Does anyone remember when you could call up the DJ on the radio and request a song? Or have a song dedicated to that boy/girl you had a crush on? I’m not sure if radio stations still do that, but I remember the weekend nights being filled with dedications and requests. Sigh. Those were the days!
So what the heck does all this have to do with candles? Well, as my customer base increases the candle requests increase as well. Some from authors asking that I read their books. Other requests from Street Teams. And further requests from readers who love certain books/characters/series. Unlike the DJ who can just play the song, my requests imply so much more. It’s a lot of work and dedication that goes into creating a fragrance for a book/character/series.
As you can see from the picture above, I do write down the requests I get (this is just a short list for the picture) and look into each one as not only a possible candle, but how it would impact my business. Because at the end of the day my candles do need to sell so I can continue to expand and grow my product line. When I research the requests, I get an idea of what the book is about. I read reviews on places like Amazon and look to see if there is an online following. I also look to see if its something that I can “get into” as a reader. Part of my process is getting a feel for the character/book/setting. That involves actually reading the book. So if I can’t enjoy the book it’s going to be hard for me to really get my creative juices flowing for the candle.
All that being said, I will give any book a try. I’m willing to give a book my time and effort because the person who recommended it loved it, cherished it and wants a fragrance that they can have burning while they enjoy that book. So do not despair, if I can find the time to put toward your book request, I’ll read it! 🙂 Can I guarantee a candle? No, but if I don’t find the inspiration I’ll let you know. And if I do find inspiration, I’ll let you know that too! 🙂
If you have some books/series/characters you’d like to add to my list, feel free to comment here. I’d love to add to the list and see where all these requests take me. Maybe I’ll even be able to “play” your request! 🙂
Where the Story is Told 
Rachel Harris Super Sweet Series
Lisa Bergren River of Time series, the Grand Tour series, Remnants,
Gone with the Wind
Jane Austen
Harry Potter series
These are great, Thanks Staci!
Excited to see what you make! Even if it is a book I havent read, I will probably read it just to go with the candle!
I hear this a lot, Ashley. I think it’s interesting that one of the results of my business is furthering people’s reading habits. I LOVE THAT! 🙂 I love that I can help people experience new stories and that ultimately helps the authors in their exposure and sales. So bonus for everyone involved!
I would like to recommend the Discovery of Witches trilogy by Deborah Harkness! Not only as possible candles, but also as just an enjoyable reading experience 🙂 Matthew and Diana would make some pretty wonderful candles though too.
Jessica, I am awaiting the final installment of this series. I love Matthew and Diana! So it’s definitely a possibility. I read the other two so long ago though, that I’ll probably have to revisit the books again to get familiar with the stories. This business sure has influenced my approach to reading (and re-reading!). Thanks for posting your recommendations!