Jan 1, 2014

I'm an AUTHOR!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454707844/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454707844&linkCode=as2&tag=crafting0d2-20

In February 2012, I received an email from Linda Kopp, an editor at Lark Crafts with a publishing opportunity. I had to read it several times to believe it was real. Then I had to float down to earth to type back.

I have dreamed of being an author for years but never imagined this bucket list item could come true. Heavy loads of library books are like hidden treasures to me, waiting to be revered. My favorite craft books are from Japan. Although I can't read them, the diagrams and charts are enough for me to fumble through them anyway and the end results are always cheerful and useful. I also love craft books that offer varying degrees of difficulty, showing me steps as a beginner, then providing more of a challenge as I develop my skills - exactly the type Lark is known for.

So with the encouragement of my husband, family, friends, and editor, I plunged into this project. A year later I handed in my manuscript which included instructions, photography, and step-by-step diagrams. Then it resided another year with the crack team at Lark for editing, more photography, and printing. I work 4 days a week at a "real" job so quilled during evenings and weekends, with my husband taking up the household slack. He was a trooper and kept me sane and fed, and provided a keen eye on paper textures and card layouts. I also had help from friends with my patterns, photography, and how to get the ideas in my head onto paper. I could not have made this book without all of their help. After the timeline ended, I re-discovered what it was like to sip my coffee on a Sunday morning and not have to rush off to my studio to work. I had to say no to some activities and gatherings, but then I was able to say yes to producing some of my best work to date. 

For those of you who have come to follow my quilling via my previous blog, Crafting Creatures, this is the reason why I haven't shown as much quilling lately – because it's been saved up for you here. I'm sorry it's taken so long but I do hope it's worth the wait. I will be showing some finished projects in the coming weeks, but rest assured I strove to make the instructions visually easy to assemble and included a wide range of skills for advanced quillers. Some of you have purchased my patterns on Etsy and have come to know how I supply pre-measured bars with fold/pencil marks – the templates provided in this book are the same. 
 
The official launch date is March 4, 2014, but Pretty Quilled Cards is available via pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I look forward to reading your reactions and seeing your masterpieces! Wishing you all a quill-filled New Year!

Cecelia

18 comments:

  1. This is such Amazing news Cecelia!!!!. My hearty Congratulations. The book I am sure is awesome with your unique ideas. I am looking forward to your posts .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Suganthi, thank you so much! I can't wait to hear what you think of the patterns. Cecelia

      Delete
  2. Congratulations! Cross 'author' off that bucket list!!! Looking forward to your quilling posts and hopefully seeing your book!!!! Happy new Year and blessings throughout 2014.
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I CAN tick that box now! :D Thanks so much Jan! Wishing a Happy Crafty New Year!
      Cecelia

      Delete
  3. Congratulations!!! Thatz a great news indeed...Awaiting for your posts and ur lovely quillings. Hearty wishes from UAE :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Sathya. I've waited so long for 2014 to come so I could burst with this news. Now March 4th seems so far away. Thanks for making my day!
      Cecelia

      Delete
  4. The saying goes, Don't judge a book by its cover, but if this image is any indication I'm sure the projects are beautiful! Best wishes, Cecelia!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, no post is complete without a comment from you Ann. You were the first to highlight me and I can never thank you enough for giving me that first step. Thank you!
      Cecelia

      Delete
  5. A zillion congratulations Cecelia! I'm surprised it took so long :) You just so totally deserved it! Am so going to order it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pritesh, you're too kind! I'm so flattered and thrilled!!!
      Cecelia

      Delete
  6. My hearty congratulations, Cecelia! I really enjoyed reading the little story and I can only imagine how excited you must be! I am definitely going to order your book (that gorgeous design on the cover is enough to convince me!).

    Hugs!
    Manu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Manu, thank you so much for cheer leading me along all these years! I am so eager to see what you think! I guess I'll be showcasing the cherry blossom card first on my blog.

      Big hugs back,
      Cecelia

      Delete
  7. This is FANTASTIC Cecelia......I can just imagine you receiving that original email from your description. I know your book will be amazing and what a great adventure you've been on. Will it be available locally too? Wouldn't that be a thrill to walk into a book store to see it.

    I too am a book addict....I managed a book store for 10 years which did not help with my book hoarding.

    Can't wait to see it
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm itching with anticipation Cheryl! I'm so thrilled you're anticipating it with me! :D Yup, book hoarding - terrible; just terrible!

      Cecelia

      Delete
  8. Cecelia,
    This is great news, I'm happy for the publication of his book.
    The cover is beautiful! Congratulations! Success!
    Nati from Brazil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nati, thanks so much for your vote of confidence and well wishes!

      Cecelia

      Delete
  9. A big Congrats!! I love your quilling designs...such elegance and style.I will love to get my hands on your book...waiting for it to hit the stands!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sonia, thank you SO much for counting down the days with me! :D
      Cecelia

      Delete