Cliffhanger - Book Manufacturing Advice and Expertise

The little reminder in the back of my head that whispers every time I see or experience something neat-o which I know “bookies” would find interesting. I suppose the most recent memorable event for me occurred just last week. I had the great honor of attending the National Book Awards hosted by Faith Salie. Faith is a television and national public radio host, political and pop culture commentator; she’s probably the only Rhodes scholar who’s been a standup comedian. Faith did an outstanding job and really moved things along nicely but with a ton of wit and witticisms. She was spectacular!

I was fortunate enough to sit at Dave Eggers table and was just thrilled to be a part of the scene. Dave was nominated for his fabulous book A Hologram for the King, published by McSweeney’s. I am so inspired by writers and their ability to tell a story in such a way to captivate so many. Dave does this so well in Hologram; an amazing talent!

I also had a chance to listen to another writer some weeks ago discuss her journey while writing Dancing on Broken Glass. Ka Hancock described not only her process of writing her novel, which was indeed rigorous but I was amazed to hear that it took her years from her initial submission to a publisher until it was ready for the public. I was really impressed with the process she and her publisher worked through to refine the book and rewrite and rethink the story line. Her book was released in March and quickly became a tremendous hit. Her book is sitting on my desk waiting for the holiday to break it open.

My day is primarily consumed with all things related to reproducing content and I focus on the process and the physical attributes of that content. At the moment however I am awe struck by those who conceive of the ideas and labor for years to bring it to life. I’m just happy to be a part of it all!

http://nationalbook.org/

http://kahancock.com/

Kevin (The Cliffhanger) Spall