The proof copy of A Measured Thread arrived yesterday. In case you are wondering, I changed the title of my new novel after much consultation with my beta readers and my editor, Christine Keleny. The original title came about because I was going on a trip to Morocco and a friend said, “bring back one beautiful thing.” I took her advice and purchased a magnificent pair of silver and bronze antique stirrups that Genghis Khan would have been proud of. I gave one to my sister, Valerie, because it felt right; they are together essentially even if they are 1000 miles apart. When I look at mine, I think of Val, and I expect she does the same.
Oddly enough, seeing the proof copy of the novel was a bit of an anti-climax, even sad. Maybe it’s because this particular writing journey is coming to an end. Also, I’m leaving for a 3-week vacation and cannot proof read it just now. It’s top of my list when I get back, but for now it sits on a bench in the living room reproaching me for not truly finishing it!
Of course, then there are the next steps including organizing a launch party and advertising it on social media. The former will be held at Crossroads Coffeehouse in Cross Plains thanks to Mary Devitt, a special place that several of my beta readers frequent. Fortunately, I have another wonderful writer friend, Valerie Biel, who said she would help me with the social media aspects. And I’m seriously thinking of recording the book. My voice should work well (it’s the story of an Irish immigrant to the USA), and I enjoyed the experience of recording Abbey Girls at Paradyme Productions in Madison with Jake Johnson.
I now have a fantastic cover that comes with a great story. One day in June 2019 after Yoga class, I noticed a painting on the wall at Crossroads Coffeehouse in Cross Plains. It looked ‘right’ for the cover, at least at that moment, and I took a photo of it with my cell phone. It was called ‘Pastoral’, a great title. Fast forward to January 2020. I was in Ireland and decided to take some photos of a piece of sculpture on St. Stephens Green that features in A Measured Thread, thinking it might make a good cover (It’s called Fountain of the Three Fates by Josef Wackerle). Christine Keleny mocked-up the two covers and I sent them out to my beta readers for a vote. The painting won hands down. Fortunately, I was able to track down the artist, Gina Hecht (from Waunakee, WI) and purchased both the piece and the rights. The photographer George Siede, an old friend from my rock-climbing days, helped with the digital image. I love the cover!
Oddly enough, seeing the proof copy of the novel was a bit of an anti-climax, even sad. Maybe it’s because this particular writing journey is coming to an end. Also, I’m leaving for a 3-week vacation and cannot proof read it just now. It’s top of my list when I get back, but for now it sits on a bench in the living room reproaching me for not truly finishing it!
Of course, then there are the next steps including organizing a launch party and advertising it on social media. The former will be held at Crossroads Coffeehouse in Cross Plains thanks to Mary Devitt, a special place that several of my beta readers frequent. Fortunately, I have another wonderful writer friend, Valerie Biel, who said she would help me with the social media aspects. And I’m seriously thinking of recording the book. My voice should work well (it’s the story of an Irish immigrant to the USA), and I enjoyed the experience of recording Abbey Girls at Paradyme Productions in Madison with Jake Johnson.
I now have a fantastic cover that comes with a great story. One day in June 2019 after Yoga class, I noticed a painting on the wall at Crossroads Coffeehouse in Cross Plains. It looked ‘right’ for the cover, at least at that moment, and I took a photo of it with my cell phone. It was called ‘Pastoral’, a great title. Fast forward to January 2020. I was in Ireland and decided to take some photos of a piece of sculpture on St. Stephens Green that features in A Measured Thread, thinking it might make a good cover (It’s called Fountain of the Three Fates by Josef Wackerle). Christine Keleny mocked-up the two covers and I sent them out to my beta readers for a vote. The painting won hands down. Fortunately, I was able to track down the artist, Gina Hecht (from Waunakee, WI) and purchased both the piece and the rights. The photographer George Siede, an old friend from my rock-climbing days, helped with the digital image. I love the cover!
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