Comments on: Sherri L. Smith

By: Jade Davis

Jade Davis — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:58:05 +0000

i think that your books are wondiful, you inspire me to do what i want to do in life and that is to write for God

By: Ms. Yingling

Ms. Yingling — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:42:18 +0000

While I agree with you personally on cover art, when I displayed a selection of books with African-American pictures on the fronts for Black History Month, they were checked out very quickly. Students like to read about people like themselves, and seeing a picture is a quick way for them to identify. I prefer more abstract covers, since they don’t date books as much, but there is something to be said for pictures of people. The Janet McDonald books have very appealing illustrations.

By: Paula

Paula — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:24:00 +0000

Well-said Sherri. As someone whose books went from graphic to photographic covers, those are my sentiments exactly. I’m at peace and have come to terms with my photo covers, but as a reader I’ve always liked being able to envision the character for myself. I always wanted the same for my own books.

And while the young ladies on my new covers represent multi-culti teens, none of them look like the characters that I see in my head. Yet forevermore readers will associate the models with the people within the book. It’s not a big deal, simply a personal preference.

I still remember when I saw the Traveling Pants movie thinking - Huh…those girls don’t look anything like I thought they would look. Our imaginations are so strong, that sometimes visual represenation is a let down.

By: Sherri L. Smith

Sherri L. Smith — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:35:35 +0000

Just to add my two more cents with regards to character faces on the cover– in particular, the trend of photographic covers leaves less and less to the imagination. While I do want to know what my character looks like, I want the writer to tell me, not the art department. Books are not tv shows. We can fill in the blanks a million different ways if we are allowed to, and that’s part of what makes reading a more personal experience. That’s my opinion, of course. I truly appreciate hearing different points of view.

By: heidi r. kling

heidi r. kling — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:00:32 +0000

Great interview–thanks to Little Willow for pointing me over here (again). I love what you said about not describing characters based on race, hair color, eye color etc…I have many an editorial comment on my ms., “What does she look like?” Best of luck with your novels. =)

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:45:18 +0000

Its a great interview, though I have to differ with what she says about not showing a reader a character’s face. They do describe them in the books, so why shouldn’t they show them too… but its cool.

‘And hey, comic books are awesome.’

Touche, touche. They rock, graphic novels… rock too!!! Thanks for this interview it was rather interesting.

;}

By: tami

tami — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:06:20 +0000

im happy to found this site
i love all the interviews!

By: Little Willow

Little Willow — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:51:43 +0000

Great interview! Way to wrap up both 28 Days Later and Sherri’s own tour. I agree with Sherri’s statement that “books should teach you about worlds you don’t know.” I’ve always seen books as the door to new worlds.

By: Val Chism

Val Chism — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:11:38 +0000

Hot, Salty, Sour, Sweet sounds like a great bet for our collection I’ll have to add it to my next B & T order & I agree with you about covers I hate the way they pin down reader’s expectations but I hate the current headkess character trend even more!