Author News & Interviews

Interview: Francine Rivers, author of Bridge to Haven

Apr 24, 2014

Francine Rivers has been a bestselling author of Christian fiction since the mid-'90s, when her highly acclaimed statement of faith, REDEEMING LOVE, was re-released by Multnomah Publishers. Her latest novel, BRIDGE TO HAVEN, is about a young woman named Abra, whose early childhood trauma has left her angry and confused. Seduced by the glamour of Hollywood life, Abra burns every bridge to get what she thinks she wants --- only to find the price of fame too high, and the attention not enough to heal her broken heart. In this interview conducted by reviewer Michele Howe, Rivers talks about the biblical story that inspired BRIDGE TO HAVEN and how her personal struggles are present in all her writing. She also discusses the sometimes-paradox of heartache, the difference between what the world calls “love” and love that is real, and the transformative power of accepting God into our hearts.

Interview: Holly Peterson, author of The Idea of Him

Apr 4, 2014

Holly Peterson is a former journalist and the bestselling author of THE MANNY. Her writing has been published in the New York Times, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and numerous other publications. Her latest novel, THE IDEA OF HIM, brings readers back into the world of the Manhattan elite. This time, it’s about Allie Crawford, who is forced to face the reality of her “perfect” marriage when she finds her husband cheating on her. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Bronwyn Miller, Peterson talks about why women sometimes fall in love with “the idea of” men, why it’s important not to marry someone for his or her résumé, and why leaving a relationship can be easier than staying in one. She also discusses her own writing habits, and how Allie is a complicated character whose messy life any woman can relate to --- regardless of her social status.

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.