Book Business
I’m so excited about Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles I want to cheer from rooftops. Thanks to Jay Highum of Action Graphic Design in Rochester, Minnesota for his eye-catching cover and using my doodles in such a creative way. The blue to yellow shading—dark days of grief to bright days of hope—symbolizes the spirit of the book.
And thanks to WriteLife owner and publisher Terri Leidich for accepting the manuscript and believing in this unique grief resource. When I thought about the illustrations, I had many types to choose from: scribble art, doodle art, zendoodling, zentangles (abstract, repeat patterns), stendoodles (using stencils), and mandalas (round designs). I wanted to demonstrate—not intimidate—so I drew simple doodles that show techniques detailed in the book.
Doodling spans all cultures and generations. Though I wrote Grief Doodling for tweens and teens, adults may find it helpful.
Reviews
The Elite Choice Awards gave The Grandma Force the Gold Award for non-fiction in the family category. According to the review, The Grandma Force is as gem of a book. “With actionable practices and step by step instructions, the book outlines simple yet powerful techniques readers can use to become the best grandma they can be.” I am grateful for this wonderful review and thank the Elite Choice Awards.
What do authors think of reviews? I looked online for answers to this question and was amazed at what some authors said. J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author of Lord of the Rings, was annoyed by some of the “boring, absurd, or contemptible” reviews he received. He had no cause to complain, Tolkien continued, because he had a similar opinion of the reviewer’s reading choices.
Isaac Asimov, the prolific author of novels, mysteries, fantasy, short stories, and a guide to the Bible, said writers fall into two groups. One group is made up of authors who bleed copiously after reading bad reviews. The other group is made up of authors who bleed copiously in secret after reading bad reviews. I wondered which group was his.
Of reviewers in general, humorist and columnist Art Buchwald wrote, “No one has ever questioned the credentials of a critic who writes a rave review notice.” I think Buchwald was right. Publishers, authors, and marketers know good reviews sell books. You may purchase books based on reviews and recommendations from friends.
Thankfully, I have never received a bad review. One reviewer said he was disappointed with my memoir. He must have confused me with another author because I have never written a memoir and have no plans to do so. However, I do plan to write more articles and books and know inspiration strikes anytime and anywhere.
From My Window
This photo shows me working on the illustrations for Grief Doodling. (Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.) I love doodle art, continue to do it, and developed a “Fun with Doodle Art” workshop for the Alice Mayo Society, a supporting organization for Mayo Clinic physicians’ spouses, voting administrative staff, senior associate consultants, and Mayo scholars.
Co-author Kathy Kasten and I have created a leadership kit for the kids who read Ready, Set, Lead! This poster is part of the kit, which also contains a poster to color. We thank illustrator Penny Weber for creating the posters. As the March 1, 2021 release draws near, Kathy and I get more excited. Ready, Set, Lead! is already available for pre-order on Amazon. When you pre-order, the price is guaranteed and you receive the book 35-40 days before the release date—a good deal.
Quote of the Month
I make it a rule to sit at my desk eight hours a day whether anything’s happening or not. Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), author and illustrator of 60 books. His most popular book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go.