Light & Love for Weary Souls (and a sale)

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

Last year at this time, I was in the throes of creating Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories. It was a whirlwind adventure in collaborative creation, intense project management, and dream fulfillment. It was my way of honoring and recognizing some of the women who have shined light and love into my life, whose friendships have helped me to unearth who I am, and who have supported my creative endeavours. I wanted to send a piece of this light and love out into the world to other creative souls who may need it.

Now, a year later, it seems like everywhere I turn are intense stories of both loss and hope, woundedness and healing, fear and love. Some days it feels like everyone I know needs an extra blanket for their soul. People all around me are weathering fierce storms, facing seemingly impossible situations, balancing precariously between bravery and despair. Now more than ever, people need some light and love. I wonder if its like that in your corner of the world, too.

I wish I could afford to send a free copy of Lanterns to anyone who needs a little book bursting with beauty and reminders that we are all connected. I can't do that, but I am able to run a little sale between now and December 13 (my birthday). Order by then and save $5 off either the book or the Light & Love package. I know a book can't fix every problem or dry every tear, but I hope it will give you or someone you love a slice of comfort and hope.

As always, a portion of the proceeds will go to Girls Write Now, an New York City nonprofit that helps teenage girls develop their creative, independent voices and explore careers in professional writing.

All the details, including a few sneak peeks and links to the behind-the-scenes of making the book are over here.

Thanks again to these contributors, these friends, these amazing women:

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