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Monday, October 12, 2009

THE COVER OF MY DEBUT BOOK - CHASING LILACS


Here it is—the cover of my first book, Chasing Lilacs! I’ve been anxious to share it with you (and all creation) since I first saw it a while back, and now I have word from my publisher that it's official. I’m not sure which has been the greater thrill—getting my first contract or viewing my first book cover. I understand now what others have said - the process of waiting for the birth of a book is a bit like being pregnant. An over-used analogy, but true.

Sort of. The gestation period for a book is more like that of an elephant, but the really cool thing is you get to see your “baby” book about halfway through the pregnancy. It’s like having a tiny window inserted in your tummy so you can get a glimpse of what your little one will look like.

The real live flesh and bones book is still developing, growing into the 5.25 X 8 inch baby it will become. And with a little over seven months until the due date (Mark your calendars - June, 2010), I’m content to just have a cover to feast my eyes on.

A word about my publishers. The team at FaithWords has been wonderful, asking my opinion every step of the way and then creating what I believe is a fabulous cover. For me, it conveys the nostalgia in the book, the intoxicating smell of lilacs, and a touch of whimsy with butterfly ready to light on the blossoms. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m thankful and blessed. Hats off to Whitney, Anne, April, Katy, and the art team who’ve all had a hand in making my dream come true.

Later I’ll share more about the story and keep you abreast of some of the exciting things planned for the debut of Chasing Lilacs. Until then . . .

11 comments:

Kim Vogel Sawyer said...

Love, love, LOVE that cover, and CANNOT WAIT to hold the real thing! Sooo excited for you, Carla!

Robbie Iobst said...

YAY!!! Carla, I am so happy for you and I can't wait to read it! The cover is absolutely LOVELY!! You go girl! Yes I am writing in exclamation points!!! :0)

carla stewart said...

Kim, you are such an encourager, and I can hardly wait for people to read it, too.

Robbie, it's perfectly fine with me for you to write in exclamations - sometimes you just got to, you know?

Anne Mateer said...

Such a beautiful cover for a beautiful lady! I'm so excited for you!

Jenny B. Jones said...

WOOO! I love it. Congratulations--you never get over your first glimpse at a book cover.

carla stewart said...

Thanks, D'Ann! And one day soon I hope to be seeing YOUR first cover. Praying for you, girl.

Ay Jenny! You're so right. The first look is a breath stealer. I am hoping, though, to have a cute little pig on my next one. Think that would work?

Gina Conroy said...

Beautiful cover! Can't wait to read it!!!

Myra Johnson said...

I've fallen way behind on my blog reading so just now saw this! WOW!!! I know how excited and thrilled you are! This is a spectacularly beautiful cover! As much as I can't wait to hold the actual book in my hands, I know you must be anticipating it even more! Congratulations, girlfriend!

carla stewart said...

Thanks Gina and Myra! I appreciated your kudos although it seems forever until the release date.

Myra, I wondered if you were hiding out, writing non-stop. Hmmm. You need to come out and play once in a while!

Carole said...

Beautiful cover, Carla! I can tell just by looking at it that this is the type of book I would enjoy.

Carla Gade said...

Congrats! What a lovely cover!