Browse our interviews.

Interviews with Bas Bleu artists, authors, and creators. This is the place to learn about us: our own interests, our catalog creation, and more.

  • When in Rome: An Interview with Liam Callanan

    Liam Callanan’s newest novel, When in Rome, is now available in our latest spring catalog! Check out our interview with the author.

  • Split Rock: An Interview with Holly Eger

    Today, we are overjoyed to announce that Split Rock is available for purchase at Bas Bleu…And, better yet, we scored an exclusive interview with the author herself!

  • Piglet: An Interview with Melissa Shapiro

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we interviewed author Melissa Shapiro about juggling multiple businesses, unexpected social media success, and all her pets!

  • The Barbizon: An Interview with Paulina Bren

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we interviewed author Paulina Bren on her research strategies, how to teach while writing, and her newest venture!

  • The Unhoneymooners: An Interview with Christina Lauren

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we interviewed the co-author team dubbed “Christina Lauren” on their journey as writers, the inspiration behind their addictive rom-com, and the books they recommend.

  • Greenwich Park: An Interview with Katherine Faulkner

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we interviewed this inspiring author on her career trajectory, her writing process, and her advice and recommendations for other aspiring authors.

  • Book Club Celebrates 200th Read

    In January, we received a letter detailing a book group that has been meeting for more than twenty years. We were lucky to get the chance to interview group member Ginny Hipple, who put together the group’s reading list after perusing a Bas Bleu catalog.

  • An Interview with Artist Danielle Gross

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, artist Danielle Gross shares her desire to provide peace and escapism through her art, the challenges she faces as a new full-time artist in the pandemic world, and her shift in approach to apparel design.

  • The Books That Shape Us: The Murders in the Rue Morgue

    I adored the chaotically brilliant “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” I filled up three pages of my yellow, partly crumpled but no less loved, water damaged legal pad.

  • Bookshelf Series: RR

    Since I’m a small apartment renter, my bookshelf has room for improvement. The glass cabinet I bought from Target on a whim, while attractive in the space, doesn’t measure up to my unstoppable book collection.

  • The Books That Shape Us: The Handmaid's Tale

    When I started Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, I was in a procrastination-induced panic. But even with a deadline looming, I couldn’t bring myself to skim the book for easy quotes or snappy takeaways.

  • Meet Our New Reviewers

    Today’s blog post is something of an introduction, a chance for our readers to meet our new reviewers, Rachel Radomski and Honor Chotkowski, before you see their initials pop up in our catalog.

  • An Interview with Mike Rawls, "The Book Wrangler"

    Mike shares his tips for selecting the right children’s books, how reading can help kids talk about tough subjects, and why he’s known as “The Book Wrangler.”

  • An Interview with Artist Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes

    Michelle took a break from her studio to talk to us about the pros and cons of working with salvaged materials, the shift in focus created by the pandemic, and how she first “met” Bas Bleu.

  • North of the Tension Line: An Interview with J.F. Riordan

    Bas Bleu sat down with novelist J. F. Riordan to learn more about why she chose Door County as her setting, how opera helped shape her novelist’s voice, and what effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on her writing.

  • A House of Ghosts: An Interview with W.C. Ryan

    W. C. Ryan spoke to us from his home in England about the popularity of spiritualism during World War I, the authors and experiences that influence his work, and the romantic power of a pack of good books.

  • The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: An Interview with Kim Michele Richardson

    Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with the author about the incredible real-life people who inspired her characters, the importance of recognizing overlooked women in history, and the librarian who made a difference in her life.

  • An Interview with Publisher Dominique Raccah

    This week, Sourcebooks publisher and founder Dominique Raccah took a break from her busy schedule to talk to us about starting her own company, the importance of publishing women’s stories, and the timeless tales of Georgette Heyer.

  • Dear Mrs. Bird: An Interview with AJ Pearce

    This week, we’re chatting with AJ Pearce about the impulse buy that inspired her novel, the crucial role of female friendships in women’s lives, and the importance of optimism even in the worst of times.

  • The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle: An Interview with Stuart Turton

    This week, we had the pleasure of (virtually) sitting down with the author, Stuart Turton, to chat about how his journalism career informed his fiction writing, the tricks he used to keep his complex plot in order, and how “killing your darlings” really can make a better book.

  • The Books That Shape Us: The Value of Fairness

    Published in 1977, The Value of Fairness: The Story of Nellie Bly was one volume in the children’s series ValueTales. Each book illustrated a values lesson via a kid-friendly biographical story about a historical luminary.

  • Last Christmas in Paris: An Interview with Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we’re talking with the authors about the technicalities of co-writing a novel (while living in different countries!), the importance of addressing PTSD when discussing WWI, and the unique benefits of old-fashioned letter writing.

  • The Great Hibernation: An Interview with Tara Dairman

    In our exclusive interview with author Tara Dairman, she talks about why she chose to write for middle-grade readers, how traveling informs her writing, and how learning to cook from a book changed her life.

  • Mrs. Houdini: An Interview with Victoria Kelly

    During a recent conversation, Victoria Kelly offered us insight into how poetry feeds her fiction (and vice versa), some fascinating tidbits uncovered during her research process, and more reading suggestions for fans of the Houdinis.

  • Heart Rending Heart Mending: An Interview with Marylou Kelly Streznewski

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we’re talking with the author of this “life-and-death epitome of a must-read” about her experience as a survivor of heart disease and heart surgery, the importance of giving patients a voice, and the healing power of “illness as art.”

  • All Things Cease to Appear: An Interview with Elizabeth Brundage

    Today in the Bluestocking Salon, we caught up with Elizabeth Brundage to learn about how her early career as a screenwriter shaped her as a novelist, the parallels she sees between ghosts and faith, and the importance of being an adventurous reader.

  • Odd Child Out: An Interview with Gilly Macmillan

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, Gilly Macmillan took a break from her busy writing schedule to chat with us about narrative voice, the importance of fiction in placing readers in the minds of others, and being a visual writer.

  • One Shadow on the Wall: An Interview with Leah Henderson

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we’re chatting with author Leah Henderson about her literary inspiration, her globetrotting adventures, and the children’s books that influenced her.

  • Artist Profile: Merrie Buchsbaum

    Today in the Bluestocking Salon, we’re chatting with artist Merrie Buchsbaum about creating these cool pens and how she earned her hard-won reputation as “the flower lady.”

  • Design for Dying: An Interview with Renee Patrick

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we’re chatting with Rosemarie and Vince (referred to collectively as Renee) about the allure of Hollywood, the importance of Edith and Lillian’s friendship, and how they stay married while writing a novel together.

  • A Novelist in Our Midst

    Bas Bleu marketing associate and editor Sarah Madsen (SM) recently released her debut novel, Weaver’s Folly, and we thought it would be fun to hear a bit about her writing process and how she juggles her creative endeavors with her day job, family responsibilities, and life in general.

  • The House at Lobster Cove: An Interview with Jane Goodrich

    Recently, Jane Goodrich took a break during her long drive home to Maine to graciously answer our questions about rebuilding Kragsyde, the differences between writing novels and writing greeting cards, and the books that shaped her as a reader.

  • Outside In: An Interview with Jennifer Bradbury

    Today in the Bluestocking Salon, Jennifer Bradbury talks to us about her own experience in India, how her high-school students help her write, and her claim to fame as a Jeopardy! contestant.

  • The Last Castle: Q&A with Denise Kiernan

    Recently, Denise Kiernan took a break from her writing schedule to share her inspiration, the lessons she’s learned from her writing life, and Biltmore’s role in the preservation of America’s natural resources.

  • The Books That Shape Us: Animalia

    I can’t remember exactly how old I was when I first discovered Animalia by Graeme Base in our local library. The book was first published in 1986, so it’s quite possible I stumbled upon it fairly young.

  • The Last Place You Look: Q&A With Kristen Lepionka

    This week, Kristen Lepionka was kind enough to answer a few of Bas Bleu’s questions about her writing process, how much of herself she recognizes in the characters she creates, and even gives a demonstration of how to pick a lock!

  • The Women in the Castle: Q&A with Jessica Shattuck

    Recently, Jessica Shattuck took a break from her national book tour to answer our questions about the importance of studying “ordinary Germans,” building strong connections between disparate characters, and the role of WWII stories in 2018.

  • Marcel’s Letters: Q&A with Carolyn Porter

    Today in the Bluestocking Salon, Carolyn chats with us about the emotional legacy of her transcontinental quest to learn Marcel’s story, what it takes to be a type designer, and the importance of handwritten letters in a digital age.

  • Q&A with Our Youngest Book Reviewers

    Caroline (age 13) and Eliza (age 11) both contributed reviews to our Young Readers package. Recently, we sat down with them to get their opinions on books, the joy of reading, and life in general.

  • Artist Profile: Alison Gardiner

    Recently, Alison Gardiner took a break from the studio to talk to us about her creative journey, the benefits of supporting traditional artisans, and Prince William’s pet spaniel.

  • A Special Halloween Celebration…with Books!

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, we’re sharing a sweet anecdote from Bas Bleu editor AG that reminds us of the extra magic books can bring to special holidays…especially for the youngest of bookworms!

  • The Books That Shape Us: Wuthering Heights

    For a girl in the throes of adolescence, Wuthering Heights spoke to me in a way Jane Eyre had not. Where Jane earned my admiration for her intellect, her tenacity, and her self-respect, the soap opera that was Wuthering Heights had something Charlotte’s novel lacked: rage.

  • Girl in Disguise: Q&A with Greer Macallister

    Recently, we were fortunate to chat with the author about her trailblazing heroine, the challenges of making up stories about real people, and her film-adaptation casting dreams.

  • A Bas Bleu Family’s Favorite: Pat the Bunny

    We enjoy the opportunity to revisit beloved classics, like Dorothy Kunhardt’s 1940 children’s book, Pat the Bunny. This week, editor AG shares her family’s affection for Kunhardt’s interactive classic and the two “sequels” it inspired.

  • Sales Rep Extraordinaire: Q&A with Bianca Miele

    Recently, we met up with Bianca at BookExpo in New York, where we discussed changes in the publishing industry, her lifelong love of books, and how she’s sharing that love with her young daughter.

  • May Book a Month : The Improbability of Love Q&A with Hannah Rothschild

    Recently, we chatted with novelist Hannah Rothschild about her inspiration, the cultural value of art, and more.

  • The Detective’s Daughter: Q&A with Lesley Thomson

    Recently, we reached out to the British novelist to find out more about what housekeepers and detectives have in common, how photography aids her writing, and her love of the subway.

  • Hissing Cousins: Q&A with Marc Peyser and Timothy Dwyer

    This week, we’re going behind the scenes of this “compelling and entertaining saga,” reaching out to authors Marc Peyser and Timothy Dwyer to learn more about why and how they created this fresh take on the complex relationship between the Roosevelt cousins.

  • February Book a Month: Lilac Girls Q&A with Martha Hall Kelly

    Recently the author took a break from her busy writing schedule to answer several (we had so many!) questions about this remarkable story.

  • O My America!: Q&A with Sara Wheeler

    In an exclusive interview with Bas Bleu, author Sara Wheeler offers insights into her spirited multi-biography, discusses modern women she admires, and more.

  • A Bluestocking in Malawi

    Since Bas Bleu’s readers are ardent devotees of the written word and such great ambassadors for the importance of literacy, we thought you might be interested in Karen Kimball’s extraordinary Malawi adventure, so we reached out for an interview.

  • The Books that Shape Us: A Wrinkle in Time

    Nestled among titles like Hatchet and Anne of Green Gables, was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I was immediately drawn to the cover—the old one, with a rainbow-winged centaur flying across an alien landscape—and knew that was the book I wanted to read.

  • When Books Went to War: Q&A with Molly Guptill Manning

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, author Molly Guptill Manning explains how she uncovered this heartwarming story, what it teaches us about war that history textbooks can’t, and the novels she fell in love with along the way.

  • Murder at the Brightwell: Q&A with Ashley Weaver

    This week in the Bluestocking Salon, Ashley Weaver talks with us about her literary inspirations, her favorite childhood mysteries, and how Amory chose her writer.

  • The Distant Marvels: Q&A with Chantel Acevedo

    Recently, author Chantel Acevedo took a break from her teaching schedule at the University of Miami to discuss her novel’s take on the Cuban War for Independence, her family’s storytelling legacy, and her childhood affection for Anne Shirley.

  • Girl Waits With Gun: Q&A With Amy Stewart

    Recently, Amy Stewart took a break from her busy national book tour to talk about her heroine Constance Kopp, separating fact from fiction, and even her take on the 1910s cocktail the Automobile.

  • Artist Profile: Julie Franklin

    After several brainstorming sessions together, Julie invited us up to the studio for a chat and a front-row seat as she printed our exclusive Mark Twain New Year’s Cards on her mammoth Heidelberg press.

  • Q&A: Sissipahaw Leather Company

    One of the perks of working at Bas Bleu is that we get to meet and work with writers and artists whose passion shines through in the wonderful products they create. In our Autumn 2015 catalog, we debuted the Leather Librarian Tote, a luxurious bag created by Julia Sumner at Sissipahaw Leather Company in Taos, New Mexico.

  • Author Q&A: Mary Miley

    Recently, Bas Bleu chatted with novelist Mary Miley about her fascination with impersonators and mistaken identities, her research process, and the books that inspire her.

  • The Books That Shape Us: Nancy Drew

    Gran was not an avid reader (unless you count the local newspaper), but she loved that I was. When her sister-in-law, my great-aunt, asked what books she should send me for Christmas, Gran told her, “Nancy Drew.”

  • The Books That Shape Us: Little House on the Prairie

    When I was around eight years old, my mother suggested that we read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie together. Every night we’d snuggle up in my twin bed, taking turns reading aloud from the novel.

  • Q&A: Nishan Akgulian

    Nishan Akgulian’s brightly colored paintings of readers—both human and animal, child and adult, at home, on the subway, even on the ball field—deftly capture the humor, whimsy, and (we like to think) style that infuses so much of the bluestocking life.

  • The Books That Shape Us

    From time to time, we’ll be sharing with you some of the books that have had a profound impact on our lives. They won’t necessarily be grand literary classics or hard-hitting political tomes. They will be books that have stayed with us over the years and shaped the way we view people, places, and life in general.

  • Q&A: Gloriæ Dei Cantores

    Recently, Gloriæ Dei Cantores’s own Blair Tingley took time out of her crazy-busy schedule to chat with us about the internationally acclaimed “Singers to the Glory of God.”

  • Margaret Wise Brown

    On page nine of our Summer 2014 catalog you’ll find Goodnight Songs, a collection of long-lost lullabies penned by popular children’s author Margaret Wise Brown. Her books Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny are classics cherished by millions of readers, but the story behind Goodnight Songs may be the beloved writer’s most extraordinary.

  • Princesses Behaving Badly

    This week we sat down with author Linda Rodriguez McRobbie to discuss the challenges of separating truth from fiction, America’s fascination with the British, and why being a princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

  • Q&A: Applewood Books

    This week, we’re chatting with Applewood founder and president, Phil Zuckerman, to learn more about the wisdom of the past, the importance of listening to your fans, and the benefits of a snowstorm for an inveterate book lover.

  • Q&A: Green 3

    Green 3’s scarves, blankets, and tees have become fast favorites with Bas Bleu’s customers, so this week we sat down with Green 3 co-owner Jim Martin to learn more about this unique company.

  • Q&A: Felony & Mayhem

    This week, founder of publishing house Felony & Mayhem Maggie Topkis took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions about rescuing out-of-print classics, bucking publishing trends, and fiction’s nagging habit of creating crime-solvers who are “no fun at parties.”

  • “When in the course of human events…”

    Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence; Signing Their Rights Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The United States Constitution; and Stuff Every American Should Know were penned by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese, to whom we will be eternally grateful for reminding us just how much fun American history can be.