With a French father and a mother from New Orleans, Anne Gross’s interest in the Napoleonic era was inevitable. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anne graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a degree in music. She then went on to complete a graduate degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music before moving to Tucson, Arizona where she taught music for nine years. In 2006, she and her husband moved to Colorado where Anne went back to school and became a registered nurse. Through all her shifts in life, Anne Gross has been writing. Currently, she lives in San Francisco where she’s working on the continued adventures of her recalcitrant heroine.
Author Archive
Final Reflections
Thursday, July 16th, 2015
Hello readers!
Today is my last day as a Beaufort intern. It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight weeks, but something tells me the people who give out visas don’t particularly care about how time “feels”, so back to Canada I go.
These past two months have been really amazing. New York is a fantastic place and I’m so glad I got to spend my time here working at Beaufort. I’ve learned a lot about everything from proofreading to editing to marketing and social media and even a little bit about design. Every day I spend in the office, I am consistently amazed by how many parts a book can have. The sheer number of things that have to happen before publication can happen is mind-blowing – and if even one of them is done improperly, it could compromise the future of the book.
For a reader, books seem to pop into existence fully formed with the express purpose of finding a place on your bookshelf (or in the pile of books on the floor next to your bed that you SWEAR you’ll read soon, you promise, it’s totally fine to buy three more books to add to the pile because you are just about to go on a total reading binge, you really mean it this time). Every book is personal to the reader, of course, but they’re also commodities, each volume one among a huge number. HarperCollins recently printed two million copies of Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman. Two million people will receive that book and have ostensibly the same experience in reading it. Being on the business side of books makes you look at them in a whole new way.
On one hand, this new understanding of how publishing works depersonalizes the reading process a bit. The book is no longer simply mine. It’s something that was or was not designed properly, was or was not edited properly, did or didn’t make money. On the other, I am now hyperaware of just how much work goes into creating that thing, that impossible, beautiful, miraculous medium beloved by so many for so long. The singular experience of reading a good book happens as a result of the work of a whole pile of people – editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, layout designers, cover designers, sales teams, marketing experts, and accountants (and maybe even an intern or two). Sure, I’ve lost some of the magic, but I make up for it in appreciation for just how much has to fall into place for each and every book at the store to exist. It’s kind of beautiful.
With that, I bid my Beaufort cohorts adieu. I will be forever grateful for my experience here!
Much love,
Violet BEAUdelaire
Book Expos and Baudelaires
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015Hello Readers!
I’m one of the new interns here at Beaufort and I will be writing under the name Violet BEAUdelaire, after my favourite (note that spelling – yes, I am Canadian and no, I will not be giving up my Canuck roots while I’m here in NYC) character from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. As a kid, Violet was a huge inspiration to me; in times of hardship, she was strong, smart, and resourceful. The Unfortunate Events books are all about being able to make the best out of a bad situation and the lessons those books taught me have carried through my whole life.
My alter ego in her usual state of distress…
While this is my first week in the Beaufort office, I actually started my internship last Tuesday. That’s right, folks, they threw me right into the raging fire commonly known as Book Expo America. Over the course of 72 hours, I left the small prairie city where I grew up, moved into my residence in New York City, and found myself right in the centre of the biggest publishing event in North America. BEA is amazing and exhilarating, but it’s also overwhelming, confusing, and terrifying – especially if your entire life has just been uprooted. This is where my Violet Baudelaire skillset came into play.
In the books, Violet is represented as a talented and passionate inventor. She takes what is available and makes it into something better, something useful. She sees what looks like nothing and creates something amazing. When I arrived at BEA, I felt like I didn’t belong. I was new to Beaufort and new to the publishing world at large. I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t quite know what my role was at the expo. For the first couple of hours, I wandered aimlessly, unsure if I was allowed to talk to people or check out the piles of free merch.
What I looked like at BEA probably
Finally, I decided to channel Violet; the difference was that instead of making a welding torch out of a fireplace poker or a stapler out of a tap shoe, I invented a new, confident persona for myself. I talked to people. I talked about Beaufort’s books like I had been working here for months instead of just a few hours. Suddenly, I wasn’t out of place at all.
That, I think, is why so many people are captivated by the written word. Reading allows you to reinvent yourself in a way that no other medium really can. When I’m reading, I’m not myself, I’m living in some between space where I can feel the experiences of another person. That sensation is absolutely singular and the amount of passion one sees at events like BEA proves how intensely it can affect people. Whether we’re moving countries, starting a new job, or simply opening a book, to reinvent ourselves is what being human is all about.
I’m still spelling “colour” with a U, though.
Best wishes,
Violet BEAUdelaire
My Farewell
Friday, May 22nd, 2015Good Afternoon Readers,
Next week I will be attending the Book Expo of America, or BEA, which I’ve been looking forward to since the first weeks of my internship in January. BEA is a huge trade show amongst both small and large publishers. It’s bound to be exciting and I, for one, cannot wait.
But the excitement is bittersweet, for today is my last day in the Beaufort office. I’ve been here since the first weeks of January, but, cliche as it sounds, I truly feel as if I have just started. I’ve learned so much about the various processes that must occur before a book can be published, as well as all the publicity needed in order for it to be successful. I’ve read countless manuscripts and my input has always mattered, I’ve proofread, created press releases, and managed to fit lengthy ideas into 140 character tweets. I’ve loved interning here at Beaufort where I’ve learned not only about the editorial and publicity sides of publishing, but even a bit bit about distribution. A small company was really the best introduction into the publishing world because of all the different aspects I was able to learn about. I also could not have asked for friendlier or kinder people to learn from.
I’m going to miss it here, but I’m looking forward to whatever it is that awaits me next.
So long for now!
BEAUlores Umbridge
Black Fatherhood
This one of a kind book aims to highlight the importance of being a present father while breaking the stereotype that surrounds Black fatherhood. Written by Dr. Curtis L. Ivery and his son Marcus, the book is a blueprint for being a successful family man as well as a model African-American man. It’s also an account of the current state of the African-American community and family, which is increasingly viewed as disconnected and falling apart. Riddled with quotes by celebrated leaders, including Frederick Douglass, Bill Cosby, and Nelson Mandela, the book provides tips on how to be a father each day, every day. Ivery talks about the importance of instilling a value system and emphasizes ways in which fathers can have optimal relationships with their children. The book also delves into our current society and examines how it’s affecting African-American communities and families, as well as how we can overcome this. This book is an indispensable guide for fathers and children alike that will surely strengthen any family’s bond.
About: Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, Marcus Ivery
Hardcover: $19.95 (ISBN: 9780825307430)
Parenting/Social Science/Ethnic Studies
208 pages
Order Here:
Friends in High Places
Before the nation came to know them as the President and First Lady, Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham were close friends of Webb Hubbell. Now Hubbell offers insight into how he and the Clintons climbed the political ranks from Arkansas to the White House.
Included in this book are intricate tales of Hubbell’s support of Bill Clinton in his tensest moments; his friendship with Hillary Rodham Clinton; the tragic death of Vince Foster; details of involvement in Whitewater; and insights into famous personalities such
as Janet Reno, Mac McLarty, Bernie Nussbaum, Bruce Lindsey, Mickey Kantor, and George Stephanopoulos.
The story is told from the perspective of one who personally knows the President and First Lady. Their friendship began as partners at Little Rock’s Rose Law Firm. When Bill Clinton worked as Governor of Arkansas, Hubbell served with him as Mayor of Little Rock, and later as chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Hubbell joined the Clintons in the White House as associate attorney general, but his political career ended with the Whitewater scandal and incarceration in federal prison.
Why Hubbell committed the crimes he assumes responsibility for are detailed; a conflicted soul struggling with the cynical maelstrom of power and politics. Hubbell reflects on his resignation and prison sentence, and his old friends who have since isolated him from the White House.
His recounting resonates with the humanity in us all: the love he shares with his wife and family, the grief over losing friends to death or circumstances, and humility when faced with calamity. In the end, Hubbell faces the truth with a steadfastness seldom seen in Washington.
About: Webb Hubbell
Paperback: $19.95 (ISBN: 9780825307812)
E-book: $14.95 (ISBN: 9780825307089)
Memoir
342 pages
Order Here:
Do Not Go Quietly
Winner of 9 national book awards, Do Not Go Quietly is an inspiring call to action and guide to a life of greater meaning, consciousness, and passion for those “who weren’t born yesterday”—GenXers, Boomers, and Elders. It also speaks honestly and eloquently to those under 40 who want to better navigate the path ahead and better understand the world for which they will soon be responsible.
It reminds us all that when we turn away from what we are passionate about, we dim the light of our intellect, depress our energies, diminish our health, and prevent ourselves from achieving the very thing we came here to this earth to accomplish—living the lives we were born to live.
So, if you are in, or are approaching the second half of life, this book invites you to take the matter of how and why you live back into your own hands. It encourages you to use the tremendous power and resources available to you to ensure that you do not slip quietly and meekly into the background, but instead live your life with the dignity, purpose, and quality of experience you deserve.
About: Sedena Cappannelli, George Capannelli
Paperback: $15.95 (ISBN: 9780825307492)
E-book: $14.95 (ISBN: 9780825307034)
Inspirational/Self-Help
286 pages
Order Here:
A Walk for Sunshine
Jeff Alt takes you along every step of his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventure filled with humorous, frightening, and inspirational stories including, bears, bugs, blisters, skunk bed mates, and hilarious food cravings. As Alt walked through freezing temperatures, driving rain, and sunny skies, he was constantly buoyed by the knowledge that his walk was dedicated to his brother who has cerebral palsy. Alt’s adventure inspired an annual fundraiser which has raised over $400,000 for the Sunshine Home where his brother lives. As you walk along with Alt, you experience the success of turning dreams into goals and achieving them. Alt shares his life lessons from the trail with a focus on family, stewardship of the earth, and good health.
About: Jeff Alt
Paperback: $15.95 (ISBN: 9780825307768)
E-book: $9.95 (ISBN: 9780825307058)
Travel
303 pages
Order Here:
Ginger Snaps
Jack is back! Attorney Jack Patterson returns to Little Rock, Arkansas after an old acquaintance, Dr. Douglas Stewart, is arrested for marijuana cultivation, possession, and distribution. Jack is no expert on drug cases, but meets with Stewart to fulfill a promise to his late wife, Angie, who was close to Stewart. Expecting to wrap up his involvement in an hour and enjoy the rest of the weekend golfing, Jack hears from Stewart that his arrest isn’t about the marijuana. Teaming up with his bodyguard, Clovis, and defense attorney Micki Lawrence, Jack begins to investigate why this highly-respected scientist was growing marijuana. He learns that Stewart had alerted the government about the existence of his marijuana garden years ago. Why the arrest now? Why are the Feds claiming terrorist involvement? Stewart’s wife, Liz, claims it has to be about her ginger snaps which are laced with marijuana to help ease the pain of cancer patients. As Jack delves deeper into the case, he discovers that both Stewarts and the federal government are hiding secrets; secrets that connect to a past Jack and all involved would rather forget.
Ginger Snaps is the first sequel to Webb Hubbell’s acclaimed When Men Betray.
About: Webb Hubbell
Hardcover: $24.95 (ISBN: 9780825307775)
Ebook: $24.95 (ISBN: 9780825307065)
Thriller/Suspense
360 pages
Order Here:
Red Carpets and White Lies
In a city known for its never-ending parties, Miami socialite Leigh Anatole White’s annual Charity Ball, an extravagant star-studded benefit for troubled teens, is the most highly anticipated event of the season.
This year the pressure is on: At the tenth anniversary of the Ball, Leigh is going to give Miami one last blowout before relinquishing her title as hostess. With help from her committee, a few close friends, a masterful personal assistant and her supportive husband, Leigh is poised to deliver. Even the dirty secrets and entanglements of pseudo-friends, gossip girls, drag queens, and botoxed backstabbers, can’t slow her down.
When an influential art dealer shows up, offering to provide high-end artwork for the Charity Ball’s auction, Leigh is thrilled. This is just what the gala needs to set it apart from previous years, and after all of Leigh’s hard work, it looks as though the last Charity Ball may just live up to the hype. But as always in the world of Miami’s rich and shameless, a scandal is never far off, and this one hits everyone close to home.
About: Lea Black
Hardcover: $24.95 (ISBN: 9780825307485)
E-book: $24.95 (ISBN: 9780825307027)
Contemporary/Women’s Fiction
320 pages
Order Here: