Susan Wiggs's Blog, page 14
August 14, 2017
book cover art :: mapping it out
That moment when the subject line of the email says, “Cover Art Attached.” Everything else stops, and you click open the file to see what your latest book is going to look like when it goes out into the world. Sometimes, the cover art looks just right.
Other times, the artwork goes through several iterations. I suppose with a title like Map of the Heart, I should have expected some twists and turns along the way.
Here are a few of the suggested concepts:
MAP OF THE HEART cover ideasCue the lengthy, searching discussions. We like the REALLY BIG AUTHOR NAME. I like it, anyway.
A sense of movement in the sky…hmm. Flower petals? Butterflies? Swallows? Yes, the birds are a good motif.
The scene, though. It needed to be dreamy, and it needed some kind of focus. I remembered a nice, flattering photo Jerry took of my while I was in France, researching the story:
overlooking the Calanques of CassisAnd then I remembered my very talented nephew who creates amazing digital art:
Michael helped design the glorious luggage tags we eventually made.Next up, a gazing woman:
Behold, a gazing woman.Her outfit was…meh. She got a makeover. And the sky got brighter:
our fashion forward gazerThen I thought she might need a prop. And I had just the thing–the vintage camera from the book.
Gazing woman, camera, swallows, lavender…we are good to go.So there you have it. More than you wanted to know, right?
I’ll wrap this up with the full wrap. What do you think? Good cover? Great? Meh? Comment below!
book jacket – MAP OF THE HEART 2017The post book cover art :: mapping it out appeared first on SusanWiggs.
August 2, 2017
read MAP OF THE HEART for FREE
The library will help you! Just print out the form below, or copy and paste it into an e-mail, and hand it (or send it) to someone at your local library. Most library systems also have their own forms online. Here’s the one from Seattle Public Library.
I love it when my characters sound smarter than me.Library Purchase Request Form
Format ___Book ____Ebook ___Audiobook ____Large Print
Title :: MAP OF THE HEART
Author/Artist :: Susan Wiggs
Product Details
ISBN: 9780062425485
ISBN 10: 006242548X
Imprint: William Morrow
On Sale: 08/22/2017
Trimsize: 6 in (w) x 9 in (h) x 1.219 in (d)
Pages: 368
List Price: 25.99 USD
BISAC1: FICTION / Contemporary Women
BISAC2: FICTION / Family Life
Your Name ____________________________________
Library Card Number ______________________________
Phone Number __________________________________
Email address ___________________________________
Additional Comments :: “Heaven is a kind of library.” ________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: If you’d like a collectible signed first edition, here’s a link to buy.
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July 26, 2017
food :: fiction :: fun
“There are certain journeys you make in your lifetime that stick with you always. You remember the feel of the air on your skin, the quality of the light, the food you ate, the smells that wafted in the air. Most of all, you remember how you felt about the person you were with. And how you felt about yourself.”
When I wrote those lines in Map of the Heart, I was taking notes during a memorable meal at an outdoor cafe at the harbor of Cassis in the south of France. A terrific storm was raging, and I was grateful for the delicious, comforting gratinee and local wine.
Comfort food is a perfect pairing with stormy weather, no?
All this by way of saying that you should come and have lunch or dinner with me.
On August 13, the Inn at Port Ludlow is offering an early release of Map of the Heart with a cocktail reception and 5-course Provence-themed dinner.
Date: 13 August 2017 :: 6pm
Location: The Inn At Port Ludlow
One Heron Road
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
Toll Free: 877-805-0868
Phone: 360-437-7000
Email: info@portludlowresort.com
Event link: http://portludlowresort.com and enter Package ID HEART to get the best available rate.
We’re planning a themed Provence-inspired dinner with wine pairings, an incredible giveaway, an overnight option, a multimedia book talk, and more! All this comes with an autographed book and a free bonus author!
You can also join me on August 22 in my hometown at my favorite restaurant, Restaurant Marche, hosted by the best chef on the west coast.
Location: Restaurant Marche
Event Link: http://www.eagleharborbooks.com/
Or what about Austin, Texas on August 24? A lakeside spa? YES, PLEASE.
Location: Lake Austin Spa and Resort, 1705 S. Quinlan Park, Rd,
Austin, TX 78732
Event Link: https://www.lakeaustin.com/
The publication of a new book is a cause for celebration chez Wiggs. I would love to meet you! Cheers!
#books #reading #FrenchCuisine #FindYourWayHome
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July 13, 2017
every girl deserves her dream :: malala
Everyone–every girl–deserves to follow her own path. Malala’s “Girl Power” birthday tour took her to Iraq.
Please take a few minutes to listen to this moving piece, especially at the 3-minute mark: Malala in Iraq
From a young women in the audience: “She took her brother’s books and she studied and studied…” When told as a young teenager that she had to get married, the girl said, “I told them ‘no’…I have my dream, I have my hope, I will go to American university and be a WRITER.”
#ShePersisted#NeverthelessShePersisted
That’s me at age 17 with a broken leg but dreams intact.
When you articulate your dream in such a strong, clear voice, you’re helping to make it come true.
When was the last time you declared your dream in a strong, clear voice?
#ShePersisted #GirlPower #Malala #EducationMatters #OwnTheDream
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June 27, 2017
find your way home
Great news for readers, travelers, dreamers, and golfers! My publisher is celebrating Map of the Heart with a lavish sweepstakes you don’t want to miss!
The winner of the drawing will enjoy:
A two-night stay at the Resort at Port Ludlow from August 12-14, 2017
A round of golf
Dinner for two, and breakfast for two for both mornings
Two signed copies of Susan Wiggs’s Map of the Heart and Family Tree
Reserved seating at Susan’s book event at the resort
And a pre-event meet and greet with the author herself
This prize also includes a $1,000 gift card to apply towards travel to Port Ludlow*
* This prize must be redeemed for the weekend of August 12-14, 2017.
Enter here. Good luck!
#contests #drawings #sweepstakes
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June 10, 2017
farmers market finds + an irresistible recipe
A quick boat trip from the island to the “overseas” farmers market (in Port Orchard, aka Cedar Cove) yielded the first crop of Rainier cherries of the season. They don’t travel well, so I hope you get to taste them, fresh-picked from the orchard.
When the berries are in season, make this addictive Romanov sauce. I don’t know why it’s called Romanov sauce, but that sounds fancier than “white gloppy deliciousness” so we’ll go with it. You could use creme fraiche in place of the yoghurt and sour cream, but does anyone actually have creme fraiche on hand?
Romanov Sauce for Berries
1 cup plain yoghurt (I like Greek style)
1 cup sour cream (okay to skip this)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 Tablespoons Grand Marnier, amaretto or frangelico liqueur
Whip the cream to soft peaks, then blend in everything else. Serve over washed and hulled berries of any variety.
If you want to get even fancier, serve over slices of pound cake or ladyfingers.
Happy summer!
#recipes #berries #farmersmarket
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June 1, 2017
books for brains :: join 17 authors this Saturday
Join us for the 2017 Summer Book Festival!
When: Saturday June 3rd, Noon to 2 pm
Where: Eagle Harbor Book Co., 157 Winslow Way E., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Meet 17 award-winning authors for goodies, conversations, and book signings at Eagle Harbor Books! 20% of proceeds will benefit the Bainbridge Schools Foundation.
Authors attending:
Bruce Barcott, Dave Boling, Terry Brooks, Megan Chance, Claire Dederer, Kevin Emerson, Waverly Fitzgerald, Laurie Frankel, Linda Johns, Brent Hartinger, David Lasky, Donna Miscolta, Boyd Morrison, Suzanne Selfors, Garth Stein, Susan Wiggs, David B. Williams
#TerryBrooks #GarthStein #ClaireDederer #LaurieFrankel #SuzanneSelfors
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May 29, 2017
lie down in lavender
William Morrow Books and L’Occitane have put together something special–a drawing for an early copy of Map of the Heart and some lovely lavender goodies. Enter with just a couple of clicks at this link.
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May 10, 2017
read :: write :: dream :: relax
“I’m not a ‘cruise’ person.” That’s probably what you’ve told yourself. How do I know? Because I used to say that to myself, too. It’s a floating hotel full of newlyweds and nearlydeads, I thought.
Then I went on a cruise.
And came home a total convert. You will be, too. You’re invited to a one-of-a-kind at-sea event for readers, writers, and dreamers–May 2018. SAVE THE DATE. You’re going from Tampa to Barcelona, with port calls at Key West, La Palma Canary islands, Tenerife Canary islands, Malaga-Spain, Barcelona.
This is not just a cruise. It’s a reading and writing retreat with Elizabeth George and me, and the participation of skilled yoga instructor Cindy Peters.
If you like to read and talk about books, you should join us. If you’re interested in a writing retreat or master class with two proven instructors, bring your dreams with you. And if you’d like to practice yoga (beginners welcome) with a renowned expert, you’re going to love this.
More detailed information on each program will be provided soon.
Here’s a sneak peek:
welcome party :: hosted meals :: evening entertainment :: morning pages :: lively discussions :: mentoring sessions :: morning meditation :: evening flow :: guided workshops :: movie night :: literary trivia :: and more.
At the moment, you can sign up risk free with a fully refundable deposit. If you do it before June 30, they’ll knock off another $100 for you. In order to take part in the special program, participants need to book through Vacations by Design. They know cruises, so they’ll pick out the best stateroom for you. Call Scott at Call 800-828-4813. Tell him I sent you.
This event is super-affordable. It’s a “repositioning” cruise, meaning the ship needs to be moved from the US to Europe, so the staterooms are selling out fast.
What’s included:
*14 days of reading and writing enrichment provided by Elizabeth George, Susan Wiggs, and Cindy Peters
*Accommodations and a 24/7 staff at your beck and call
*All meals, all day and all night–award-winning menus, gorgeous ambience, endless variety and flexibility
*Days at Sea–on-board pools, climbing wall, fitness center, spa, shopping and sheer relaxation
*Entertainment by performers from all over the globe star in awe-inspiring original shows.
*Exclusive invitation-only events for readers and writers.
*Youth and Teen Program so you can bring the family. Kids are in good hands with uniquely creative, educational and totally awesome programs for all ages.
Do something good for your body, mind, and soul. See you on board!
#reading #writing #writersretreats #yoga #wellness #cruises #travel
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May 3, 2017
Libraries matter. Always.
No matter what else is going on in the world, the library is still the beating heart of a community. My Saturday event at Lacey Timberland Regional Library was a perfect example. We had a room full of people from all walks of life, gathered to discuss the journey of a novel from inspiration to publication.
The highlight for me was this: 
Thank you to award-winning librarian Robin Bradford for the photo. http://https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-nMheSVoAAc2mZ.jpg:large
It’s fitting that my booksigning for Family Tree was all about family. Pictured above are my stepson Carter and my granddaughter Clara. My in-laws were in the audience. Family is my motivation and my reward for everything. That’s a spoiler for the talk, by the way.
Special thanks to Linda a Orca Books, the event bookseller.
Extra-sweet thanks to my publisher for the maple-licious treats. The gift basket winner was a birthday girl!
And thanks to readers everywhere for today–I woke up to the news that Family Tree is the #2 bestselling paperback in the country, #6 overall in adult fiction.
More events here. Join me!
#books #libraries #fiction #reading #family
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