Do Good Work. Rest. Repeat.

seaside hotel, Cannon Beach, Oregon (July 2009)

I am tired. This is most of what I've been feeling and thinking for the past few days. After a summer and autumn of monthly travel and monthly school deadlines, and the last four weeks of creative madness that resulted in a book, I am deeply and profoundly exhausted.

It is winter's beginning here, and already I can't seem to get enough sleep or hot tea. I am nesting, hibernating, going inward. I wish I could take the next month to lounge and drink tea and read. I'm doing those things, but there's also a to-do list tapping me on the shoulder, clearing its throat in a meaningful way, raising its eyebrow and looking at me sideways. I glance at it every so often and give it a kind little pat on the head. There, there now, To-Do List. You'll be alright, I say.

I've shifted into bare minimum mode, doing just enough to get through each day, just what's needed and no more unless I really want to do it. I'm learning to be kind to myself on a new level, learning to recognize when I've done good work, learning when it is time to rest.

Over the next few posts I'm going to write about the experience of creating Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories. Think of it as a behind the scenes look, the director's commentary, if you will. I'll share what I learned about doing such a project in the hope that you'll find some useful lessons, too. The book is at the printer this week, and I'm getting ready to ship out all the pre-orders as soon as I have my mitts on those lovely little squares of kindness and inspiration. You can place holiday pre-orders until next week, so if you need a gift or two, check out the discounted bundles.

I am tired, but I am also deeply and profoundly happy and satisfied. It feels good.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT LANTERNS PRE-ORDERS PLACED ON 12/3/09 AND 12/4/09:

If you placed a pre-order for Lanterns before 11:00am ET (U.S.), please email me at jennifer{at}thewordcellar{dot}com or call 724-787-1288 to confirm that I recieved your order. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and have resolved the technical bug.

Introducing Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories

Lanterns (front cover)

Lanterns offers a kind light to weary travelers wishing for companions on the journey toward a well-crafted soul. Stories, poems, and essays offer signposts and gentle guidance, reminding readers that resistance melts away in the company of those who believe in the path set before us. By illuminating the ways we can move outside of our interior reflections into a more inclusive whole, this lovely book provides a way into togetherness that will encourage and inspire anyone longing for authentic connection around their creative work.

~Jen Lemen, artist, activist, dreamer

I'm pleased and chuffed and tickled all shades of pink to introduce you to Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories. This beautiful 52-page book features essays, poems, and photography about friendship within creative community. Each of the amazing contributors has taught me something significant over the past few years. In Lanterns they share this love and wisdom with you. 

Contributors
Darlene J Kreutzer
Liz Lamoreux
Jen Lee
Jennifer McGuiggan
Rachelle Mee-Chapman
Lisa Ottman
Jena Strong

Pre-orders start today at a special introductory rate of $18. You can also get a two book bundle for $32 or a three book bundle for $45. Hop on over to my new shop to learn more.

**A portion of the profits from Lanterns will be donated to Girls Write Now, a New York City non-profit that helps underserved or at-risk high school girls by enabling them to develop their creative, independent voices, explore careers in professional writing, and learn how to make healthy choices in school, career, and life.

Head to the shop or scroll down for more details on how Lanterns came into being.

Lanterns: An Introduction

Every part of this collection is a collaboration, from the final design and content, all the way back to the initial idea of creating a book. During a phone call with Liz, one of the Lanterns contributors, I mentioned that I had an idea for a series of guest posts on my website, written by women who have taught me important things about friendship and creativity over the past few years. I wondered if it could be something more than a blog series, but I wasn't sure what. With no hesitation, Liz said, "It could be a book." Then she said, "And you should have it ready for Christmas!" The date was November 6. I don't remember if I was silent or if I protested, but Liz put such conviction and certainty into what she said next that I believed her: "You could totally do that." Let's face it, she had me at "book."

I gave everyone just three days to decide if they were in. They responded with the same enthusiasm and dedication that Liz had shown. The game was on. We were going to make this gift for each other, for you.

During that phone call with Liz, she told me about a friend who was having a rough time, who felt lost and alone on a dark path. Liz had told her friend that sooner or later she'd realize she was holding a flashlight; or better yet, she'd see that there were friends all around her on the path, holding lanterns to light her way. Liz and I were quiet for a moment, soaking in this tender scene. Then Liz said what I was thinking: "That might be a good image for the book." And just like that, we had an image, we had a name: we were going to have a little book.

Each of the women in Lanterns has taught me something invaluable about life, friendship, and being an artist. May their words and images do the same for you.

Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories is now available for holiday pre-order. Buy a single book at the special introductory price of $18 or choose a bundle (two books for $32 or three books for $45) for gift-giving savings.

Holiday pre-orders will be accepted until December 13, 2009. Pre-orders will start shipping by December 16 for delivery by Christmas in the U.S. International orders are very welcome, but Christmas delivery is not guaranteed. (Still, we'll try our best to get it to you in time!)

Shipping note: Shipping will be calculated at checkout.

Quiet Perspective

I'm busy with lots of writing behind the scenes this week. It's been good to get out for a few walks and clear my head. I've been trying to pay more attention to the physical world around me, looking for interesting angles and perspectives. Here are some images I captured with my cell phone camera.

 

And Now, a Secret (a little book!)

image by Skelekitten

I have a secret to tell you.

(this one's good.)

I'm working on a little book for you.

(ohmygosh a little book!)

Actually at least seven other women are working on it with me.

(it's all about community, friendship, and embracing the authentic creative life)

It's not going to be a secret much longer.

(i'm bursting to tell you all about it now, but i must wait.)

For now, here's the skinny:

**It will be beautiful.

**It will be about you and for you.

**And God willing, it will be available for December gift giving.

(yay!)