spoke to me as an adult, cousins that I annoyed the heck out of, or other only-children who were equally strange and lacking in social skills. When we moved away to another state, going from coastal VA to Nashville, I went from kinda weird kid who hangs with other weird kids but is kind of tolerable to really strange new girl who talks kinda funny and acts kinda different, and of course this is right in time for middle school. The few friends I did make (very good friends, I might add) were in different schools or classes and I was lonely. Well, I was lonely until my wonderful aunt gave me something that changed my life. She gave me a book, and not just any book either; she gave me Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. Since I already liked reading, and there was nothing else for me to do, I read it. Then I read the next book in the series, then the next and so on. Most of the books I'd read before had come from the school library and reading her work was an eyeopening experience. I didn't know books could be so beautiful, that authors could create worlds so real you feel you've been there and characters you feel you've known your whole life. I had never seen the English language to powerfully used and I came to view writing as the art it truly is.  Reading became a passion an addiction for me, and my books became my friends. They were friends that took me to different places, times, and worlds where everything was possible. They made me laugh, cry, and fall in love.They kept me company, and they kept me sane, letting me escape the world that my tween self felt so alone in, their worlds becoming more real than my own. 


Eventually I got a little less awkward and made actual human friends, a group of people who thought my social ineptitude was quirky and fun. I started writing a little, encouraged by a couple teachers who recognized my wild imagination as a blessing rather than an annoyance, though I have yet to finish any of the multitude of stories that I have started. Now I can say real life has made me laugh, and cry, and fall in love. I still read, in fact books have been my one constant interest in my rather flighty life. I love reading books and learning about the authors who wrote them. I'm always interested in articles that discuss literacy, or have book reviews, or questions the quality of today's writing. I'm passionate about fairy tales and fables and the lessons they provide, and about the evolution of folklore into New York Times  bestsellers. I'm always interested in movies based on books, often reading the book right before so I can do a better mental compare and contrast, which I usually end up doing in the theater out loud (much to the chagrin of my husband).


And you know what?
I'm not the only one. 


What better way to succumb to my obsession than to start a blog about it? A blog that other people like me can come to and, hopefully, enjoy. I won't just be writing book review after book review like so many other blogs (not that there is anything wrong with that; I really like some of those blogs!). I want to tell you about my favorite authors, books, and movies based on books; share my thoughts on childhood reading, the terrible role-models that are so prevalent in YA fiction, and anything else that I might find relevant or interesting. 


I want to create a new niche for others like me; people who have found solace on a printed page, made friends with imaginary people, and believed in impossible things while reading. A place where (courteous) debates and suggestions are welcome, and comments and conversations are encouraged. A place where no one is alone in their love of books and everything they entail.


So welcome, and enjoy.


Regan Claire