The last few days have been crunch-time for me—it’s been hectic but highly productive. Interior proofing for the new book, done. Final approval on the book cover, complete. Next comes the uploading process which, I know from experience, can be fraught with last-minute glitches, formatting changes, and necessary revisions.
Here it is...the final cover for Walking With the Muse! I decided to go full-blown Art Deco, in part, because it pleasing to the eye and radiates a kind of optimism, simple beauty, and ambition that I think we all could use a little more of in our lives right now. Hopefully this cover catches peoples' attention. Because, despite that old saying, studies show people really do choose a book by its cover.
The best part of being an indie author is also sometimes the worst…even if you don't do the actual work yourself you have to manage each and every step of the book creation/publishing process. This means you have to know a little about a lot of things and a lot about a few of them, have the wisdom to know the difference between the two, and act accordingly.
I doubt I’ll make this book available for sale right away. I want to let things simmer for a few weeks to work on a marketing plan before I decide to flip the switch. This is always a mistake I’ve made in the past, being too impatient and offering the book for sale before a solid marketing plan is in place. This time, there's no reason to rush.
Any promotional ideas you could offer would be welcomed. I’m open to any and all suggestions! I might even send a few Hive your way if I decide to use your idea.
I’m absolutely thrilled with how this one turned out. Designer and visual artist Lubosh Cech hit it out of the park!
Overall, it’s been a fun and relaxing process. Every step of the way from—choosing the stories that made the cut, to interior layout, and cover design have all come from listening to that gut-feeling or whispers from the Muse.
Speaking of Books
My Canadian friend and fellow indie author, Scott Gardiner, has published a new book of poetry, “Storytellers”. You can pick up an autographed copy on his website HERE.
Over the past few days I've enjoyed reading a poem or two between sips of coffee on the deck. The writing here is deep, honest, and reflective centering around many of the memories, regrets, and frustrations of a person experiencing the highs and lows of middle-age. I can certainly identify with some of the sentiments Scott shares in Storytellers and I think many of you might as well.
If you're looking for a quick read for these waning, late summer days I'd highly suggest you check out Scott's new book.
So much talent can be found outside the traditional publishing world. Your support of these talented authors and artists not only helps to put food on their tables—it helps give them the hope required to keep creating and doing what they love.
All for now. Make this a wonderful day.
