Cover Stories: A conversation with Maggie Stiefvater and the Shiver/Linger cover designer!
By Morgan on July 19th, 2010
Happy Monday, OOMers. Today, we’re celebrating the release of Linger, the second book in Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver trilogy!
If you haven’t heard of the Shiver trilogy, here’s what you’re missing out on: werewolves. Freezing cold temperatures. Romance. And did I mention werewolves?
In celebration of the release of Linger, Maggie is 
going on a blog tour, which we are psyched to help kick off. And of course, we’ve got some exclusive scoop for you! Because apart from their renown as the ultimate werewolf-human love story, Shiver and Linger are often touted for their amazing covers (take a look at them and you’ll understand why — they’re gorgeous! Haunting! In a word, perfect.). So we’ve got a one-of-a-kind post for you today: a Q&A between Maggie herself and the cover designer of her Shiver series!
Christopher Stengel is the cover designer of Shiver and Linger, as well as various hardcover books published by Scholastic. Maggie asked him five questions; you can find questions 1 and 2 over on Maggie’s blog, and meanwhile, the rest are below!
3. (Maggie Stiefvater) Readers are pretty chuffed with the colored ink of the text. And for my part, I love the leaves imprinted into the cover beneath the dust jacket. Is that also part of your job description — overall design and/ or type-setting? And if it is, why colored ink?
(Christopher Stengel) Yes, the interiors are left up to us as well as the case covers, but that’s not always the case at all other publishing houses. In fact, from what I understand, a lot of the time at some houses, the elements of a book are often assigned to different people. By designing all the components of the package, you have more control over creating a book that has a sense of cohesion, which provides for a more complete end product. The colored ink on the interior felt like the cherry on top of the sundae.
4. (MS) And finally, blood spatter over the i’s in Shiver and Linger. Pretty wicked, Chris. I hear the author went rogue and named the last one Forever. Any thoughts on what you’re going to do with the blood this time?
(CS) My first thought was, “Oh, Maggie… What’re ya doin’ ta me!?!” To answer your question, yes, a solution has been found. I put together about four options, and we’ve settled on the most suitable (yet tastefully subtle) of the choices.
5. (MS) Okay, I lied. Readers keep asking me what color Forever‘s cover is going to be and I’m guessing they’re going to have to wait a long time before they find out. So my question is this: do YOU know already?
(CS) Oh, most definitely. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that I’ve known for almost a year and a half now!
How fun was that? It’s not every day you get to hear directly from a bestselling author and her cover designer! And now, we’re going to keep the fun going with…wait for it…a giveaway!
GIVEAWAY: We’ve got one sassy, shiver-inducing Linger tank top (women’s size Medium) to give away! Just leave a comment telling us why you’re excited about the release of Linger (and your email address!) and you’ll be entered to win. Official rules here.
UPDATE! Congrats to Erika Lynn, whose name was randomly selected out of all the entrants. Erika wins the Linger tank top. Thanks for playing, everyone!
Previously On Our Minds:
* Video: Teen Lit Day and interviews with YA authors
* YA Newsflash: Linger cover and excerpt released
* A Linger preview and giveaway!
Posted: July 19th, 2010 under Uncategorized. .
57 comments
Comments
AAAH It's too bad I can't enter the giveaway! But folks, seriously, I saw the tank top and it's super cute. It's got a Linger print on the front so it's got that awesome green! Heck, if we had extras, I'd model it for you all. But trust me, you want it.
Ivy
OOM blogger, Scholastic
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I'm excited because I loved Shiver!
treerose AT yahoo DOT com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 2:50 pm
This interview is such a cool idea, i loved hearing from the designer too! And i love Maggie's writing so what is there to not be excited about.
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I'm excited because I loved Shiver, and I can't wait to find out what happens!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Actually, I got Linger about 10 days ago but I sure was excited about it! Prior to the early release, I had Shiver sitting open on my bed for weeks so I could reread my favorite parts. I was very anxious for some new material!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:15 pm
EDIT: Oops, mediate89 here. I forgot to add my email: mediate27@hotmail.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I'm excited about Linger because I loved Shiver! Really, I love all of Maggie's books! 
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I love the chapters from Cole and Isabel's perspectives!!! Cole is so hot.
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Shiver was an amazing departure from all the other were-novels out there. I can't tell y'all how much I'm looking forward to Linger!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I really enjoy Shiver because it was simple. It was reality with a twist, and sometimes that's all we need. The covers for these books are a bonus!
I look forward to reading Linger because I can't help but wonder how it's going to go/end for Grace and Sam. Also, I'm interested in reading a book with so many points of view!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I'm excited for Linger because Shiver was amazing! And Maggie is coming to my town during her tour so I'll be able to meet her. I can't wait!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:40 pm
I'm excited because I think Maggie Stiefvater is a brilliant writer and a great member of the literary community… her blog is so supportive of writers, it is wonderful.
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I fell in love with Shiver, and so I can't wait to read Linger! The idea of werewolves are just plain awesome! And plus, Maggie's writing is amazing.
I'd love to be entered! Thanks!
bookreviewsya@yahoo.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Well, I've already read Linger. But I WAS excited for it because Shiver was so incredible. Maggie Stiefvater is my favorite author and Linger was awesome. It definitely exceeded my hopes. I can't wait for Forever!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I am excited for Linger because Shiver is so different from any other book I have read. Everything down to the cover evoked some kind of feeling in me and I am anxious to see what Linger will bring out.
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I'm exited for Linger because Shiver was fantastically awesome and left me hanging!
(:
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I've been looking forward to _Linger_ since the moment I finished _Shiver_. Not because it was incomplete in any way–I felt the story was perfect–but because I loved Grace and Sam and wanted to spend more time with them.
mombo1@gmail.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Whoops! I forgot to post my email!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I absolutely *loved* Shiver and have been eagerly anticipating Linger for a very, very long time.
Awesome interview! I have been wondering about the reasoning behind the blue/green ink forever!
Thanks for the giveaway!
thenerdswife(at)gmail(dot)com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I'm excited about having Linger to recommend to my young adult (and adult) readers in my bookstore who want a new series to get invested in and I love the cover art.
laura.anne.kremer at gmail.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I'm excited about the green ink and the way that it's a continuation of the beautifully written Shiver. Thanks for the giveaway!
miraitrunksgirl2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I'm really excited for Linger's release because that means #3 is soon on it's way. Also GREEN INK!!!! I love that the inside of these books have subtly colored ink instead of plain 'ole boring black.
teensatthelibrary[at]yahoo[dot]com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I love, love, love Shiver!
I'm really excited to see Linger's new character Cole, and learn more about Isabell!
<3
mnyfrkls@live.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Loved the book! Forever is such a long ways away…
Tank?
Oh, It is just my size and matches my eyes
Thanks for the chance,
kduff(at)oelwein(dot)k12(dot)ia.us
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I'm excited for Linger because Shiver was a great beginning to this series, and I'm excited to continue it! Plus, I love the cover art!
Thanks for the contest!
ferretvamp14[at]live[dot]com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I read Shiver on the recommendation of a well-read friend and could not put the book down. I read it in three feverish days. I haven't done that since the last Harry Potter book was released! The characters in the series are so well-rounded and just pop off the page. each time I thought I had the plot figured out, I didn't. Excellent writing, an excellent story. I'm sure Linger will be more of the same!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:31 pm
The colored ink really is very cool. I am excited for LINGER to sit beside SHIVER on my bookshelf, looking beautiful and ready to be read!
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I'm excited about LINGER's release because I think Maggie Stiefvater has one of the best literary voices in YA today. I love her books.
Thanks for a great interview and a great contest!
Angela
ahoffman1979 at gmail dot come
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Maggie is a great storyteller, and that was the main reason I was excited for the release of Linger. Finished it last night…and it was perfect. Already looking forward to the next release…no pressure:)
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Awesome interview! I can't wait to see what the cover of Forever looks like. I've already read Linger now, but I was/am SO excited for the release because the series is so romantic but the stakes are high too, and the multiple POV's add depth and complexity and make the books all-around AMAZING.
lookaftermyheart1901(at)gmail(dot)com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I am excited because I cannot wait to find out what happens, also green ink… really how cool is that!
a_readers_adventure at yahoo dot com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 6:25 pm
I'm so excited for Linger! I already got my copy and finished it, I need to go re-read both of them now…I can't wait for Forever.
purpleosiris at hotmail dot com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm
I'm excited about Linger because it is the most satisfying sequel I have ever read!
ladysexton (at) gmail (dot) com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 7:33 pm
I'm excited about Linger because it is the most satisfying sequel I have ever read!
ladysexton (at) gmail (dot) com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I said it in my review: these characters feel so real that their fates have become almost embarrassingly important to me.
Allthingsurbanfantasy at gmail.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I'm so excited for Linger because Shiver was so lyrical and memorable…I can't wait to finally figure out what happens next for the characters! =)
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I'm excited because I can wait to see what happen in the next book.
nalazul (at) yahoo (.) com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I'm excited about Linger because I've been reading Maggie's blog for the past year now and you can tell what an amazing writer she is. The way she describes and writes scenes makes me buy everything she writes. Besides, I have to know what happens to Grace and Sam!!
dmathew22@gmail.com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Shiver was amazing and Linger's release is to finally be able to read more about Sam & Grace! Psyched for it!
tracy.maddox at gmail dot com
Comment on July 19, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I've already been lucky enough to read Linger, but I am excited about it's official release because that means we're One. Day. Closer. to Forever.
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 2:06 am
I'm excited to pick up the story of Grace and Sam again. It was so hard to wait for the sequel because I read Shiver early on. Maggie's writing is so beautiful and I can't wait to go back to that world. When I read Shiver from my library, I had to get my own copy because it was gorgeous. The colored text in both books is such fun…I love them!
Carrie
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 3:09 am
Oh, man, I'm completely and totally excited for Linger's release. One because SHIVER is literally my favorite book, and two because Maggie Stiefvater is my favorite author, and three because I already read LINGER and I REALLY REALLY LOVED IT.
I don't think these books can possibly get much better. And this was a fun interview! I think reading about the cover designers and how they chose what to do is always really interesting. 
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 5:09 am
Hm, why am I excited for the release of Linger.
I'm excited for Linger because Maggie blew my mind while I read Shiver. The way she wrote the book was absolutely magical. It's been an amazing experience to read Shiver and have the character so wild in my head and very clearly how I imagined them from Maggie's writing.
It's not everyday you get a book this amazing that readers world wide can share with friends and famil. As for me, me and my younger sister never had anything in common when it came to books. But after reading Shiver we couldn't stop talking about it, we recommended the book to our friends in school. I'm happy that Shiver and Maggie's writing has brought me and my sister together. We named our new cat after Sam K. Roth. Simply Sam. I can't wait to read Linger, my sister is currently reading it and enjoying it.
The interview was amazing. My guess for the color of Forever is red. 
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 5:21 am
Basically, I'm really tired of reading the same things over and over again. When you walk into the YA section of almost any bookstore, its more than likely that you'll be blasted with the same plots and characters mashed up, rearranged, and repackaged to make money. But somehow, Shiver is different. The characters feel real, the story is creative, the writing is beautiful, and you don't feel like you've read it all before. I love Shiver because it's different, and I can't wait for Linger for the same reason.
emmatalk@sbcglobal.net
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 5:33 am
Oh god I'm just excited for Maggie's flare for prose. Reading Shiver was quite inspiring and helpful to my own writing.
I love the voice, the mood, and just the overall feel, I'm anxious to read Linger in order to experience all these things again.
email = azulchica311 at gmail dot com
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 7:01 am
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 9:44 am
Why am I excited? Because NOW I CAN READ IT.
Actually, not true because I was lucky enough to read an ARC, but NOW I can buy it for my friends!
email: kalqamari (at) gmail (dot) com
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 11:37 am
Why am I excited about the release of Linger….uh because reading Shiver blew me out of the water and I can't get it out of my mind.
kaymcgriff@gmail.com
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 12:18 pm
I am excited because "Shiver" was so unique and gripping! I cannot wait to read "Linger" and I am sure as soon as I do, I won't be able to wait for "Forever"!
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I'm excited about Linger because it is the sequel to Shiver!!! And I can't wait to read it!!!!!!!!
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I loved Shiver and so do my reader friends. I love Linger more. I have it and have passed it on to circle among my friends.
MSNKSU90 (at) COX (dot) NET
Comment on July 20, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Maggie's writing is both gooey and lovely. Plus, the covers are just cool.
suzannegale at gmail dot com
Comment on July 21, 2010 at 12:05 am
I'm excited for Linger because Shiver was the type of love story that leaves its fingerprints behind long after you've finished reading the book and I can't wait to find out what happens to Sam and Grace next.
Comment on July 21, 2010 at 5:27 am
I think the cover for Shiver was brilliant and I loved the story. Can't wait to get started on Linger!!
Comment on July 21, 2010 at 6:50 pm
I am really excited for the release of Linger, because I will be interviewing Maggie on my show, and can't wait to ask her questions about it!
proseandconsradio at gmail dot com
Comment on July 21, 2010 at 8:15 pm
I love the series. I feel that all of the components add up to something magical. I especially love the fact that someone wanted to put their 'stamp' on every aspect of the book design. Just interested to see where the story goes from here.
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Comment on July 22, 2010 at 8:59 am
