Hello Sleevers, t’s been a while since we’ve talked. Life has been interfering with my blog.
I hope you are doing well. I thought a nice way to ease in back here is to share what I’m currently reading, doing and anticipating this Spring. We’re half way through spring, that’s true but it’s not too late to share what’s happening mid-season.
First, let’s talk books.
Joseph Campbell’s Hero With a Thousand Faces. I’m sure you’ve all heard of it. I found this gem at a used bookstore last year but have only begun reading it about a month ago. I’ve put it down in the last few weeks to take up a library book and a lighter read for our recent vacation. The book is fascinating especially the historic folklore and mythology. Campbell takes you through the hero’s journey from Departure (some do not answer the call), Initiation (the perils they must overcome), Return (some do not return) and the Keys (I haven’t gotten to this part of the book yet). In any case, the theme is that we are all on a journey that looks similar to the hero’s. It’s interesting to note that our modern day tropes in fiction and film are also based on the premise of hero’s journey.
After the Funeral and Other Stories by British author, Tessa Hadley. This is a new release from a debut author who has been compared to Alice Munro. I had to check her out as Munro is one of my all time favourite authors and not just because she is Canadian.
I loved the first story which is the title story of the collection. However, so far each successive story has become more grim, the characters less enchanting. I hate to say it because this author’s style is typically the kind of writing I like to dig into. However, some of her similes are simply ridiculously over written. There’s nothing worse than a writer who shows off their finessing of words to the point of distraction. I’m still reading it though, so I am not reviewing it, just sharing my thoughts on it so far.
Cedar Cove #6 Ranier Drive by Debbie Macomber. I picked this up at the drugstore to take on my vacation because Macomber’s books have always satisfied my need for a cozy, laid back read. Turns out this book is one of the Cedar Cove series. It’s a popular television series on the W Network although I have never watched it. It was a slow start as there are so many characters my head was spinning and it wasn’t from the Mai Tais. Now that I’ve gotten halfway through, I am getting to know the characters and enjoying the stories of each one. She writes child characters very well, too.
Taking one last go through of my manuscript, Daughter of the Moon, before sending it to the editor in May. I’m very excited to take the next step and get the editor’s eyes on it. As for the cover, I have done some mockups but I’m not satisfied with any of them. I’m considering having no image on the cover.
As a reader and buyer of books, what do you think of a cover with simply a nice colour and the title like the After the Funeral book cover pictured above? Let me know in the comments what you think.
Packing. We are moving again. I’m very excited as we are moving to a larger space and will have a yard for the first time in years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed where we are living now. The apartment itself was perfection, the location also perfection. City life was lots of fun and convenient for my husband’s work. I’ve enjoyed a space of my own here for painting and writing, with windows facing the Northshore mountains. Walking distance to amazing restaurants, the seawall and popular beaches. Sigh. I will miss it but of course, we won’t be too far away and will still call the city home.
A road trip with my daughter! This should be adventurous. What could go wrong? A mother and daughter in a car together for two days…well, she has promised my playlist. She has also asked me for my favorite podcasts because “We can’t listen to Abba the whole way.” Haha! Absolutely true. We are driving from Vancouver to Edmonton, Alberta. One night’s stay in Jasper. I haven’t been to Jasper in over a decade so it will be lovely to see again. It really is beautiful there with the majestic Rockies and ice blue lakes.
Packing, packing, packing. Moving and setting up house. These will be taking up most of my month of May.
Closing arguments. Last week of May I will be attending court to listen to closing arguments of my trial that took place January 29-February 28. Here is a pic my husband took of me about to begin day 7 (day four of cross examination) on the witness stand.
Me about to begin my last day of cross examination. I’m certainly relieved that’s behind me now.
So lots going on this spring. Lots of change and perhaps some closure along with a little adventure.
Please tell me, what are you reading currently? What are you up to this spring? Don’t forget to let me know what you think of book covers without images.
Design by ThemeShift.
shubham
September 26, 2024 at 2:35 am“I love the concept of ‘Daughter of the Moon’! The imagery and themes surrounding lunar symbolism are so captivating. It’s fascinating how the moon can represent both mystery and empowerment. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds—thanks for sharing this intriguing topic!”
lisa
September 27, 2024 at 12:07 pmThank you, shubham. I agree that Lunar symbolism is fascinating.
Marie Kléber
August 26, 2024 at 9:14 amHello Lisa! So happy to read that your trial is behind you, you must be so relieved and this trip mother/daughter is a good opportunity to relax, as it looks like you have many things to take care of these past months.
Well done for you book – can’t wait !! As for the cover, I like when there is a photo or drawing but I don’t mind if it’s just color. What matters to me is what is inside!
Hope you had a nice summer and looking forward reading you soon.
Take care
lisa
August 26, 2024 at 2:54 pmhi Marie, so nice to see you again. Thank you so much and yes, having the trial behind me was a relief. Our trip was really nice! Thanks for sharing your feedback on your book cover preferences. I am now close to choosing the ONE. Exactly true, it’s what’s inside that counts. Making the cover match the story/mood/setting is challenging but fun.
I hope you had a nice summer, too. It’s gone quick but I always enjoy fall so I’m not too sad about the change coming.
xo
Mabel Kwong
August 14, 2024 at 5:50 amLovely to see what you have been up to, Lisa. I too like Joseph Campbell’s work, especially the concept of Hero’s Journey. It’s something a lot of us can relate too, even if it’s just a few parts. Agree with you that many modern day texts and tropes draw upon the hero’s journey. There’s something about facing challenges and coming out the end we can all relate to in one way or another.
That’s fantastic your manuscript is progressing. Choosing a cover is exciting but can also be a time of much indecision. I think a book with a simple cover could work, especially if the title is sharp, succinct and it gets the reader anticipating what the book is about and so, enticed to pick it up. I feel with some books where there is a lot of detail or a lot going on in the cover, I find it hard to work out the story aside from reading the blurb on the back.
And wonderful your trial is behind you. You look wonderful in the photo that your husband took of you 😊
lisa
August 26, 2024 at 2:59 pmHi Mabel, I have to get back to Joseph Campbell’s book and finish it. 🙂 Since we moved I put it on a shelf and haven’t picked it up again. I have been reading other books, but I will certainly finish that one soon.
Choosing a cover is definitely a time of indecision, Mabel. You described that so well. Thank you for your tips and feedback on book covers. I’ve been considering it quite a bit since I wrote this post and now I’m much closer to completing it.
Aw, thank you, Mabel. I don’t like pictures of myself, especially ones that are just taken. After a few years I’ll look back on it and finally appreciate it.
Sara Kroft
July 9, 2024 at 4:33 amHey Lisa, thanks for sharing your reading list! I’m intrigued by your picks, especially “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. Mental health is so important, and “The Body Keeps the Score” sounds like a book I should check out too. Looking forward to more recommendations from you!
Berkeley
June 10, 2024 at 11:06 amCurrently reading: God’s Children are Little Broken things. I’m just getting started. From your list, I feel The “Hero with a Thousand Faces will make quite a good read”. Was thinking “After the Funeral” was non fiction… would have preferred to read it if it were.
lisa
June 11, 2024 at 7:04 pmHello, I haven’t heard of “God’s Children are Little Broken Things”…talk about a great title. the Hero book is great. I have not picked it up in the last month but I will finish it. I have a library book I’m reading at a snail’s pace…not that it isn’t a good story (A Darker Shade of Magic) but it’s loooong.
Funny you say that about After The Funeral. I agree that would be a compelling non-fiction story and title.
Jeff
May 13, 2024 at 4:58 amAfter that trial, you’ll need a road trip. Hang in there. “After the Funeral” sounds like a story I should read.
lisa
May 13, 2024 at 1:14 pmHi Jeff, yes the road trip was a tonic for the aftermath 🙂 After The Funeral was a great short story. It’s definitely literary fiction which can be a bit boring but the details are interesting.
Balroop Singh
May 5, 2024 at 3:02 pmHi Lisa, that is a lovely picture! It is nice to hear that you are at the end of this trial and you can put it behind and enjoy your trip with your daughter. Have fun!
The Hero with a Thousand Faces sounds quite interesting. Is it heavy?
All the best for Daughter of the Moon. Looking forward to its release.
lisa
May 8, 2024 at 4:21 pmHi Balroop, thank you, and yes it’s almost come to a conclusion. The Joseph Campbell book is very interesting and a bit heavy in parts. It’s one to take your time with. If you enjoy fairytales and mythology, you will find it satisfying.
Thank you on Daughter of the Moon. I will be focusing on the cover once the manuscript goes out for editing. Nice to see you ‘out and about’, Balroop. <3
DGKaye
May 5, 2024 at 1:06 pmNice to see you back Lisa. You’ve surely been busy. Congrats on the move and upcoming book. I’m curious about Hadley’s book because I too like Munro. But I’m not into overly flowerly or metaphored descriptions,so I’ll read a sample. The title is fetching which I think compensates for an only color cover. I think it doesn’t always work if the title isn’t telling enough to speak for itself. My opinion, with your title of Daughter of the Moon, I feel itself without an image, wouldn’t let me know what kind of genre to expect. Unless of course, a subtitle which may give a better indication. 🙂 <3
lisa
May 8, 2024 at 4:26 pmHi Deb, thank you! Yes, life has been a bit hectic, combined with a lack of inspiration has caused it to be quiet here 🙂
I finished Hadley’s book today. Her writing and stories have a similar feel to Alice Munro, but I would say Alice Munro is a bit lighter. Hadley’s first and last stories in the collection were the best in my opinion. I’d give it a 4 stars out of 5. Yes, there were a few passages that were over the top. Also, note that she doesn’t use dialogue tags and I’m not enamored with that style. It’s a bit harder to keep track of who is talking or if a character is talking out loud or ‘thinking’.
Interesting point about the title, Deb. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that. I will consider that for sure.
Kevin
May 4, 2024 at 3:22 pmThank you Lisa for sharing your spring reads and other doings. I just read “Man’s Search for Meaning” but Victor Frankl. I read it with 2 friends – which really enhanced the experience! And I am currently reading another gem – “The Wine Diaries”. I think you’ve heard of it.
I am doing a daddy daughter trip with my youngest, Renae, at the end of May – which I am really excited about!
If you don’t have a clear idea for a cover i recommend “no image” – textured background. Now you have to pick a colour – lol.
lisa
May 8, 2024 at 4:32 pmHi Kevin, Reading with friends sounds fun especially for certain books (like the sounds of Man’s Search for Meaning)
Enjoy your daddy daughter trip. That sounds great. Our mom/daughter trip was perfect for catching up. We alternated music with podcasts. The comedy podcasts were the best and make the time go fast.
Yes, I’m leaning toward that, Kevin. Any images I’ve attempted myself appear cheesy. I don’t want to delve into buying an image either as a) I haven’t seen anything that works or jumps out at me and b) there is always the dilemma of copyright–even when you purchase an image. I like the idea of a painted cover with title and beneath the title -a novel- so it is clear what it is. I love colour so choosing that is fine with me! 🙂
Darlene Foster
May 4, 2024 at 9:43 amI prefer an image on the cover. Not necessarily a picture or drawing of a person but something reflecting the story. Covers can be hard. I just finished working with a cover designer for my next book and I am so happy with it. But it took a few tries.
lisa
May 8, 2024 at 4:35 pmHi Darlene, Oh that is good feedback. Covers are very hard 😛 I can’t wait to hear more about your next book! I’ll look forward to seeing the cover, too. Is it a departure from the children’s series? So nice to see you!
La Contessa
May 3, 2024 at 6:13 pmI think that is fine as long as it is a pretty color!”Cross examination” yikes you have been in court like that ORANGE MAN!Ive had enough of him already!
I’m sure you did GREAT!
A road trip with the daughter sounds WONDERFUL!I loved and still do ABBA!!We are giving away our age!
Hugs to you!
Xxx
lisa
May 3, 2024 at 8:37 pmHi LA CONTESSA, good feedback on making the color just right. The orange man is all over the news, indeed. Ha. Can you say GAG order? hehe.
Thank you, I did my best.
ABBA is always in my heart. Hugs to you! And yes, our age is showing but that’s okay. I told my daughter to sprinkle in some ‘Hair Bands’