With the book that is not my book — but feels like it is

/ Meg


Every writer dreams of the day they’ll hold their book — a real, tangible thing — in their slick, excited palms. We peer at the typeface; run a finger over the shiny, beautiful cover. We probably don’t crack the story open because, you know — it’s too late for changes.

But we hold it. Admire it. Show it to friends, family, strangers in bookstores. We sign copies and send them to buddies.

And that’s where I am now.

Only it’s not my book.

It’s Michael Kardos’. One Last Good Time, a new collection of short stories set in a fictional Jersey beach town, was just released from Press 53 — and that’s my Ferris wheel on the cover.

When I received an email from Kevin, the publisher, about my Ferris wheel photo last fall, I was surprised — and excited. As with all opportunities that arrive via email, my initial reserve was up; you just never know with people. But it soon became obvious the offer was legit, and my photo — which Kevin found via a Flickr search (see, Flickr works!) — is now Michael’s cover photo.

Grinning like a fool, I tore open the package from Press 53 on Thursday morning and immediately slid a copy of the book into my purse. I’ve been carrying it around everywhere since, flashing my headshot and bio in the back when called upon. I asked Spencer to take a series of photos of me holding One Last Good Time, which is probably really narcissistic — but I was thrilled.

That photo is one of just three I shot last spring while walking into a mall. Out shopping with my boyfriend and mom, we parked near a carnival that travels through our town periodically on our way into JCPenney. The bright blue sky was what really captured my attention; I love finding “blank space,” as I mentioned in November. I took three pictures with my point-and-shoot camera, uploaded them and promptly went about my business. Kevin found the photo months later.

You never know where a random shot will lead you.

30 thoughts on “With the book that is not my book — but feels like it is”

  4. I am so happy for you!!! I’m still sort of new to your blog, so it’s all big news to me. Wonderful picture, and yes you never know when perfect picture will present itself.

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  8. Congrats Meg! That’s a great picture and a beautiful cover! 🙂 You must be really proud! (as you should be! :-D)
    I can’t help but ask, will you be reading-reviewing-commenting the book?

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    • Thanks Kay! I’m not sure if I’ll actually review it — feels a bit like a conflict of interest, even if it’s only in my head — but I’m definitely going to read it and share my thoughts soon. 🙂

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      • Oh I could understand why you wouldn’t exactly review it. I think I’d feel conflicted, too! But I would be too curious not to read it for sure! 🙂

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  14. Congrats!! That’s so awesome! I would totally call it “my book” as well, even if I didn’t write it. 🙂 Your photos are always so beautiful I’m not even in the slightest surprised that it’s on a book cover. I’m sure it’s the first of many!

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  20. Meg–what you and your readers need to know is that we must have looked at 3,000 Ferris wheel photos before we came across yours. I never knew there could be so many variations until I started looking. But we knew right away that your photo was the right one for the cover. I mean, look at it! Many, many thanks for your hankering to shop at JCPenney on a clear day.

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  22. Wow. Congrats. That is so amazing to have one of your photos features on a book cover. I guess that shows that it pays to carry that camera with you and capture beauty, wherever you see it.

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  25. Congratulations! Love the picture, the sky is just like an October sky which is my favorite. So proud of you, you make my heart smile. Can’t wait to buy the book.

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