October 2008

If you’ve ever wondered why you hear lots about some books and not so much about others, this week’s guest blogs by Michelle Moran and M.J. Rose, for agent Nathan Bransford, are required reading. You’ll get the inside scoop on what authors should spend on PR, publicist pros and cons, dealing with bad reviews, cover

For the record, I’m an Alaskan hockey mom whose wardrobe includes outfits suitable for different seasons and climates in all 50 states. If the Republican National Committee wants to outfit their Caribou Barbie and family with a $150,000 wardrobe from the likes of Niemann Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, they’re going to have to come

Authoring is not a race, so there are a couple of arguable points on the question of whether first is best in this business. One is how often books that top the charts in sales are actually the “best books.” I’d love to hear other opinions on this, but my sense is that, unlike the

Having just finished Seth Kantner’s Shopping for Porcupine , I was reflecting on how, in a few short paragraphs, I could convey the way Kantner spreads the real Alaska before his readers like a humble gift. Stark. Powerful. Intimate. In stunning contrast with the un-Alaskan theatrics being played out on the global stage by Governor

There’s still time to read John Straley’s The Big Both Ways, a featured Alaskan book this fall at 49 Writers. In online book club format, you’re invited to stop by 49 Writers on November 1, post your comments, and read comments left by others. I’m nearly finished with this newest book of Straley’s, and while

Guest blogger Deb Vanasse here again. Last week I talked about Alaskan picture books, read-alouds typically marketed for children ages 4-8, though most can be read to any child old enough to be propped in your lap. This week I have a few thoughts on books for older young readers, classified in the book industry

Prolific and popular Alaskan mystery writer Dana Stabenow announces that the first chapter of her 17th Kate Shugak novel Whisper to the Blood is now available for an online sneak peek. You can also preorder a signed first edition. If you’re one of the few who are unfamiliar with Stabenow’s work, fair warning – it’s