Introducing Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 5:00AM 
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.
Reader Comments (2)
I ordered a copy and so looking forward to it:)