Melissa C. Walker's Blog, page 61

Cover Stories: Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

Lisa Schroeder's Far From You comes out in paperback this week, and it's got a new cover. I asked her for the back story: [image error] "I'm not a very visual person, so I really don't think about cover images when I'm writing the book. I also think it's important to be open to whatever the art department comes up with. I would never want to have my mind set on something specific and then be disappointed because it's so different from what I envisioned it to be."My publisher hasn't ever really asked for my ...

Readergirlz in January: E. Lockhart!

There is an amazing month at Readergirlz. We're focusing on The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, one of my very favorite books, and talking to author E. Lockhart all month about her inspirations, interpretations and things like music, book party ideas and what goes on in her writerly world. [image error] Join in on the blog discussions and definitely read this book! Also note the LIVE chat with E. Lockhart will happen on January 20th at 9pm EST/6pm PST. Fun, fun.Oh, and, Elizabeth Scott is the ...

Photo Friday: Holiday Food!

When I'm home in Chapel Hill, I get cheese fries at Linda's (yes, these made a cameo in Violet in Private too): [image error] And I get breakfast at Breadman's, with cheese grits, of course:[image error]And this year I was reminded of Betty Elliot's amazing Haystack cookies (have you guys had these?!). They involve butterscotch chips, Chinese chow mein noodles and peanuts, all melted together. Heaven! [image error] And now I'm back in NY snow, bundling up to get my New Year's coffee.[image error]Happy 2010! Eat well this year!PS-One more shot of C...

Win-It Wednesday: How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman

[image error] I'm giving away an ARC of this book by National Book Award winner Pete Hautman. It's about Kelleigh, a girl who--when bored, sick of her family and wishing she had a different kind of life--starts stealing cars. So, you know, the title's pretty accurate.Just tell me in the comments what your favorite gift--given or received--was this holiday season. Then you're entered to win. [image error] I think my favorite was the copy of A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban that I gave to my niece. I read it right...

Cover Stories: Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

[image error] When I saw the cover for Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves, I knew I'd have to ask her about the back story. That motion, those colors, that tagline: "Crazy never looked so beautiful." Divine. Here's Dia:"Before I ever got a book contract for BLEEDING VIOLET, I knew that writers had little or no say in what their covers look like... and my experience pretty much proves that to be the norm. But even though I knew I wouldn't be consulted, I thought that I should be prepared just in case. Better to...

Photo Friday: Pug Rescue!

It's Christmas and I'm home in Chapel Hill, so here's a quick one, via facebook update yesterday (all true!):

"Rescued a lost pug in the road, put up signs and craigslist post, reunited it with its owners (family with elated little girl). I'm like my own Hallmark special today!"

[image error]

[image error]

Merry, merry!

Win-It Wednesday: Holiday Hiatus

Last week's winners of the fabulous Tamora Pierce's books are: babygirlG (Trickster's Choice) and Raelena (Trickster's Queen)! Send me your addresses for the books!Now, go forth and hit a bookstore for those last-minute gifts. Need I remind you of indiebound's lovely reason why? They're wittier than I am, but here's mine: Giving someone a book gives them a whole world of adventures and people to meet and places to go and emotions to work through. I dare you to think of a more fulfilling way ...

Cover Stories: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

[image error] Maggie Stiefvater had one of my favorite covers this year with Shiver , and Linger--her upcoming summer release--is already a 2010 favorite. I had to hear the story behind these simple, subtle designs. Here's Maggie:"I was a professional artist before I went full-time with my writing, so I'm possibly even more opinionated about book covers than most authors. I had mocked up a few covers for SHIVER, but nothing that I was really happy with -- I was way too close to the project. They were all be...

Snowy Sunday

The view out my front window. Anyone else in snow?

[image error]

(And yes, we have bars on the street-level windows in Brooklyn. But aren't they artistic?)

Photo Friday: The New Kitten!

So we did end up getting two kittens (thanks for everyone's advice!). The second one's name is Winona (Winnie for short, and when she's in a cheerful mood). Here she is, sitting pretty, with attitude: [image error] And here's Swayze, eyeing the baby Christmas tree: [image error] The two of them get along... sometimes. Dave captured a still moment: [image error] I'm so glad we have two! You guys were right--Swayze is much happier with someone to bully, and she swats him right back. Happy Friday!PS-Aspiring authors: Have you heard about h...