Press 53

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

/ Meg / 30 Comments


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.

Look at that gorgeous Ferris wheel and ‘One Last Good Time’

/ Meg / 22 Comments

Photography has brought me some pretty exciting experiences. My mom, an avid photographer, introduced me to the art at a young age — and we’ve really enjoyed going out on shoots together over the last few years. She and Dad bought me my first point-and-shoot, a Canon, right after college graduation — and I don’t think I’ve left the house without a camera in my purse since.

Whether through classes or the Calvert Photography Club, an awesome group in Maryland, I’ve loved getting to know other photographers, learning to take better shots and just generally getting out there with my new Rebel. What I take usually winds up on Flickr and is a running visual commentary of my life. I take photos of food: cupcakes, pies, vegetables and steaks. I zoom in close and get buttons, bugs, flowers and wood grain. I shoot events, like the Oyster Festival and Veterans Day parade, and people — like my family, friends and boyfriend. I just take lots of pictures.

And every now and then, someone takes an interest in my work. Last fall I was emailed by a woman in New York City who needed a photo for her piano performance’s program; she found a shot I’d taken of a paper butterfly crafted from musical note paper. I told her she was free to use it (with a photo credit!), and she was thrilled. The end result was beautiful.

A month or so ago, I was contacted by Press 53 about a photo I’d taken of a Ferris wheel at my local fair. At work, I’m always looking for dynamic photos for my sections — and I love laying text over bold, solid colors. So when I’m out and about on my own time, my eye naturally seeks out “blank spaces” — places devoid of prints or objects. I like emptiness. I seek out blue sky. And Press 53 liked one photo, I’ll assume, precisely for that reason.

My Ferris wheel photo is now the book cover for Michael Kardos’ One Last Good Time, a collection of stories set in New Jersey. Due out Feb. 1, 2011, we have a few months before this baby makes its debut — but isn’t it pretty? I’m biased, yes, but I really like it.

The book is up for pre-order now, or check out my official “cover artist” biography! I’m all kinds of excited. And honored. And eager to read about the Jersey Shore through Michael’s eyes.