49 Comments

That cover: beautiful! And this project: exciting, necessary, a book to look forward to supporting!

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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.

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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.

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Apr 28Liked by Janisse Ray

So excited for your book!

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Apr 25Liked by Janisse Ray

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.

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Apr 25Liked by Janisse Ray

Yes! You go, Janisse, making the world of writing go!

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Apr 25Liked by Janisse Ray

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!

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Apr 25·edited Apr 26Liked by Janisse Ray

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.

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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.

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Apr 24·edited Apr 24Liked by Janisse Ray

What a beautiful cover! I signed up for it on The Rhizosphere. Patiently waiting for the words of wisdom inside. June, right? Thank you.

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Apr 24Liked by Janisse Ray

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.

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Apr 24·edited Apr 25Liked by Janisse Ray

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.

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Apr 24Liked by Janisse Ray

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!

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The cover is fabulous! So very excited for you and your new book.

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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!

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Apr 24Liked by Janisse Ray

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/

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