I’m looking forward to this book! And to everything you write about the “current”/magic of writing too. It’s interesting your perception of Kickstarter was so different than mine. I guess min3 came from reading about how Amanda Palmer used it in “The Art of Asking”. If you haven’t read that, I’d highly recommend it.
I think the artwork is beautiful. And I admit my thoughts are in sync with kathryn kyker that I always associate you with the color green (as in trees) and rivers (as in big Deep South rivers) with strong hidden currents. The ocean has them, too, but I’ve not spent a lot of time there and think of them as tides and undertows. Plus I know nothing of you and sailboats, but that could be on me. I think our individual authentic magic lies deep in our roots. Maybe be true to that? Or be true to what calls your name, if it’s deep blue water and sailboats, go with it.
I love the title you chose for the book. I am looking forward to supporting it, then reading it! Very exciting! Having just finished radiation and moved into my new little house after my divorce was finalized (both those endings occurred within 2 days of each other--whew!) I am setting myself up for full time writing. That means something different to nearly every writer; for me it means at least 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, pen or pad in hand. And at least one hour a day reading others' writings on writing, whether it is on Substack or in a book, as I want to always be becoming a better writer. It also means attending writing classes, conferences, hosting open mics and writers' groups myself. But these will come second to my commitment to get the words on the page. Thank you for inspiring me through a truly tough time. You are magical.
First though: I love it, great way to visualize the title and Raven does nice work. Second thought: But it's water and blue, and I always think of green and trees with Janisse. Third thought: But she's on the coast, by the rivers, and... I love it.
The news of your farm is always fun to read. I love the snapshots into where you live and what is happening. The clothesline; I have to chuckle! Clotheslines bring back many childhood memories, mostly of Mom admonishing my sister and I to NOT knock the clothes/sheets off as we played amongst the breeze-blown fabric, pretending we were racing through a forest of trees suspended from above instead of below.
At first glance, I thought the cover of Craft & Current was not that interesting, as sailboats are not my thing. Later, when I looked at it again, I saw how the water is in motion and moving the sailboats, and I could also feel the breeze that fills the sails. There is much movement in the picture, just like thoughts, creativity and words move around and through us to form into our stories. The texture of the sky and water also represents movement. The cover is sensory and the colors are impactful. I like it!
Noted typo on cover - in the circle comment from NYTimes, "a" is repeated. Sometimes a a book is ... Agree the artwork on the cover is a bit nautical, but nice. Your stories bring me memories of old friends - third generation farmer who taught me so much about the art of making hay and then Staraland, honoring another Ellen, who was a trail riding buddy. Thank you for that.
I think the cover is perfect, and I’ll welcome participating in your Kickstarter campaign. And I’ll look forward to your book as I’m slowly progressing towards launching my book about our first two years in Quebec - a totally serendipitous journey.
Not yet, but I’m close to being “finished” with the story. I’m including photos which makes independent publishing a favorable prospect, as I primarily want a print copy. I’m hoping in the next couple of months to launch that, along with a fixed layout epub version.
I love the book title but am not sure that the artwork represents the meaning the book wants to convey. I agree with others that at first glance it may seem to be about sailing without making the font more emphatic. I have seen some of Raven's other wonderful artwork and am wondering if something with more energy and color would work better, although it may be too late in the process for that.
Excited to read this book! Janisse is wonderful when she writes about magic and mystery.
Catt, these are very helpful thoughts. I wondered too about the cover not conveying enough of the mystery. We are late in the process, BUT, when you're in charge, as in doing indie publishing, you can always create a new cover. You don't have to stick with the first one. Would love any thoughts on possible images.
Janisse, A vibrant color like a unique shade of red (or the mystery of violet/purple (magic's color) would give the cover punch and vibrance. The image should be something with an edge, making people look twice, lean in and reread the title, and think about what you are inviting them to read. Color and image go a long way in attracting buyers, like bees to flowers! I think a book's cover is one of its important aspects. It can be the difference between generating interest to buy a book or not. After all, since they haven't read it yet, the cover and the title are the spokesperson for it!
Can you link me to Raven's latest work? I can't find the page I saw it on when I was thinking of buying a painting from him. I would be happy to help. As a visual artist, I always love the process. What is your timeline/deadline? I will also look for other images I think would represent what you want to convey. I am open to any other direction or thoughts you want to add.
The cover looks lovely and it's so exciting to see it! Cannot WAIT for this. I'm so thrilled about the magic aspect; that's something I have believed about writing from Day One, but never had the right word for it. Also, I love that you too despise clothes shopping. We're soul sisters, to be sure.
Half my clothes are full of holes. I wear them around the farm when no one is around. The other day I put on a very ripped shirt and said to Raven, Would anybody else put this in the rag bag? Definitely, he said.
Love the cover! (You might consider making the subtitle a tad brighter to be sure folks see it right off and don't pass it over as a book about sailing.) Another thought, not to throw a kink in your plans, but some of us have limited room or other reasons for not especially wanting a printed book (e.g., I'm a fulltime RVer). You have to have a PDF file to print anyway; maybe offer a choice between the two. In any case, can't wait so read it and wish you all success!
Oh yes! There will be an ebook version. Also an audiobook. Apologies for not making that clear, T. And I passed on your idea about the subtitle to the designer already. Thank you!!!
I do love the artwork on the cover, but I wish the title was a bit smaller and A Manual for Magical Writing was much bigger. Don’t let a clever title mislead. On first glance, I would assume this is a book about sailing, and move on. The true title is A Manual for Magical Writing, and that should stand out. Just my two cents worth. Oh, and I’m thrilled you’re doing this! I’m already thinking about how my friends could use it in a high school or college class!
stuff you DIDN't ask for - i am sure you are planned out for Oklahoma, but if you have a moment to meet with Tammy Mercure or Ruth B. Loveland, i know you'd love them.
That cover: beautiful! And this project: exciting, necessary, a book to look forward to supporting!
I’m looking forward to this book! And to everything you write about the “current”/magic of writing too. It’s interesting your perception of Kickstarter was so different than mine. I guess min3 came from reading about how Amanda Palmer used it in “The Art of Asking”. If you haven’t read that, I’d highly recommend it.
I hadn't heard of this book. Just added it to my ThriftBooks cart.
I think the artwork is beautiful. And I admit my thoughts are in sync with kathryn kyker that I always associate you with the color green (as in trees) and rivers (as in big Deep South rivers) with strong hidden currents. The ocean has them, too, but I’ve not spent a lot of time there and think of them as tides and undertows. Plus I know nothing of you and sailboats, but that could be on me. I think our individual authentic magic lies deep in our roots. Maybe be true to that? Or be true to what calls your name, if it’s deep blue water and sailboats, go with it.
So intuitive, Mendy. I'm processing all of it. xoxo
I love the title you chose for the book. I am looking forward to supporting it, then reading it! Very exciting! Having just finished radiation and moved into my new little house after my divorce was finalized (both those endings occurred within 2 days of each other--whew!) I am setting myself up for full time writing. That means something different to nearly every writer; for me it means at least 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, pen or pad in hand. And at least one hour a day reading others' writings on writing, whether it is on Substack or in a book, as I want to always be becoming a better writer. It also means attending writing classes, conferences, hosting open mics and writers' groups myself. But these will come second to my commitment to get the words on the page. Thank you for inspiring me through a truly tough time. You are magical.
So excited for your book!
That means a lot, MM.
First though: I love it, great way to visualize the title and Raven does nice work. Second thought: But it's water and blue, and I always think of green and trees with Janisse. Third thought: But she's on the coast, by the rivers, and... I love it.
Big smiles. Yes, I'm mostly surrounded by green.
Yes! You go, Janisse, making the world of writing go!
The news of your farm is always fun to read. I love the snapshots into where you live and what is happening. The clothesline; I have to chuckle! Clotheslines bring back many childhood memories, mostly of Mom admonishing my sister and I to NOT knock the clothes/sheets off as we played amongst the breeze-blown fabric, pretending we were racing through a forest of trees suspended from above instead of below.
At first glance, I thought the cover of Craft & Current was not that interesting, as sailboats are not my thing. Later, when I looked at it again, I saw how the water is in motion and moving the sailboats, and I could also feel the breeze that fills the sails. There is much movement in the picture, just like thoughts, creativity and words move around and through us to form into our stories. The texture of the sky and water also represents movement. The cover is sensory and the colors are impactful. I like it!
I so much appreciate your thoughts. Thank you, Jenny.
Noted typo on cover - in the circle comment from NYTimes, "a" is repeated. Sometimes a a book is ... Agree the artwork on the cover is a bit nautical, but nice. Your stories bring me memories of old friends - third generation farmer who taught me so much about the art of making hay and then Staraland, honoring another Ellen, who was a trail riding buddy. Thank you for that.
OMG. Thank you for catching that. HOW did I miss it? Big thanks.
I think the cover is perfect, and I’ll welcome participating in your Kickstarter campaign. And I’ll look forward to your book as I’m slowly progressing towards launching my book about our first two years in Quebec - a totally serendipitous journey.
Lisa, where are you in the book-making process? Do you have a pub date?
Not yet, but I’m close to being “finished” with the story. I’m including photos which makes independent publishing a favorable prospect, as I primarily want a print copy. I’m hoping in the next couple of months to launch that, along with a fixed layout epub version.
I think it'll be a wonderful book.
Thanks, Janisse - that's encouraging!
What a beautiful cover! I signed up for it on The Rhizosphere. Patiently waiting for the words of wisdom inside. June, right? Thank you.
Mark, thank you, thank you. Yes, the books should be mailed to you by late June. So so happy you're a part of this.
I love the book title but am not sure that the artwork represents the meaning the book wants to convey. I agree with others that at first glance it may seem to be about sailing without making the font more emphatic. I have seen some of Raven's other wonderful artwork and am wondering if something with more energy and color would work better, although it may be too late in the process for that.
Excited to read this book! Janisse is wonderful when she writes about magic and mystery.
Catt, these are very helpful thoughts. I wondered too about the cover not conveying enough of the mystery. We are late in the process, BUT, when you're in charge, as in doing indie publishing, you can always create a new cover. You don't have to stick with the first one. Would love any thoughts on possible images.
Janisse, A vibrant color like a unique shade of red (or the mystery of violet/purple (magic's color) would give the cover punch and vibrance. The image should be something with an edge, making people look twice, lean in and reread the title, and think about what you are inviting them to read. Color and image go a long way in attracting buyers, like bees to flowers! I think a book's cover is one of its important aspects. It can be the difference between generating interest to buy a book or not. After all, since they haven't read it yet, the cover and the title are the spokesperson for it!
Can you link me to Raven's latest work? I can't find the page I saw it on when I was thinking of buying a painting from him. I would be happy to help. As a visual artist, I always love the process. What is your timeline/deadline? I will also look for other images I think would represent what you want to convey. I am open to any other direction or thoughts you want to add.
www.ravenwatersart.com
The cover looks lovely and it's so exciting to see it! Cannot WAIT for this. I'm so thrilled about the magic aspect; that's something I have believed about writing from Day One, but never had the right word for it. Also, I love that you too despise clothes shopping. We're soul sisters, to be sure.
Half my clothes are full of holes. I wear them around the farm when no one is around. The other day I put on a very ripped shirt and said to Raven, Would anybody else put this in the rag bag? Definitely, he said.
Yep!!!
Love the cover! (You might consider making the subtitle a tad brighter to be sure folks see it right off and don't pass it over as a book about sailing.) Another thought, not to throw a kink in your plans, but some of us have limited room or other reasons for not especially wanting a printed book (e.g., I'm a fulltime RVer). You have to have a PDF file to print anyway; maybe offer a choice between the two. In any case, can't wait so read it and wish you all success!
Oh yes! There will be an ebook version. Also an audiobook. Apologies for not making that clear, T. And I passed on your idea about the subtitle to the designer already. Thank you!!!
Definitely plan on an e-pub version, if you can!
Yes! Gotcha covered.
The cover is fabulous! So very excited for you and your new book.
Misti, thank you!
I do love the artwork on the cover, but I wish the title was a bit smaller and A Manual for Magical Writing was much bigger. Don’t let a clever title mislead. On first glance, I would assume this is a book about sailing, and move on. The true title is A Manual for Magical Writing, and that should stand out. Just my two cents worth. Oh, and I’m thrilled you’re doing this! I’m already thinking about how my friends could use it in a high school or college class!
Great comments! I'll share this with Erin. Thank you, Kathryn.
stuff you DIDN't ask for - i am sure you are planned out for Oklahoma, but if you have a moment to meet with Tammy Mercure or Ruth B. Loveland, i know you'd love them.
https://sunandmoonpress.com/about/
https://www.ruthloveland.com/
I'll check them out. Thanks for the introduction.