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Knitting for the Soul

Friday, September 09, 2005

Early Update

Wow! I am so excited about the book. The initial response has been great and I haven't even officially started marketing other than mentioning it here. I ordered 4 new books on self-publishing and marketing your own books from Amazon a few days ago and they all arrived today. Looks like I'm going to have my work cut out for me! But that's a good thing.

I'm also officially starting a Soulful Knitting Ministry at my church beginning in October and I've just recruited a new knitting buddy. Once I teach her how to knit, I just know she's going to be addicted like I am. I can never have to many friends to knit with!

I still haven't been able to get started on the Colinette afghan yet. I've got to make time to do that. The newlyweds are back from the honeymoon so I think it's safe to say it's going to be a little bit late. Hopefully I'll have it ready by Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who's been e-mailing me off-line about the book and offering encouragement and support. I truly hope you enjoy it. I'd like to say a special thanks to Annie, who wins the prize for being the farthest person away that I've heard from so far. She asked whether the book would be available in Australia. Wow!!!

Sunday, September 04, 2005

The Book is Finally Here!!!

It's taken nearly a year, but the book is finally ready for prime time. Thanks to everyone who's offered so much support and encouragement while I was working on this project. It has truly been a labor of love and I have already been blessed by it. I'll be working on my official marketing plan this week, but as promised, you read (and saw) about it here first!

The book, called "The Joy of Soulful Knitting: Reflections on the Art of the Craft", is a collection of devotional essays that explore the connection between knitting and spirituality. Through a series of actual real-life examples, I share some of the amazing insights on life that I've learned from two sticks and some string. Those of you who've been faithfully following this blog over the past year know of some of the struggles and setbacks, but they've all had their purpose and have all helped to make not only a better book, but a better person as well.

At the risk of being accused of making a shameless plug (well, after all, this is my blog), here's a review from the back cover...

“What a treasure for knitters who want to deepen and enhance their creative experience! Many women in our culture lead such busy lives caring for others that in the process, they often lose their sense of self or give it all away. “The Joy of Soulful Knitting” provides a creative, fun, spiritual approach to reconnecting, accepting, appreciating and enjoying self. The author also explains how group knitting as a “team sport” can connect one to others as well as benefit a community. Ms. Turner has the rare blend of being emotionally grounded and articulate, so her writing takes you to the depths of soulfulness. Her self-revelations and daily reflections help knitters implement the principles she explores. Regardless of one’s proficiency, this book is a “must read” for knitters practicing this beautiful, meditative art."
Annelise A. Petry, L.C.S.W., Psychotherapist

And here is the front cover, which I'm particularly proud of because I took the photograph myself! :)


In addition, I've also developed a spiral-bound full-sized journal with 101 questions for soulful knitters, designed specifically for those who are interested in exploring the principals of Soulful Knitting in greater detail. Here's a picture of the front cover.




Copies of both books are available at Grace Bay Books. I hope to be adding a thumbnail image with a link to the bookstore site soon so that anyone who wants to can add the link to their blog (thanks in advance for those who are willing to do this). In the meantime, please pass the word along about the book to your knitting friends.

And it's not to early to start planning for your holiday gift giving. I know I'm biased, but I think an autographed copy of the book would make a great gift for those knitters on your list. Please email me either through this blog or at gracebaybooks@yahoo.com if you're interested in autographed copies and we can make that happen.

I hope you'll read the book and if you do, that you'll enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. And of couse, all feedback is welcome.