 Spend more time with the people you love and like best Wow. I'm so proud to be able to say my book, A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice, is done and available on Amazon. There were so many decisions to make along the way.  The idea for the book came about from seeing articles about the demise of cursive writing. Some say it doesn't matter now that we have computers ... and ask, "What's the point?" Turns out there are benefits to writing by hand. I wrote a blog post about why I wrote the book and why it matters. You can read it here. The book is the perfect primer for students who missed cursive writing instruction in school and wished they didn't. It's for adults who would like to improve their handwriting. There's a section, too, designed to help you learn to read cursive because it turns out ... if you haven't learned cursive writing, it can be difficult to read cursive. But more than that, it's a primer on writing and sending mail that brings you closer to the people you love and like best.  Do you know a teacher or students who would benefit from the book? I'd love for you to forward this email to them so they can get a copy for themselves, their students, and their school. A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice. Get your copy today. 
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Spend more time with the people you love and like best Wow. I'm so proud (and relieved!) to be able to say my book, A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice, is done and available on Amazon. There were so many decisions to make along the way. The idea for the book came about from seeing articles about the demise of cursive writing. Some say it doesn't matter now that we have computers ... and ask, "What's the point?" Turns out there are benefits to writing by hand. I wrote a blog post about why I wrote the book and why it matters. You can read it here. The book is the perfect primer for students who missed cursive writing instruction in school and wished they didn't. It's for adults who would like to improve their handwriting. There's a section, too, designed to help you learn to read cursive because it turns out ... if you haven't learned cursive writing, it can be difficult to read cursive. But more than that, it's a primer on writing and sending mail that brings you closer to the people you love and like best. Order your copy and get a bonus! Send a copy of your receipt along with your mailing address and I'll send you some stationery ... free! Know a teacher or students who would benefit from the book? I'd love for you to forward this email to them so they can get a copy for themselves, their students, and their school. A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice. Get your copy today.  Need help with your book?
Call (207)252-9757 or email today to talk about how I can help you finish your book.  A working title ... naming your book
When you start writing your book, you may have a title in mind. Don’t get too attached to it. It’s best to consider an early title a working title. This will allow you to keep an open mind if another title presents itself. Here are a few questions to consider as you name your book - does the title include words that define what the book is about? Does it need to? - is it memorable and easy to say? - does another book use a similar title? Or worse, the same title? If you’re thinking of a catchy title that doesn’t reveal what the book is about, consider adding a subtitle that does. Austin Kleon's books pictured above have succinct, catchy titles. You may not be writing a series of books. but with Kleon's books you can see that each one offers a clue to what the book is about. Steal Like an Artist encourages readers to look at the work of others and use it as inspiration. Stealing like an artist is not about copying the work of other artists, it's about using what others have done as guidance. Show Your Work talks about sharing your work with others. Inviting them to see the process and engage with you ... in a blog, on social media, through email newsletters. And finally, Keep Going offers tools and guidance to help you push through when you don't want to. Feel like you can't. It's effective because it's something we all feel. But we all need to ... keep going. It's not easy to develop a name that's clear, creative, and concise. But it's worth working on. One of the best ways to do that is to keep a running list of titles. Keep adding to them. Modify them. And when you've got a title, run it by a few people and see what they think. If you're stuck, maybe I can help. Reach out with an email today.  Don't do it alone.
Yes, writing is a solitary effort. With fingers poised above the keyboard—pen or pencil in hand—you work alone to get what you want to say into words. But if you're writing is meant to be published, working with an editor is an important, and necessary, step in making it the best it can be. As you write you'll make changes to each of the sentences you write. You might find a sentence works better at the end of a paragraph than in the middle. You may decide you don’t need that sentence at all. You'll reorder chapters and paragraphs. You'll fix things, changes things, and you'll miss things. Even if you’re a highly organized, detailed writer. It can also be difficult to see your writing or manuscript as others might. An editor can help. Four levels of editing: 1) developmental editing 2) line editing 3) copyediting 4) proofreading Depending on your writing ability and where you are with your book, you may need all, or at least one of the first three levels of editing listed. Proofreading is last on the list, and it should not be ignored. Every book needs to be proofread. And it's best to hire someone who'll be seeing the book for the first time. You (and your editor) have been reading, correcting, and modifying your book for weeks, months, years maybe. It will be difficult to see typos and small mistakes at this stage. Here's what each level brings to your writing: 1) Developmental Editing This is done early on. If you’re questioning the direction of your book or struggling with how to pull it all together, a developmental editor can help. Here, the editor can help you plan and organize what you want to write. If you've already done a bit of writing, a developmental editor will look for gaps. They'll note cumbersome transitions ... maybe suggest a chapter placed early in the book would work better toward the end. Or suggest you cut it altogether and replace it with something else. Developmental editing considers the book as a whole. 2) Line Editing Line editing focuses on the style and flow of your writing. A line edit will tighten awkward phrases, eliminate jargon, and optimize flow. Have you used clichés where your own writing would be more effective? Line editing brings out the best in your writing style. 3) Copyediting Copyediting focuses on the technical side of your writing with a close look at grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting issues. Copyediting puts the polish on your writing. 4) Proofreading This is the final step before you publish. Here, the proofreader checks for spelling errors, missing punctuation, and minor errors. Ideally, there will be few corrections at this stage. -------- Writing and rewriting can be rewarding, tiring ,and frustrating. But when you arrange that troublesome sentence into something concise, something that says exactly what you’re trying to say, you know it was worth all the back and forth. A thoughtful editor can help you become a better writer. Reviewing the changes an editor suggests will help you look more closely at what you’ve written. Oftentimes an editor might make a comment about something you might have caught on your own with a more focused reading, but that can be difficult. Working with an editor is like an athlete working with a trainer. It's a learning experience that will sharpen your skill, make you a better writer, and help you write the best book possible.  What is your book about? There are lots of things to consider before you start writing your book. One of the most important is answering the question: what is your book about? It may seem obvious to you, but the real test is whether or not you can explain it to someone else—in just a sentence or two. It's a good way, too, to help you focus your efforts and writing. To answer the question, consider what you’re trying to accomplish with your book. Do you have insights and experience that might be helpful to others? Are you eager to share your knowledge? Is it a guide or handbook? Will your book recount the history of an event or company? It can be difficult to distill what your book is about in one sentence, but the process can help you define what you're writing about ... and why. What's the point? When I started my book A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice, it started as a book about cursive writing. Why cursive? Schools across the country have cut cursive writing instruction from the curriculum and friends and family have recounted stories of their children not being able to read cursive. Writing is an important part of my life and I wondered: does it matter that children aren't being taught cursive. That they can't read cursive? I think so. Studies show writing by hand can help us learn and retain more information. And if we’re worried or struggling with something, writing about it by hand can help us make sense of things. Making a connection I decided to write an instruction book for cursive writing, but also understood I needed to give people a reason to write by hand. I had to find a reason for them to write. The answer came through letter writing. As an avid letter writer, I know letters, cards and notes build connections. Letters can help us reach out, in a tangible way, to the people we care about. And someone’s handwriting on the envelope and letter inside? It brings them closer. Your handwriting is a reflection of your personality and is as unique as you are. It's part of what makes the letters we send so special. When I get letters, I don't even need to read the return address ... I know who it's from just by looking at the handwriting. And now, as we navigate the isolation and social distancing of the pandemic, more people are writing letters. Years ago my grandfather wrote to me and I saved one of his letters. The broad stroke of the capital "H" that begins his first name reflects his strength and wisdom; the big loop on his letter "y" at the end of my name, his warmth and open kindness. When I talk about writing letters, so many people tell me they worry about their handwriting. Say they’re embarrassed by it. I want to change that. I want people to use their handwriting as a tool, not to shy away from it. I knew I wanted to write about cursive writing and letter writing, but I had to figure out what I was trying to say. I needed a hook, an emotional connection. Here's what I came up with: Spend more time with the people you love and like and improve your handwriting at the same time. Reducing your book to one sentence may be a challenge, but when you do, you’ll find the clarity and purpose you need to move forward. Need help clarifying what your book is about? Reach out, maybe I can help.  Now available ... spend more time with the people you love and like best!  Get your book started One way to get your book underway is to create a mind map; a visual diagram of what your book will be about. There are a number of ways to create a mind map. We'll start with a circle and spoke diagram. Draw a circle in the middle of a sheet of paper and write the working title of your book inside the circle. Draw three or more lines out from the edge of the circle; like spokes on a wheel. At the end of each spoke, write a topic to be covered in your book. As you draw the spokes, be mindful that these are your main topics. The mind map below was an early version I did for my book, A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice. This mind map focused on illustrations and graphic elements. I went on to create other mind maps. This was a good start. If you're feeling stuck or aren't even sure what you want to include in your book, start with a mind map. It serves two purposes: It's productive - especially when you're struggling with your writing You'll find clarity - the visual stye of a mind map can help you see things differently Now it’s your turn. Grab a piece of paper, draw a circle and create a mind map for your book. And let me know how it goes.   Get your copy today!  A cover that works Last week I submitted the cover for my book, A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing, for a public, online review by a publishing company. You've seen the early sketch. Because I'm self-publishing the book, I was interested in getting feedback from professionals in the book business. More than 600 covers were submitted. Yesterday I watched the webinar, wondering if my cover design would be selected. It was. Of course my initial excitement was quickly tempered with the knowledge that I had to be prepared to hear the good ... and the bad, so I braced myself. Would it be a good review? Yes, it was. And I have to admit, it felt good. What did they say? "Really nice. It's got a retro vibe." "This has that cohesion, that gestalt ... where it just feels really tight." And two suggestions: remove "by" in front of the author's name, and "make the author's name bigger." Done. Of course the cover is just one element in writing and pulling together a book. It's a lot of work. If you've got a book, ebook, report, or magazine idea simmering and need help with the structure, inside layout, or editing, let's talk. Look like the professional you are
digital (and print) publication design ebooks • books • magazines • reports • catalogs  Feeling out of sorts or know someone who is? It happens to all of us. Those days when we're just not ourselves. When we're not quite sure why, but we feel edgy or bored. A little antsy. To feel better, we lounge on the couch, we watch too much television, take (another) trip to the kitchen for a snack, or grab the mobile phone and scroll (endlessly), barely absorbing what we're looking at. But it doesn't help. So what can help? Try doing something. Something that engages your mind, your body, and your curiosity. Turn things around I wrote this ebook because in the last few months I've had good days and not so good days. Along the way, I had a revelation. The days when I'm able to turn things around are the days I do something. When I take action and challenge myself. At least for a little while. It's the distraction that makes things better. To step away from my routines, the news, my work, and worries. Some ideas Even if things are going well for you today, consider downloading the book and passing it on. Maybe it could help someone you know. Share it with them ... and let me know what you think. Look like the professional you are
digital (and print) publication design ebooks • books • magazines • reports • catalogs  If you recognized the headline from this post as the title of a Rolling Stones song, you're right. You can't always get what you want. I’m in the final stages of finishing my book and discovered a problem. A new problem. I’ve already worked out other issues: a new book title and new book cover. I’m pleased with the new title and cover, but it's the layout that’s causing me fits. So what’s the problem? It’s a workbook and I wanted to design the book in landscape format with a spiral binding it so it would open flat and offer plenty of elbow room for practice writing. But I also want to publish the book through two self-publishing houses: IngramSpark and Amazon’s KDP. IngramSpark offers the landscape option, KDP does not. Neither offer spiral binding. From the beginning I knew I would publish and sell the book from my own websites, but I want it to go further than that. Publishing through IngramSpark and KDP will broaden the book's reach and get it into more hands. After all, that's the reason I'm writing the book. So I made the decision to reformat it. Ugh. That means reformatting every single page. It’s a lot of work. Get what you need So yes, it’s true. You can’t always get what you want. But, as the song goes, “if you try sometimes, you get what you need.” Turns out, I like the cover better and though it’s been time consuming, the portrait layout is working well. And getting what I want? When the book becomes a best seller, I'll think about a special edition ... horizontal format with a spiral binding. Wouldn't that be something. p.s. Here's the new cover.    Book design: working small to go big
Thumbnails - sometimes smaller is better Early in my graphic design career I was taught to use thumbnail sketches to work through ideas. They're small (as the name indicates), and a rapid way of generating prototypes and work through ideas. This is the thumbnail of my latest (and final!) cover design. This week and the coming weeks mark the final stretch for getting my book done. It’s gratifying to be so close. A new cover design I wasn’t as thrilled as I should have been with my early cover designs—I knew I was close, but something was off. When I put the covers out there and asked for your feedback you came through. The cover that got the best response was the one that featured a cursive letter with arrows indicating how to write the letter. A new title The title needed work, too. Ultimately, it’s a workbook that suggests the better, more interesting way to practice and improve your cursive writing skill is to do it with snail mail: to send letters, cards, and notes. It was clear from the feedback I received and reading I’ve done that cursive writing and snail mail needed to be in the title. When I played around with titles and the order of the words, it sounded better and more interesting to start with “A Snail Mail Guide ...” rather than "Cursive Writing Practice..." With the new title, it all came together. The A is a beautiful letter that has movement and style, providing the cursive example I needed that worked with the title. Beta Readers The next step is to have a few people read through it. I got feedback on an early draft of the book, but this time it’s for the whole book. I’ve been doing a lot of research on self-publishing and this is a big part of getting it right. Beta readers: readers who read your book when it’s ready to go—but before it’s published. I’ll ask for feedback and reviews. The reviews can be used to help preview and promote the book. There’s so much to consider, but as I learn more, it becomes less and less intimidating and overwhelming. Of course, being nearly there helps, too. There are three sections to the book: 1) a detailed guide to writing cursive letters, 2) the I Write Letters to Say section that features handwriting samples from different people—apparently, if you haven’t been taught cursive writing, it can be difficult to read it. 3) and the third section—all about snail mail: how to address an envelope, where to put the stamp, and of course, the elements of a letter and who to write to. Thank you for your encouragement and kind words. You’ve helped me sort things out and make a better book. I can’t wait to share the finished product with you ... in September(!)?  Spelling is complicated ... and easier than ever. Spell-check is a great tool, even if it's always correcting me, fixing my mistakes, and schooling me on the proper spelling of this word ... and that one. But, despite its know-all application, I know it's not perfect. Do the spell-check double check Spell-check catches a lot, but a regular check on spell-check is good practice. Proofread your writing Your book, ebooks, essays, and emails could all use a good proofing before being shared. Give your writing (no matter the format) a good review; eyeballs on each and every word. Read your writing out loud When you've got your final draft, read your writing out loud. It's one of the best ways to catch awkward phrases and confusing sentences. This simple infographic was designed to help you visualize three words that spell-check, and your memory bank, might struggle with: their, they're, and there. The first clue: they all start with the same three letters: t-h-e. It's a good tip. Especially when you're trying to remember how to spell their. Is it "i" before "e"? Not this time. Wondering if it's their or they're? Just remember their is possessive. The clue here is the possessive "i" tucked in there, just right of center. What about they're? Break it apart and look at the two words it represents to get your answer: they're = they are. Is that what you're trying to say? It's a good tip for figuring out if it's its or it's, too. Separate the words and you'll know. And finally, there. It, too, holds a clue, it's got the word "here" nestled comfortably inside itself. Remember that and you'll know if it's here or there where you want to be. If you need help with words, let's exchange a few. Maybe I can help. I write words, edit words, and arrange words, online and on paper. Helping you look like the professional you are. Call 207-252-9757 today, or write. p.s. I did the spell-check double check on this email and my fingers are crossed I didn't miss anything. But let me know if I did.   Much of my work revolves around words: arranging words, writing words, and editing words. Last week I considered the word racism. And then the opposite, respect: to show regard or consideration for. As I considered the words, I imagined editing them, replacing one with the other. Then illustrating the idea with red line editing; crossing out the unwanted word, writing in the new one. Spell-check and track changes in word processing documents have replaced red line edits done by hand. A hand-drawn line through a word with a loop at the end indicates the word should be taken out. Removed. The arrow indicates what it should be replaced with. If only it were that easy to edit and change behavior. To replace racism with respect and acknowledge that Black Lives Matter.   New work brings new perspective I was struggling with how to write and present an article about maps. But nothing was working. I was beginning to feel lost and frustrated, so I decided to go in a different direction. To combine my collage work and hand lettering. To present it as an online article in a long scroll. When I finished, it occurred to me that in these days of the coronavirus we're all navigating new territory. There's no map to tell us which way is the shortest, best solution to get us from here to there. But maps can still guide us: Cartography and the days of the coronavirus Map terminology as it applies to the challenges of staying home: GPS It's your internal guidance. If you pay attention to how you feel, you'll find your way. Getting tired? Maybe it's time to take a break. Frustrated? Take a left. Or right. Abandon course and do something different. Gazetteer This is where you map your survival strategy. Maybe it's creating a routine: getting up at a reasonable hour, getting dressed, and saving your comfy clothes for later in the day. Exercise. Because it helps. But does it fit better in the morning or afternoon? Work. Begin and end when you normally would, if you can. Meals. Keep it simple most days. But once in a while, make something different or special. Plan a three-course meal. Or a special dessert. Legend You've got a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and know-how. Make a list and run through things you've done, things you want to try, and things you miss. You may not be able to go hiking, but you could plan hikes for the future. Explore documentaries about hiking. Journal or tell stories about the hikes you've completed. What do you remember? Waterfalls, wild animals, blisters ... the heat? Not a hiker? Replace the word hiker with whatever suits you. I resisted the urge to try something different. It took three attempts at failed experiments before I convinced myself to go with hand lettering for the illustrated article. It took more effort than I initially wanted to commit to, and I stumbled more than once along the way. But I'm glad I did it. The project kept me occupied for quite some time and while I was doing it, that's all I thought about. (What a relief.) It's done, I've accomplished something, and that feels good. I hope you're able to find things that bring a sense of calm and comfort. To stretch yourself when you don't want to. And I hope this helps. ------------------ p.s. The map article is part of the April Playbook: This State of Mine posted on my hobby site, Waystation Whistle. It's an experiment. I'm not sure how well it's working, but I figure the only way I'll know is to try.
 Take a break ... and be better for it I've been wondering what I might do to help in these difficult times. To begin, I want to share an article I wrote about being bored and frustrated and what I did to change the situation. It was a game changer. You can read the article here. The article is posted on my new site, Waystation Whistle. At Waystation Whistle my mission is to help you see the world in a new way. To take a break. To explore hobbies, passions, and pastimes that lift your spirits. Why this, why now? We're curious beings. We need challenges and activity. Binge watching your favorite show is a fun (and often necessary) way to unwind. But being actively engaged in a project that you find interesting brings a different sort of distraction and calm. Especially in difficult times. These are difficult times. Taking a break can help you perform better in life and business. I know recipes and baking may not be your thing. There are other things. Click on the map below for the April playbook ... and other things.  I know this is a tough time for business, let me know how you're doing.
------------ p.s. I'm also here if you need help with your business. With writing and design, with your website, email marketing, and ebooks. If there's something you need help with, send me an email.  I was in a lather ... Sometimes it's easier to learn or remember something when there's an example to follow. We're all watching the news about the spread of the coronavirus, and one piece of advice we're all hearing is, "Wash your hands." It's good advice, but it got me in a lather. Why? I thought a few prompts might be helpful. So what's a writer/graphic designer to do? Make a poster. A public service announcement. This poster reminds us all to wash up ... with some key markers to make it routine throughout the day. A Free Download! Click on the poster to download and print the PDF. Go big with an 11" x 17", or print it on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. Post it at home ... in the kitchen and bathroom. And in the office ... on doors, in the stairwell, the elevator, and in the loo. Share this email with friends and family and soon enough, we'll all be in a lather.  |
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