One of the interesting things that fiction authors sometimes do is create a companion volume or a guide to their fictional world. I think these are really cool, but know that it is very difficult to get a traditional publisher interested in publishing one.
I’ve just bought one, based on the mystery series by Donna Leon which stars Commissario Guido Brunetti. This one is Brunetti’s Cookbook. I decided to try it because her books always get me thinking about food. Brunetti thinks about food a lot! Even though I don’t have access to all the ingredients one can easily buy in the Veneto, I thought it would be fun to check out the recipes. There’s another one associated with the series, more of a guidebook to Venice, called Brunetti’s Venice. I might need to get that one, too.
I suspect that there will be a great many more of these kinds of books, now that there are such easy publishing portals available to authors. I’ve always wanted to compile one – or three – myself and might actually get around to it in the near future.
What about you? Do you buy and read companion volumes to fictional worlds, or do you think it’s a weird idea?
Deborah Cooke: Author 
5 responses to “Companion Volumes”
Hi Deb, and yes I love companion books and order them whenever I can, I own two right now, the JR Ward and there’s a new Teen slated series published by HQN about the Greek and Roman Gods. They not only help guide me but also answer questions that may come up and also is a great reference guide between novels if I forget anything.
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I haven’t read any, but I would probably enjoy Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle or Margery Allingham guides. I have a weakness for mysteries from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, or those set there. I am currently re-reading the Amelia Peabody mysteries. I may branch off and re-read the series Elizabeth Peters wrote including Naked Once More (I remember it as being hilarious) :-}
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Yes I have a few companion books. And think they are a great idea. One I have is illustrated as well.
I think a Dragon Fire companion book would be awesome. Especially if it had pictures to show what beautiful colors the different characters are in Dragon Form.
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Oh, a Dragonfire companion volume is a good idea, Ang. I’ll have to think about that. Thanks!
d
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First, I have been lurking on your blog for quite some time. I have been an avid reader of your books for years and am loving your current Dragonfire series…can’t wait for Ember’s Kiss! I was thrilled to learn you were also a knitter and enjoy see your FOs and WIPs on this blog.
In regards to companion books, I’ve purchased quite a few including Sherrilyn Kenyon’s, JR Ward’s and Diana Gabaldon’s. I agree with a prior respondent’s comment that they are a great way to reconnect with a series between releases and I would definitely purchase a Dragonfire edition if it were available!
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