Scribd.com has recently risen in my esteem. After discovering one of my eBooks on their website some weeks ago–copied and placed thereon by a book pirate–the folks at Scribd had the offending PDF taken down before 10 hours had elapsed. Soon after that, my husband and I began posting “sample” chapter PDFs of our various eBooks, and immediately I saw that this website had potential for self-published eBooks writers.

As in most cases these days, folks need a bit of complimentary “incentive” to visit a new website; right after adding a free short story to Scribd, our daily unique website visitor numbers doubled, and our titles in the Kindle Store began to hum with increased activity. While the sales figures are still far from fabulous, taking the trouble to post a piece on Scribd appears to be paying off.

However, each silver-lining has a cloud attached to it; on Paul Biba’s eBook-news website Tele-Read, I found this article outlining one author’s problem of with Scribd, charging to download her “archived” pieces. In her blog, author Lynn Viehl explains how to go about resolving the problem, but it takes some vigilance on the writer’s part to keep free titles out of the non-royalty-paying Archives.

Free stories hits and problems notwithstanding, the more informative piece we posted brought in the most reads and website visitors. On Monday, I posted a free course of sorts entitled Top Ten Tips for Newbie Fiction Writers, a piece I’d compiled late last year on for writerscafe.org; after re-posting it on Scribd I was surprised to see 200 reads by the end of the day. On Tuesday night, it was featured by Scribd; four days after I posted it the piece has more than 2,250 reads, along with eight 5-Star ratings; the comments and remarks left on our posted items provide valuable feedback on the continuing marketability of our writing. The best part is–unlike some of the other websites I’ve posted free items on–displaying these pieces on Scribd has actually translated into sold eBooks, via both The Kindle Store and Smashwords. In lieu of paid and obtrusive advertisements, we merely added live links to our various titles at the end of each PDF we uploaded. We’re currently uploading our eBook titles into the Scribd Store, where free samples are automatically generated for the viewing public.

Consumers browsing through Scribd.com like to read free reports, studies, courses and stories, but these same folks appear willing to purchase, once they’ve had a chance to “’sample” on a yet-reputable website.

–Meredith Greene

Meredith Greene has been a reviewer for SBR/SFBR since April of 2009; a wife of thirteen years, mother of four and self-published novelist.  She, nevertheless, finds time for poetry, blogs, home projects, and gardening. Come on over and read what Meredith has to say about home, gardening, and other general musings in her column Greene Ink. Visit Meredith’s website www.BelatorBooks.com.

Almost everyone considers themselves to be a writer of some sort. Those who most appreciate the art will define it as a means of connecting to oneself, to others, to reality and to fantasy. This definition excludes no one. The book business, unfortunately, does. Industry experience teaches that every writer is not an author, and the difference between the two is a matter of business. Your manuscript – your baby – is a work of art. Try to sell it, though, and the colors fade to black and white. Your art has become a product, part of a business transaction.

The ideal time to launch a media campaign is three to six months prior to your date of publication. To win the public’s attention, prioritize your book’s marketability from the very start. Below are publicity tips to keep in mind during the early stages of the writing process:

1. Write down your goal and reason for writing the book. Will it take a spot on the New York Times bestseller list to satisfy you? Or, would you be pleased if only friends and family read your book? Now, read what you’ve written. If your goal is unrealistic, you’ll know it. If it is attainable, proceed, but re-read your goal periodically throughout the writing process to stay on track.
2. Know your audience. Decide which readers you are writing for, and connect with them personally. Create a network of readers who represent your target market and involve them in the writing process. We can now do this through social media outlets as well. Run ideas by them; ask for suggestions or advice. Not only will you receive valuable input, you will have their guaranteed readership once the book is published. They are your focus group, of sorts. They are your Petri dish.
3. Know your competition. Know why and how your book is different from others in circulation. Embrace and accentuate that which makes your book unique. This might require bookstore and online research, as well as analysis on your part.
4. Learn the path of distribution. Talk to veteran writers. Consult a publicist. Knowing what to expect is helpful when focusing on the task at hand. Book distribution is a complicated issue, and you have to know how your book will reach the hands of your readers before you launch a strategy.
5. Remember that the promotion and marketing of books is very competitive and should be seen as a business. Accept well-intended advice and criticism, even if it is not what you want to hear. Everything you do now is an investment in your writing career. Some categories of books are much more saturated than others (self help, for example). Be ready to compete with many other authors. A simple trip to the local brick-and-mortar bookstore will give you a taste of your competition.
6. Scan hot topics in popular culture. Media are more likely to pay attention to non-fiction books. Keep in mind, though, that a trendy topic will date your book, limiting future sales. You’ll want to incorporate media-worthy angles/hooks into the writing of your book, and then your publicist can exploit (er, explore) these in the campaign.
7. Find a good publicist. Help them help you. While media relations won’t take effect until the book is finished, a publicist can foresee the marketability of your preliminary ideas and advise you accordingly. Check references and make sure you “click” with your publicist.

A Nineteenth Century journalist noted, “If writers were good businessmen, they’d have too much sense to be writers.” Then and now, words don’t come with price tags and book sales don’t resemble art. It doesn’t take publicity to write, but it takes publicity to be read. Share your words. Be a writer and an author.

Marika Flatt owns PR by the Book (www.prbythebook.com). You can contact her at marika@prbythebook.com. PR by the Book publicizes books of most genres on a national basis. They are your voice to the world!

When I was in elementary school, I remember getting assigned a project once regarding favorite foods.  We had to select a favorite food, write a paragraph or two on why that food was our favorite, and then create a three-dimensional model of our food, art class-style, out of construction paper.  I declared that my favorite food was the burrito, and I’ll be darned if I didn’t create a marvelous construction paper burrito to present to the class along with my devotional paragraph.

At times like these that I almost wish I still had some of the junk I made in school.  I would love to be able to see what I had actually written about why burritos were awesome.

When I think about it, I still believe that the burrito is one of mankind’s greatest inventions.  A convenient package filled with a mix of protein, fat, and carbs; what’s not to love?  It’s hard to go wrong with a burrito.  Actually, I take that back.  It’s easy to go wrong with a burrito, but I don’t want to spoil my appetite by thinking about that.

So what’s in your perfect burrito?  I reckon mine is different from that of most people.  I actually made myself a burrito for dinner tonight, so it’s fresh in my mind.  I took some leftover cooked beans I had in the fridge (they just so happened to be navy beans) and turned them into refried beans, and then mixed that with some freshly-cooked brown rice.  My veggie mix consisted of onion, garlic, tomato, zucchini, bell pepper, some kind of spicy pepper (no idea what kind… I have a bowl of assorted spicy peppers on my counter at the moment, and I can no longer remember which is which).  No cheese this time, because lately cheese hasn’t been agreeing with my stomach very much.  Wrapped the whole mix up in a whole-wheat tortilla and tried not to make too big of a mess while eating it.  (As my honey knows, I have bad luck with eating burritos sometimes.  They have a tendency to explode on me.)  And it was delicious!  I feel hungry just thinking about it.

I vaguely remember that when given that assignment back in elementary school, I was deeply torn on which food to select as my favorite.  The other major contender was the archetypal pizza.  For the record, I didn’t just eat junk food all the time.  My favorite dinners when I was a kid were the nights when my mom made pot roast.  Of course, it would have been much harder to create a pot roast out of construction paper.  A shapeless chunk of brown paper to represent the meat?  Little orange and white chunks for the peas and carrots?  Nobody would have known what it was from looking at it.  No, the burrito was definitely way cooler to make.  Lots of people made pizza and hamburgers, but my burrito rocked way more.

By Kaye Cloutman, Photography by Martin Delfino

The Smashbox Cosmetic line Clark used for our makeovers

Reviewing books, meeting deadlines, doing author interviews and preparing the layout for a monthly publication are probably some of the furthest things from glamour. For two and a half years I have known Heidi (my boss and publisher for the San Francisco | Sacramento Book Review) as the Julie McCoy of our paper who successfully juggles the many tasks of a demanding schedule on a daily basis with flying colors. Both of us have seen ourselves evolve throughout the time we’ve worked together and if we both had our ways, we’d probably be pounding on our computers 24/7 as we both agree that 24 hours a day is not enough for super goal-oriented women like us to try to work on all our aspirations. I find that during the day in this profession, it can be very easy to get sucked in the virtual world of dealing with publicists, authors and reviewers where the importance of your physical appearance doesn’t really matter anymore because your only form of interaction is online. Your laptop obviously cannot complain about your roots showing or the frizzy split ends and tired eyes – and it wasn’t until I encountered a power failure and a dark monitor showed my reflection when I saw I was slowly “letting myself go”.

 So I immediately thought about this person who I met months ago at a Skirtworking party that we attended at the Hyatt in San Francisco. His name is Clark Russell and he was the first person who approached and “networked” with me in a party of over a hundred attendees. “I love your necklace!” he exclaimed and ever since that moment, we clicked and he became the warmest individual in the room. “I love transforming people… there is so much magic and power that a makeover can do” he explained while showing me a gallery of before-and-after photos from his salon. I was dumfounded to say the least – here was this shabby looking girl with fuchsia hair, over-plucked eyebrows and piercings turned at once into a stunning Kate Winslet-like red carpet beauty. Ahhhh-mazing I thought. He showed me more stuff but I couldn’t steal him away from Vicki Liviakis, host and TV anchor at KRON 4, who eventually pulled him to the stage as he announced the winner of a free makeover. He came back to our table to continue our fun tête-à-tête and we ended the night with so much enthusiasm about getting to know each other. Clark was definitely one to leave a lasting impression on anyone.

Clark Russell checks on our hair color

A few months after, I decided to contact Clark for an intimate makeover session since it was high time for me and Heidi to get some pampering. That Saturday morning proved to be one of the most empowering days I’ve ever had. The drive to Lafayette was relaxingly traffic-free and Clark’s salon in the heart of Mt. Diablo Boulevard had a cool and inviting feel to it. The spacious salon was laid out well and I took notice of how all products were suitably highlighted in the display shelves. Clark’s joyous persona put me and Heidi to ease right away and it certainly helped that he had gorgeous and kind assistants to help out as well. From top-shelf brands like Smashbox™, Framesi™ and Alterna™, Heidi and I absolutely felt like royalty and Lori and Shayla’s strokes and scalp massages during our treatments were to die for. These hair-styling divas were so knowledgeable in their fields of expertise that it only took me to realize the many hair maintenance mistakes I make on a regular basis. The wonderful line of Alterna™ and Framesi™ did not feel irritating on my scalp at all.  Heidi just looked like she was going to pass out at any point… “This is all so calming!” she whispered.

But it wasn’t until Clark had started singing that I started to become really entertained. He was such a character! From Mariah Carey to Celine Dion renderings, the gals and I couldn’t help but laugh and applaud him. Clark was also doing the makeup of a regular client Racheline Ayun at this point and the transformation was just spectacular. She had just gotten back from a trip to Hawaii, had blotchy sunburned skin all over and was just done with her hair coloring treatment followed by a quick eyebrow threading from hairstylist Parisa. Immediately Clark set her up for a quick makeup session, “It’s important to use the right moisturizers to relax the skin especially after the harsh sun damage you get when you go on a tropical vacation” Clark explained. With this he dabs generous amounts of the Smashbox™ tinted moisturizers as base and works up to her temples to give her the proper contours and shadings to highlight her natural assets. As the minutes pass by you could see her change and almost resemble Jacqueline Onassis. With an elegant hairstyle and makeup and almost an instant swagger, Racheline happily told me “You definitely can never go wrong with Clark, that’s why I am always here!”

The Clark Russell makeover team

The transformed women of San Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviews

And I have to agree when my turn came, I immediately sensed I was in for a treat. I have done immense research about Clark and his personality was probably the reason why I was drawn to him but all that was just a precursor to his real talent… The way his brushes and wands touched my face was unforgettable, I really felt his passion, like he valued me as a piece of art in which he desired to reveal a masterpiece. Soon after, Katy Perry’s Teenage Dreams played on the radio… Clark and I both sang it with gusto while Shayla worked feverishly on getting my curls done the right way; and then I couldn’t explain the feeling that came afterwards when I looked at my reflection. I suddenly understood how all these makeover reality stars felt upon seeing their transformations on TV. It was overwhelming. I did not expect to look that way at all. From a blah and dull looking mom to vampy and sultry siren, I truly felt empowered. It was the exact thing that I needed to boost my ego. Heidi had the same sentiments “This is so surreal. I feel like I am looking at a different person!” I love how she looked, her highlights softened her look and her eyes really popped with Clark’s lovely choice of shades that complemented her eye color.

It’s probably no wonder why Clark is the top choice for red carpet and celebrity events. His humble beginnings and struggle to follow his passion contain all the classic elements of a fairy tale Hollywood story while his talents have given him the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names locally and internationally. Clark is not only an icon as a stylist; he is also a mentor and friend to his staff, colleagues and clients alike. His masterful techniques clearly make him an authority in the beauty and fashion industry and I am grateful for the superb metamorphosis both Heidi and I experienced. Clark Russell’s make up brush is his magic wand and Clark and his staff have transformed the women of Sacramento Book Review in ways we have never imagined!

(L-R) The wonderful staff! Salon Manager Gina Blair, Master Stylist Lori Jenkins, Publisher Heidi Komlofske, Clark Russell, Kaye Cloutman, Holy Stylist Parisa Chehrehsa and Diva Stylist Shayla Durmisevic

Clark Russell’s Suggested Reads:

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin
Little, Brown and Company, $21.99, 160 pages  

In Making Faces, Kevyn Aucoin, North Americas preeminent makeup artist, shares his secrets, explaining not only the basics of makeup application and technique but also how to use those fundamentals (sometimes in unconventional ways) to create a wide range of different looks. Making Faces features step-by-step directions, instructional full-colour sketches, and a gallery of noncelebrity transformations, as well as fabulous images of stars and supermodels as youve never seen them before.

• Lush and enticing, Making Faces satisfies on many levels: extraordinary photography, surprising makeup looks on A-list celebrities (Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Courtney Love), and recipes for doing it yourself. ~ Mirabella
• Kevyn Aucoins new beauty bible is the Genesis, Chronicles, and Revelations of makeup. ~ Allure
• Kevie isnt a makeup man, hes a magician. He creates an atmosphere of beauty mixed with magic. ~ Cher
• Kevyns progression of work over the years has elevated makeup to an art form. ~ Tina Turner
• Kevyn enables each and every one of us to play the character we want to play, be the person we want to be, and most important, feel the best that we can feel about ourselves. ~ Drew Barrymore

Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin
Little Brown and Company, $21.99, 176 pages

The ultimate beauty book; both gorgeous and practical. Face Forward showcases Kevyn Aucoins incredible transformations of famous and ordinary people alike, and reveals through its step-by-step instructions how makeup can give anyone a variety of different faces. Making Faces has sold 350,000 copies in hardcover and 200,000 copies in paperback to date. Face Forward has already sold more than 250,000 hardcover copies. Kevyn Aucoin is indisputably the best-known makeup artist in North America today. Cher, Calista Flockhart, Jodie Foster, Jewel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Diana Ross, Martha Stewart, Christy Turlington, and Vanessa Williams are among the celebrities featured in Face Forward.  

Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women by Taylor Chang-Babaian
Perigree Trade, $24.95, 176 pages

A celebrity makeup expert shares her secrets in the first beauty guide for all Asian women.

Professional makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian shares her beauty secrets in Asian Faces-the first beauty book created specifically to focus on the techniques and styles that enhance the skin tones and facial features of Asian women of all ages and ethnicities. This fully illustrated, step-by-step guide includes advice on:

- Makeup products and tools for the right skin tone
- How to work with one’s face shape
- The differences between day and evening makeup
- Creating the illusion of flawless skin

With more than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations, Asian Faces covers costume makeup and favorite looks from past decades with a modern edge-as well as looks from top American style meccas including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

About Face: Amazing Transformations Using the Secrets of the Top Celebrity Makeup Artist by Scott Barnes
Fair Winds Press, $24.99, 240 pages 

About Face is a compendium of everything make-up artist Scott Barnes has learned during his career working with A-list celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston. About Face is packed with techniques for every area of makeup application. Part One focuses on dramatic makeovers of real women with a twist: each woman comes in looking the best she thinks she can look. The author then deconstructs and debunks their look taking them from attractive to amazing. Step-by-step photos outline makeup techniques and products while Scott provides commentary on how he pinpointed the woman’s strongest asset and built a look around it. Part Two highlights beauty rituals, must-have makeup items, and inner and outer preparations that a woman must embrace in order to look beautiful and radiate charisma. Part Three focuses on the celebrities Scott Barnes has worked with.

Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 by Carol Squiers, Vincent Aletti, Philippe Garner, and Willis Hartshorn
Abrams, $100.00, 372 pages

Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 encompasses seven decades of extraordinary images by Richard Avedon, the most influential fashion photographer of the 20th century.

This comprehensive volume offers a definitive survey, from Avedon’s groundbreaking early photographs for Harper’s Bazaar through his constantly inventive contributions to Vogue, Egoiste, and The New Yorker. Each carefully selected image represents an artistic collaboration with significant models, stylists, and designers. Avedon Fashion accompanies the first major exhibition to survey this body of work, at the International Center of Photography in May 2009. With critical essays by Carol Squiers, curator at the ICP, and photography critic Vince Aletti, as well as an appreciation by photo-historian Philippe Garner, Avedon Fashion chronicles an astonishing record of photographic achievement.

Our Suggested Reads:

Makeup Makeovers: Expert Secrets for Stunning Transformations by Robert Jones
Fair Winds Press, $21.95, i84 pages

Forget extreme makeovers! Robert Jones, makeup artist extraordinaire, outlines step-by-step how even the ugliest duckling can become a swan-with makeup alone! In hundreds of awe-inspiring before-and-after photos, Robert makes it easy for any woman to achieve true beauty.

Unlike most makeup books that focus on celebrities or the already-glamorous, Makeup Makeovers shows every woman how to be her most beautiful. No matter what your age, skin tone, or profile, Robert can show you simple techniques that camouflage flaws and highlight each woman’s unique beauty.

Best of all, it’s EASY! Even if you’ve never worn makeup before, you can learn how to bring out your best in just a few minutes.

Good to Great Hair by Robert Vetica, Debra Messing, and Salma Hayek
Fair Winds Press, $24.99, 272 pages

All you need to create your own great hair style at home! Vetica preaches that professional techniques are not difficult; readers just need to know what to do and follow directions. In this ultimate hair styling book, he delivers to the reader all they need to know to create great hair at home or direct a professional stylist. He reveals insider secrets and techniques for recreating magazine and celebrity hairstyles, and how to adapt the look for the average reader’s tools and time constraints.

The book is divided into three parts; 1. hair treatment and care, 2. hair cutting and styling techniques and 3. how to find a look for your faces structure and personal  style. Even beginners will be able to style their hair like a pro while professional stylists can fine tune their skills with Vetica’s secrets and shortcuts. Step-by-step diagrams and photos illustrate different styles and how to work with tools of the trade such as curling irons, hair clips, and blow dryers. Before-and-after photos show readers the best hairstyles based on face shape, bone structure, type of hair, age, and personal style. Vetica peppers all of the techniques with his experience and insights gained from working with Hollywood’s top celebrities.

Looking Younger by Robert Jones
Fair Winds Press, $21.95, 256 pages  

Looking Younger, a follow-up to Robert Jones’ successful Makeup Makeovers and Makeup Makeovers: Weddings, provides unique techniques for taking the years off and looking stunning at any age. Readers learn how to expertly cover and camouflage wrinkles, sagging eyelids, and dull skintones while practical and easy tips help them customize their makeup application to play up their best features and minimize their worst.

They’ll learn which colors and makeup techniques add a decade to the face-and how to turn back the clock in a few well-chosen steps. Whether it’s a glamorous look for a special event or an everyday makeup routine, readers will learn how to look attractive and natural, not made up and artificial. Techniques are illustrated with 150 before-and-after photos that will inspire and educate readers on how to look their most beautiful.

The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre by Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall
Focal Press, $46.95, 296 pages

This full-color and amply illustrated book is written for film, television, and theatre makeup artists who need to know the basics on how to accomplish flawless makeup applications. It begins with fundamental practices and continues through more complex techniques usually known only by Hollywood makeup artists. Written by two expert authors who have experience doing makeup for television, commercials, and blockbuster films, readers will learn about beauty, time periods, black and white film, as well as cutting edge techniques such as air brushing makeup for computer-generated movies, and makeup effects.

High definition (HD) technology has revolutionized the techniques needed by makeup artists–you need to know more, have more talent, and be more detailed than ever before. Because HD emphasizes every detail on screen, it’s essential for makeup artists to know how to achieve a desired “look” that fits the director’s requirements. This book will help professional and aspiring makeup artists to hone their craft in both conventional and HD techniques.

• Gorgeous full color book shows how makeup artists make Hollywood stars look as good as they do, even in HD!
• Get the inside track about how to work with the pros and all about set etiquette
• Contains tips and techniques from a number of professional Hollywood makeup artists
• Includes a full reference section with useful websites, business listings, and contacts
• Award winning advice from co-author Mindy Hall, Academy Award winner for makeup for her work on Star Trek

Take Note!

Watch how Clark Russell and his staff transformed us.

Book It!

Clark Russell Salon
3400 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 299-8814
clarkrussellsalon@sbcglobal.net
website

Photography by Martin Delfino

Additional phtography by Gina Blair

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Kaye Cloutman is a self-confessed bookworm who practically grew up in the library, has an unusual penchant for the aroma of old books, and finds the ambiance of a library very soothing. Kaye has 9 years of experience working with print, radio, and television media. She became popular as the “Love Potion Columnist” for her sex and relationship advice columns in Mirror Magazine. She also bagged some accolades for her 2006 bridal magazine work with Philippine Graphic Publications. She continued her patriotic support of local Philippine talent by creating The Modern Balikbayan Bride, which serves as a valuable resource book to all prospective overseas brides planning their Philippine wedding. She is currently the Associate Editor for both San Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviews and the California correspondent for Travelife Magazine. Her book preference ranges from children’s books, science fiction, travel, and cooking, food and wine categories. Kaye writes a weekly column here called Book it! You can contact Kaye at kaye.cloutman@1776productions.

When Martin took hold of a borrowed Nikon for a photography class over 30 years ago, he immediately knew the craft was his. He was hooked and he had a reason. Every face and every moment became magical to Martin through the lens. Today, he just does not take pictures. He captures the core essence of the subject and makes vivid memories of each occasion. Martin’s photography comes from many years of experience and keeps current by attending seminars and training sessions from the masters of photography like National Geography and Sports Illustrated’s Joe McNally, to various celebrity photographers like Mike Colon who shot Usher’s wedding and Eva Longoria’s wedding photographer, Bob Davis. Martin definitely understands the need to bring life and to capture the key moments of significant events. Shooting weddings quickly allowed more people to view how Martin interprets life through the lens and by popular demand, he soon expanded to portraits of families, children, couples, corporate head shots. Martin maintains his wedding and portraits business today. He has also begun expanding his photography career shooting stylized fashion photography. Through the years, Martin has also covered many sports events due to his children. Nicole, his 11-year old gymnast has become one of his favorite subjects in action. We invite you explore Martin’s gallery to understand how he interprets life & movement, love, emotion and beauty captured under true photographic skill. You can contact him at martin@delfinophoto.com

In Northern California, the weather proved unusually mild this summer. Normally, we experience over 100-degree heat wave upon heat wave, inducing in me an almost hermit-like existence indoors. Instead, the cooler temperatures allowed for several trips outside, staying longer typing away on the trusty laptop. As the kids scampered about the landscaping with vacation-borne glee, I finished eight chapters of three novels, read wide-eyed of eBook price battles spanning half the globe and read through a stack of titles.

August came with a plethora of books to review, only half of which I actually managed to finish; the stack contained titles both intriguing and useful – but also those wielding the Dagger of Disappointment. Two books, namely Flash CS5: The Missing Manuel & Business Voyages, were hefty tomes of over 750 pages each. Historical architecture is one of my favorite genres; The Houses and Gardens of M. H. Baillie Scott stole many of my reading hours, advocating with photographic pleas to be studied with care and understood thoroughly. I sat reading in the relative sub-urban quiet, enjoying the warm afternoon air with a cool breeze ruffling the pages. I picked up the cooking tomes almost reluctantly, knowing that the sumptuous recipes within would almost certainly tempt me back indoors. 101 Things I Learned in Culinary School, however, proved worthy of moving inside. Changing venues inside may have been a good idea, as we soon got our first taste of impending autumn with a crisp, blustery day followed by partial overcast.

As I read through the month, I snuck looks at the various eBook blogs and industry news pages that I frequent, adding comments where incited to and re-tweeting when especially impressed. A particular piece by J. A. Konrath caught my eye on Monday, titled The Changing Face of Publishing; in it, Konrath voices fears that the paper book industry may be spiraling downward.

“I’m sensing a shift.” he writes, “And this shift will likely prove fatal for many of the parties involved. If, as I suspect, publishers are going to print fewer books, that will result in a death spiral. Fewer books printed means fewer sold in bookstores, which will no longer be able to stay open. Without bookstore orders, publishers will print even fewer books. And so on.”

After reading the above, I glanced over at the sizable stack of advance copies on my backyard table and realized that if Konrath’s prediction played out, my lengthy season of receiving free paper books to review might also be waning. Advancing technology takes its toll – remember metal typewriters with hand-turned rollers? I saw one the other day on display in an antique store window; it was selling for $300.

As long as paper books are around I’ll read, review and display them on my shelves, encouraging my children to take down a volume when bored, or curl up with them by the fire on a windy winter night, reading from tangible pages in the flickering firelight, yet I will also continue to write eBooks and self-publish online, for that’s where the money is. No one buys the paper versions of our books anymore – they are simply too expensive.

The air surrounding my stack of books has a melancholy feel to it all of the sudden, as if an end to an era looms, while under it another gathers strength.

–Meredith Greene

Meredith Greene has been a reviewer for SBR/SFBR since April of 2009; a wife of thirteen years, mother of four and self-published novelist.  She, nevertheless, finds time for poetry, blogs, home projects, and gardening. Come on over and read what Meredith has to say about home, gardening, and other general musings in her column Greene Ink. Visit Meredith’s website www.BelatorBooks.com.

By Kaye Cloutman

Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, announced a month ago that it has increased the first printing of Mockingjay, the final book in the nationally bestselling The Hunger Games trilogy, to 1.2 million, from a previously announced 750,000 copies. First published in September 2008, The Hunger Games was an instant bestseller, appealing to both teen readers and adults. It has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 93 consecutive weeks since publication, and there are more than 2.3 million copies of the first two books in the trilogy in print in the U.S. and Canada to date (more than 1.4 million copies of The Hunger Games since September 2008 and more than 900,000 copies of its sequel Catching Fire in less than one year since its September 2009 publication). Mockingjay, which was embargoed, was published in the U.S. and Canada on August 24, 2010 (August 25, 2010 in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand). The trade paperback edition of The Hunger Games, released for U.S./Canadian publication on July 3, 2010, had a first printing of 500,000 copies.

Heidi Kling, local author of Sea, tried out the archery games as well

New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Collins, who was named among the 2010 TIME 100 Most Influential People, will embark this fall on a twelve-market North American tour to promote the release of Mockingjay. Beginning on the August 24, 2010 publication date for Mockingjay, Collins will tour bookstores in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Boston, her first bookstore tour since September 2008. In September 2010, she will continue the tour in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, and in October she will travel to Chicago, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The tour will conclude in November 2010 with visits to bookstores in Northern California, Seattle, and Vancouver.

When you read The Hunger Games you become obsessed.  And if you are anything like as obsessed as those at Keplers in Menlo Park, then you will have been counting down the days until you can lay your hands on Mockingjay, the final installment in this fabulous series.

Last Tuesday, the wait was over. Kepler’s served pizza and held a NERF™ archery contest as people stopped by to pick up their books. And it was a lot of fun. People of all ages came early, ate pizza, and stopped to chat while shooting NERF™ arrows at large targets. The prizes were awesome – and the kids (and adults) really wanted those hunger games key chains and tried time and time again to hit the targets to get one. Some just ate pizza clutching their books, some talked of staying up all night to finish it before school, and some just sat in a corner and started to read.

Heidi R. Kling, author of Sea said “I’m halfway through Mockingjay and it is blowing my mind–heart wrenching and brilliant. The pizza party combined with the NERF™ archery mage for a perfect celebration!”

Angela Mann, Kepler’s youth events coordinator said “I’ll admit it! I’m a bit obsessed with The Hunger Games. It’s the book I put into everyone’s hands, the book I think everyone should read, the standard I hold other teen books up against. The wait to read Mockingjay was torturous. Suzanne Collins has written THE perfect ending to a series, one that kept me up all night, gripping the edge of my chair, at times unable to breathe. Mockingjay is an all-action, politically-charged, bloody, heartbreaking rollercoaster of a book that I shall read again and again (when my heart has calmed a little).”

Everyone was eager to start reading, hoping that Mockingjay lives up to their expectations. And everyone was brimming with enthusiasm to see Suzanne Collins on November 3rd when she’s at Kepler’s. But remember that you will need a ticket to get into the signing line and you get a ticket by buying your copy of Mockingjay at Kepler’s. And they are already at District 11!

Tweens in anticipation of the Mockingjay release participated in the NERF archery games and pizza party that Kepler's Books and Magazines organized

“Excitement for The Hunger Games trilogy continues to grow each day as new readers discover Suzanne Collins’s indelible heroine Katniss Everdeen,” said Ellie Berger, President of the Scholastic Trade Publishing division. “We join Collins’s many fans in counting down to the publication of Mockingjay.”

The Hunger Games is a futuristic trilogy for ages 12 to adult by Suzanne Collins, author of the bestselling Underland Chronicles series for middle-grade readers. Published in September 2008, The Hunger Games was an instant bestseller, appealing to both teen readers and adults. Called “addictive” by Stephen King in a review in Entertainment Weekly and “amazing” by Stephenie Meyer on her website, The Hunger Games has captured the imagination of critics and readers alike. The Hunger Games was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2008, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2008, a School Library Journal Best Book of 2008, a 2008 Booklist Editors’ Choice, a Kirkus Best Book of 2008, and a 2008 Horn Book Fanfare Book.

Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy, was published September 1, 2009. It debuted at #1 on the USA Today bestseller list its first week on sale and simultaneously appeared at #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. Since the publication of Catching Fire, it and The Hunger Games have appeared together on the New York Times bestseller list (Children’s Chapter Books) for 40 consecutive weeks to date (through June 20, 2010). In addition, Catching Fire has been named a Time Magazine Top 10 Fiction Book of 2009, a People Magazine Best Book of 2009, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2009, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a Kirkus Best Young Adult Book of 2009. Foreign publishing rights for The Hunger Games and its sequel have been sold into 39 territories to date. In May 2010, Suzanne Collins was named to the TIME 100. Film rights for The Hunger Games have been optioned by Lionsgate, and Nina Jacobson’s Color Force production company will produce the film with Suzanne Collins set to write the initial screenplay.

More About The Hunger Games

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capital surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capital is harsh and cruel and keeps the other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the death on live TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor to his or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capital wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rules. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.  

About Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins has had a successful and prolific career writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains It All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Collins made her mark in children’s literature with the New York Times bestselling five-book series for middle-grade readers The Underland Chronicles, which has received numerous accolades in both the United States and abroad. In the award-winning The Hunger Games trilogy, Collins continues to explore the effects of war and violence on those coming of age. Collins lives with her family in Connecticut.

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Take Note!

You weave action, adventure, mythology, sci-fi, romance, and philosophy throughout The Hunger Games. What influenced the creation of The Hunger Games?

Suzanne Collins: A significant influence would have to be the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The myth tells how in punishment for past deeds, Athens periodically had to send seven youths and seven maidens to Crete, where they were thrown in the Labyrinth and devoured by the monstrous Minotaur.

Even as a kid, I could appreciate how ruthless this was. Crete was sending a very clear message: “Mess with us and we’ll do something worse than kill you. We’ll kill your children.” And the thing is, it was allowed; the parents sat by powerless to stop it. Theseus, who was the son of the king, volunteered to go. I guess in her own way, Katniss is a futuristic Theseus.

In keeping with the classical roots, I send my tributes into an updated version of the Roman gladiator games, which entails a ruthless government forcing people to fight to the death as popular entertainment. The world of Panem, particularly the Capitol, is loaded with Roman references. Panem itself comes from the expression “Panem et Circenses” which translates into “Bread and Circuses.”

The audiences for both the Roman games and reality TV are almost characters in themselves. They can respond with great enthusiasm or play a role in your elimination.

I was channel surfing between reality TV programming and actual war coverage when Katniss’s story came to me. One night I’m sitting there flipping around and on one channel there’s a group of young people competing for, I don’t know, money maybe? And on the next, there’s a group of young people fighting an actual war. And I was tired, and the lines began to blur in this very unsettling way, and I thought of this story.

The trilogy’s premise is very brutal, yet is handled so tastefully. Was this a difficult balance to achieve?

SC: Yes, the death scenes are always hard to write. It’s difficult to put kids in violent situations—Gregor (the protagonist in The Underland Chronicles) is in a war, Katniss is in a gladiator game. Characters will die. It’s not fun to write, but I think if you can’t commit to really doing the idea, it’s probably better to work on another type of story.

Given that, you have to remember who you’re trying to reach with the book. I try and think of how I would tell a particularly difficult event to my own children. Exactly what details they need to know to really understand it, and what would be gratuitous.

The Hunger Games tackles issues like severe poverty, starvation, oppression, and the effects of war among others. What drew you to such serious subject matter?

SC: That was probably my dad’s influence. He was career Air Force, a military specialist, a historian, and a doctor of political science. When I was a kid, he was gone for a year in Viet Nam. It was very important to him that we understood about certain aspects of life. So, it wasn’t enough to visit a battlefield, we needed to know why the battle occurred, how it played out, and the consequences. Fortunately, he had a gift for presenting history as a fascinating story. He also seemed to have a good sense of exactly how much a child could handle, which is quite a bit. 

In The Hunger Games, Katniss and Gale have an extensive knowledge of hunting, foraging, wildlife, and survival techniques. What kinds of research did you do, if any?

SC: Some things I knew from listening to my dad talking about his childhood. He grew up during the Depression. For his family, hunting was not a sport but a way to put meat on the table. He also knew a certain amount about edible plants. He’d go into the woods and gather all these wild mushrooms and bring them home and sauté them. My mom wouldn’t let any of us go near them! But he’d eat them up and they never harmed him, so I guess he knew which ones were safe, because wild mushrooms can be very deadly.

I also read a big stack of wilderness survival guidebooks. And here’s what I learned: you’ve got to be really good to survive out there for more than a few days.

What were some of your favorite novels when you were a teen?

SC: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers, Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Boris by Jaapter Haar, Germinal by Emile Zola, Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

What do you hope readers will come away with when they read The Hunger Games?

SC: Questions about how elements of the book might be relevant in their own lives. And, if they’re disturbing, what they might do about them. 

Suzanne Collins reads from the first chapter of Mockingjay

Download the Kids Book App to check out Suzanne Collins’ tour stops

Book It!

Kepler’s Books
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 324-4321  

website  

By Kaye Cloutman, Photography by Martin Delfino 

Rick Bayless personally signed more than 300 copies of his book Fiesta at Rick's that afternoon

Mexico has had its share of triumphs recently. From the crowned beauties to the wonderful people and food, this country is definitely included in my list of go-to-destination-vacations in the future. There is something truly admirable and humbling about Mexican people that you can almost taste in their food and feel in their friendship but it wasn’t until I became an avid viewer of Mexico… One Plate At A Time that I fell in love with Mexico completely. Chef, author and TV Host Rick Bayless effectively whet his viewer’s appetite with this gastronomic adventure which will make you want to embrace Mexico as he does. This beautiful culture is replete with festivities that are commemorated with different regional cuisine and Bayless takes us to all of them in the most pleasurable and entertaining manner. And as if having his own PBS Show is not enough, he wows us more by winning the first Top Chef Masters competition on Bravo TV and follows on with a White House state dinner preparation for the President of Mexico. Bayless is truly a champion in many ways but he did not allow fame to define him. 

Rick Bayless and Kaye Cloutman for San Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviews

As creator of and chef at Chicago’s hottest trio of restaurants, Rick Bayless charms thousands every year with his Mexican-inspired dishes. A few days ago, Book Passage and Marinitas Restaurant joined forces to welcome Bayless and his family for a special Cooks with Books signing event of his recently published title Fiesta At Rick’s. In this volume, Bayless and his family welcome readers into their home for the first time, showing us just how simple and fun cooking in the kitchen can be, especially when shared with loved ones. Heidi Krahling, owner of Marinitas Restaurant truly delivered the essence of Rick’s book by providing the perfect ambiance and food celebrated in a wonderfully intimate and joyous way. 

Krahling and her staff prepared a sumptuous menu of dishes derived from Bayless’ book including the Red Chile Tuna Tartare served on plaintain chips, the wonderful Toasted Pumpkin Seed Guacamole (which tasted so fresh and hearty) , the Frontera Grill’s now-classic Ceviche (of which I probably had 5 servings) was made with Pacific Cod and infused with lime, chiles, onion, olives, jicama and cilantro – the quintessential flavors of Mexican street food – but it was the Grilled Steak Tacos made with Corn Tortillas, Cactus and Tomatillos that definitely pleased the crowd. Beverages included the delicious Watermelon Agua Fresca , Topolo Margarita and the free flowing shots of El Mayor Anejo Tequila not only quenched the thirst but were probably liable for the festive and fun groups within the venue who couldn’t stop enjoying, toasting and cheering on for Bayless.  Marinitas Restaurant was packed to the rafters and the Book Passage staff was beyond swamped with a line of excited attendees that never seemed to end that warm afternoon. Bayless signed more than 300 books that day; and while all of this was happening, his beautiful wife Deann (who co-authored the book) and daughter Lanie stood by, posed for the camera and greeted the guests; were both beside him all the way. It is truly commendable to see an author and his family attending a book event together. The Bayless’ were the perfect epitome of a grounded and gifted culinary clan so it was such an honor to have been part of this gathering with all three of them in attendance. 

(Clockwise) The Bayless Family; Rick, Lanie and Deann at one of their fiesta gatherings at home, The Luxury Guacamole Feast for a party of twelve features a roasted garlic guacamole with help-yourself garnishes of crispy bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds and pickled jalapenos, The refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca which was my favorite beverage from the event

Afterwards, Karen West of Book Passage and Heidi Krahling started the party off with an amusing and heart-warming introduction to Bayless. Krahling, like me, felt so privileged to host this occasion for the Top Chef Master winner and Bayless was beyond doubt overwhelmed with the kind support and encouragement of the staff and the audience. Bayless was engaging and grateful;  he shared his recent experiences with the humor and style that only he could deliver but most importantly gave us an insight of the evolution of Mexican cuisine and showed tribute to the rich culture and talented unsung chefs in that region. 

The wonderful staff of Book Passage (L-R) Alison Bildsoe, Marguerita Castanera, Rick Bayless, Dorothy Vandersteel, Chef and Marinitas Owner Heidi Krahling and Karen West

Our Suggested Reads:

Authentic Mexican 20th Anniversary Ed: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico
William Morrow, $32.50, 384 pages 

Americans have at last discovered Mexico’s passion for exciting food. We’ve fallen in love with the great Mexican combination of rich, earthy flavors and casual, festive dining. But we can’t begin to imagine how sumptuous and varied the cooking of Mexico really is. After ten years of loving exploration, Rick Bayless, together with his wife, Deann, gave us Authentic Mexican, this now classic, easy-to-use compendium of our southern neighbor’s cooking. This all-embracing cookbook offers the full range of dishes, from poultry, meat, fish, rice, beans, and vegetables to eggs, snacks made of corn masa, tacos, turnovers, enchiladas and their relatives, tamales, and moles, ending with desserts, sweets, and beverages. There are irresistible finger foods such as Yucatecan marinated shrimp tacos and crispy cheese-filled masa turnovers; spicy corn chowder and chorizo sausage with melted cheese will start off a special dinner; you will find mole poblano, charcoal-grilled pork in red-chile adobo, and marinated fish steamed in banana leaves for those times when you want to celebrate; and exotic ice creams, caramel custards, and pies to top off any meal. There’s even a section devoted to refreshing coolers, rich chocolate drinks, and a variety of tequila-laced cocktails. The master recipes feature all the pointers you’ll need for re-creating genuine Mexican textures and flavors in a North American kitchen. Menu suggestions and timing and advance-preparation tips make these dishes perfectly convenient for today’s working families. And traditional and contemporary variations accompany each recipe, allowing the cook to substitute and be creative. Rick and Deann Bayless traveled more than thirty-five thousand miles investigating the six distinct regions of Mexico and learning to prepare what they found. From town to town, recipe by recipe, they personally introduce you to Mexico’s cooks, their kitchens, their markets, and their feasts. If, like the rest of us, you have a growing love for Mexican food, the reliable recipes in this book and the caring, personal presentation by Rick and Deann Bayless will provide meal after meal of pure pleasure for your family and friends. 

Mexican Everyday
W.W. Norton, $29.95, 288 pages 

At last, a cookbook that brings Mexican food within easy reach: named to Food & Wine Magazine’s Year’s 25 Best Cookbooks as part of its annual Best of the Best cookbook. In his previous books, Rick Bayless transformed America’s understanding of Mexican cuisine, introducing authentic dishes and cooking methods as he walked readers through Mexican markets and street stalls. As much as Rick loves the bold flavors of Mexican foods, he understands that preparing many Mexican specialties requires more time than most of us have. Mexican Everyday is written with the time sensitivities of modern life in mind. It is a collection of 90 full-flavored recipes—like Green Chile Chicken Tacos, Shrimp Ceviche Salad, Chipotle Steak with Black Beans—that meet three criteria for “everyday” food: 1) most need less than 30 minutes’ involvement; 2) they have the fresh, clean taste of simple, authentic preparations; and 3) they are nutritionally balanced, full-featured meals—no elaborate side dishes required. Companion to a thirteen-part public television series, this book provides dishes you can eat with family and friends, day in and day out.  

Rick and Lanie’s Excellent Kitchen Adventures
Stewart Tabori and Chang, $18.85, 232 pages 

Renowned chef, author, and television personality Rick Bayless has prepared gourmet meals for his share of celebrities. But when asked about his most memorable cooking experiences, he immediately answers, “with my family and friends, at my home or theirs-whether around the block or around the globe.” Lanie Bayless has grown up cooking and eating with her chef-dad in their restaurant, at their home, and in other people’s homes from Oklahoma City to Tokyo-with stops in Mexico, Morocco, France, Thailand, and Peru along the way. But her perspective is different from his. He’s the celebrated chef with decades of cooking and traveling experience, and she’s a teenager with ideas of her own. Rick & Lanie’s Excellent Kitchen Adventures is a lively, multigenerational dialogue between two not-always-like-minded cooks. Each brings a unique outlook to the wide variety of flavors, cooking techniques, ingredients, and travel experiences they shared during the four years they worked on this book.For Rick, sharing a meal is one of the most powerful catalysts for common understanding between parents and kids, friends and families, and people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This unique cookbook of more than 100 international classics (as well as down-home American favorites) offers simple, step-by-step recipes that will draw everyone to the table. Here the wisdom and experience of a famous chef are transformed into the everyday advice of an at-home dad. 

How to Cook Like a Top Chef by the creators of Top Chef and Rick Bayless
Chronicle Books, $29.95, 224 pages 

The number one food show on cable TV presents the ultimate guide to becoming a Top Chef. This cookbook and culinary primer in one features recipes from all six seasons of the show and season one of Top Chef: Masters, along with insider techniques from everyone’s favorite contestants and judges. Covering everything from knife skills to sauces and sous-vide, How to Cook Like a Top Chef teaches aspiring chefs what it takes to be a star in the kitchen. Packed with exclusive content including a foreword by Top Chef: Masters winner Rick Bayless, original recipes from contestants, behind-the-scenes interviews, juicy trivia, and tons of tips and tricks this volume is as indispensable on the cook’s countertop as it is essential reading for Top Chef fans. 

Insalata’s Mediterranean Table by Heidi Insalata Krahling, Laura Parker, David Matheson, and Mark Krahling
Laura Parker Studio, $32.00, 176 pages 

Heidi Krahling has been passionate about Mediterranean food since growing up in Southern California in a large Italian family. The recipes in this book speak of her major culinary influences, her father, Italo; Mary Risley, the founder of Tante Marie’s Cooking School; and Joyce Goldstein, the chef and owner of Square One Restaurant in San Francisco. Insalata’s cookbook is filled with sumptuous recipes that Heidi has tantalized her customers with for 13 years as chef and owner of Insalata’s in San Anselmo, California. You will find it hard to resist this enticing collection of more than 120 recipes with a foreword by Annie Lamott. Along with the recipes, Heidi explains how she fell in love with Mediterranean cuisine and how you, too, can learn the – principles of flavor – to create luscious dishes that are the perfect accompaniments for gatherings with family and friends. Starting with recipes Heidi shows you how easy-to-find, thoughtfully seasoned, Mediterranean ingredients will delight. Insalata’s cookbook will not only be a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes, the recipes are paired with the vivid, sensuous artwork of Laura Parker, whose work also adorns the walls of Insalata’s. 

Heidi Krahling and her book Insalata's Mediterranean Table

Take Note!

“Rick Bayless is el major cocinero! His flavors are so intense and layered that each bite brings tears to your eyes and that’s not just the chili peppers! I love everything about Rick, I’m so happy he shares his knowledge of Mexican cuisine with all of us. He’s inspired many of my friends, every age, size, shape, male, female as well as myself to have more fiestas!” – Rachael Ray 

“Rick’s recipes are a testament to the seriousness with which he researches his craft, honors the heritage of his inspirations, and approaches his cooking. This new book – part cooking manual, part party planning guide and part encyclopedia – covers everything from pickled pig’s feet and pozole to guacamole flank steak, and it does so in a way that leaves me wanting more.” – David Chang, Momofuku 

“There is Mexican cuisine and there is Rick B. Mexican Cuisine. Rick is internationally renowned for his innovation and dedication in his culinary pursuits as a great teacher, a TV host, and a pioneer in his field. The delicious recipes in this trendsetting cookbook celebrate his best dishes, from the succulent ‘Grilled Garlic and Orange Guacamole’ to ’The Champagne Margarita’; it’s a taste of what’s to come in Fiesta At Rick’s. The ultimate collection of recipes shines at the dinner table when enjoying the fireworks of flavors with friends!” Hubert Keller, Fleur de Lys 

“Rick Bayless is a Chef’s Chef if there ever was one. The food he cooks, the generous spirit with which it’s shared, the respect he honors Mexico with, and the flavor… wow, the flavor he delivers is what we crave at the end of a long week in the kitchen. I am confident that the end of your week will be much better with a table full of friends and Fiesta At Rick’s at hand. No one, in my lifetime, has captured better Mexico on a plate! I am honored to call him friend and equally honored to stand second on Top Chef Masters! Buy this book… call your friends on the way home… get to the store… mix up some sumptuous Bayless cocktails and get the fiesta started.” – Michael Chiarello, Bottega 

“Rick Bayless, an American culinary treasure, has tirelessly taught us the fine art of Mexican cooking. He now invites us to a fiesta of flavors with recipes that have been created for entertaining. America loves Mexican food, and we love our Top Chef Master Rick Bayless. Thank you for inviting us to the fiesta!” – Art Smith, celebrity chef and best-selling author 

  

  

  

Watch our video coverage of Fiesta at Marinitas here 

 

 

 

Book It!

Book Passage Bookstore in Corte Madera
51 Tamal Vista Blvd. Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 927-0960 (800) 999-7909
Fax (415) 924-3838
Café (415) 927-1503

Book Passage Bookstore in the San Francisco Ferry Building
1 Ferry Building, #42 San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 835-1020

Website

Marinitas Restaurant
218 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard San Anselmo, CA 94960-2524
(415) 454-8900

Website

Photography by Martin Delfino

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Kaye Cloutman is a self-confessed bookworm who practically grew up in the library, has an unusual penchant for the aroma of old books, and finds the ambiance of a library very soothing. Kaye has 9 years of experience working with print, radio, and television media. She became popular as the “Love Potion Columnist” for her sex and relationship advice columns in Mirror Magazine. She also bagged some accolades for her 2006 bridal magazine work with Philippine Graphic Publications. She continued her patriotic support of local Philippine talent by creating The Modern Balikbayan Bride, which serves as a valuable resource book to all prospective overseas brides planning their Philippine wedding. She is currently the Associate Editor for both San Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviews and the California correspondent for Travelife Magazine. Her book preference ranges from children’s books, science fiction, travel, and cooking, food and wine categories. Kaye writes a weekly column here called Book it! You can contact Kaye at kaye.cloutman@1776productions.

When Martin took hold of a borrowed Nikon for a photography class over 30 years ago, he immediately knew the craft was his. He was hooked and he had a reason. Every face and every moment became magical to Martin through the lens. Today, he just does not take pictures. He captures the core essence of the subject and makes vivid memories of each occasion. Martin’s photography comes from many years of experience and keeps current by attending seminars and training sessions from the masters of photography like National Geography and Sports Illustrated’s Joe McNally, to various celebrity photographers like Mike Colon who shot Usher’s wedding and Eva Longoria’s wedding photographer, Bob Davis. Martin definitely understands the need to bring life and to capture the key moments of significant events. Shooting weddings quickly allowed more people to view how Martin interprets life through the lens and by popular demand, he soon expanded to portraits of families, children, couples, corporate head shots. Martin maintains his wedding and portraits business today. He has also begun expanding his photography career shooting stylized fashion photography. Through the years, Martin has also covered many sports events due to his children. Nicole, his 11-year old gymnast has become one of his favorite subjects in action. We invite you explore Martin’s gallery to understand how he interprets life & movement, love, emotion and beauty captured under true photographic skill. You can contact him at martin@delfinophoto.com

So, as an author, you obviously want to make sure you’re doing everything in your power to support the publication of your book and entice as many people as possible (friends, acquaintances, and – most importantly – strangers) to buy a copy, or two or five.  You’re being pulled in a thousand different directions at once, and unsure where to begin. Do you start by planning your book party details? Do you start by making a list of all the thank-you notes you need to write or planning your Today Show outfit? Do you start by emailing all of your media contacts about your new release?

Your publicist will definitely be able to help you sort out what’s important and what’s not, in addition to which issues are time sensitive. She will help you get a sense of the publishing timeline and which steps should be taken, and at what time.  However, there are some things – whether they’re less obvious or simply newer and less understood – that might not come up in your conversation about the overarching timeline, and I want to elucidate which are worth your time, and if so, how they should fit into your efforts:

1. Author Websites and Blogging. Lots of previous “After the Manuscript” posts have focused on the burgeoning social media community and the migration of traditional publicity to online venues. With online publications comes an increased focus on one’s online persona.  Many of my authors ask me whether they should create their own websites or whether they should start blogging, either on their own websites or someone else’s. I’m of the opinion that the more an author is willing to build a name for himself and engage with his audience, the better. This increases exposure and awareness, but only if it’s done properly, which requires updates and maintenance a few times a week. These forums are as much a one-way tool (a way for an author to show his audience who he is), as a mode of communication between two parties (be they readers, fellow authors or members of the media). The same rule of usefulness applies to creating accounts on Facebook and Twitter.  These are meant to be dynamic vehicles and thus require a weekly – or even daily– commitment to work successfully.
2. Author Videos and Trailers. Many publishing houses are creating book trailers for their publications (You can view one of my favorites here: http://bit.ly/9a4QxO). Much like movie trailers, they’re meant to build excitement about a book in the form of a short visual pitch. Well, you say, my publisher isn’t creating one for me. Should I hire a team to help me create my own? Not necessarily. It’s my experience that these videos are most useful in convincing producers that my author is comfortable on camera. So if you were interviewed on your local TV station or if you have video of a speech or Q&A session run in a professional setting, that might work just as well for your publicist’s pitching purposes.
3. Media Timing. If you’re an author who finds herself speaking to the media on a fairly regular basis, whether it’s as a commentator/expert, or something else, it would be beneficial if you could keep from appearing too regularly – especially on the big nationals – before your book’s publication. Unless it’s your day job, there’s a chance that the show might not have you back on again come publication date because it’s too soon after your most recent appearance. Furthermore, if you appear before your publication date, copies of your book likely won’t be on shelves yet, and your audience won’t be able to go and buy copies after hearing or seeing you. Work with your publicist to try and schedule any media appearances on or after your official publication date.
4. Word of mouth. Don’t underestimate the continued power of word of mouth.  I’m not saying that you should work your book into every conversation you have, but if you know your Aunt Dolores has a monthly book group, why not suggest that they read your book next?  Why not donate a copy to your local library or the community raffle?  Might not seem like much, but it all has to start somewhere, and the personal touch may go a lot further than even traditional media attention…you never know!

Christina Mamangakis is a publicist at Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Before that, she worked at W. W. Norton & Company.

Pretty much everyone has a soft spot for Southern food.  Whether it’s fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, mac and cheese, or congealed salad (more commonly known as jello salad to many), nearly everybody will confess to liking the good old-fashioned comfort food that can be found in abundance in Southern states.

Even I like Southern food, despite the fact that much of it is decidedly non-vegetarian.  Well, I’m not a fan of all Southern food.  I’m a few steps shy of declaring okra to be one of my culinary enemies, and the vegetable is commonly thought of as a Southern favorite.  Nonetheless, I was delighted when I received a review copy of “Southern Plate” by Christy Jordan.  Based off her popular blog, Jordan’s upcoming cookbook is a gallery of culinary delights.

The recipes within are divided by season; this is such a logical way to partition things that I’m now wondering why more cookbooks aren’t organized in this manner.  (The fact that more cookbooks aren’t is probably an obvious symptom of our global food culture, where everything is available year round, even if it has to be imported from the other side of the globe.  But I digress.)  Jordan starts with the quintessential Southern summer, with a chapter loaded with recipes well-suited for a big family get together.  Classics like macaroni salad and deviled eggs are included here, as well as cakes galore, such as the sinful-sounding Butterfinger Cake.  This chapter also showed me what I was doing wrong when I made iced tea; it turns out that pouring hot water directly over sugar can scorch it.  No wonder mine always seemed vaguely bitter!  Now I know to mix the sugar into cooler water first, then to add the hot.  I’ve actually applied this idea to my daily cup of tea at work, and the results have been delightful.

Next is fall, with recipes perfect for the rapidly-cooling weather.  There are stews and chilis and chowders here, as well as a slew of recipes with apples as the starring ingredient.  Apple cakes or pies?  Apple butter?  Apple fritters?  All here, and more.  My favorite recipe from this section was for something with the unfortunate name of Hoe Cake, which is essentially a big buttery biscuit baked in a cake pan.  The ingredients are few, the preparation is simple, and the result has impressed everyone I’ve fed it to.  (A note to people who know me: if I haven’t made you try this yet, your time is coming.)  I think this is one of my honey’s new favorite recipes.  It has always come out great for me despite the major modifications I make to the recipe; whole-wheat flour, soy milk, and non-hydrogenated margarine definitely do not detract from the fluffiness and deliciousness of the finished product.

The section for Christmas (naturally the most important part of winter) is, not surprisingly, full of recipes for sweets galore.  Cakes, cookies, fudge, sugared pecans… we all know that the holidays are about stuffing ourselves silly with desserts and treats, and Christy does not disappoint with this chapter.  For spring, she begins slowly reintroducing more regular foods, including cinnamon rolls (both from scratch and using store-bought bread dough), two kinds of macaroni and cheese, and some classic Southern favorites: fried green tomatoes and fried okra.  I have plans to modify the recipe for Kathy’s Country Casserole sometime in the near future.  Substitute cooked tofu and cream of mushroom soup, and I think this one would be a winner for me.

One of the other things I love about this cookbook is that it’s more than just recipes.  Scattered throughout the chapters are mini essays that showcase the author’s values with regards to cooking and family.  This makes the book so pleasurable just to flip through.  And it may sound a little cheesy, but the heartfelt sentiments expressed all throughout this book just might inspire you to try to be a better person.  Many of these recipes have been previously published on Jordan’s blog, but some are brand new to the public.  And many of the recipes have been passed down within Jordan’s family and the families of her friends.  These recipes are tried and true, and will surely not disappoint.  I certainly have had great success with the ones I’ve tried so far, and I’m looking forward to trying a few more!

Butterfinger Cake

• 1 box devil’s food cake mix
• One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• One 2-ounce bottle caramel topping
• 12 ounces whipped topping
• 1 Butterfinger bar, crushed
• Prepare the cake according to the package directions.

Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, poke several holes all over the top with a fork.  Mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel together and pour over the hot cake, spreading it over the entire cake.  Cool completely, chill well.  After the cake has chilled completely, spread the whipped topping over the top and sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bar on top.

Hoe Cake

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable shortening

Preheat the oven to 425˚F.  Pour a thin layer of oil to cover the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan and place in the oven to heat.

In a large bowl, thoroughly cut the shortening into the flour.  Pour the milk in and stir until wet.  The batter will be lumpy.  Pour into the well-heated pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned.  Invert onto a plate.

Note:  If self-rising flour is not available, simply add 1½ teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt to each cup of the all purpose flour to make your own self-rising flour.

Kathy’s Country Casserole

• 2 cups small shell pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup French-fried onions
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (you can use canned chicken)

• One 10.5-can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine everything in a large bowl, reserving half of the cheese and half of the French-fried onions for topping later.

Spoon into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Top with the remaining French-fried onions and cheese and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more.

Holly Scudero lives in Woodland, California, with her husband and cat.  She has been writing for SBR/SFBR since December 2008.  She works full time in financial services, but still comes home every day to cook exciting vegetarian meals.  When not reading, writing book reviews, writing other things, or talking about written things, Holly spends her time cooking, knitting, playing video games, or listening to music.  She spends a good deal of time in the East Bay Area, where family and friends are, and a few weeks every summer volunteering at Two Sentinels Camp.

By Kaye Cloutman, Photography by AK Sandhu

I love my job… There is nothing more enjoyable to me than writing down my experiences and sharing them with the world. I have been all over California like a cheap suit, but mostly frequent the Silicon Valley and Bay Area. Apart from San Francisco and Sacramento Book Review, I also do consulting for many firms to help with their marketing, social and web presence. I remember vividly a time where an assistant from a clinic I was helping asked me “Where do you live?” when I said “Tracy, it’s near Livermore”… he started chuckling and then having completely forgotten what I’d been contributing at the office, he asked me about our form of livelihood. “Does it smell like cow and tomatoes all the time?” he inquired sarcastically as he reached out for his Taco Bell lunch… This is the part where I was able to finally use my flying kick skills… kidding aside, I just said “Yes, in fact I know the farmers too” and went on my daily business. I may be living at the outer reaches of the city but we have much going for us out here in the “boondocks”. My kids can lay out their picnic blanket as they relax and snack on the freshly bought watermelon on the front yard with our other neighbor kids. We have a farmer’s market right in the heart of town which makes it possible for ¾ of our daily meal consumption to be local and organic. The cows run free and graze happily on the fields and yes they do give a distinct whiff from time to time but it certainly is nothing compared to the carbon monoxide and traffic of the city. I take pride with where I live; knowing that the city and the country are both within arm’s reach. Peter Gabriel said it once, “I’d rather trust a man who works with his hands, he looks at you once and you know he understands. Don’t need any shield, when you’re out in the field.”

A few months ago, I had the utmost pleasure to meet and get to know a group of people who have vindicated me in ways that I have never expected. They introduced me to Slow Food. This movement is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions as well as the dwindling interest of consumers in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. To do that, Slow Food brings together pleasure and responsibility… and makes them inseparable. The owners of Silverado Brewery spearheaded this movement locally and are now considered authorities in the campaign for environmentally sustainable cuisine in the Napa Region.

Owners Michael Fradelizio and Ken Mee worked in wineries before opening the popular Silverado Brewing Company. Napa Valley wineries have a slogan “It takes a lot of great beer to make good wine”, referring to the fact that beer is the beverage of choice during the many sometimes-arduous winemaking tasks. With this in mind and recognizing a shortage of good local beer, Michael and Ken created the new business. They chose as their site the historic Freemark Abbey Winery building from 1895. With massive stone walls and hand-strewn wood beams, the beautiful old building houses Silverado’s gleaming copper kettle brewing system behind large glass windows for all to see.

Ken graduated from the American Brewers Guild and has won numerous awards for his beers, including medals at the California State Fair. Michael has extensive experience in the restaurant industry and a passion for cooking great food with natural and organic ingredients from local sustainable farms and ranches. Needless to say, I was truly ecstatic to meet them.

(L-R) Owner Michael Fradelizio, Chef Bernardo Ayala and Deborah Fradelizio

Michael was all smiles when we entered the bar that evening. The brewery was a beautiful structure that had an ambiance conducive to celebrating. Mike’s beautiful wife Debbie quickly followed us to our table and introduced herself as well. “I hope you ladies are hungry” she exclaimed. I was in awe of everything right away and I could tell that we were in for a treat. Michael and his wife are probably up there in my list of most favorite people in the region. Michael’s aura radiates with passion and energy for good food complemented with a heart as big as the valley. Brewer Ken Mee, who looked like he just finished mashing some barley, came out of the other side of the restaurant to sit down with us as well. He was equally affable so my friend Ari and I felt instantly at home.

These three lovely individuals are hands down, the most gracious hosts I‘ve ever met. They dined and drank with us and treated us like long-lost friends. It’s such a joy to eat with people who know their edibles. We navigated Chef Bernardo Ayala’s dishes like a committee… talking about where every ingredient came from, how it’s prepared and the history behind its source. “It’s all about cooking with integrity.” Michael told us. “We know where all these ingredients come from so we take pride in every course. That chicken on your plate was raised in good surroundings and the eggs in the dessert were from my farm. I personally harvested the chanterelles…” As he spoke, he dished a hefty serving of the mushrooms onto my plate. “Chef Bernardo is truly committed to preparing dishes that do not contain hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup,” Debbie added.

The appetizers were a knockout and we delighted in an assortment of savory servings. From the Chilled Watermelon Skewers with Toasted Fennel, Asian Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dipping Sauce to the Grilled Wild Prawns and Beer Battered Fried Calamari in Ancho Chile Dipping Sauce paired with their “Certifiably Blonde Ale”, you could tell that I was a truly content gal. It was almost a relief to see beer after a whole day of wine tasting. This easy-drinking Golden Ale has a crisp, dry palate that is balanced with a light body and slight malty sweetness. Made with certified-organic malts, it is lightly hopped with Hallertau Mittelfruh and Challenger.

(Clockwise) Local Organic Peach & Blueberry Crumble with toasted Pecans & Sucanat with Strauss and Chantilly Cream, The House Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Asian Slaw, Ginger and Sesame Seed Soy Drizzle and the Scharfen Berger Chocolate Porter Cake with Scotch Ale Caramel Sauce and Strauss Chantilly Cream

Moving on to the main dish, Chef Ayala served us lovely plated dishes consisting of the Lamb Burger, (of which Ari’s discerning palate approved immediately) The Salmon Fillet, Spit Roasted Rack of Heirloom Pork, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Braised “Long Meadow Ranch” Beef Short Ribs and the Sonoma Fulton Chicken Breast all done to perfection and paired with their Amber Ale. This medium-to-medium-high bodied beer is hopped with Galena, Challenger, and Cascade, and is a perfect accompaniment to anything barbequed, like our Ribs.

And because I was the crazy dessert person that I was, I felt as if I were royalty as Michael ordered an array of dishes where we all enjoyed eating, chewing, slurping and licking heartily… The Scharfen Berger Chocolate Cake had the Scotch Ale Caramel Sauce and Strauss Chantilly Ice Cream which was so sinful and decadent I almost wanted to hide in the corner to eat and enjoy this final dish to myself. The Strawberry and Coconut Cheesecake with the Local Organic Peach and Blueberry Crumble were both a mark of respect to the lush fruit harvest of the valley, they were not only mirthful but was so wickedly excellent that it truly spoiled my palate. The Oatmeal Stout which I paired with my cake has a medium body, and nuances of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. Judiciously hopped with Galena, Cascade, and EKG, it is not too bitter. Served from a traditional “Guinness-Style” tap, it takes a little longer to pour, but is well worth the wait!

Ari Sandhu, Owner of Silverado Brewing Company Michael Fradelizio and Kaye Cloutman during their St. Patty's Party

Ari and I applauded everything that was served that night. Of the more than ten dishes we tasted–complete with Ken‘s recent brews of the Certifiably Blonde Ale, Amber Ale and Oatmeal Stout–everything on our table was superb, but please don‘t take my word for it – this should be verified in person. I am truly honored to have had the pleasure of meeting these marvelous people and gaining their friendship and now I can’t wait to go back to the Napa Valley and pay them all a visit very soon. We will gather once more around the table and celebrate food, beer and the great company who share and espouse the same sustainable dreams as I do.

Silverado Brewing Company opened its doors in July 2000. Located on Highway 29 just north of St. Helena in the heart of Napa Valley, Silverado Brewing Company makes award-winning handcrafted Ales and Lagers for thirsty locals and visitors alike. The full-service restaurant features a menu consisting of a mix of traditional American foods such as steaks, chops, and fresh seafood, along with barbeque – all of which can be enjoyed with Silverado’s famous beers. Silverado also has a wine list with many hard-to-find local wines, and a full bar that specializes in hand-shaken margaritas, cosmos, and martinis. For a quick bite or a banquet for 50, you’ll receive great beer and wine and unusually sustainable food!

Brewer and Owner Ken Mee explaining the brewing process of their fine beers

Our Suggested Reads:

Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest by Randy Mosher
Storey Publishing LLC, $16.95, 248 pages

There is no shortage of useful guides for the budding wine connoisseur, but what about beer enthusiasts?  Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher serves up the answer with refreshing straight talk that quenches readers’ thirst for knowledge on all things beer.  After all, beer is much more than the drink to reach for after a hard day of yard work.  There is evidence that man enjoyed beer from pre-biblical time and it is that history that informs our understanding of the many forms, colors, strengths, and flavors that comprise the family of beer. With a style somewhere between a chemist and a drinking buddy, Randy Mosher introduces readers to the world of beer visually and provides the tools to understand and enjoy it to the fullest.  From a detailed history of the brew in its earliest incarnations to the many different styles we enjoy today, Mosher explains beer’s historical context and how it attained cult status.  Tasting Beer uncovers the anatomy of taste, the sensory apparati that help us enjoy our frosty mug; and with the help of numerous photos and illustrations, illumines how aroma, color, and state of mind influence how we taste and enjoy beer.  Mosher humorously deconstructs the world of brewing and dissects each style of beer – its color, texture and flavor profile.  Readers will gain a new vocabulary for tasting and enjoying beer the way the maker envisioned it, and even take a shot at gaining the skills needed to judge a beer competition!  Tasting Beer teaches would-be tasters how to store beer, at what temperature to serve each style, and even the size and shape of the glass in which it is served, as well as how to pair beer and food. Mosher suggests beers to try in every style, and includes information on craft beers in the United States and beyond, as well as new ways brewers are perfecting their craft and even serves up some beer trivia.  With the trend of master brewers forming their own craft beers in small independent breweries across the country, this book couldn’t be more perfectly timed.  A glossary, as well as suggested reading, rounds out this around-the-world experience.  Before you hit the bar, before you plan another meal, be sure you are prepared to serve your guests with the knowledge you’ve gained from what’s sure to be a brew classic, Randy Mosher’s Tasting Beer.                                                                                                      

Beer Is Proof God Loves Us: Reaching for the Soul of Beer and Brewing
Charles W. Bamforth
FT Press, $25.99, 256 pages

Legendary beer expert Charlie Bamforth presents the most compelling social history of beer ever written: where it’s come from, and where it’s headed. From centuries-old cultural values to radical new approaches, craft brewing to globalization, it’s an amazing story. Bamforth tells it all–with humor, behind-the-scenes insight, and sheer joy!  

Great American Craft Beer: A Guide to the Nation’s Finest Beers and Breweries by Andy Crouch 
Running Press, $22.95,  320 pages

Great American Craft Beer takes readers on a passionate and informative journey through the most palate pleasing ales and lagers produced in America today. Built on the inalienable truth that there is a beer out there for everyone, the book directs readers to focus on the flavors they already enjoy tasting, such as sweet fruits, roasted coffee, or bitter hops. More than 80 styles and 340 beer profiles are accompanied by full-color photographs and illustrations of the beers and beer labels. This unconventional approach allows drinkers of all experience levels to step right up to the bar and order their next pint with confidence. Both a personal guide and companion to the exciting world of American craft beer, this unique book touches upon several subject areas, including not only beer, but food, travel, history, and the stories and personalities of those who brew America’s best beers. It includes 25 perfect pairing recipes and profiles of some of the best brewpubs in the country. 

Good Meat: The Complete Guide to Sourcing and Cooking Sustainable Meat by Deborah Krasner, Marcus Nilsson, and Senator Bernie Sanders
Stewart, Tabori and Chang, $40.00, 400 pages

Good Meat is a comprehensive guide to sourcing and enjoying sustainable meat. With the rising popularity of the locavore and organic food movements—and the terms “grass fed” and “free range” commonly seen on menus and in grocery stores—people across the country are turning their attention to where their meat comes from. Whether for environmental reasons, health benefits, or the astounding difference in taste, consumers want to know that their meat was raised well. With more than 200 recipes for pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and game, stunning photos of delicious dishes, and tips on raising sustainable meat and buying from local farmers, Good Meat is sure to become the classic cooking resource of the sustainable meat movement.

In the Green Kitchen: Techniques to Learn by Heart by Alice Waters
Clarkson Potter, $28.00, 160 pages

Alice Waters has been a champion of the sustainable, local cooking movement for decades.  To Alice, good food is a right, not a privilege.  In the Green Kitchen presents her essential cooking techniques to be learned by heart plus more than 50 recipes—for delicious fresh, local, and seasonal meals—from Alice and her friends.  She demystifies the basics including steaming a vegetable, dressing a salad, simmering stock, filleting a fish, roasting a chicken, and making bread. An indispensable cookbook, she gives you everything you need to bring out the truest flavor that the best ingredients of the season have to offer. This book contains contributed recipes from Thomas Keller, Lidia Bastianich, Rick Bayless, David Chang, Joyce Goldstein among many others.  

Jamie’s Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals by Jamie Oliver
Hyperion, $35.00, 360 pages

Cooking good food from scratch is a skill that can save you money, keep you healthy, and make you and your family and friends happy. What I’ve tried to do in this book is pick a whole load of meals that we all love to eat and break them down to make them as simple as possible. There are plenty of clear instructions and step-by-step pictures, so whether you’re an accomplished cook or a complete beginner, you’ll be able to enjoy cooking and achieve great results in the kitchen.

This book is inspired by all the people I’ve met who thought they could never and would never learn how to cook. I believe that good home cooking is one of the most essential, fundamental skills that every single person on this planet should have in order to look after themselves, their families, and their friends. This food revolution is all about people learning how to make a recipe, then teaching that recipe to their friends and family . . . if enough people do this, pretty soon everyone will be cooking. So cook something today, then PASS IT ON!- Jamie Oliver

Take Note!

 Courtesy of  Tedprize.org and Slow Food

Book It!

Silverado Brewing Company
3020 St. Helena Hwy. St. Helena, California 94574
(707) 967-9876
website

Photography by AK Sandhu

My husband and I recently embarked on a journey fraught with elocution: turning our various ebooks into Podiobooks, or serialized audiobooks broken down into 30-40 minute ‘episodes.’ Apparently a growing number of daily commuters like their audiobooks in these shorter segments, rather than having to fast-forward through entire books files.

Audio books have been slowly taking over more of the consumer market for some years. According to the Association of American Publishers website, for May 2010“Physical Audio Book sales posted an increase of 5.1 percent in May with sales totaling $12.9 million; sales for the to-date are up by 13.1 percent. Downloaded Audio Books increased 72.9 percent on last year, with sales of $5.9 million this May; the category was also up 33.3 percent year-to-date.”

While one can present these read-aloud mp3 files into iTunes and charge for them, the indie eBook trend is leaning more towards offering audio book episodes as free marketing pieces. Podiobooks.com, for instance, boasts a membership of more than 71,000, lists greater than 430 podiobooks in 20 genres, as well as offering concise help for authors just beginning their trek into the audiobook realm.

What do they charge for the book?

Nothing.

Donations are accepted, however, of which the authors get a sizable portion. Librivox (literally ‘BookVoice’ in Latin) is a non-profit organization that provides audiobooks of titles in the public domain.  They currently have more than 4,200 titles in 26 languages. The organization also hosts an award ceremony each year for the best male and female narrators, called The Audies.

After reading the how-to manuals and guidelines thoroughly, we found that with a good quality mic, a laptop, and a free download of Audacity (a phenomenal program thus far), one can read one’s book over muted royalty-free music and produce a great-sounding podiobook episode. There is a catch.  It will eat up your spare time. Reading with an even tone flawlessly is not as easy as it seems; no sneezing, no background noise, no excessive pausing, and no yawning. I ended up re-doing the first two chapters of my most popular eBook six times before getting a recording I was happy with. On the flip side, the entire process was rather relaxing.  Reading my own pieces felt far more natural than reading another writer’s work out loud, and I was able to really get into the characters’ voices, weighing whether or not to attempt to imitate the accents. Any technical problems I ran into were easily parried by search-friendly information in the scads of pod-cast/audiobook community help threads.

The free aspect makes us a bit nervous yet–even in this sample-friendly market–just due to the amount of work necessary, not only in writing and editing the books, but in the days required to read the prose aloud, and then in making any necessary corrections. Rather than offering the full audiobooks for free, we’re going to put up a few chapters of each book as a ‘sample’ download and see if a demand for the full books arises.

–Meredith Greene

Meredith Greene has been a reviewer for SBR/SFBR since April of 2009; a wife of thirteen years, mother of four and self-published novelist.  She, nevertheless, finds time for poetry, blogs, home projects, and gardening.

Come on over and read what Meredith has to say about home, gardening, and other general musings in her column Greene Ink.

Visit Meredith’s website www.BelatorBooks.com.

Although marketing fiction is not particularly easy or inexpensive, it becomes easier if you treat your story as if it were nonfiction.  Begin by making a list of all the issues and topics in your book.

For instance, if there is a murder in your book, the issues and topics might be incarceration, crime scene investigation, organized crime, gang activity, forgiveness, or rehabilitation.

Once you have a list of issues and topics in your book, you can create a press release that uses these words to relate your material to current events.  When you do this, you have a key-worded document that search engines will find.

For example, if your novel is about a family experiencing a hurricane, you could write a press release at the beginning of hurricane season stating NOAA’s storm prediction for that year, and then tie their forecast to the book.

Another element you want to use to market your novel is its setting.

With location, you have a whole set of elements to work with.  If the setting is rural, then you might choose to exhibit at county fairs or pitch features to small town newspapers.

The exact location of the novel is a suitable place to have a book launch.

The population of the city where your characters live is a natural market for the novel, as are residents of that state.  All locations are part of a region, which is a secondary audience for the book.

Additional relevant locations are the author’s hometown and city of current residence.  Both are prime spots for generating publicity for the book.

Each issue and topic in your book can also be discussed in a nonfiction article that you compose and upload to an article bank, like Ezine Articles.  A site like this with high hits and frequently updated content is ideal for your feature if it accepts guest posts and if its followers match your target audience.

Blogs are a great place to talk about the writing process, both your own and others’ blogs.  You can discuss how you resolve conflicts within and among your characters.  Because the blog is a written format, it tends to attract writers and journalists, as well as readers.

Another way to use blogs is to send the book on a virtual tour through the blogosphere or just ask to guest post with bloggers who have already aggregated your target audience for you.

This tapping into groups of readers who are already assembled online is an essential part of book marketing.  To entice a group into your material, you might want to offer a perc or propose a competition with a prize for those who demonstrate knowledge of your story.  You can put out a fun poll with a graphic that lures readers in.

One of the best things about blogs is that they are like a living tag cloud of your keywords.  Search engines love blogs because they contain frequently updated material.  Subsequent to conducting a virtual tour for one of my clients, her title dominated the first 11 pages of Google!

Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist specializes in promoting historical fiction. Her award-winning clients include traditional publishers and their authors, small presses, and independently published authors.

Comment to win free books at www.stephaniebarko.com from August 20 through September 19.

When I first thought about writing book reviews (decades removed from writing music reviews at the college newspaper level), I thought it would be easy to get new releases from publishers.   I had no idea how difficult it would be.   I discovered that publishers – being reasonable business people – want samples of your work before entrusting you with their product.   It was then that I contacted a female book reviewer, a pioneer in the field, and asked her for advice.   Being wise, she offered no A-B-C guidebook steps, no formula to follow, although, at that point, I would have willingly purchased a “Book Reviewing for Idiots” book.   Instead, she told me something that was far more valuable:  “When you start out, it will feel like you’re trying to climb a very steep and difficult mountain.   No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to find the path upward.   But then, one day, you will suddenly realize that you’re making progress – you’re gaining traction – and from then on, every step becomes easier than the one that preceded it.”

She was right, and you might think that this article is about how to gain such traction.   No, because that’s something that every novice reviewer is going to have to learn on their own.   So I thought about using this space to answer a question that someone recently asked me, “How do you choose (or select) the books that you review?”   My answer was a simple and truthful one, I don’t choose (or select) the books, they choose me.   It’s true, as I almost never request a book on a blind basis.  I have generally read or heard something about the book prior to its release, and I rely on my instincts to tell me that this is going to be either a most excellent or truly awful read.   As I’ve mentioned before, very good books and very bad books make for easily written reviews.   If nothing else, they tend to be interesting.   Interesting is not that difficult to write about.

I think some people would be surprised to learn that I decide to refrain from writing reviews on about every fifth or sixth book I read.   Why?  The logical answer would be that it’s because they’re average, but that’s not really the case.   Instead, the answer is that, with certain books, I just cannot find “the hook” to make them sound interesting.   Recently, for example, I read a unique novel that was satisfying in every respect, except that, two days after finishing it,  I couldn’t think of how I would begin a write-up.

With some very good stories, the only way you can even begin to describe how good they are is to give away too much.   You know those movie previews where they show you the entire film – beginning, middle and ending – in two or three minutes?   Yeah, it’s like that.

And I won’t discuss the novels that are not bad; it’s just that there’s nothing special there.   Or they tend to be repeats of stories written by others.   Retreads…  Covers.   (Sometimes, and this seems to be happening more and more often, multiple novels are released that are built around near-identical plots.)

Let’s draw on a possible parallel to music reviews…  Writing about the latest concert performance by U2?   That would be easy.   Writing about the latest gig by a U2 cover band?   Not so easy.

So, to come full circle, there are books out there, generally fictional, that are fine and maybe even very good.   But if they’re derivative (the writing equivalent of clothing or musical knock-offs) it’s hard to locate the center that makes them worth writing about.   And the ones that are 100% original can be very hard to write about – sui generis (literally one-of-a-kind) works are difficult to compare to anything else.   Just think about trying to write about something that no one has experienced before – be it a book, film or record – and it may give you the beginnings of a headache.

Traction, such a tricky thing; it’s either there or it’s not.

By Kaye Cloutman

With Vicki Liviakis of KRON 4. Watch the SKIRT episodes at http://skirtworking.com/tv-show

Empowerment of women has come a long way… From gaining the right to vote and serving in  government to fighting for equality in family concerns and in the workplace, I, together with all my female colleagues and friends are the direct benefactors of the hard work of these historical heroines. Burning bras once symbolized liberation and freedom. In the present day however, three women who are considered leaders and award-winning authorities in California have recently taught me how to make use of another form of female garment… the skirt.

SKIRT™ which is an acronym that stands for Sharing Knowledge Information and Resources Together is a networking strategy that taps into women’s natural networking prowess to build powerful business networks which support their personal and professional goals… With the current state of the job market and economy, authors Michelle Alberda, Stacey Fleece and Michelle Balog join forces to help women successfully achieve their career goals with their recently released guide book SKIRTworking, How to Network Using SKIRT.

A couple of months ago, I was able to attend their launch party at the Hyatt in San Francisco and was overwhelmed with the number of attendees; men and women from different industries who all celebrated the power of networking. I immediately received warm feelings from all sorts of folks that I normally didn’t get at any similar event I’d attended in the past. Most events I attended prior to this were replete with unhealthy competition where most were only concerned about what their business could offer. The authors inculcate the value of building relationships in all chapters of the book and how to truly know your colleagues well to fully establish trust in giving and gaining referrals, because – let’s face it, women are natural networkers. Quality over quantity is also crucial in the world of business and making allies through SKIRTworking is without a doubt about as top caliber as you can get in learning to navigate the influential circles of the Bay Area’s movers and shakers.

Noteworthy chapters include topics on practicing effective strategies in the business, power lunching and nurturing your network. Step into a whole new world of profitable interaction, establishing valuable contacts and exchanging lucrative ideas with the useful tips in SKIRTworking and instantly feel the successful results of the combined knowledge of this empowerment trifecta.

Skirtworking Event at the San Francisco Hyatt (L-R) Associate Editor of San Francisco and Sacramento Book Review Kaye Cloutman, Michelle Balog, Michelle Alberda, Stacey Fleece and publisher of San Francisco and Sacramento Book Review Heidi Komlofske

Our Suggested Reads:

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel
Business Plus, $14.99, 288 pages

If you work nonstop without a break…worry about offending others and back down too easily…explain too much when asked for information….or “poll” your friends and colleagues before making a decision, chances are you have been bypassed for promotions and ignored when you expressed your ideas. Although you may not be aware of it, girlish behaviors such as these are sabotaging your career!

Dr. Lois Frankel reveals why some women roar ahead in their careers while others stagnate. She’s spotted a unique set of behaviors–101 in all–that women learn in girlhood that sabotage them as adults. Now, in this groudbreaking guide, she helps you eliminate these unconscious mistakes that could be holding you back–and offers invaluable coaching tips you can easily incorporate into your social and business skills. If you recognize and change the behaviors that say “girl” not “woman”, the results will pay off in carrer opportunites you never thought possible–and in an image that identifies you as someone with the power and know-how to occupy the corner office.

Connecting My Dots by Ilieva I. Ageenko PhD
Authorhouse, $17.98, 148 pages

How do some women achieve a successful career, along with a strong family and fulfilling life? Can you achieve the same? “Connecting My Dots” is an inspirational, yet practical guide for high achieving women looking to balance career, family, and personal success. Learn to define and achieve multidimensional success–on your own terms–with this collection of mentoring advice and simple tools from real women who have created true prosperity in their lives.  

The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
Free Press, $15.95, 256 pages

The number of hours in a day is fixed, but the quantity and quality of energy available to us is not. This fundamental insight has the power to revolutionize the way you live. As Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz demonstrate in their groundbreaking New York Times bestseller, managing energy, not time, is the key to enduring high performance as well as to health, happiness, and life balance. Their Full Engagement Training System is grounded in twenty-five years of working with great athletes — tennis champ Monica Seles and speed-skating gold medalist Dan Jansen, to name just two — to help them perform more effectively under brutal competitive pressures. Now this powerful, step-by-step program will help you to:

• Mobilize four key sources of energy
• Balance energy expenditure with intermittent energy renewal
• Expand capacity in the same systematic way that elite athletes do
• Create highly specific, positive energy management rituals

The Power of Full Engagement is a highly practical, scientifically based approach to managing your energy more skillfully. It provides a clear road map to becoming more physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aligned — both on and off the job.

Take Note!

Adryenn Ashley
Chief Idea Bunny of “WOW! Is Me!”

“Don’t let the femine look fool you. This book is seriously the best networking book you will ever read. By using the SKIRT method (which stands for Sharing Knowledge Information Resources Together) you can dramatically increase revenues and propell your bottom line straight to the top of the Fortune 500. In fact, the Fortune 500 are now hounding these authors to come teach them the SKIRT method! After reading this book, I now have easy to implement empowering strategies that no other referral book has ever given me. I strongly recommend that if you want to supercharge your referrals, you read this book NOW.”

Sandra Sellani
Author of “What’s Your BQ?(Brand Quotient)” and Brand Consultant

“The ‘good ol’ girl network is alive and well! The authors celebrate the fact that women ARE different than men and can build powerful businesses based on those differences. Women are creative, nurturing, and collaborative beings – these innate qualities can and must be leveraged to grow our businesses and to help other women do the same.”

Alicia Dunams
Founder of Wealthy Girl Summit and top-selling author of “Goal Digger”

“Finally – a book that teaches women how to achieve success in business by empowering themselves with their innate female qualities, rather than asking women to conform to a man’s world. Bravo!”

Stacey Fleece announcing the winners of the trip for two to Hawaii

Listen to our podcast interview of Michelle Alberda and Stacey Fleece here

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SKIRTWORKING
michellealberda@skirtworking.com
michellebalog@skirtworking.com
staceyfleece@skirtworking.com

website

By Kaye Cloutman 

Kepler's Bookstore Menlo Park

Kepler’s was founded in 1955 by pacifist and conscientious objector to WWII, Roy Kepler.  His original objective was to create a business that was in line with his core ideals, but could also enable him and his wife to raise a family.  Roy’s goal was to have every paperback in print (about 5000 at that point) on his shelves.  By the dawn of the 1960s and the Vietnam War, the peace movement was finding its feet and Roy Kepler and Kepler’s books were at the forefront.  By the 1980′s Roy was ready to retire, and his son Clark took over management of the business.  In the 1990′s independent book stores across the nation came under threat from large chain book stores offering titles at huge discounts, and then later from online book sellers such as Amazon, which offered large discounts and was not obligated by law to collect sales tax.   In 2005 these market forces proved too much for Kepler’s and they closed their doors for good.  Or so they thought. 

On the Morning of August 31st, 2005, Clark Kepler called a mandatory all staff meeting to announce that Kepler’s was closing its doors.  Within 30 minutes, the Menlo Park Almanac was at the door.  Within an hour they were joined by the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News.  The next day, the closure was reported in the New York Times.  By day’s end a group of investors had come forward, unwilling to accept that Kepler’s was no more.  The city council also got involved.  Kepler’s was central to the Menlo Park Community.  A website was set up by a customer – savekeplers.com – which generated postings from as far away as India.  Even the landlord was working to get Kepler’s back on its feet.  40 days later, on Saturday October 5th, Kepler’s reopened to massive crowds and much celebration. 

Five years on, Kepler’s faces new threats to its survival – the economic meltdown of 2008 in conjunction with the surge of e-books.  Kepler’s is responding to these threats in many different ways, diversifying product lines into used books and additional gifts, toys and games, and expanding their market into other revenue streams.  Whether they succeed in overcoming the odds remains to be seen, but their passion for books and commitment to their customers of all ages remains strong. 

Maggie Stiefvater and Kaye Cloutman for San Francisco | Sacramento Book Review

A few days ago, I was able to take part in one of their many author events. It was my first time at Kepler’s, and I totally loved the layout and flow of the place. The ambiance was truly special and book categories had their own little nooks that allowed for a more intimate reading. That afternoon was a particularly  special one– The New York Times Bestseller Linger was the highlight of the moment; so aside from the cute forest feel decors and wolf paw prints on the floor, I was just really looking forward to meeting Maggie Stiefvater in person. Her literary gift notwithstanding, this talented woman is also a cool musician and artist. If you’ve read her novels and blogs, you’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of time and work she spends creating the soundtrack and stop-motion book trailers of her titles too.  Stiefvater won’t disappoint. Every second spent with her was entertainingly meaningful and nothing at all like other typical “talking-head” authors. She was full of zest and humor that I would only imagine from a woman of her craziness. I took pleasure in the company I had; apart from the super friendly Kepler’s staff, the audience was an interesting mix ranging from teenage girls, dads, moms, barking dogs, bloggers and even fellow authors. Heidi Kling, author of the recently released and acclaimed YA book Sea, was also there to show her support. 

Stiefvater definitely rocked the podium, gaining profuse laughter and applause from the audience. She was just really an enjoyable person. When I asked her about her favorite authors, she quickly exclaimed “Diana Wynne Jones. In the eighties, there were just a handful of fantasy fiction authors, but she wrote a lot of books and I read them all. I just love her way of writing. And of course the rock star of the literary world, Neil Gaiman, his talent just blows me away, and maybe I do wish a little in the future that my stories become graphic novels too” she adds. 

Amanda Hall introduces Maggie to her avid reader fans

For thirty more minutes, Stiefvater answered questions from the audience with the comical wit and style only she could deliver.  Amanda Hall of Kepler’s adds “The best part of this visit was Maggie, herself.  She was funny, irreverent and engaging.  I loved all the personal stories she shared that really brought her family and writing to life. And, of course, she had a great rapport with the audience.” 

One of Hall’s responsibilities is to read and review newly released titles for the store, and she has this to say about Shiver and Linger: “Werewolves in love– What’s not to like?  Seriously, though, I loved her story, her play on words, and I loved her characters—especially Sam, with his vulnerability and watching eyes, and Grace with her strength and compassion.  In the end, this is really a love story– a very romantic, suspenseful, heartbreaking love story.  And I fell for it—werewolf thing and all!” 

There are two events coming up at Kepler’s. First on Tuesday, August 24^th at 6:30 pm, they will be hosting a release party for Suzanne Collins’ anxiously awaited Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. Also, best-selling author and illustrator, Lisa Brown will be at Kepler’s Friday, September 3 at 7 pm to promote her new book, Picture the Dead, a genre-breaking, illustrated Civil War ghost story.  

Hall adds “These events, like the Maggie Stiefvater book signing, are part of what make Kepler’s so special and so integral to the community. Authors are OUR rock stars, and being able to bring them in front of their readers, especially young readers, is incredibly worthwhile.” 

Read it!

Shiver
Scholastic, $17.99, 400 pages
Reviewed by Amanda Muir 

I loved Shiver, and couldn’t put it down when I first read it. It had the teen captivation of romance and the supernatural werewolf complication that made it my kind of book. From there it only went uphill. The writing was beautiful and poetic, hooking you in. Instead of intense, as are most of the books I read, Shiver is intimate, and you can feel the warmth between Grace and Sam. There are no enemy ninjas or spies, but danger manifests itself in the form of huntsmen, secrets, and the danger of loss, which makes a book feel more real. The thread of believability is strong in a way that while reading it feels very down-to-earth. I got very caught up with Sam and Grace, and any loss they felt, I felt. Happiness and love were the same way. I could read my favorite parts over and over again. The cover contributed to my mental image, because it takes place in winter, and the artistic cover matches the poetic writing inside. I just love how the printing is blue! You get used to it and forget after awhile, but it is special like extra sprinkles! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes teen romance (the first-love kind) and werewolves. Happy reading! 

Tirzah Price, the compulsive reader

Linger
Scholastic, $17.99, 368 pages
Reviewed by Tirzah Price 

In the last weeks of winter, Sam has stayed human, much to Grace’s joy, but the cold still haunts him. Grace is just happy to be with him, even though she knows that their problems are far from resolved. As spring approaches, the new wolves are changing back, even though one of them, Cole, would like nothing more than to lose himself in his wolf form, and Isabel’s father is more than willing to help eradicate the wolves in the forest completely. And through it all, Grace is keeping a secret, something that could change everything. 

Linger is a beautiful, elegant, and searing sequel. It contains all of the drama and romance of Shiver, but also possesses a new urgency as secrets are kept and tensions rise. Linger opens up Sam and Grace’s world to include Cole and Isabel as narrators, and divulges even more about the wolves and how they live. Stiefvater reveals some wonderful character growth for each of the four narrators as well; Sam is still trying to get used to the fact that he is fully human and has a future ahead of him. Grace is feeling the stress of keeping secrets from her parents, and Sam’s and her anger at her parents’ constant absences. Sharp-tongued Isabel suffers from guilt at her part in her brother’s death, and even though she’d like to stay away from the wolves, she can’t help but be drawn to Cole, a sardonic boy who chose to be a wolf to escape the problems in his human life, but is finding that being a wolf is actually making him confront the things he has tried to bury. These issues that force the characters to evolve keep Linger from seeming like a transition from Shiver to the next book, and give it enough drama and tension to keep you rapt, especially during the climactic final scenes when Sam, Grace, Isabel, and Cole realize that the inner workings of lycanthropy may not be quite as they thought. 

Stiefvater’s writing is breathtakingly beautiful, as precise and affecting as poetry, and Linger is emotional, heartbreaking, and heart-pounding as the stakes are subtly raised not just for the main characters, but for every wolf in Mercy Falls.  

Other titles from Maggie:

Lament
Flux, $9.95, 325 pages
Reviewed by Tirzah Price 

Deirdre is tremendously gifted in music, but when it comes to actually performing, that’s where she runs into some problems. She’s hiding out backstage trying to deal with her extreme stage fright before a big recital when the mysterious Luke Dillon appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and guides her through the performance. Deirdre is inexplicably drawn to him, despite the negative reactions from her family and Luke’s peculiar behavior. Soon it becomes obvious that something else is afoot besides their electrifying romance, something sinister and dangerous that involves the sly and not entirely honest fey, and their queen who would stop at nothing to make sure the threat Deirdre poses is eliminated… 

Elegantly creepy and foreboding, Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception is a bold and exciting read with much of the same air and forbidden romantic appeal that attracted fans to the Twilight series. However, Lament certainly stands on its own ground as Stiefvater weaves old lore with new twists to form a compelling and unique take on faeries. The book is well drawn out as the mystery unfolds and secrets slowly reveal themselves, giving readers just the right amount of information to keep them suspended in anticipation. Stiefvater strikes just the right balance between supernatural intrigue and down-to-earth teenage tendencies, making Lament engaging to even reluctant readers, despite its length. 

However, one of the most admirable qualities of Stiefvater’s writing is the bold way in which she presents it, and the fact that she doesn’t shy around the tough stuff in order to give readers the happy fluff. She manipulates the plot like a pro, giving Lament an edgy, tantalizing air that will entertain to no end, and also lends more depth to her work in the long run. Maggie Stiefvater, with her ability to create not only a gripping romance, but also a shadowy and puzzling mystery at the same time, is most definitely an author to watch. 

Ballad
Flux, $9.95, 360 pages
Reviewed by Abigail Johnson 

Sometimes you fall in love with a book and eagerly seek out the author’s other works, hoping to find that same feeling. Sadly, disappointment often follows as you discover that those stories fall far short of the book you loved. For me, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater was one of the best books I had ever read. And I tried – I really tried – not to hold her other books, Ballad in this case, to an impossible standard. Truth is? I needn’t have worried. 

Ballad is the second book in the Gathering of Faerie series (after Lament), but it isn’t a sequel in the traditional sense. Other reviewers have more accurately called it a companion novel. What’s the difference? While it helps to have read Lament prior to starting Ballad, you can absolutely enjoy Ballad on its own. Lament was very much Dee’s story, whereas Ballad shifts the focus to Dee’s best friend James as the two of them head off to Thornking-Ash Conservatory (for musical prodigies). Escaping to a new school, however, doesn’t mean that they’ve escaped from the faeries that had terrorized them. Quite the opposite. Faeries have flocked to Thornking-Ash in unprecedented numbers, including the Horned King of the Dead himself and The Faerie Queen. And James and Dee have both been targeted. 

If you’ve already read Maggie’s wonderful Shiver (and you should), then you already know that she excels at capturing the male point of view. James’ voice and narration is real enough to be occasionally uncomfortable. I won’t be able to adequately express how I felt feel about the character of James. He has a witty and sly humor, and a dryly sarcastic way of observing the world. Maybe this next part is only true of me, but I actually knew James. Of course that wasn’t his name, but it’s like Maggie took my friend and put him in her book. I lost my James a few years ago to cancer, but reading Ballad was like getting the gift of one more day with him. Bittersweet. 

Maggie once again makes use of multiple POV’s, focusing primarily on James but also including chapters from Nuala’s perspective. Nuala is a muse, a leanan sidhe. She is drawn to gifted boys and slowly sucks their lives away while pushing them to creative heights unattainable on their own. When she sees James, she knows she’s found her next Human, but as he struggles to resist her offer and charms tailored specifically to him, Nuala enters into a struggle of her own, battling between her ever increasing hunger and a budding reluctance to steal away even a moment of James’ life. 

Book It!

Kepler’s Books
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 324-4321 

website 

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Kaye Cloutman  is a self-confessed bookworm who practically grew up in the library, has an unusual penchant for the aroma of old books, and finds the ambiance of a library very soothing. Kaye has 9 years of experience working with print, radio, and television media. She became popular as the “Love Potion Columnist” for her sex and relationship advice columns in Mirror Magazine. She also bagged some accolades for her 2006 bridal magazine work with Philippine Graphic Publications. She continued her patriotic support of local Philippine talent by creating The Modern Balikbayan Bride, which serves as a valuable resource book to all prospective overseas brides planning their Philippine wedding. She is currently the Associate Editor for both San Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviews and the California correspondent for Travelife Magazine. Her book preference ranges from children’s books, science fiction, travel, and  cooking, food and wine categories. Kaye writes a weekly column here called Book it!  You can contact Kaye at kaye.cloutman@1776productions.

To read more about Tirzah Price click here

To read more about Abigail Johnson click below

As Amazon’s slashed eBook pricing period drew to a close, Kindle/Kindle app consumers saw a decided increase in prices; the pricier titles included newly re-introduced Penguin books as well as a handful of other publishers’ titles, and immediately some folks cried “Foul!” Over a dozen articles were re-tweeted to me this past week, featuring mild paranoia front and center.

‘Antitrust’ is an emotionally packed word capable of stirring up and smelting public suspicion into a vaguely sharp foil; this weapon is often used for little more than lashing out at shadowy figures in the mist, simply for the sake of ‘looking really busy.’ As much as we like the idea of making certain that the ‘big’ companies stay on the lesser side of Greedy, we must remember that pulling out the Antitrust Card tends to lead towards government ‘regulation’ of yet another aspect of our lives. Next thing you know we’ll be told what we can and cannot write about, all under the guise of ‘fairness.’ Personally, I want to see federal regulation of eBooks like I want to see federal censorship of the Internet; just ask folks in some foreign countries how that’s going for them.

It seems to me that threatening the use of antitrust laws for eBooks is giving the issue undeserved credence. If indeed Apple, Amazon and the ‘big six’ are price-fixing, then the average consumer has lost only the convenience of getting their eBooks in trendy places. There are hordes of Indy writers on the Internet with little websites of their own, many of them offering eBooks at half the cost of those by larger companies; some Indy writers even offer free titles as an enticement, not to mention Project Gutenberg and many other web sites where free eBooks can still be found. In Amazon’s own backyard, The Kindle Store is home to thousands of eBook titles going for less than $5, prices set by the writers themselves. Thus, the eMarket is still broad enough for consumers of digital literature to meander about.

So, what’s causing the upset? Well, back in January Macmillan had a rather sizable skirmish with Amazon over wanting to raise the prices of their eBooks from $9 to just shy of $15, to which Amazon replied by temporarily pulling all Macmillan e-titles from their e-shelves and then releasing the following statement to its customers:

“Macmillan, one of the “big six” publishers, has clearly communicated to us that, regardless of our viewpoint, they are committed to switching to an agency model and charging $12.99 to $14.99 for e-book versions of bestsellers and most hardcover releases. We have expressed our strong disagreement and the seriousness of our disagreement by temporarily ceasing the sale of all Macmillan titles. We want you to know that ultimately, however, we will have to capitulate and accept Macmillan’s terms because Macmillan has a monopoly over their own titles, and we will want to offer them to you even at prices we believe are needlessly high for e-books.”

Amazon’s statement went on to say “Amazon customers will at that point decide for themselves whether they believe it’s reasonable to pay $14.99 for a bestselling e-book. We don’t believe that all of the major publishers will take the same route as Macmillan.”

In March, I wrote an article quoting Macmillan’s CEO John Sargent’s blog entry on the ‘new’ Agency Model the publishing giant was adopting, in which he briefly outlined how this move would benefit consumers: “We will price our e-books at a wide variety of prices. In the ink-on-paper world we publish new books in different formats (hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market paperback) at prices that generally range from $35.00 to $5.99. In the digital world we will price each book individually as we do today.”

In that particular blog, Sargent gave the proverbial nod to the consumer, which rather counter-acted its decision to raise prices earlier in January:

“Most Macmillan e-books will still be priced below ten dollars… $9.99 and lower prices will continue to represent the largest portion of our business.”

At the end of the day, consumer spending is what ultimately impacts a given company. If the ‘big six,’ Apple or Amazon set prices too high, then consumers will either buy fewer books or they will seek out Indy writers’ websites even more prolifically than they do now. It stands to reason that such consumer behavior would cause the ‘fixed’ prices to correct themselves rather quickly, lest quarterly reports reflect a loss in unit sales. In the meantime, it may behoove eBook writers to avoid the all-the-eggs-in-one-basket mentality and offer their titles on multiple platforms.

–Meredith Greene

Meredith Greene has been a reviewer for SBR/SFBR since April of 2009; a wife of thirteen years, mother of four and self-published novelist.  She, nevertheless, finds time for poetry, blogs, home projects, and gardening. Come on over and read what Meredith has to say about home, gardening, and other general musings in her column Greene Ink. Visit Meredith’s website www.BelatorBooks.com.