I'm "just'bout" ready to pop! It's still a hot-muggy summer, but my new Christmas book is an inch away from being released and I'm as excited as can be. My house has seashells on the mantel and Christmas music on Siri. My hair's in a humidity-induced ponytail but I crawled through the attic to fetch a wreath for help with the cover design. It's a strange time at my house.
I can't reveal the entire book now, but here are a few inside glimpses of what is coming soon.
This is a small corner of the cover. I absolutely love the artwork and it turned out just as I imagined. The man on the cover is a person in my family.
And no, it's not my Bob, but I guess I could see where you would think so. He's not the only charmer in the family.
Here's a peek inside . . . ha! I have a handful of copies to send to people for reviews, but the main order will ship sometime in early September. It will be a hardcover book and retail for $16.99. That's one of the difficult things about producing a book these days. Everything is so expensive, and it's impossible to get the cost down. I'm getting a big lesson in business whether I like it or not.
This quote from CS Lewis hangs in my office. I flipped it around for this book and originally wrote the story for adults, but then realized it was suitable for older children as well. I made a few adjustments so it could be enjoyed by both young and old. My test market of proof-readers included 12 and 18 year olds as well as adults up to the age of 103 (Yes, that's my friend Jule who is sharp as ever and gave me great feedback). There will also be a teacher's guide for classroom or homeschool use.
A children's story which is only enjoyed by children is a bad children's story. C.S. Lewis
"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader." - Robert Frost.
Another reminder on my bulletin board is from Robert Frost. I've always loved this and can tell you, this book made me laugh, shake my head and even though I've seemingly read it 1,000 times, I still choke up every time.
The story is about someone I loved and it brings back great memories. It's a story about a childhood love that never ends. I can't wait to tell you all about it.
Soon.
I promise.
Testing
Well, congratulations self, it finally worked.
Rain here in Mississippi too. I can’t wait to read your new book. It sounds like just what we need this year.
It’s a sloshy mess all over the South. I tried to pick beans in my little garden and some of them had mold on them! Thanks for the kind words about the book. I’m really excited. It won’t be long now. Thanks Bev.
You are killing me. How can I wait ?
Ha! Hang in there, and thank you!
Being a Christmas Day baby myself, Christmas is ALWAYS my fav time of the year!! Can’t wait for this book LA!!!!🎄🎄🎄
I should have known you were a secret elf! Thanks Ash – you know I’m very excited!
The cover is intriguing. I think having a book that fits more than just adults is a great idea. Many of my favorite books are ones that I read with my 4th through 6th graders. I am sure it will be a hit.
Oooo – I hope you’re right! Thanks Sandy. We’ll see!
I’m so excited about this! I collect Christmas books and can’t wait to order yours! So no pre-order yet? Just have to wait? I love the snippet of artwork and the price is not expensive at all for a hardback book. Just think, years from now it will be selling on secondhand market for hundreds of dollars. I kid you not, so many of my older Christmas books are worth unbelievable amounts. I’ve warned my kids not to toss or donate my Christmas collection when I’m gone. I’ll look forward to reading your story!
Oh Dewena, what a fun thought, that I’ll be collectible someday! haha! I’ll have details next week on where to purchase. I just love a good Christmas story, and I promise, this one doesn’t involve a sappy twisted ankle under the mistletoe with an inherited dilapidated country inn. ha!