Book Business
April 1st is launch day for Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles—a big day for me. I’ve waited months for this day. Please read the Amazon blurb and the marvelous reviews in this newsletter. If I could hire a marching band to celebrate the book release I would. Check out the Grief Doodling book trailer.
“Southern Writers Magazine” published my article about Grief Doodling on March 24, 2021. Thanks for helping me spread the word “Southern Writers Magazine.” I enjoy writing for you.
Christine Crosby, editor of GRAND Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for today’s grandparents, asked me to write an article about Grief Doodling. I wrote the article, sent her the book cover, and a photo of me. GRAND is published six times a year and I’m not sure when my article will appear.
I just signed with the Annie Jennings Public Relations company. It is going to do a radio campaign for Grief Doodling in six major radio markets. According to the company, the shows are author and guest friendly. Thank goodness I’ve had radio training and previous experience, including a parenting show on Minnesota Public Radio years ago.
Reviews
Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to preview an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I’m a doodler. My notebooks are full of squiggles, flowers, and designs. In fact, I carry a doodling notepad and colored markers to draw while I listen to seminars and meetings. When I saw “Grief Doodling” was listed as being available for advanced review, I crossed my fingers and toes that the publisher would grant me the opportunity. The book combines my love of doodling with my love of therapeutic tools. My crossing worked and my hopes were not crushed in that this book is everything I hoped it would be.
Hodgson opens the book with a doodling “how to” guide that will prompt the reluctant but not tether those familiar with the process. She then takes time to explain the benefits of doodling as a part of processing thoughts as one is grieving. Each page that follows gently nudges the reader to consider their grief journey while creating. She isn’t sly with her intentions but remains gentle and affirming.
For clinical use, this book would be a fantastic tool for homework to take the place of an open journal. It will appeal to older elementary caged children through adults as it is simple and self-guided. Outside of the therapeutic setting, this book would make a nice gift for a loved one experiencing grief. Once completed, “Grief Doodling” serves as a time capsule of memories and progress through a difficult period. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Lauren G., Reviewer.
This is such a good book for any child that is going through grief. The whole book talks about how you will feel and what you can do about it. Each page gives you the ability to fill in some already doodled pictures. The author also gives you examples of doodles and how to make them. This would be wonderful and needed for any child who is trying to help themselves with grief. I would recommend this book to anyone. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Christine E., Educator.
The Book Excellence Awards, an international program that recognizes literary excellence, chose The Grandma Force: How Grandmothers are Changing Grandchildren, Families, and Themselves, as a finalist. I am grateful for this honor and appreciate the helpful training videos. (Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.)
From My Window
During the pandemic, the popularity of audiobooks has increased. I have three audiobooks, The Family Caregiver’s Guide, So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids! and The Grandma Force: How Grandmothers are Changing Grandkids, Families, and Themselves. All are beautifully narrated by voice actress Evie Irwin. She does a marvelous job, and her voice is a perfect match for my books.
My giant African violets are blooming again. Yes, this is a real plant, not a fake one!
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.
“Supply Woes Slam Global Manufacturing,” an article in a recent issue of “The Wall Street Journal,” says global supply disruptions are causing problems in car manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, and other fields. Freezing weather in Texas also caused delivery problems. The article doesn’t mention disruptions in printer ink supplies, but they exist. I know this because I have experienced them.
I print out often. When I ran out of ink, I panicked for a moment but was able to order the last in-stock cartridge from Amazon. When I went to my local office supply store to buy more cartridges, I was shocked to see empty shelves. According to a sales associate, ink cartridges are scarce because so many people are working from home. If you print out often, order cartridges early and order a few extra.
Quote of the Month
I must have flowers, always and always. Claude Monet
When I read this, I realized Monet was telling the truth. John and I visited Monet’s house and garden in France. Monet planned the garden himself and grew vegetables for the family. Like his paintings, Monet’s garden is an expression of his soul.
Your comments about the newsletter are welcome. Please send them to my new email address, harriethodgson57@gmail.com. Happy spring!