I love the colors – especially the use of some white space – and really like how you carry the same color story with you everywhere. In fact, I associate those colors with you, and when I see them I often think of you and your work.
I like the layout, but not the subtitle. “Stop the Pain” rings like an anesthetic (lit. “without sensation or feeling”) which would inhibit one from not only experiencing resistance to certain emotions and states, but also from “learning to love” and live. The emphasis on “no pain” has been going on for too long in Western Buddhist and general meditation circles, and is in nonsensical opposition to the title itself which sees wisdom springing from a broken heart. I don’t think you need that, and could rephrase it.
the yellow border is bad, because of how strong it contrasts the brown, but also because it creates the impression of an imbalance of padding … this impression might be less strong on a physical book that borders reality *g*, as opposet to a flat computerscreen. also it can not interpretet in a 3D way – it looks like a solid beam floating on top of a different matter – which defeats the purpose of an ornament which is usualy graved into something, behind and beside something …
The cover is lovely, but yeah, I’d suggest the subtitle does need some tinkering. From the excerpts you’ve posted, it seems like the book is aimed toward people whose heartbreak is fresh enough that “learn to love again” may seem completely outside the realm of possibility, or at least beside the point. They might interpret it as meaning that the point of the book is to get them into another relationship, and that might be a turnoff for some. I think something like “learn to live again” would be a better fit. When they learn to love again regardless, it’ll be a testament to the wisdom of the book.
I really like the cover. How about for the subtitle something like ….Finding your way through the pain. I am eight years out of a broken heart and I am still finding my way…though the pain is not always clearly evident. Now it has returned with a vengeance because I found out my ex-fiance is dying of cancer. A whole new set of feelings-confusion, grief, pain – have come about. I can’t wait for your book. I have read your others and found immense comfort.
Zenfreckle, I’m so sorry to hear about your ex-fiance. The grief must be so complicated. I’m holding good thoughts for you, as I’m sure everyone who reads this blog will. Keep us posted…
Thank you all for the very helpful (and sometimes inscrutable) input. Will definitely keep you posted about the subtitle/cover as they progress. It’s so wonderful to have pals such as yourselves!
I LOVE your writing and your essay on Buddhism and a Broken Heart truly helped — I felt so broken hearted that I googled Buddhism and a Broken heart. How lucky I felt to get your website and read what you wrote.
My comment on the subtitle is that I think it should be stronger. Something like: turning your heartbreak into catalyst
or maybe “the most valuable pain of your life”
Susan, I love the graphics, color, font, etc. It is beautiful. I am with the others on the “Stop” word. Something just doesn’t fit. I like “embrace” it feels more like you are integrating your lessons rather than stuffing them.
Been away a while from your blog, and it is great to be back! Great redesign of your sites, still keeps that warm feel, congrats.
Beautiful design for the cover, dig the font particularly.
Does it have to have a subtitle?
Um, “Find(ing) your way through pain and learn(ing) to love again” (wordy–but I think using “you(r)” in general or any imperative statement gives it a less philosophical and more self-help feel, for better or worse. )
A wilderness metaphor, perhaps?
“Ride the Pain to Love Again” (eek, haha)
Had better stop before the “splinter on the banister of life” song lyrics start….
Hi Carol, nice to see you again! Glad you like the redesign. I’m loving it myself. And thanks for help on subtitle. Yes, it has to have a subtitle! For some reason. I like the idea of a wilderness metaphor. Will explore with editor…
hey, thanks for asking! Am quite well, it’s a verdant time and one of intense change. Playing and singing lots, that makes me happy. I’ve enjoyed catching up with you and your….um…commenters?
Hi, a couple of notes: The cover would be more effective if more authoritative or symbolic gentle images were used in place of the illustrations, photos preferred (may also expand audience to include men who are hurting!) Suggestions: shell fossil, fern imprint in stone. For the subtitle how about “how to be okay and stop hurting when it’s over”. Best wishes, Jan
Hi Susan,
I have been wanting to take one of your courses for a while but the schedule hasn’t quite worked. I live in Tulum, Mexico most of the year. I just went through the experience of what you are talking about in your book, and from my felt experience, I have to say that the cover of your book is just too light and sweet for the grityness, groundlessness, intensity, and vividness of the broken heart experience. I would suggest something bolder than captures what you are talking about and your strong personality. I like the font, but the soft pink and butterflies are, well, just too soft! The broken heart is soft, I agree. But before the softness comes the rawness. What about a cover that conveys that duality? The subtitle seems too cliche for you. Without having met you, I sense your depth, strength, warrrioress spirit on the path.
Just some thoughts. I hope to write/meditate with you this year somewhere. Look for me!
Stephanie Pappas
author Yoga at Your Wall, Yoga Posture Adjustments, Reflections of a Codependent Yogi
How fun! I love it! Particularly the colors, which go so well with your website
thank you, michelle! i really like it too. i’m so happy about this.
I love the colors – especially the use of some white space – and really like how you carry the same color story with you everywhere. In fact, I associate those colors with you, and when I see them I often think of you and your work.
Lovely!
Just got proposed cover art for new book. Exciting… http://budurl.com/9cr4
I like the layout, but not the subtitle. “Stop the Pain” rings like an anesthetic (lit. “without sensation or feeling”) which would inhibit one from not only experiencing resistance to certain emotions and states, but also from “learning to love” and live. The emphasis on “no pain” has been going on for too long in Western Buddhist and general meditation circles, and is in nonsensical opposition to the title itself which sees wisdom springing from a broken heart. I don’t think you need that, and could rephrase it.
LOVE the caterpillar and butterfly pictures. Subtle yet symbolic of the metamorphosis that is possible after living through a broken heart.
the yellow border is bad, because of how strong it contrasts the brown, but also because it creates the impression of an imbalance of padding … this impression might be less strong on a physical book that borders reality *g*, as opposet to a flat computerscreen. also it can not interpretet in a 3D way – it looks like a solid beam floating on top of a different matter – which defeats the purpose of an ornament which is usualy graved into something, behind and beside something …
the rest ist quite nice
The cover is lovely, but yeah, I’d suggest the subtitle does need some tinkering. From the excerpts you’ve posted, it seems like the book is aimed toward people whose heartbreak is fresh enough that “learn to love again” may seem completely outside the realm of possibility, or at least beside the point. They might interpret it as meaning that the point of the book is to get them into another relationship, and that might be a turnoff for some. I think something like “learn to live again” would be a better fit. When they learn to love again regardless, it’ll be a testament to the wisdom of the book.
What about embrace the pain??
I really like the cover. How about for the subtitle something like ….Finding your way through the pain. I am eight years out of a broken heart and I am still finding my way…though the pain is not always clearly evident. Now it has returned with a vengeance because I found out my ex-fiance is dying of cancer. A whole new set of feelings-confusion, grief, pain – have come about. I can’t wait for your book. I have read your others and found immense comfort.
Zenfreckle, I’m so sorry to hear about your ex-fiance. The grief must be so complicated. I’m holding good thoughts for you, as I’m sure everyone who reads this blog will. Keep us posted…
Thank you all for the very helpful (and sometimes inscrutable) input. Will definitely keep you posted about the subtitle/cover as they progress. It’s so wonderful to have pals such as yourselves!
I LOVE your writing and your essay on Buddhism and a Broken Heart truly helped — I felt so broken hearted that I googled Buddhism and a Broken heart. How lucky I felt to get your website and read what you wrote.
My comment on the subtitle is that I think it should be stronger. Something like: turning your heartbreak into catalyst
or maybe “the most valuable pain of your life”
Susan, I love the graphics, color, font, etc. It is beautiful. I am with the others on the “Stop” word. Something just doesn’t fit. I like “embrace” it feels more like you are integrating your lessons rather than stuffing them.
Been away a while from your blog, and it is great to be back! Great redesign of your sites, still keeps that warm feel, congrats.
Beautiful design for the cover, dig the font particularly.
Does it have to have a subtitle?
Um, “Find(ing) your way through pain and learn(ing) to love again” (wordy–but I think using “you(r)” in general or any imperative statement gives it a less philosophical and more self-help feel, for better or worse. )
A wilderness metaphor, perhaps?
“Ride the Pain to Love Again” (eek, haha)
Had better stop before the “splinter on the banister of life” song lyrics start….
Best wishes, Susan!
zenfreckle, you are in my thoughts.
Hi Carol, nice to see you again! Glad you like the redesign. I’m loving it myself. And thanks for help on subtitle. Yes, it has to have a subtitle! For some reason. I like the idea of a wilderness metaphor. Will explore with editor…
How are you?! Hope you’re well–
Susan
hey, thanks for asking! Am quite well, it’s a verdant time and one of intense change. Playing and singing lots, that makes me happy. I’ve enjoyed catching up with you and your….um…commenters?
Carol
Hi, a couple of notes: The cover would be more effective if more authoritative or symbolic gentle images were used in place of the illustrations, photos preferred (may also expand audience to include men who are hurting!) Suggestions: shell fossil, fern imprint in stone. For the subtitle how about “how to be okay and stop hurting when it’s over”. Best wishes, Jan
Hi Susan,
I have been wanting to take one of your courses for a while but the schedule hasn’t quite worked. I live in Tulum, Mexico most of the year. I just went through the experience of what you are talking about in your book, and from my felt experience, I have to say that the cover of your book is just too light and sweet for the grityness, groundlessness, intensity, and vividness of the broken heart experience. I would suggest something bolder than captures what you are talking about and your strong personality. I like the font, but the soft pink and butterflies are, well, just too soft! The broken heart is soft, I agree. But before the softness comes the rawness. What about a cover that conveys that duality? The subtitle seems too cliche for you. Without having met you, I sense your depth, strength, warrrioress spirit on the path.
Just some thoughts. I hope to write/meditate with you this year somewhere. Look for me!
Stephanie Pappas
author Yoga at Your Wall, Yoga Posture Adjustments, Reflections of a Codependent Yogi