Today we’re doing a different kind of interview. Melissa from Literary Book Gifts reached out to me recently and introduced me to her inspiring line of products. Seriously, guys, you need to check out all the awesome book goodies she creates! 😉 Since the season for gift giving is right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to interview her and see how she got started.

Welcome to the blog, Melissa. I’m so excited to have you here today. As you know, we LOVE books around here and we’re excited to hear more about your business.

Tell us how you got started… When did you first get the idea to open Literary Book Gifts?

Hi Savanna! Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I launched the online store earlier this year but I have had the ideas and some of the designs brewing in my head for quite a few years prior. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love literature and I always enjoy lively discussions about books. I find it sad that people don’t always seem to chat about their favorite titles with one another as often as they might like to. Putting these books on t-shirts and tote bags seemed like a great way to get the conversation started. It’s a great way to share not only your personal sense of style but also to connect with one another on topics we all know and love—books!

Yes, I love how it inspires conversation. What a great perspective!

You feature a lot of classics on your website. What’s one of your favorite books?

I do love classics! Many of my favorite reads would definitely be classified as classic novels. One of my favorites is Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and I’m so glad to be able to include it as a shirt in the collection! I loved it for it’s themes, and suspense. It was my introduction into the classic horror genre and I’ve read it many times over ever since.

How do you come up with your designs?

While I like to keep the collection cohesive in terms of style, with a vintage look and feel, each and every design is crafted specifically for the novel. If I am able to find a suitable book cover I make use of it, but often this isn’t the case. I hunt around through old typography and illustrations to try to mix, match, and modify until I come up with something I like. Sometimes I’ll do the designs a few times over or try to get a bit of feedback, overall it’s an ongoing process, but I really enjoy doing it.

I love your tote bags! Do you have a particular favorite?

Thank you! I really love the Pride and Prejudice Tote Bag. The color scheme is fairly simple but I think it goes with everything! What I like about it is the detailing and the perspective, not all the designs have a depth of field and I think it makes this one particularly nice to look at.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I love hearing suggestions and feedback so please feel free to email me at anytime! I really look forward to expanding the designs when I get a chance so please stay tuned for some new designs. Thank you so much!

We’re so happy you could join us today, Melissa. Keep up the great work!

READERS, Melissa has offered you a special promo for 20% off anything in the store, no minimum, and it doesn’t expire. Just be sure to use this code: EngraftedWord20

Happy shopping at https://literarybookgifts.com/.