Nothing unites bookworms quite like exploring and discussing each other’s bookshelves — except, of course, the collective dislike of Delores Umbridge. Personal library exploration, physical or digital, a single shelf or full box — yes, my house counts as a box — no matter the differences in each other’s libraries, there is always a sense of wonder and enlightenment when browsing another bookish collection. Today, we’re exploring the bookshelves of the amazing R. K. Ashwick, author of the enthralling fantasy novel A Rival Most Vial. Come along with us to explore the books, trinkets, and bookish novelties that decorate Ashwick’s library as she answers some of our burning bookworm questions!
Thank you so much for letting us snoop around your bookshelves, R.K. Let’s get started!
Do you organize your books a certain way? Is this the only way you organize or does it change? If so, how often do you reorganize your books?
Right now, I organize by: non-fiction, author friends’ books, comp books for my own work, and other books. But I’m delighted to say that the “author friends” section is overflowing, so I’ll need to rethink my strategy pretty soon.
If you have keepsakes, knicknacks, and trinkets on your shelves, what is your favorite?
Good question! It’s a toss-up between my vintage glass bottle collection and the trophy I won in a pie-baking contest at work.
What is your favorite book on your shelves?
It’s a tie between Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones and Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett.
Do you have any fandom art/collectibles on your shelves?
Absolutely! I’ve got How to Train Your Dragon figurines, Loki and Rey Funko Pops, and a Schitt’s Creek prayer candle. (With David on it, obviously.) Funnily enough, all of these overlap with characters I’ve cosplayed — Hiccup, Loki, Rey, and Stevie.
How do you keep track of your TBR pile?
Trello! I’ve got lists of what I’ve read each year and a list for what I want to read, color-coded by genre. It helps me sort out what to pick next when I need to either do research reading or read something totally outside my genre, just to keep it fresh.
Do you let your friends borrow your books?
I really want to, actually! I have some great reads from this year that I want to foist on them. I just need to get a bigger paperback collection…
If you use bookmarks, do you have any special ones?
I got this one bookmark as a gift — it’s a simple wooden bookmark with a carving of Squidward in it, and the text above him reads “Is that smut?” It’s amazing.
Do you have more than one copy of a book on your shelf? If so, which one and why?
Oddly enough, I do — I have two copies of Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban because my husband and I went to her book launch and got signed books!
Are you particular about the format of the book you purchase, hardcover or paperback, or whether they’re new or used?
As much as I love crisp new hardcovers, used paperbacks with wrinkles and folds have a special sort of pull for me. I love going into used bookstores to find some good ones (though they never have the Pratchett books I want!).
Do you break your spines when you read paperbacks?
I personally don’t, but my friend admitted to me that he broke the spine of A Rival Most Vial and read it so much it started falling apart, and I was frankly honored.
What do you do when you run out of shelf space?
Honestly, I’m out of shelf space right now and I don’t know what to do about it. Send help!
There you have it Bookstr Fam! Thanks again R.K. for sharing your amazing shelves with us and discussing your bookish life, it’s been such an exciting interview! Be sure to pick up A Rival Most Vial and it’s recently released sequel, A Captured Cauldron!
Want to continue to follow R.K. Ashwick? Us too! You can find her here:
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | WEBSITE
Looking for another Author’s Bookshelf to explore? Check out T.J. Alexander’s colorful NYC shelves!
Browse R.K. books and more on our Fantasy Lovers Paradise Bookshop shelf!
