Friday, November 11, 2011

Wendy Delsol Interview and Giveaway!


What makes you feel like you’re reading or have read a truly amazing book?

Great question. There are intangible qualities to great books. My first litmus test is pretty simple: can I set it down? Or am I reshuffling my schedule to build in more reading time? While an urgency to know what happens next is a part of my definition of an amazing read, there’s more to the package.

I love it when a book creeps into my conscious thoughts. I’ll find myself thinking about the situations and characters while—and even long after—the book is out of my hands.

While reading, there are times I will stop to reread a passage or section that is emotionally charged or highly insightful. I’ve even gasped at such moments. Kudos to the writer who can knock the wind out of me.
And, finally, a great book will equal parts motivate me and humble me.

How did you find your covers and if you didn't take part in the search what is your opinion of them?

Covers contractually belong to the publisher. While authors are sometimes consulted as to ideas, style, etc., they are not directly involved in the production of the cover art. And thank goodness, in my opinion. There are many more talented visual artists than me. Moreover, there is a science behind covers. Everything from background color, font, image (a photo, drawing, inanimate object, symbol, etc.), type size, and more are considered for genre, target audience, and current trends.
I will say that I’ve been very lucky so far. One does hear stories of authors who are unhappy with their cover. And it’s always one of my very favorite days in this crazy business when that first glimpse of art is sent over the wires.

When you are reading which do you prefer: paperback, hardcover or e-book?

I’ve yet to read a book on any kind of e-reader. I’m not against the format; it’s just after a full day on the computer, my eyes need a rest from the screen. My preference for paperbacks has more to do with cost than what I like to hold while reading. I do buy most of the books that I read. My husband is also an avid reader. That’s not to say if something compelling is out in hardback that I won’t buy it. I most certainly do.

Current favorite band?

I’m going to be such a disappointment to you here. I don’t follow music trends very much. My sons will be ashamed of me for this admission, I fear, but it’s true. I don’t listen to music while writing. And in my car, I opt for talk formats such as NPR (National Public Radio) over music. My all-time favorite song is Moondance by Van Morrison. How’s that for dating myself!

Best movie you have ever seen?

Now, movies I like. So another good question. Shakespeare in Love was superb and so well written. The English Patient is also a wonderful film. Though it’s more of a mini-series than a movie, the Pride and Prejudice adaptation with Colin Firth is my all-time favorite. And it is probably no coincidence that Colin is in all three of the movies I mentioned. Sigh. My favorite movie this year is The Help; it’s a great novel as well.

In the world currently so many people have self esteem issues. Name one thing you like about yourself.
My sense of humor. I try not to take myself, and life in general, too seriously.
If we’re talking about a physical trait, something I had no influence over, I guess I’d have to say my smile. I enjoy when life gives me an occasion to, anyway



ANNNDDDD a big round of comments/giveaway entries for Wendy Delsol for her interview and this amazing giveaway:
You can enter to win your choice of ONE of the following:



Thank you for joining us and for the amazing giveaway!



Please only enter if you live in the US or Canada:


23 comments:

  1. Great interview.

    I love your covers.

    I'm also a Colin Firth fan since the first time I saw him in Circle of Friends.

    carmen19582002@yahoo.com

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  2. Can I just say that I loved Stork? The story was great and I loved the use of the Jack Frost mythology.

    rockchick531@gmail.com

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  3. Tanya, I completely agree! I LOVED it. It was so unique while still being both serious and playful. Crazy good book. <3

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing with us today. I also loved the miniseries/movie of Pride and Prejudice, although I am not sure we have the same adaptation in mind. I loved the old Masterpiece Theater version that was on and is replayed occasionally on PBS. While I love holding a "real" book, the smell of it, and the beautiful covers; I am finding ebooks very convenient space wise and for ease of being able to hold the book comfortably without having to sit at a table to read one of the more awkward sized books. You should try it - I won't tell and you will not be a disloyal bibliophile :) I have not yet read your work, but look forward to doing so, and appreciate the giveaway opportunity.

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  5. I love the P&P with Colin Firth too. Thanks for sharing, and the book covers are beautiful!

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  6. I adore Colin Firth...and I am in the middle of that P&P mini series now!


    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

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  7. I love actual books. Don't get me wrong, I love my kindle so much! But there is just something about looking at the books on your bookshelves tat makes me happy.

    chelle2006 @ aol.com

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  8. Oh, this is US/CAN only. :(

    The interview was excellent! I loved the questions really good!

    Niina

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  9. Thank you for your post. I am looking forward to reading your books (I have Frost, it was a gift)
    I love my ereader. I have a tablet actually but I am going to get the Nook Tablet or Kindle Fire. The Nook Tab looks pretty awesum to be honest.
    I ran out of space for all of my paperback & hardcover books. They ended up in boxes and milk crates in my basement :(
    I am in the works of creating a reading nook to read, write reviews, do crafts, etc.
    Follow Friday@BOOKS & BEYOND

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  10. Great interview. I love to learn more about authors. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway! dsafford001@yahoo.com

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  11. Wow, it's always nice to learn more about one of your favourite authors. <3 I have yet to read 'The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls. I heard it's beautifully written and I really want to own it instead of borrowing it from the library. My parent's don't really approve of me buying books, claiming it's a 'waste of money.' I know right? Ridiculous. So please, it'd mean the world for me to finally read this book! I've been wanting to read it ever since it came out in August! :) Thanks!

    e-mail: book-addict@hotmail.ca

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  12. Thank you for the fantastic giveaway I loved learning about what Wendy had to say!

    moonlightbookreviews@gmail.com

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  13. That is amazing! I really can't wait to read Frost, I hadn't even known that it was out! Now I have to go get it, I am real excited!
    Thanks for the chance of this giveaway!
    my email is: janaehaygood@gmail.com

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  14. Thanks for the great giveaway and post!

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  15. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  16. Great interview!! And thank you so much for an awesome giveaway! :)

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  17. Awesome giveaway!! thanks for the opportunity!!

    Patti

    patti@bookcloseouts.com

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  18. Great post, great books. :)

    Alexandra~

    http://www.wordsoftheworlds.blogspot.com

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  19. I love the cover of Frost. Colin Firth is an amazing actor. I haven't seen the English Patient but I really should.

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