The Next Big Thing
I am soooo excited to announce The Next Big Thing. Here are a few hints:
It’s a collaboration.
It’s a novel.
It’s artistic.
It’s the most unique thing I’ve ever done.
(Drum roll please): The Next Big Thing are special edition novels written by me and hand bound by artist and bookmaker Marisa Whitsett Baker.
Is that not the coolest thing you’ve ever heard of? I know, I know—I’m biased. But I can’t tell you how it felt to hold the sample copy Marisa made for me. I’ve had, what, four books published now? But this is super special.
Let me be more specific, because I find that folks can be a bit confused by this concept (who wouldn’t be—I sort of made it up.) I have written a novel. It is entitled The Hart Women. Marisa will hand bind each copy of the novel. Every single copy of the novel. Marisa is a talented and experienced journal maker (and former bookseller—yep, she’s done it all). She will create a diversity of looks from which readers can choose. The novel will then be released at book launches, parties, readings. That’s the hard copies. The Hart Women will be available in ebook as well, but no mass produced paperback or hardback copies.
Before I ran with this idea, I talked to a bookseller in Bay St. Louis. He is typically a phlegmatic man, but he loved the idea. So did a bookseller Marisa spoke to. This was empowering. The concept is the very opposite of trying to sell as many books as possible, and ebooks, and books for .99 each. It’s more like tiring of downloads and going back to vinyl.
Enough of process and presentation. Here’s a summary of the story, which was workshopped at Richard Bausch’s Moss Group, read by members of my RUMP Writing Group, and revised a million times:
THE HART WOMEN
“The Bible teaches us to keep our hearts unattached to places of this earth for, so tethered, they can never fly free; but try as I might, I cannot dislodge from my soul the house on St. Lawrence Street.” Emily Fielding
The house at 1011 St. Lawrence Street once rang with joy. Now, the porch sags, the window panes run with cracks. In one generation, the home that nurtured the wealthy Mississippi Hart family sits abandoned. Did tragedy undo the family, or did the family create its own misfortune? The story begins in 1968 Fairview, Mississippi, when Poppa Sam Hart dies….
Told through the eyes of eighty-year-old Emily Hart Fielding, The Hart Women explores the corrupting influences that entangle the human heart. Emily’s discovery of the forgiveness she seeks for a lifetime of choices will stay with the reader long after the book is finished.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Cover reveal (heck, the whole durn book) in March
Launch mid-April
Details on scheduling your own book launch party or ordering your copy to be shared on this very website.
Whoopee!
Erin Fanning
This sounds lovely–handmade books are truly exceptional! I look forward to seeing the final edition!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I’m so glad you don’t think it’s crazy! Marisa is very talented—I have several of her journals. So to see the story bound into a book was really something.
Donna Weidner
Incredible! Can’t wait to see the reveal.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
The reveal will be soon, very soon. (We are planning the launch party now). Marisa is such an artist, and she keeps getting me to expand my thinking about what all we can do with this. I stare at her as I absorb what she’s saying. 🙂
susanne
You are truly a creative wonder. This is an ingenious idea and I’m eager to see the final product and, of course, read it.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I’m so glad you like it! And thank you for that perspective on my creativity. I tend to think of it as being easily bored and having to flit on to the next thing. 🙂