Please stick with me on this French word journey. The current theme, "publishing", will come to a close soon… and we'll be back with more colorful episodes "in a French life"!
croire (kwahr)
: to believe
I don't even know which day of the 21 Day Publishing Challenge today is (Day 11? Day 12?)! I think the deadline is one week from Wednesday, though I'm hoping that I've miscalculated and that the cutoff is really one week from Friday (but that couldn't be, for Friday we're having a big dinner party …and I would have never put that much pressure on things. No, not I)!
We won't talk too much about the Behind the Scenes of this farcical speed-publishing venture, one designed, in part, to take my mind off my forehead (7 weeks since the operation and my wound is still "healing". I had to stop using the super cool silicone patch when an infection broke out… then came the mad science: the daily dousing with betadine… then switching to mercurochrome (gaahh! mercury! what was I thinking?)… finally, I got desperate and broke out the LOURDES WATER! (I found a few kitchy souvenir bottles—little plastic containers in the form of the famous Saint Bernadette.)
Yesterday, as I lay back on my pillow, a soaking wet compress on my head, I felt so much frustration and desperation. I tried to relax as the "miracle" water trickled down the sides of my head, onto the pillow. I realized I had just put my faith into a 14-year-old saint!
Along with the curative water, tears flowed. For weeks, they had been bottled up, just like the souvenir "saint" water that friends had brought me from the famous grotto.
Then came the doubt. More than the water's medicinal effect, I began to question my own ability to tenir, or to hang in there. I didn't know whether to scream or to go on softly crying about the absurdity of my situation: in effect, I was counting on a purported apparition (of the Blessed Virgin, in the grotto) to help in the disappearance (of my bleeding wound). I felt as confused as ever.
And then I had an inspiration….
"Either you believe," I challenged myself, "or you don't believe!"
A minute passed in which I waited for I knew not what….
The make-up-your-mind-moment ended when my eyes squeezed shut as I raised my hand and tilted that bottle of holy water. There I received the downpouring of faith.
***
Update: tomorrow I will see a good dermatologist. I do believe she will be able to pick up where the saint left off. In the meantime, I'm going to keep my mind constructively occupied with the editing of the following stories! So please get out your red pens now and read the following stories, letting me know whether any typos need to be fixed. Thank you, mille fois merci!
Comments Box
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The following stories will go into the manuscript template by tomorrow (Tuesday night)! Please send any edits today, or tomorrow morning at the latest. Thanks!
PETITE AMIE: my future husband's ex shows up at our wedding!
LOUPER: I allow my son a "ditch day"
COQUILLE: When I am old…
CONDUIRE: Learning to drive in France
Meantime, here is a sneak peek at the book covers (Big thanks designer Tamara Dever at TLC Graphics & Narrow Gate Books!) . Get ready to vote on Friday (I hope…)
Click to view a larger image. Note: the subtitle you see will not appear (nor will the subtitle I made up this weekend: Blossoming in Provence: A Tumbleweed's enlightenment among the Lavender. Mom thinks the title will stand on its own. What do you think? Let me know here, in the comments box.
A special note to all editors (that might be you!): If you are helping to edit my forthcoming "memoirette", Blossoming in Provence, please click over to the Acknowledgment page, now, and enter your name in the comments box there!
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Oops, sorry. I meant 5 brings to mind Venice. 6 is appealing.
Hi Kristin,
Number’s 2 and 7 get my vote, although I am still trying to deceide between them. In contrast with others, I like the subtitle, there are many books around about Provence, I think the subtitle gives a hint as to where the book is heading. It would make me pick it up anyway.
More importantly, bon chance with the dermatologist, do dermatoligists in France use essential oils, there are some good ones for infection and scarring. Thinking of you
Chris 🙂
PS The holy water can’t hurt
Kristin, BELIEVE!! As another Saint, Padre Pio often said “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry”. Cheers, Pascale
LOURDES WATER? Mon Dieu! What memories came flooding back to me when I read that. Lourdes Water was a staple in my mother’s arsenal for treating any ailment or perceived evil…..”just in case”. After she died I found two bottles safely hidden away…..”just in case”. Silly superstition? Maybe, but guess what? I’ve kept them over 15 years, adding a few drops of water to them now and then, because as I recall from the good nuns of my youth, one could extend the life of any holy water by adding to it before it dries out…..just in case.
By the way, cover #2 says “BUY ME”
Covers 2/4 are the most appealing to me.
“Enlightenment amongst the Lavender” under the back picture.
If you have any fresh aloe (growing) snip and apply like salve. Amazing healing factor.
Hi Kristin:
I am a book designer and love doing this book exercise (on ANOTHER designer’s work!) The fact that you are getting a variety of opinions means that your designer has done a good job..there are no really weak covers. That said, #6 stood out to me because the word Provence is really prominent and the photo oozes the region. A Francophile will spot it easily on a shelf. I like the subtitle here too but not the one you propose (the tumbleweed analogy is too obtuse). You could do without it though if the back cover goes into more detail on what’s inside.
My second choice is #4, maybe without the blue bars or just 1 bar. I like the typography there.
I would resist the urge to mix and match covers as some responders do here. As a designer I hate it when clients pick something from sample A and something from sample B and mash them together. There is usually a reason why the designer did not do that in the first place. Of all these, I think 5 and 7 are the weakest.
Good luck!
Ok, not that my credentials mean shit, nor do I know about anyone else’s experience here, and certainly they are all potential buyers, but…as a graduate of Parson’s School of Design (with a year spent at Parson’s Paris to boot!), and a long career running the creative departments of a large studio as an art director in Los Angeles…I think No. 6 is the most *Provence* and well designed… it is elegant and simple but the brown arching band makes the title stand out and doesn’t get lost in the photo. This design also makes the book appear larger/wider. I liked No. 7 too, however, there is something about it that, though contemporary in style, doesn’t really read “Provence” to me as much as it reads “Bridal Shower Invitation”. It’s hands down No. 6 for me. However, your designer did a great job on all!
As for your forehead! Oh my!!!! Have you tried *essential oils*…such as Tea Tree Oil? Or…Lavender??? Also, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lemon all have very, very strong antibacterial properties. (however, don’t use cinnamon on skin!) Try also peeling (but NOT piercing at all) 2 cloves of garlic and boiling them in 2 cups of water. The garlic *sweats* the oil out. Then drink it. Garlic is also extremely antibiotic.
Oh! And Cod Liver oil! VERY healing. My husband uses Desitin (which is basically cod liver oil in a base) for everything from cuts to blisters from shoes and by God…it works like a miracle drug.
Best Wishes for a speedy healing!!!!
My vote is for #1 – The blue cover puts the farmhouse and title into the center of the book – Very Provencal!
I vote for any that have lavender on the cover. It’s a no-brainer.
Good luck with the dermatologist! We will keep you in our prayers to heal nicely and stay healthy. You are a wonderful person inside and out 🙂
I like number 6, although each has a certain charm. I think number 6 is sufficiently graphic to make an impression on the mind. It has a romantic look without being too sweet.
Hope you are healing well soon!
Normally I’d agree as ‘mothers know best’ but the layout and other characteristics of #7 convinces me otherwise.
🙂 Gaye
I prefer #4 and #6 with a door slightly ajar inviting the reader to come into your life and share your words. Janine
Definitely No 7, Kristin, the colors are harmonious and the positioning of the title is so right.
Go with what you feel is “you” This little quote was pased onto me recently “to conceive,to believe, will achieve.” Hope it will do so for you
artiste ami
June
Cover #6 far outshines the others: the photograph covering (almost) the entire cover; the title centered and within its own frame (and balanced by having your name in its own frame below); the color and design of the frames and the fonts are perfect ( I especially love the font for the word Provence); and having the subtitle also centered and in a subtle color works very well. All in all, this design is elegant, easy to read, and inviting. It also just looks more French than the others. The only changes I would suggest would be: to extend the photograph fully to the top and bottom, rather than having the grey bands that are there now, and for the title, use the word “Blooming” rather than “Blossoming.” “Blooming in Provence” is more evocative, rolls off the tongue more easily, and…it’s available. I checked.
#1-3, #5, and #7 all are too busy and/or have too many variables that take away from a clear and consistent presentation. In #4, the fonts for the title and name detract from the overall design, the grey of the frame does not stand out against the door and shutters, and the design as a whole is missing the cohesion of all its elements that is present in cover #6.
Best wishes!
I vote for No.4. It shows most of the elements and picks up the blue. Plus, I believe blue is the color most people say is their “favorite.”
Re the proposed book cover: If the volume will be titled “Blossoming in Provence,” surely it should have some blossoms in the picture. This will not only only fit the word “blossom,” but will be illustrative of the flowers that grow in profusion in Provence.
Dear Kristin, hope you are mending well. Has the Chief Grape voted on the cover?
Number 2 is definitely the way to go! It just stand out!
I love the green one, it’s like looking through a vine-encircled window into your city. And I think the subtitle is not needed. Hope your healing progresses fabulously.
How I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom for you…all I can do is give you a heartfelt hug and say I truly understand just how you feel. My doctor says it will take about a year for the scar to become faint and in the meantime you need to have patience and to give yourself the space in order to heal properly. You book is a wonderful space for you to be in …in amongst friends who love and enjoy your glimpses and colourful insights into life. You have a gift that you are being so generous in sharing 🙂
Your book cover No.7 reminds me a little of your Lourdes water with it’s cross 🙂
oxox
PS. A little salt in the water when rinsing is a natural antiseptic and also garlic has healing properties as well (….so a doctor told me years ago when my son had a cut on his shin from snowboarding.)
I like the cropping of the photo in 6, top & bottom panels green, title the same as 1,2 & 3, author box reversed red, and subtitle starting at the top of window:
Heartwarming
Vignettes of
An American
Transplanted
In the French
Countryside
It seems very important to me to leave the open doorway unobstructed to welcome readers in.
Just thoughts.
Oh Kristen, I wanted to read all the other comments, but there are so many!!
But I won’t allow myself to be influenced by others . . . so my favourites are No 1 and No 4. The blue and yellow are such essentially Provencal colours. They are well designed and would ‘call out’ to people from the shelves of any bookstore.
And for yourself – you need to have a cry and feel sorry for yourself. You have been brave and held it inside for too long. I hope you realise we are all with you on this journey of healing and we all care for you so much.
Take a little time out to wallow, then you will be able to lift yourself back up (we’re supporting you) and get on with your amazing challenge.
It doesn’t matter if you achieve your deadline – what matters is that you set it. It is all part of the process of trying to feel yourself again. All will be well.
Book cover # 4 looks best on iPhone, partly because of the small screen. It would also look better in a small, thumb-print sized photo/ad, like the ones on your pages!
I think the short subtitle can clarify what the book is about without making the cover look cluttered. Other than your loyal readers, not everyone knows who you are and what you write about.
Your publishing schedule is stressing ME out and I don’t even have to do the work!!
#4 is my favorite as it is the most Provence-like. #7 has a wallpaper -like background that feels too provincial for the hidden gems it will contain. The Main title speaks volumes. No subtitle needed in my humble opinion. #2 is my second choice.
My favourite is 4 but I don’t mind 7 and I too agree with your Mum. It gets a bit crowded (distracting) with the subtitle,
Bonjour Kristin,
I haven’t had a chance to visit here in awhile. I just returned from a lavender conference in Washington State. I hope you are healing nicely and maybe a little prayer to St. Bernadette couldn’t hurt! I have been to Lourdes twice and it was a very moving experience for me. I felt God’s love all around. I really love book covers #6 and #7.
I think the books, cover alone looks very appealing. I love to read and believe me they are compelling me to pick it up and read cover to cover. Good job!
Coucou Kristin: Je ne t’ai pas oubliée. Je suis si occupée ces jours-ci, mais je pense souvent à toi et tes petites histoires amusantes. Je viens pour te donner ma vote: #2 me plait.
Bon courage, chère Kristin.
I’d be surprised if your holy water bottle was an image of Bernadette Soubirous. Usually Lourdes water bottles features a figure of the Virgin Mary, whom Bernadette claimed to have seen in numerous visions at the site in France.
From time to time patrons of Lourdes souvenirs have wondered about the “sacreligious” form of a bottle that required you to remove the Virgin’s head in order to open it.
Kristin:
I like cover version number 2 and version number 1 is my second choice. I like the typeface and the colors and the fact that the cover design is simpler.
Edie from Savannah
Chere Amie,
I did not read any of the comments above while most certain that all were sincere, wise, &/or from the heart. I wanted to not be influenced and simply give my first thought for your consideration.
A scene showing a blossoming flower, a mon avis, would be parfait.
I want a copy whatever the cover shows.
Comme toujours — Fred
I like #1. I also agree with the others about the title standing alone. I hope healing will take a turn for the better. Hang in there!!!
OK – here’s another opinion
Cover #7 is definitely out – too cutesy
Cover #1, #2, #3 – I like the font but I do not like the blue rectangle with the swirl holding it and I don’t like the blue #1 around the edge or the red to #3.
Cover #4 – I don’t like the blue border at the top and bottom and I don’t like the fonts!
Cover #5 – I’m not thrilled with the picture and the way that it is displayed
Cover #6 – the big bold brown shape does nothing for me.
My choice is #2 – In general – even though I’m a blue person, I like the yellow of cover #2 – get rid of the rectangle and swirl and replace it with just writing over the picture as you do in #4. This cover is the softest and most pleasing color wise. It blends the picture with the background. This is the cover which depicts Provence!
I like the title Blossoming in Provence – that fits very well with your time in Provence – not only have you blossomed, but so has your family, garden and vineyard!
Hi Kristin,I vote for cover #2….it seems to expand beyond the cover, inviting the reader in,as you do with your evocation stories…I will be buying at least one for the holidays…good luck,Judy. Ps did anyone ever tell you that you look like Michelle pfeiffer…you so do!
I like #2…and I think you need a subtitle to focus what the book is about. Could you use your tag “a French life” like the first book? If so the subtitle could say, e.g., “More Stories from a French Life.”
I like cover 1 or 2. #1 ties together well, and # 2 pops out more. The others seems more contrived. Best!
Blossoming seems awkward in your title. Mementos of Provence ?; Embracing Provence?;Journey In Provence?; Reflections?;
I was at that church in Cairanne 3 weeks ago. Trudged up the hill for fantastic views of the countryside!
#1 is favorite with #2 a close second, but I agree with others that the subtitle, if used, should be like #4. Good luck!
1 or 4. Love the blue. Blessings!! You have great faith, and it only takes a mustard seed! Love & hugs! Jen
I like 1 or 2! Probably 2!!!
I really do love that blue! The border of the book cover you posted today really does play up that shutter in the photograph. Which one was #2?
Any as long as it’s not #7. Of the others I would probably go for #2 first, it’s easy on the eye, and well balanced.
Kristin…
I see the field of flowers at the end of this publishing road!
My cover take…use bleu, the wall version
featuring sunlight AND flowers somewhere…
an overflowing pot, a luscious flower box…
some graphic fix. Provence says flowers….
colorful blooms, colorful writing, colorful
woman!
Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your family.
Margy Mullins, Pittsburgh, PA
Hi Kirsten,
I posted the first comment on this topic and said my favs were 7 followed by 4 – well, the new decluttered design that Tamara has produced is just excellent…that’s now my number 1 choice!!! It has all the appropriate colours and images and without that little blue box thing in it – you have a super book cover.
Thanks for letting your readers have a say, it was fun looking at these! I didn’t have time to do any edits on your chapters but did enjoy reading them.
Bon chance,
L.
While I like the contrast and shade of the blue of cover, # 1, the beige of cover # 2 suits the photo so much better. The beige reminds me of the stony fields – and the stone of the facade of the building in the photo. Design # 2 is the simplest, quietest, most appealing.
Hey Kristi,
I really like cover number 1 and agree with your Mom that the title should stand on it’s own. I wish you all the best!
Love,
Caroline
Kristin, how I wish I had had time to help you edit your vignettes, though I hardly think anything I could have offered would have improved on your beautiful prose. However, if there is still time to “vote” I would like to cast my ballot for cover number 1. I can’t wait to buy copies of your new book; one for my night stand and many more as gifts for some fellow francophiles.
I like 4 and 7 best. The harsh box in 1, 2 and 3 don’t work with the softness of the rest of the covers. The blue/gray in 1 is too dark and the border too dark. If you use that one, make it closer to what was done in #4 but have it go all the way around all edges. I LOVE the name of the book. We lived in Europe and have spent a fair amount of time in the region and it really speaks to me. Best of luck and keep up the wonderful blog!
http://ginger-goes-to-europe-part3.blogspot.com