Author News & Interviews

Author Talk: Gabrielle Zevin, author of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

Apr 3, 2014

Gabrielle Zevin is the author of award-winning books for young adults, including MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC and ELSEWHERE. Her latest novel for adults, THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY, is about a bookseller and collector who, after a series of tragic and disappointing events, is slowly but surely isolating himself from all the people around him. But when a mysterious package appears at his bookstore, it gives A.J. the opportunity to make his life over and the ability to see everything anew.

In this interview that originated from Bookselling This Week (a dedicated section of BookWeb.org), Zevin talks about how this book was inspired by the “trauma of getting published at 27,” and how the publishing world is different in real life than it appears in the movies (hint: There’s a way larger cast of supporting characters). She also discusses why bookstores are so beloved, why she chose to feature short stories in her novel, how risky it was to write a book about the book community --- and how lucky she feels to have its support.

Author Talk: Judith Miller, author of A Shining Light: Home to Amana, Book 3

Mar 21, 2014

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. In A SHINING LIGHT, the third and final book in her Home to Amana series, widow Andrea Wilson and her young son seek temporary refuge in the Amana Colonies. But will the peace she finds there convince her to stay? In this interview, Miller discusses wrapping up her Amana-set series, what about the Amana Colonies makes her stories so unique, and the evolving process of researching each book. She also shares some insight into the religion and culture of the Amana people, as well as what readers can expect from this concluding installment.

Interview: Jean Hanff Korelitz, author of You Should Have Known

Mar 20, 2014

Jean Hanff Korelitz is the author of a book of poems and four previous novels, including ADMISSION, which was adapted into a movie starring Tina Fey. Her latest work of fiction, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, revolves around Grace Reinhart Sachs, who is the author of a self-help book, You Should Have Known. When a disastrous series of events occurs weeks before the book’s publication, Grace must create a new life for her child and herself. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Norah Piehl, Korelitz talks about labeling her fiction as “cultural commentary” and researching self-help culture. She also explains her fascination with the dating phenomenon of “unknowing” your partner’s potentially irreconcilable quirks as you’re falling in love, how living in Manhattan has changed over the past 25 years, and why writing is easier in New Jersey.

Author Talk: Julianna Deering , author of Death by the Book: A Drew Farthering Mystery

Mar 19, 2014

British literature aficionado Julianna Deering is back with the second installment in her Drew Farthering Mystery series following RULES OF MURDER. When the family lawyer is murdered and found with an unusual clue in DEATH BY THE BOOK, can Drew Farthering and Madeline Parker solve the case before the hatpin murderer strikes again? In this interview, Deering opens up about why she felt compelled to continue Drew and Madeline’s story --- and their budding, albeit whirlwind romance --- as well as who her favorite new character is. She also talks about not judging a book by its cover (literally and metaphorically, of course), what she would be doing if she wasn't an author, and what kind of trouble we can expect Drew to get into next.

Interview: Nickolas Butler, author of Shotgun Lovesongs

Mar 13, 2014

SHOTGUN LOVESONGS is the debut novel of Nickolas Butler, whose writing has appeared in Narrative Magazine, Ploughshares, The Christian Science Monitor and elsewhere. Along the way, he has worked as a telemarketer, a coffee roaster, a meatpacker, an innkeeper (twice), a liquor store clerk, an office manager, a hot dog vendor, and an author escort. SHOTGUN LOVESONGS is the story of four friends who were all born and raised in the same Wisconsin town, and the powerful, tensile bond of their friendship --- held together by the inescapable pull of home.

In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Jennifer Romanello, Butler talks about the inspiration behind Little Wing, the town at the heart of the novel --- a setting that is so seamlessly integrated into the plot that it’s almost its own character. He also reveals why he decided to tell the story from multiple perspectives, the paradox of celebrity, and what he’s working on next.