When my publisher sent me the file for my cover, I waited three hours to open it. Would it show my story? Would it stand up to a former bookbuyer's eye? Would it draw anyone in?
I wasn't disappointed. Seeing The Mulligan on the cover gave me an extra thrill. They used my title. Then I read the blurb and smiled again. Yes, they kept what I sent them.
But there's always more to a cover than the design in this writing process. There's the story behind it.
For my friends who have followed my blog over the years, many of you might remember that after my husband lost his job in 2007, he couldn't find work anywhere in Florida. His inactivity around the house drove me nuts and I knew he needed something to occupy his time until he found work.
One day I suggested he take up golf. What followed was a volunteer job at a local course and eventually he went to PGCC for his degree in Golf Management.
He was in a class of men--all ages--and one woman. When I heard about this young girl who had decided to attend a mostly all male golf school, my imagination went wild.
But that's not the end of the story. My husband never made a huge use of his degree--preferring to return to his original path of employment. He lamented going to school but I argued at least he has a good hobby now. Before golf, he didn't.
Today when I saw the cover, I also saw God's hand in our lives when he led my husband to that school and allowed us to learn about the sport. Maybe it wasn't all about my husband staying busy and gaining a new hobby.
I think God had a bigger plan and that was to allow me to write a book about a topic I previously knew nothing about. Sometimes we get to see the answer to why.
Isn't He amazing?
34 comments:
I can imagine your relief, but waiting three hours? I think I'd have been too impatient. It's a great cover, Terri. Congratulations! I especially love the colours. :)
What a nice cover!! I really especially like the light around the title, the sky, and how glowy it all looks. Very bright and positive looking. The subtitle is great, too! Good job. Fun to hear your story about golf and how this book came about!!
Love the story behind the story -- and the cover. Can't wait to read your book (and I don't golf!).
Just when you think God does not know our worries or hear our prayers something falls into place....only we do not immediately recognize it! I am so happy for you, Terri!
Just when you think God does not know our worries or hear our prayers something falls into place....only we do not immediately recognize it! I am so happy for you, Terri!
It's PERFECT! I think it has much broader appeal than anything I imagined. This cover will jump out to more than just golf lovers. Wonderful! Now we know what to look for on the shelves...
I never knew about the 'real' story behind it. God loves to do that stuff.
One step closer...
I truly believe everything happens for a reason and even though we don't know it at the time, when we look back, we can see Him at work! Congratulations. Terri!!!
Beautiful cover! And I love hearing the story behind it all. Our God is awesome...He works things out in ways we can never imagine.
Great cover. Its good to be reminded that sometimes we do get to know the why.
Feeling a little giddy for you! Awesome cover!!
Yes HE is amazing and it takes time for us to see the whole picture!
Love it! When will it be released?
Yes Terri, sometimes God does reveal the why behind our troubles and trials. I love the story behind the cover of your book.
Love love LOVE this story, girl! God shows us why sometimes - and every time you look at this beautiful cover, you will remember. Blessings, sweet friend!
Terri,
I'm jumping up and down, excited for you! Yay!!!!! You have been working for this for a long time. I love the story about your husband and the cover is perfect...makes it more meaningful.
Congratulations,
Mary
xoxo
Congrats Terry...love the cover,love the concept...love how you used your struggle to write the story.
Such a great story ~ both the book's storyline, and the background you've shared here.
I remember the steps of your journey well. Something told me that one day, with 20/20 hindsight, you'd see God's hand in ways difficult to ascertain in the moment.
So excited for you, and for this rich new chapter of your life!
Hello Terri...So happy you were pleased with the cover. It looks great to me. Imagine! Your own book being published! It's soooo exciting. And yes, God IS amazing. Susan
Love the cover and the story. It's a good thing we do not know God's plans beforehand because we'd screw them up!
I lost my husband in Nov. and am learning all sorts of things both about myself and God in this journey I'm taking here on Earth. I know where R is and I'm thankful he is no longer in pain. I told my three grown daughters that we exchanged his physical pain for our pain in suffering his loss. A small price to pay. Bless you for posting this. Gave me the opportunity to be thankful for him once again. God is good!
I'm loving this cover, and the story! So happy for you!
How neat--your book, the cover, and the story behind the story. Thanks for sharing. Very happy for you!
The cover looks great Terri, so happy for you!
What a wonderful story! Just what I needed to hear today. Love your cover, too. It must be such a thrill for you. Looking forward to reading the book for myself.
Super cover!
So exciting, Terry! I look forward to reading it, although I know nothing about golf.
He truly is amazing!!
What a wonderful cover!! And how thrilling to see your name on it!
It's so true. You never know what's waits just beyond your vision. Great cover, and what an amazing story concept! I'm so excited for you!
I couldn't help it... I sighed wistfully when I finished reading this post, in awe of our great and loving Father. :)
Wow!!! I love how your journey with your husband and heavenly Father yielded your story!!! What a testimony! Super encouraging. :)
Three hours? The first time my editor sent my book cover, I opened it immediately! I didn't even consider that I might not like it. That would be tough, now that you mention it! But I LOVED it! Yours is awesome...so the three-hour wait must have been well worth it!
Good for you! And congratulations.
:) :)
The cover looks great! Love the colors!
Congratulations Terri! I am excited for you. It's great to see the cover and hear the story behind the story. :)
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