Author: Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

Ellen Whitfield is senior publicist at Books Forward, an author publicity and book marketing firm committed to promoting voices from a diverse variety of communities. From book reviews and author events, to social media and digital marketing, we help authors find success and connect with readers.  Interested in what's possible for your book sales and building readership? Check out our services, tell us your goals, and get a customized publicity campaign tailored just for you.

Books Forward holiday gift guide

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

Still on the hunt for the perfect gift for the special people in your life? We have a few suggestions…

For your mom, who is working to diversify her reading life:
We love our families and we love our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and aunties, but not every family looks like a Norman Rockwell painting, and not every woman is a 1950’s homemaker. Nor should they be! Seema Yasmin’s Muslim Women Are Everything is a beautifully illustrated book with inspiring stories of successful Muslim women from around the world.

For your BFF who thinks they’re totally a detective after binging too many true crime docs:
We all have that friend who is obsessed with true crime documentaries and can’t get enough of suspenseful TV dramas. Let them get lost in the pages of The Second Mother, the newest psychological thriller by USA Today bestselling author Jenny Milchman. This twisting story follows a schoolteacher who attempts to outrun her past by accepting a job on a remote Maine island — only to discover that its residents may be more dangerous than the isolation itself.

For the aspiring hip hop artist in your life:
Big Freedia is the irrepressible force behind bounce rap music going mainstream and a collaborator with Beyonce, Lizzo, Drake and Kesha. And although this year’s tour with Kesha was canceled due to the pandemic, this iconic voice for LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter activism is celebrating the paperback release of her memoir, Big Freedia: God Save the Queen Diva, just in time for the holiday shopping season. From growing up as an overweight gay choir boy in New Orleans’ worst neighborhood, to surviving Hurricane Katrina by living on her roof for two days, to bursting underground bounce music into the mainstream, Freedia’s signature creativity and resilience continues to set her apart. Grab a copy of this book and pair it with Big Freedia’s new holiday album, “Smokin’ Santa Christmas,” available on Dec. 11.

For your armchair psychologist sister:
Did your sister take an intro psychology class in college and now she wants to diagnose everyone in the family? Losing the Atmosphere: A Baffling Disorder, a Search for Help, and the Therapist Who Understood is the perfect book for her. In this stunning new memoir, Vivian Conan takes a deep dive into her struggles with unsettling symptoms and her mental health journey.

For your activist cousin who’s not afraid to discuss race and politics at the dinner table:
Your family has a carefully curated list of topics to NOT talk about at the table — and your cousin can be relied on to confront them all during the course of the holiday. It’s a breath of fresh air after too many prim discussions about the weather and the consistency of the mashed potatoes; these dialogues are important, even if they challenge some of your relatives. Gift your cousin Wings of Ebony by J. Elle. This explosive YA debut is about a Black girl from a poor inner-city neighborhood who is desperate to return to her community after she discovers she has magic powers and is swept away to the secret land of Ghizon, only to discover that the evil infiltrating the land may also be threatening her hood. Described as The Hate U Give meets Wonder Woman in a Black Panther world, this novel tackles racism, privilege, and allyship with clear parallels to the Black Lives Matter Movement.

For your favorite crazy cat lady:
We know them, we love them, and we (usually) support their feline fandom. So instead of turning to a typical T-shirt or overdone wall art, this year, gift your cat-obsessed friend with a book from a cozy mystery series featuring lovable Siamese RahRah and his amateur sleuth owner, Sarah. Debra H. Goldstein’s Sarah Blair Mystery Series are witty and charming whodunits that include easy recipes for the cooking-averse — and of course, lots of cat content!

For the theater nerd in your life:
Got that one friend who breaks out into song when things are a bit too quiet? Or maybe you are that friend. Either way, embrace that performance prowess by pre-ordering your friend — or yourself — a copy of Odd Woman Out by actress Melanie Chartoff (aka Didi Pickles from Rugrats). From breaking into the biz to the devotion that led her to put career over love and family, Melanie’s stories are equal parts heartwarming, entertaining and oh, so funny in this memoir.

For your siblings who swear like sailors:
None of us can deny 2020 has been a mess. But instead of shushing your brother’s creative cursing or stifling your sister’s impulsive swears, psychologist Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt would rather embrace it, as she details in her self-help guide Move On Motherf*cker: Live, Laugh, and Let Sh*t Go. Whether it’s journaling exercises or practical steps individuals can incorporate into their daily lives, this is a book your family members will be ******* glad to receive under the Christmas tree this year.

For your film-obsessed friend:
I bet you’re thinking, “We all love movies, right?” or “I’ve been watching 10+ hours of Netflix per day since March, surely that counts, right?” Well, nice try. But when we say obsessed, we mean like, knows-Cary-Grant’s-birthday-and-celebrates-it-annually obsessed. Or, someone who actually knows what French New Wave Cinema is, someone who’s not only subscribed to Netflix and Hulu but also the Criterion Channel. You get the idea. Well, if you’re into getting the perfect gift, look no further than Phantom Lady: Hollywood Producer Joan Harrison, the Forgotten Woman Behind Hitchcock by Christina Lane. Considering that this is the first-ever biography on writer-producer Joan Harrison, it’s sure to have even the most extreme film fanatic saying, “Huh, I actually never knew that!”

For your techie cousin:
If your cousin is always coding or streaming on Twitch, then getting them a book may not seem like the obvious choice – but we’re not talking about a slow-burn here, we’re talking about a fast-paced, action-packed, furious page-turning type of book. The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland is set in the United States in 2047, a time when technology is implanted in human brains and extensive surveillance is used to reduce crime rates. After a techie dad decides to help his daughter cover up for a crime, things get dangerous, pitting them against powerful forces in the government.

For your younger brother, who has taken to wearing all black and talking about death a lot:
This year has brought out the nihilism in a lot of people, but we suggest directing them to a book that will fit their darkness but leave them uplifted. E.A. Barres’ thriller They’re Gone is gritty with great character work. It starts off with two murdered men and only gets more intriguing from there.

For your uncle who misses the glory days of rock ‘n roll:
Jon Zazula, who is known in the music world as Johnny Z, gives a look behind the scenes in his book, Heavy Tales. After he and his wife founded Megaforce Records in the early ’80s, he had a hand in the early successes of bands like Metallica, and has stories to share.

Need even more book recommendations? Check out our previous blog posts or email me at ellen@booksforward.com.

Our favorite books we’ve received as holiday gifts

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

When you’re a kid, seeing a book-shaped present under the Christmas tree can be a letdown — many would rather have a toy or cool game to play with. But as we’ve grown up, we’ve grown to appreciate the thought and care that goes into receiving a book as a gift. Whether it’s a new-to-you book that you can look forward to reading, or an old favorite in a new edition, we’re choosing to unwrap books first this holiday season!

The Books Forward team got together to reminisce on some of our favorites books we’ve been given during the holiday season:

“My father read To Kill A Mockingbird to my sisters and me when I was under 10 years old. He read us all of the classics. When I started JKS Communications for book publicity, he and my mother gave me a first-edition copy. I treasure it.”

Julie Schoerke Gallagher, founder

“When I was a kid, my dad bought me a copy of Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. It’s a classic that I’ve revisited multiple times, reading it from cover to cover!” 

Angelle Barbazon, lead publicist

“Years ago, my dad got me a copy of The Snowman by Jo Nesbo for Christmas — usually I like to read a series from the beginning, but this book worked really well as a standalone. After reading it, I immediately dove into the rest of the series and got really into other Nordic noir books as a result!”

Ellen Whitfield, senior publicist

“I actually don’t buy a lot of books for myself anymore, even ones that become some of my favorites. So when I couldn’t stop raving about A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza, a friend (*cough* Books Forward publicist Ellen *cough*) bought it for me for Christmas 2019. Now, I have it on my shelf and can pick it up and reread anytime I want to feel all those feels again.”

Jennifer Vance, publicist

“When I was a teenager, my grandma gave me Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier for Christmas. I love watching my grandma’s favorite classic movies with her, and after reading Rebecca, I was swept into reading every book turned into an adaptation I could get my hands on. My grandma and I still discuss which books were better than the movies, and love cozying up on the couch together to rewatch all of them.”

Corrine Pritchett, publicist

“A decade ago, my good friend introduced me to Bill Bryson with his book The Lost Continent: Travels in Small Town America. Bryson had me at the first line: ‘I come from Des Moines. Somebody had to.’ It was the first time I ever laughed aloud, unashamed, in public while reading a book, and this continued as I read the rest of Bryson’s works. Most people start with and favor A Walk in the Woods (also hilarious) but The Lost Continent remains my favorite (because it has to be somebody’s favorite).”

Chris Gorman, special projects 

Tell us which books you’ve received as gifts (or that you’re hoping to receive this year) on Instagram (@booksforwardpr) or on Facebook! 

4 tips for writing a great book synopsis

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

 

A succinct, compelling book description is a crucial element in any book marketing campaign. Yet, for many authors, penning a well-constructed description of their work is easier said than done. This is understandable. Who wants to see the fruits of their labor crammed into the space of a couple of paragraphs? No one wants to force their baby into such a little box.

As difficult as it may be, it’s important when writing a book description to think about your book from the perspective of a total stranger. Why should they be interested in you or your beloved book? What are the five main points you think will stand out to them, and why are they important? If you can condense your book to an easily digestible, compelling description, you will have much more luck convincing editors, bloggers, publishers and book reviewers to give it a chance. Try to use brevity to your advantage and give your audience just enough information to get them hooked.

Sure, writing a book blurb can feel like a ruthless, editorial bloodbath. But cutting your book down to the most vital or tantalizing points will give you a new understanding of your work, and your book will be better for it. If you’re feeling uncertain, here are some common book blurb pitfalls to avoid.

1. Don’t over explain the plot.

One of the most common problems we see with book blurbs is when an author can’t decide when to stop describing elements of the plot. The result is usually an overly long book blurb, bloated with plot points, yet short on why we should read the book. While it’s important to give readers an idea of the story they’re about to read, there’s no point in giving away all the twists and turns before they’re even invested in the main character. Try to focus on summing up the main plot and its themes in a single sentence, two at the most. That should be enough for readers to get an idea whether they’re interested.

2. Don’t oversell your book with “filler” adjectives.

Another dubious feature of many book descriptions is when the author appears to be reviewing, rather than describing, their own book. Sure, maybe your book really is a “compelling,” “heart-rending,” story, “perfect for readers of all ages,” but why should anyone take your word for it? Too many superlative descriptions act as filler and, unless they can be attributed to an actual reviewer, often make the author look specious. Rather than wasting your word count, try to focus on why your book is compelling or heart-rending and tell that to the reader.

3. Highlight your book’s primary conflict.

Something we often see with book descriptions is that authors will get so overwhelmed with information that they forget to outline the main conflict of their book. It should go without saying that conflict is an essential element to every good story, and since it’s likely the thrust of your narrative, it’s good to make the central conflict of your story clear from the outset. Is your protagonist struggling with illness? Social oppression? Evil god-like forces? The conflict of your narrative is more often than not what will draw your readers in, so why not make it clear from the outset?

4. Avoid clichés and overused descriptors.

By trying to be thoughtful about outlining the details of your main plot, themes, and central conflict, you’re also telling the readers about why your book is unique. Yes, at the end of the day, your story may be a classic tale of a protagonist’s struggle between the forces of good and evil. But should you describe it that way? Surely, it’s not as generic as that, right? Try as much as possible to avoid these clichés and describe your book with language its unique qualities and highlights your individuality as an author. Don’t let your book blurb sell your book short!

One rule of thumb: think of your book blurb less as a description of your book and more as an adaptation. Rather than just telling readers about your book, imagine you’re adapting your book into a new poetic format, that gives its complexities in miniature condensations of narrative description. And, as always, consider cutting a sentence or two when you’re done!

Relax and read with an ambiance room

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield


My focus has been a little … scattered in recent months. But one thing that has helped me concentrate is ambiance rooms! These videos are usually a scene or several scenes that run for hours. You can keep them on the in background — some have music, and some are just accompanied by light sounds from the visuals around the site, but all of them are calming.

Whether you are trying to sit down and read or work or just sit with your thoughts for a few minutes, we’ve collected some of our favorite rooms for to you to relax in!

  1. My personal favorite place to virtually visit? The Shire. Just the thought of visiting Bilbo in his little house under the hill and having a cup of tea makes me sigh with relief.
  2. Even though we can’t go work in a coffee shop in person right now, you can recreate a similar vibe with some light jazz and the pitter patter of rain. 
  3. Want to take a quick trip to Scotland with Jamie Fraser (who doesn’t)? Check out this video with babbling brooks and Outlander music! 
  4. If someone asked me my ideal writing situation, I would simply show them this vibrant desk set up in front of gently falling autumn leaves with the sound of wind chimes in the background.
  5. And if I could read anywhere, I’d choose to settle in among these magnificent stacks with a thunderstorm pounding at the windows.
  6. Or perhaps I’ll take a quick jaunt through the wardrobe to visit the peaceful winter woods of Narnia under a blanket of snow.
  7. If being indoors in winter is more of your thing, settle in by the fireplace and let the crackling wood and flickering candles relax you. 
  8. Need some alone time? Try this scene of nighttime in the mountains under the stars with the chirps of crickets and no one else around for miles.
  9. Or if a tropical getaway is what you’re looking for, escape to this bookstore on an island — the quiet background noises are so soothing.
  10. And, of course, there’s the classic sound of waves crashing on the shore under palm trees that is sure to bring you peace.

Indigenous bookstagrammers to follow for National Native American Heritage Month

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

November is National Native American Heritage Month, and we asked our followers to help us put together a list of Indigenous bookstagrammers you should be following! We also asked them for a book recommendation, so start in November and then #ReadIndigenous all year long.

  1. Alexis (@littlelionslibrary) said: “I’d absolutely have to recommend Betty by Tiffany McDaniel. It’s a heart-wrenching story about family, dealing with loss, and letting cultural teachings and stories guide you through life and all of it’s pain and triumphs!”
  2. Kaela (@ilovebooksokae) said: “I would have to suggest Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. This book takes place in a pre-colonial South Americas, with a largely nonheteronormative/cisgender society. Roanhorse is able to create such exceptional and moving characters within pages of meeting them. Her plot was so strong and anxiety-inducing that I could barely put the book down once I started reading it. You get femme bisexual pirate captains, a soft and gentle crow god, and a hardened and shocking sun priest. It’s the first book in a trilogy and it absolutely blew me away!”
  3. Autumn (@chaptermalliumpkin) said: “I have to recommend The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. Though this book is more for an older crowd, this book is an atmospheric read, full of Blackfeet culture and beliefs. Don’t let this slow burn horror fool you, this book highlights many important elements like basketball being a sport that keeps many rez children from falling down a rough path or how being Native/Indigenous, you grow up with the traditions of your elders and how it comes into play in your adulthood. This book is perfect to pick up during the spooky season and NAHM.” To hear more of Autumn’s thoughts, check out her full review here.
  4. Melitta (@the.midnight.librarian) recommends: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger. “This book has a great balance and is just over all satisfying. Mystery, family connection, great friendships, vampires and ghosts, and finding self control and comfort. I can’t get enough of this book.”
  5. Vanessa and Betsy (@roomie_reads) said: “Winter Counts is a crime thriller by Sicangu Lakota writer David Heska Wanbli Weiden. There were little details that really showed how important it is to have Indigenous authors writing about Indigenous people — especially since Weiden is writing about his own reservation. He touched on so many issues that Indigenous people can face today, most notably the issue with federal jurisdiction on reservations. We both loved how Weiden is normalizing indigenous language by not italicizing the Lakota words in Winter Counts.”
  6. Michelle (@thor.wants.another.letter) said: “My personal recommendation is Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley, and I love it because it made me feel seen. When I was about 15, around Apple’s age, I was very insecure with the color of my skin. I didn’t want to get tan or show my arms. I loved seeing Apple overcome this insecurity and love her skin tone. I also recommend Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden for the Lakota representation!”
  7. Sasha (@anishinaabekwereads) said: “I recommend Lois Beardslee’s Words Like Thunder: New and Used Anishinaabe Prayers. She breathes out the intimate knowledges and relationships Anishinaabe people (especially women) have to lands, waters, and other creations. Central to this collection is the symbiosis of life in the great lakes region and how through environmental destruction Anishinaabe people suffer alongside nonhuman relatives. Beardslee has crafted such emotive, thought-provoking pieces that kept me completely absorbed and coming back for rereads even months later.”
  8. Lelah (@theprosepantry) said: “Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese is an Indigenous coming-of-age story that leans in to the pain and trauma that is so present in the daily life of so many of our young people. But it also tells a story of profound love and a grounding in cultural teachings that leaves me breathless on every read.”
  9. Destiny (@myhoneyreads) said: “I recommend Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith. It’s a great YA with a strong female protagonist and several important messages about Indigenous empowerment in social settings.”
  10. Weezie (@weeziesbooks) said: “I’d love to recommend Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse! Rebecca has a talent for world building and tying tradition stories into a modern story. I love that this book is a story of Indigenous survival and ingenuity!”
  11. Melitta (@the.midnight.librarian) recommends: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger. “This book has a great balance and is just over all satisfying. Mystery, family connection, great friendships, vampires and ghosts, and finding self control and comfort. I can’t get enough of this book.”

And for even more Indigenous influencers, Erin (@erins_library) has a very helpful highlight!

Teachers: the ultimate book influencers

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield
a stack of books recommended by teachers on instagram
Teachers and educators choose their favorite books to recommend to their students.

One thing we are especially thankful for this month: teachers and educators, who are working harder than ever in unprecedented circumstances to make sure kids are learning and happy. These bookstagrammers not only have great taste in books, but they also happen to be influencing the readers of tomorrow! 

  1. Jeanell (@jeanellnicolereads) recommends The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. “The illustrated middle-grade novel ties themes of science and nature, family and friendship, and adventure and home in such a tender way. I’ve read it multiple times and it’s still just as sweet.”
  2. Katlyn (@mrsbennettreads) says: “Everyone who works with kids in grades 3-8 should read and share Front Desk by Kelly Yang. It is a semi-autobiographical middle grade novel about Mia Tang, a Chinese immigrant in the 1990’s. Mia lives in the hotel her parents manage, and the book has all kinds of important themes about social justice, racism, being an English language learner, and friendship. Most importantly, when I read it aloud to my sixth graders, even the rowdiest class was engaged. Kids LOVE this book, and the sequel, Three Keys, just came out this fall!” 
  3. Christine (@ayearinbooksblog) recommends Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess. “Last week I had a student, a reluctant reader, come to class and say, ‘This is the best book ever! I had no idea it would be so good!’ I just love novels in verse, and I love how it engages students in a quick and powerful read. Solo is one of my favorites!”
  4. Layne (@jlm.bookstagram) says: “I would like to recommend Disability Visibility which is a collection of own voice essays written by people with disabilities and edited by Alice Wong. The reason I want to recommend this book is because disability awareness is something that needs to be at the forefront of educational practice. People with disabilities have shown society time and time again that they are innovative and creative, because they have to be. We live in such an ableist society that tries to force people with disabilities to conform to ableist standards. If we apply a disability inclusion lease to everything we do in education (and in general but especially education) then we will serve a wider range of students and therefore achieve greater academic success across the board. Disability Visibility pushed my thinking so much as a SPED educator and I think everyone needs to read it.”
  5. Nicole (@gluttonousshelf) says: “I always recommend Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison! First of all it’s a great text to use as a teacher because it’s an amazing example of an extended metaphor and figurative language in general. But I also recommend it because of the way it illustrates race and people of color are seen by society.”
  6. Crystal (@melanatedreader) says: “My recommendation for this week would be This Is My America by Kim Johnson. Although Johnson is a new author, she is one to watch for and her book gives you the same energy as Angie Thomas and Nic Stone. It is eye opening, suspenseful, educational,engaging, and relevant to the times we currently live in.”
  7. Cat (@_basicbookworm) says: “A book I love to share with my students is Your Name Is A Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. I love this book because of the message that all names should be celebrated. Working at a diverse school I use this book to start an activity where we, as a class, learn how to correctly say each other’s names. This book is great for all ages and shows kids the importance and beauty of names from all cultures. It’s a book that I think should be in every elementary educator’s classroom library.”
  8. Leslie (@coffee.books.convo) recommends Internment by Samira Ahmed: “Internment is described as a book that takes place ‘15 minutes into America’s future.’ Ahmed captures how quickly nationalism can turn into something hateful and ugly amongst a nation. She shows how powerful children and teens can be when united against injustice. As they once were during the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham. This book is a must read, and I can’t wait to share it with my students. To show them that no matter how young they are, together they can make a difference in this world.”
  9. Katelyn (@heykatelyn_) recommends Scythe by Neal Shusterman. “I read Scythe a few weeks ago and then got to visit my eighth graders’ English classes to do an example book talk about it for their upcoming project. SO MANY of them were excited about it and wanted to check it out from the library. It was such a fun experience and I loved getting to share the book with them!”
  10. Andrea (@book.savor) says: “I love to teach Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat to my 11th graders. It never fails to wholly capture them with the beautifully worded story of an immigrant experience in the U.S. and a daughter’s reckoning with her maternal lineage. Students find so much to connect and identify with; it’s a heartening and fulfilling teaching experience!”
  11. Kristen (@bookcish) recommends Dear Justyce by Nic Stone. “I teach Critical Reading, which is an intervention class for students who are reading well below grade level. Across the board, my students are more melanated and have a lower socioeconomic status than the average student at the high school. They view my class as a punishment and worry that they will be treated like a “little kid” and be given “baby” books and lessons. I had the privilege of getting an e-ARC for Dear Justyce over the summer. It’s officially a companion/sequel to Dear Martin, but it can stand alone. It has a lower reading level, but it is still high interest because (yet again) Nic Stone has given a voice and face to an all-too-common narrative that so many choose to ignore. These two factors put it in the sweet spot for my students. The writing is accessible, yet the content is young adult and relatable. Furthermore, PRH has a classroom unit guide that offers a lot of insights, prompts, and resources. I’m so glad this book is finally released, and I can’t wait to read it with my students.”
  12. Marinna (@booksinsix) recommends Scythe by Neal Shusterman. “This is one of my go-to books to press into students’ hands! It is fast-paced with complex ideas, which hooks kids quickly.”
  13. Andrea (@andreabeatrizarango) says: “A book I love is Efrén Divided by Esnesto Cisneros. As a Latinx teacher, one of my biggest passions is championing #OwnVoices diverse reads that allow my students to see themselves represented within the pages. And while I’ve read many books about the immigrant experience, Efrén Divided was the first middle grade book I read that showcased the reality of many of my ESOL students — kids born in the States, but living in fear for their undocumented parents. The author paints a reality all too common and relevant in our public schools, making this book a must-add for any classroom, regardless of demographics.” 
  14. Kate (@thesaltybookworm) says: “As a kindergarten teacher, one of my favorite read alouds, which was also my favorite as a child, is Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day. Keats created Peter, a young Black boy, because he felt, at the time in which this was written, children of color were missing from children’s books. He was adamant that all children deserve books about them and characters that mirror themselves. And you thought the book was just about a snow day! Additionally, as a previous middle school teacher, my go-to recommendation would have to be The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.  The main character, Ponyboy is raised by his two older brothers and his gang of friends. This is a story that sparks a love of reading, even in the most apprehensive of readers. I find it difficult to find anyone who didn’t enjoy some aspect of reading this incredible novel. I always tell my students that Hinton published this story when she was 16!  You can be a writer at any age!”  
  15. Jami (@mysharedstacks) recommends Guts by Raina Telgemeir. “Guts is a graphic novel from the Smile series by Telgemeir and it is such an amazing, forward-thinking read for middle/high schoolers. It centers around anxiety and how it presents itself in terms of physical symptoms and how those feelings are not “wrong” or “abnormal”. Young, anxious eyes will find this incredibly comforting, relatable, and hopeful as the main character learns to feel strong and in control about her mental health.”
  16. Heather (@bookdigits) recommends Clean Getaway by Nic Stone. “I am currently reading it with my 5th grade class and it has brought up some great discussion topics. The kids are excited to guess what will happen next, and are learning about civil rights issues — both historical and present day. And most importantly, they can see themselves in the main character — one of their first impressions of the book is that the boy in the cover looks like one of their classmates! Also, I highly recommend the author’s IG live series on decolonizing the classroom!”
  17. Victoria (@floury_words) says: “I teach mythology, so obviously I gravitate toward stories based on myths. I’d recommend The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. The whole point of storytelling and oral tradition is to teach a lesson or illustrate a point— So in a myth, what happens when you do the wrong thing or step out of line? In the case of this book the Elk Woman will come back to haunt you and she’s going to seek revenge. Combined with the themes of intergenerational trauma, the pain of being separated from your kids and leaving your home to start over, you’ve got a beautifully heart wrenching story about four Blackfeet friends who have to pay the price because they were entitled teenagers.”
  18. Corinne (@bookpiphany) says: “We Want to Do More Than Survive by Bettina L. Love is an absolutely essential read for anyone who is seeking to eradicate injustice and oppression in education or otherwise. Love calls for the complete abolition of all interconnected systems of oppression, as reforms only create new opportunities for white rage to react and regrow its limbs: we must envision a radical, sustainable new future. If you have been feeling disheartened, this book will reinvigorate you and put you back on the path to fight for abolition.”
  19. Maddy (@mads_lit) says: “I am obsessed with anything Jason Reynolds writes. I recently read his book Ghost with my students, and they loved it! He makes literature fun and approachable for them, and they are also able to recognize themselves in his work, which they are unable to do with many books included in school curriculums nowadays.”
  20. Emma (@onegirlreading) says: “My fourth graders always enjoy Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. It is a story about a young, privileged Mexican girl fleeing to California during the Great Depression and settling into farming life. Not only is it an inspirational story of hardship and hope, but also covers immigration, racism, and classism, providing a great discussion of migrant farming life and the workers’ rights movement in California.” 

How to write an author bio that stands out

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

Nothing can strike fear into an author’s heart quite like the author bio. Sure, you may have just finished off the final touches of the next great American novel. But the task of condensing an entire career into a couple short paragraphs is a lot trickier than it may seem. Plus in today’s age of digital media, your author bio may follow you from one corner of the internet to another for years. You’ve suddenly got quite a potential challenge on your hands. Luckily, you can follow a few tips to ensure that your author’s bio is positioned to paint as complete (and efficient) a portrait of you as possible for years to come.

Don’t date yourself!

To be clear, I’m not talking about ’80s references here. One of the biggest mistakes authors tend to make when writing an author bio is churning out long lists of previous publications, awards, and “forthcoming” works. This makes a lot of sense in a professional CV, but not so much in an author’s bio. Anticipate that any bio you’re going to write will be repopulated around the web for the rest of time. It’s not going to look fresh in 2020 if you’re talking about that “forthcoming” Writer’s Digest piece from fall 2007.

Rather than getting too specific, it’s best to simply list publications and awards in the past tense with as few specific dates as possible and only where they make the most sense. See, for example, Books Forward author Tori Eldridge:

Tori Eldridge is the Anthony and Lefty Awards-nominated author of The Ninja Daughter, which was named one of the “Best Mystery Books of the Year” by The South Florida Sun Sentinel and awarded 2019 Thriller Book of the Year by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network. Her short stories appear in several anthologies, and her screenplay ‘The Gift’ earned a semifinalist spot in the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowship.

This paragraph tells us a lot about Tori. We know that she’s published in several anthologies and been nominated for several awards, but we don’t need to know all of the specifics. Only in one case is the date necessary — the 2019 Thriller Books of the Year award — and it’s used here to maximum effect. If you can help from bogging your reader down with specifics, the achievements you do choose to highlight become a lot more interesting!

Slipping in the goods

We’re all interesting people, and we all have exciting things to share about ourselves. But for authors, it’s crucial that your author bio only shares information that’s most pertinent to your brand and the kind of promotion you’re trying to do. For instance, if your book is about running an effective workplace, you might not want to fill your author bio with information about how much you love raising ferrets or decorative pinecone collecting.

The information listed in your author bio is likely to come up repeatedly in author interviews and media coverage, so it’s best to include information that you’re comfortable talking about that will help drive interest to your book.

Here again, we can look to author Tori Eldridge for a good example:

Before writing, Tori performed as an actress, singer, dancer on Broadway, television, and film. She is of Hawaiian, Chinese, Norwegian descent and was born and raised in Honolulu where she graduated from Punahou School with classmate Barack Obama. Tori holds a fifth-degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninjutsu and has traveled the USA teaching seminars on the ninja arts, weapons, and women’s self-protection.

Here it’s clear from Tori’s bio that she would be an interesting media interview, she’s comfortable in front of a camera or behind a microphone, she has interesting stories to tell about growing up in Hawaii, and that she has expertise in one of the main subjects of her book, The Ninja’s Blade, and can speak further on the topic of self-defense.

If you find you have less colorful facts to include in your author bio, don’t force it! Maybe you can take one or two important facts about yourself and interestingly frame them. Perhaps you can focus on mentioning one or two achievements or self-defining experiences. Try to include a couple of pertinent facts to your book or make good interview questions. Don’t be afraid to sound boring; less is more!

All roads lead to social media

Finally, another key to a good author bio includes links to personal websites and social media accounts. In fact, think of the author’s bio as more of a prologue to the information that interested readers will find by visiting your personal website and social media pages. The key here is that you want to just give readers enough to paint a broad picture of who you are and what you’re bringing to the table as an author. That’s why it’s best to keep the bio short, sweet, and always pointing tantalizingly toward these personal accounts for more information.

Books that inspire some of the most creative bookstagrammers

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

Books that inspire some of the most creative bookstagrammers

I’d say that all bookstagrammers have to be creative — a lot of work goes into creating aesthetically pleasing pictures of books. But these influencers go above and beyond! From fashion to baking to drawing, they raise the bar for book reviews. We asked 26 bookstagrammers what book inspires them, and here’s what they said:

  1. Daci (@daciandthebooks) says: “The Book of Delights by Ross Gay is like if your smartest, wittiest friend—who also happened to be a poet—shared their gratitude journal with you. I read it on vacation and it helped me appreciate the mundane as much as (if not more than!) the remarkable.”
  2. Carmen (@tomesandtextiles) says: “A book that inspires me is We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Although this is technically an essay adapted from Chimamanda’s TED talk, I find myself regularly referencing the words within these pages as a way to reinforce my feelings about intersectional feminism and to motivate me to keep fighting against the patriarchy.”

  3. Lili (Utopia State of Mind) says: “I’ve been a fan of Mark Oshiro’s work since I read an early copy of Anger is a Gift and their recent release, Each of Us A Desert, is a transcendent book that emphasizes the importance of stories being told, our responsibility as a community to never forget, and the burden of carrying these weights alone. The stories that change us. Without which we become someone who doesn’t understand the weight of regret.”
  4. Holly (@bookcooklook) says: “I’ve read so many wonderful books during the pandemic that it’s hard to choose just one, so I’ll go with my most recent favorite, The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. I don’t typically “star rate” my books but if I did, this one would be five stars for sure. This magnificent novel is about a fictional character named Ana, who in this story is the wife of Jesus. It’s important to note that the book is not about Jesus per se, but rather about Ana herself, the women in her life, and her own strength, bravery and determination. It is very much a book about female empowerment, and while Ana likely never existed, the book is filled with historical details that add depth to the beautiful writing and captivating story.”
  5. Saida (@saidainabook) says:  “I am always inspired by so many books but the one I want to mention today is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. For me, this book is a reminder that imagination and creativity know no limits. Full of magic and whimsy, The Night Circus breaks free of all sorts of boundaries and is endlessly inspiring.”
  6. Kate (@katesbookparade): says “Ever since I was very young, I’ve been inspired by The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards, a small but mighty story about finding the wonder that exists all around us. I used to be a children’s librarian, and children’s books always hit me in all the feels by reminding me of the richness of life’s possibilities!”
  7. Thom (@readbooks.servelooks) recommends: “Temporary by Hilary Leichter. Imagine a world where virtually anything can be a job. One day you’re cleaning the deck of a pirate ship and the next you’re an assassin’s assistant. In that same world, you might have 18 unnamed boyfriends that live in your apartment and bond while you’re gone. With Temporary, Leichter has written a novel that is absurd, hilarious, heartfelt, and memorable.”
  8. Mariah (@thekneadtoread) says: “I recommend Sabrina & Corina: Stories by Kali Fajardo-Anstine. Each short story, centered around Latina characters of indigenous descent, will hit you right en la corazón. Excellent content, powerful message, and magnificent writing so you can’t go wrong!”
  9. Melanie (@drawntobooks) says: “Although the subject matter might be a little dark to read amidst the pandemic, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road is a book that has always inspired me. His sharp yet poetic writing is nothing short of masterful. The father/son dynamic was explored so deeply and beautifully I will forever remember it’s characters and their journey.”
  10. Zoe (@zoecreatesthings) says: “A book that inspires me is Mira Jacob’s graphic memoir, Good Talk. Oscillating between hilarious and heart-rending, Mira Jacob’s storytelling is strikingly earnest and beautifully nuanced. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in creative mediums. (I’d also recommend it to anyone, period.)”
  11. Robbi (@book.to.bowl) says: “I really connected with the character of Thandie in What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons, as she navigates early adulthood and works to define her identity as a black woman; the story is a truly intimate look into what it means to be a black woman who often doesn’t fit into certain stereotypes. Additionally, as someone who loves to cook and eat, I appreciated how certain memories in the book are connected to a particular dish or cooking experience.”
  12. Debora (@oh_apostrophe) says: “Little Women by Louisa May Alcott inspired me to be a reader, a writer, and an independent woman. The beauty and modernity of Little Women is that it gives girls the freedom to be whoever they want to be — dreamer or doer, poet or princess, homemaker or wave maker.”

  13. Mel (@acosyreader) says: “Any Ordinary Day: Blindsides, Resilience and What Happens After the Worst Day of Your Life by Leigh Sales is an eye-opening and compassionate book that has inspired me to view grief in a new light, and taught me so much about how we as humans cope with the challenges life throws at us. I read this book at a tough time, and it helped me see new ways of showing up for, and supporting, grieving friends and family. Full of compassion, empathy, good humour, and resilience – there’s something for everyone to be found in these pages.”
  14. Mel (@thebookfamilyrogerson) says: “Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane is a nonfiction book that explores human existence in the context of deep time. Wide-reaching and at times almost mythical in tone, the author’s subterranean adventures to locations including the Paris catacombs and Norwegian sea caves challenge and dizzy the reader. This haunting read inspired us to assess our place in the world and consider the legacy we’d like to pass onto future generations.”

  15. Maria (@mpjustreading) says: “The Body Papers by Grace Talusan inspires me to speak up about trauma and mental health issues. It’s a great reminder that cruelty or abuse should never be faced alone, especially since silence can never protect or heal anyone.”
  16. Em (@pagingserenity) says: “I recommend The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi! It’s a story full of magic and friendship. The worldbuilding and writing are so captivating. And the characters are diverse and so likeable they feel like your own friends by the end of the book.”
  17. Claire (@drawmeabookreview) says: “A book that has inspired me is The Right To Be Cold by Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Highlighting Indigenous voices and Canadian literature is important to me, and Sheila Watt-Cloutier is someone who has dedicated her life to fighting for and supporting her small Indigenous community in northern Quebec. I love that she’s done so many different things, from education worker to environmental activist, all to help those in her local community.”
  18. Monica (@oxfordjanebooks) says: “Things In Jars by Jess Kidd is a newer favorite of mine! It is marvelously executed: magical, so funny, turn-your-stomach gross, odd and psychologically astute. I was completely captivated. Jess Kidd describes 19th century London so that you want to lift your feet out of the muck and cover your face to avoid the stench. Definitely a story for those of us who love a smartly crafted mystery with brilliantly created characters.”
  19. Zaina (@writingquills) recommends: “Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali. This is an #ownvoices novel and a love story between two Muslim teens. As a Muslim myself, it warmed my heart to read a YA story with positive Muslim representation and that, along with the budding romance and beautiful imagery, made me feel a good deal of emotions. This book talks about Islamophobia, living with Multiple Sclerosis, cultural appropriation and so much more. Zayneb and Adam inspired me a lot. I adored Love From A to Z and would definitely recommend it!”
  20. Vivien (@steepedinwords) says: “I would love to recommend Circe by Madeline Miller. Circe is strong and does not let men or her life circumstances dictate the way she will live. She’s independent and strong willed who loves unconditionally and does everything in her power for her loved ones.”
  21. Amanda (@escape_in_a_book) recommends: “Autoboyography by Christina Lauren. This YA queer love story is a powerful ride. Coming of age, loving who you are, the toxicity prejudices…so much is unpacked during this fictional journey. Equally entertaining and important, a must read for everyone.”
  22. Katie (@baytownbookie) says: “My book recommendation is Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Forkin Bohannon. Liz debunks the myth that your passion and purpose are just floating out in the universe waiting to be discovered and encourages readers to cultivate their passions through pluck (spirited and determined courage.) It is packed full of charm, wit, humor, 90s references and practical ideas for building passion/purpose in your life.”
  23. Suruchi (@_ink_and_fables) says: “The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri inspires me because it teaches us how we should never ever let go of our roots. It’s a medium to reconnect with our family and no matter what, we are a product of our roots.”
  24. Britannia (@booklooksbyb) says: “One of my favorite recent inspiration books is The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton. This series is not only visually beautiful, fantastical & engaging but it is also very smart in how it challenges & reflects concepts of beauty & how we as a society see, value and treat people’s bodies (especially the bodies of women). As a makeup artist, a book lover and a woman of color, this story really resonated with me and I would highly recommend it!”

  25. Aleyxandra (@alyxandriaang) says: “My book recommendation is Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. This heartwarming, generational tale is a story that teaches you compassion, the struggles of immigrants and the importance of identity in an unknown world. This book inspires me every day to be humble and resilient.”
  26. Jennie (@jennieshaw) says: “The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith made me want to rent a billboard that featured the cover and a speech bubble containing bold all caps that screamed READ THIS BOOK. Because holy smokes, it’s amazing!! I’d been in a reading slump when this book’s quirky adventure of Hell’s librarian reminded me why escapist novels are so important — they’re like red bull for imagination inspiration!”
  27. Meg (@bookswithmeg_) recommends: “Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson. I loved this one because just as soon as you think what’s going on … it’s something completely different. The emotions that this book pulled from me was unexpected but made me love this book THAT much more!”

 

Loving a bookstore from afar

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield | 1 Comment on Loving a bookstore from afar

a book with bookmarks from various independent bookstoresVisiting local independent bookstores is one of my favorite parts of a vacation (it’s literally the first thing I plan after deciding on a destination), but since travel plans are on hiatus for the foreseeable future, I’ve been spreading the love by buying books from different stores around the country. Even though I’ve never stepped inside these storefronts literally, they still have my heart.

And since many places are fighting for their businesses to stay open throughout the pandemic, I’m getting an early start on Christmas shopping by purchasing books and gift cards for everyone (sorry friends and family to ruin the surprise — although, you had to know).

It’s also been a lot of fun to check out the virtual events they have scheduled — I would never be able to see this many authors in other circumstances, so that’s been a bit of a silver lining!

Here are some of the indies I’ve fallen for virtually in recent months:

  1. The Raven Book Store in Lawrence, Kansas
  2. BookPeople in Austin, Texas
  3. Mahogany Books in Washington, D.C.
  4. Women & Children First in Chicago, Illinois
  5. Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury, Massachusetts
  6. Third Street Books in McMinnville, Oregon
  7. Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan
  8. The Lit. Bar in The Bronx, New York
  9. Old Town Books in Alexandria, Virginia
  10. The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia

Bonus tip: If you ask, bookstores often send you a bookmark from their store with your book purchase, which makes for a cool and useful collection!

Leaning into e-books during the pandemic

Posted on | by Ellen Zielinski Whitfield

I’m an old-fashioned gal — I much prefer reading a print book over an ebook. But I’ve never been one to pass up a good sale, so if there’s an e-book I’m interested in for 99 cents, I’ve probably bought it. That accounts for most of the 60+ books in my Kindle account. How many of those had actually been read as of early 2020? Well, that’s none of your business. 

Also, most of the time, our clients send us early copies of their books in e-book format, so early on in my career at Books Forward, I got an e-reader to accommodate that. That was pretty much the extent of the dealings I had with e-books.

And then the pandemic hit, and the library closed, and I couldn’t check out any book that sounded good on a whim. Do I have a home library full of books waiting to be read? Yes, but that’s besides the point. Luckily, I could still access the library’s vast collection of e-books. 

I do have a bookstagram account, and I was worried about how photos of e-books would turn out. But reading whatever I want was more important to me, so I started checking out as many e-books as my account would allow. And gosh, it’s opened up new worlds. 

I don’t have to drive to the library to pick up the book I’ve been anticipating—it’s often available with just one tap of a button. I read A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Wings and Ruin on my Kindle in the spring; not having to hold those giant hardbacks probably saved me many a hand cramp. 

When I wake up before anyone else in my house, I can get a few chapters in by pulling up an e-book on my phone without having to switch a light on and wake up my husband. 

It also has been a way for me to access a larger number of diverse selections — the library’s budget is only so large, and e-book copies are much more affordable than hard copies. If there’s a book I want to read that the library doesn’t have, 99 percent of the time I can request that they stock the e-book and have my wish granted in a matter of weeks.

Plus, there are so many good deals on e-books, and I’m actually reading the books I buy on my Kindle now! (Miracles never cease!)

I’m not going to lie to you and say I’m deserting physical books for e-books; that will likely never happen for me. But I will say that I’ve developed an appreciation for the ease that they provide. 

As for bookstagram photos — it’s still a work in progress, but I’ve learned a lot by trying to take pictures of my phone. And honestly I use my account more for reviews than photos, and now I have more books to review than ever!