Me Time
I created a record of this process, in words and watercolors, had it printed up in a cute, square format, and I must say I like it a lot.
This summer, I published "Bad to the Bone", my first book with blurb.com, and I was pretty pleased with the results. The printing quality was great and by squeezing my markup I could offer it to for a pretty reasonable price. The book itself was a collection of drawings and paintings of dogs I'd done earlier in the year, combined with some slight doggerel, a noble but ultimately experimental effort.
'Me Time' is pretty different. It's also a small and affordable book,but it was conceived as much more of a book than its predecessor. It's tightly designed, carefully written and profusely illustrated. I also think that, as alifestyle experiment, it was illuminating. I think that it might give readers a few ideas about how to make more of their own time, and add depth and richness to their lives. If not, well, it has a few good jokes and a couple of nice paintings.
If you'd like to check out the book and maybe order yourself a copy or two (I think it might make a nice, modest year-end gift for friends, at least that's how I plan to use it), click the preview link on the box below.
If you order a copy, I'd love to know what you think and, whether I should continue with this sort of experiment.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
this looks great! can't wait to gift copies all over the place! i'd like to put up announcement for bad to the bone at the dog run. timmy and joey's friends would love a book with them in it!
i could also advertise me time round town at sanctuary-esque spots! thanks for making them!
Posted by: patricia gregory | October 13, 2008 01:13 PM
I think it's great, Danny. It looks another wonderful book. And I love the immediacy of it. You wanted to work something out for yourself, and thanks to the incredible new publishing tools, you can share it with your fans without the normally long publisher-involved process.
I say, Huzzah! Do as many of these as you are called to do.
I felt a little baited and switched when you alluded to Me Time as a project vs. a new book to buy.
Not a problem, just strikes me as a slight conflict between intentions.
Share and then sell. It goes down better in the new media.
Posted by: Shelley Noble | October 13, 2008 02:25 PM
you never cease to amaze me, this is very very cool...
Posted by: tania | October 13, 2008 02:42 PM
waay cool. ordered one to keep me company while I wait for "An Illustrated Life."
Posted by: Jane LaFazio | October 13, 2008 06:20 PM
Another wonderful creative piece! You are inspiring!!!!
Posted by: Allie | October 14, 2008 10:54 AM
Placed an order. Looking forward to the inspiration.
Posted by: avrum68 | October 14, 2008 11:44 AM
This looks great Danny! I myself am trying to create a year-end gift with Blurb. I am struggling with the software a bit, but I'll get there. You've inspired me to persevere.
And yes, please make more of these!
Posted by: Martha | October 14, 2008 04:03 PM
As of today the site is on maintenance and I couldn't purchase it, I hope the site will be again up soon!
Posted by: kia | October 16, 2008 12:09 AM
Looks excellent Danny. I'll definitely add this to my "to buy" list!
Posted by: steve | October 22, 2008 11:04 PM
I just got my copy in the mail! Looking forward to sitting down and having some Me Time with your book!
I love the size! Very intimate and friendly and it's fun to hold some of your work in my hand, not just see it on the computer.
Posted by: Virginia Wieringa | October 28, 2008 08:50 AM
Wow! Inspired and inspiring idea. I loved "The Creative License", and I look forward to getting this. Interesting and inspiring way of publishing too -- I need to check it out.
Posted by: Anthony | October 29, 2008 01:37 AM
Got my copy this morning, totally loving it. Its beautiful.
Read it through straight away and dropped it into my go bag for dipping into and flicking through in those little snatched moments, a reminder every time I open my bag to be in the moments and capture them too.
Its in the bag right next to my sketchbook. There's always the hope it might rub off a bit on my own drawing!
Peace.
Posted by: Fubarskine | November 1, 2008 07:46 PM
This book is lovely. I received my copy late last week and it's fabulous! I'm a huge fan and I am so inspired by you. Thanks to you, I keep an illustrated journal. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Posted by: Fran | November 4, 2008 11:20 AM
Danny, this looks wonderful. I see I am going to have to order it along with "An Illustrated Life." :)
thank you.
Posted by: panther | November 20, 2008 03:47 PM