Does an Author Have Any Say on a Book Cover?
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 Posted in Along Came Spider, Justin Fisher Declares War! | No Comments »People frequently ask me, "Do you have any say over a book cover?" Big question, and the answers vary depending upon the clout of the author and the disposition of the publisher. Here's the new paperback cover for Along Came Spider (May, ...
What Is a Book for Boys? One Suggestion: “Patrick and Ted” by Geoffrey Hayes
Monday, October 26th, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Greatest Hits, Interviews & Appreciations, the writing process | 7 Comments »I've been dwelling lately on the concept of "books for boys." It's a huge topic, one that I can't possibly address in a single blog entry. I mean, yes, we're all aware of the gender gap in reading, that many ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #65 (Friday Edition)
Friday, October 23rd, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Fan Mail | No Comments »I debated whether I should include this or not, as it's something of a cheat. I am friends with the writer of this letter -- we'll call her Nell, as that's her name -- so she's biased in my favor. ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #59 (Thursday Edition!)
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Fan Mail | 1 Comment »Check it out, y'all: Fan Mail Wednesday is busting out all over the place, spilling onto Thursday, causing a ruckus. My three kids started school yesterday: Maggie, 3rd grade; Gavin, 5th; and Nick, 11th. And after a long, wonderful, and ...
Research: Finding Gems
Monday, June 1st, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, the writing process | No Comments »I want to tell a quick story about doing research. Specifically about Crayola crayons and the book, Along Came Spider. But first, a little back story: As I was writing Spider, I did a lot of research in different directions. As ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #44-47 (Bonus Friday Edition)
Friday, May 22nd, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones | No Comments »Today we're all about bullies, and book titles, and bicycles, and the perils of publishing. That's right -- sound the timbrels! slaughter a fatted calf!-- I'm banging out a bonus Friday Edition of Fan Mail Wednesday, absolutely free of charge. Really: ...
A Few Links, etc.
Thursday, March 5th, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Mighty Casey, School Visits | 3 Comments »Been away on a school visit to Bailey Elementary in Dublin, Ohio, with Karen and Bill of Literate Lives. Since they've already threatened to blog about it, I'll refrain from much comment. Especially as I'm a little fuzzy in the ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #30
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Fan Mail | No Comments »I've thought about whether I should pick this one or not, because it's sort of grossly self-aggrandizing, but isn't that what Jamespreller.com is all about? Hopefully my reply might be helpful to somebody out there. Note: As always, I've removed ...
Along Came . . . Another Blog from Ohio
Friday, January 23rd, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider | 4 Comments »Let's face it, we can't spend all day clicking links and reading blogs. Right? We just can't, much. Things to do and all that. But still, some folks make it hard. I just found a nice blog, curiously titled, Best Book ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #27: Signed Copies
Friday, January 23rd, 2009 Posted in Along Came Spider, Fan Mail | 1 Comment »I got this note all the way from Jersey! Actually, I figure the info in my response might help somebody else, so I thought I'd pass it along. Dear Mr. Preller, My name Jordan and I am eleven years old. I ...