Cover design, pre-order swag
I had this idea, initially, that I would design the cover myself, and created several mockups, found a color set and fonts that worked well together, figured out where titles and descriptive copy should go. But I realized, heading into the revision process, that I lacked the time to simultaneously finish the cover and the book. Plus, there was a small element missing from my design, something that would give it consonance—a pattern that could be repeated and reused in other contexts, a theme. It didn’t take long to find a cover designer thanks to a referral from my editor.
Working with Karolina was great fun and the final design a pleasure to behold. The topographic map showcases Tiger Mountain and several important locations, known only to the people who fly there. From the start, I knew Tiger would be prominently featured on the cover of my book, and this pattern shows you its contours, from an uncommon perspective, connecting a visual element directly to the story. I am thrilled with how it looks and soon will be holding an advance proof copy in my hands.
Are you prepared for another reveal?
There will be 3 different items available exclusively for Unflappable subscribers, when you pre-order the book directly from Unflappable Press. Today, I want to show you just one of them—custom bookmarks.
Lindsay and I like to shop at our local bookstore, Browsers, and every time you purchase a book, they slip a trim and distinctive bookmark behind the front cover. We have collected dozens and dozens and with most of the books I read, a navy blue and bright white Browsers bookmark keeps my place. This sturdy bit of paper stock is a calling card for physical books, the places they can be obtained, and perhaps, the people who write them.
All of the Browsers bookmarks we have around were the inspiration for the Unflappable one pictured above. The vivid blue is hard to miss, so you’ll have no trouble finding yours on the coffee table or nightstand, or wherever your piles of books (and bookmarks) tend to accumulate. I ordered a sizable number of these with the intention of giving them away at readings or to people I meet who are curious about, but unfamiliar with, my writing. I did consider making business cards, but ultimately decided they were superfluous; a bookmark is just fine. Now, similarly, I encourage you to share a bookmark with a friend—the QR code will direct them here so they can join in the fun. If you then find yourself bookmark-less, just send me a note and we’ll get you another.
We are moving closer and closer to the release of Unflappable: Soaring Beyond a Diagnosis and I am beyond excited to share it with you. I continue to be surprised, awestruck by how much I’ve learned. And my relationship to writing, to books—my appreciation of the creative demands required to do this work—have changed in beautiful and profound ways. I’m proud to have gotten this far, but still feel antsy, not knowing how people will react. When I start to worry, I try to remember to breathe deeply, as I do before I go flying; to trust my judgment, my skill, and to move forward.