Tonia Davenport, my editor at North Light books, walked across the parking lot carrying a tote bag. She’d told me about the painted canvas cover she’d made for her computer, and we generally have show and tell when we get together.
Front cover taken on my kitchen counter because I didn't want to wait for good sunlight tomorrow morning.
But this was different. She handed me a sealed, padded envelope. “It’s your book. The first advance copy. I thought you should open the envelope.” And so, sitting in the outside garden of Pita Jungle on a cool May evening, I opened the envelope and slid out the printed, color copy of my book.
When you’re a writer, you often look at a piece of writing you did a year ago and cringe. Wish you had done it differently. Wish you could re-do it. I didn’t feel that at all. Each page looked wonderful. It was the first time I’d seen the book in color. Held a bound copy. Enjoyed what I hoped it might be–a welcome for everyone who wants to keep an art journal but can’t draw. A set of projects that come from your heart, that will make your ideas come alive for you. A way to pique the interest of everyone who is tired of assembling perfect kits, of pre-designed scrapbook pages. Who longs to make meaning while they make art. Who wants. . . more. More meaning. More deep writing. More than just putting
Back cover--glare and all, just to be able to post it.
color and words on a page. A real exploration of the journey. I hope readers feel encouraged, cared about, nurtured. Grandiose ideas? Foolish? I hope so. It’s about time. I felt the same way when I held my son for the first time–filled with big dreams for him, filled with joy at the power of creation. Now it’s time to take my word for 2011–Step Up–and step into the world with the book.
–Quinn McDonald is the author of Raw Art Journaling: Making Meaning, Making Art.
QuinnCreative 
I’m a bit late in reading this, but wanted to leave my own message of Congratulations! to you Quinn. I can imagine how excited you must be! 😀
Yes, I am excited. Pleased that I finished it, and interested to see how others feel about it.
Congratulations Quinn. What an exciting moment, made even better by being able to share it with Tonia. Just fantastic!
Yes, indeed. It was special and I was present for it.
congratulations Quinn! You must be so proud! I look forward to it being published!
I’m relieved–but I’m also loving the design and flow of the book. Always a good sign!
Quinn, Congratulations. What an exciting moment for you. After all of your hard work, you now can hold the finished book in your hands. Your dream has become reality. I can hardly wait to own my own copy.
Aww, thanks, Joanne. I am incredibly excited!
Super congratulations. I’ll be looking out for it.
Thanks, Zoe!
Wow! What an inviting cover. Can’t wait to hold it in my hands and to have the ultimate honor of having it signed by the author! My warmest congratulations. Do you have a schedule of your book signings yet?
Dodie, I miss you SO much! Your creativity, your cheerfulness, your constant support–so glad to hear from you again. Kickoff is at Changing Hands July 27, 7 p.m. Hope you can make it!
how excitingxxxcongrats on actually being publishedxlynda
Congratulations! Will there be a “buy the book” link here, or where can I get it?
The link of the book at the end of the post will take you to the page on my site that jumps you to amazon. I get credit for everyone who orders through my website. But thanks for asking–and letting me explain!
Looks great!!! Thanks for the sneak-peek! 🙂
Thanks, Barbara. It’s fun to see it be real!
If you need any help promoting your book, I’m happy to help!!! Congrats!
I am not turning down any offers for help!
What a wonderful way to get the very first copy! A lovely personal touch–that must mean so much. Congratulations! And I can hardly wait to get a copy in MY hands!
Thanks, Bo. That means a lot to me.
Oh, Quinn, I’m so excited for you! Congratulations – you finally have a copy of your book in your hands! How wonderful that Tonia was able to give it to you and share that moment! I can’t wait for it to be available for the rest of us… come on July!!!!
It may be a bit earlier, but it depends entirely on the boat from China. I’ve ordered some copies and am waiting for them, too!
Yay, you! Celebrate good times, come on! (OK, I’m quoting disco lyrics to you, but you get the idea). XO
Cool and the Gang is always welcome in my studio! You have done this a bunch of times–and you have a book out soon, too. When is your next one coming out?
I can hardly wait for the book to be available. I have a dear friend who is homebound 90% of the time because of environmental sensitivity, who has begun journaling recently. She is very timid about drawing, and I’d love to be able to help her add art to her writing! Can’t wait!!
This would be the perfect book for her, Cindy! (OK, I guess I would say that, wouldn’t I?) She’ll find it encouraging, I think.
Wonderful!
Thanks!
Oh Quinn, congratulations! I’m really moved. Well done 😉
Thanks, Marianne. You were so encouraging, and I’m so grateful.
I’m so excited for you Quinn. And it seems so fitting that Tonia handed you this copy directly… a personal parking lot ceremony (as opposed to getting it in the mail with nobody there to share the envelope opening with you)… now that’s “meaning!” Best from germany, tj
You are so right. I would have been thrilled to be standing at the mailbox (the studio malibox!) and opened the envelope, but having Tonia there–who has been with me every step, who has made smart and wonderful suggestions, who made me feel she really cared about the message, the readers, the design–it was special. We actually met for dinner, so we were in the outside garden of a restaurant. She’s done a lot of books, so I was especially thrilled that she was so kind to me.