Books, Books, Books...

I received my first Blurb produced book last week.  It contains all the post and photographs from my blog in 2006...my first year of blogging.

I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality.  I had been a little nervous about the colour quality but amazingly, it was very true to the colours on my own monitor (which has never been calibrated)

It was A LOT of work to prepare the copy.  The photo's were all originally JPEG's uploaded to TypePad and Blurb requires a much higher resolution so every photograph had to be upgraded. 

Making it all fit into  Blurb's templates was restrictive too.  I think I may create some of my own templates for the next one...oh, yes, I'm hooked, there will definitely be a "next one"'

I've been working away on this project for over a year and was beginning to think it was going to end up in the "unfinished project " category.  Determined to finish it and with my studio in the process of disappearing into boxes a few months ago, I finally did.  I can't begin to tell you the immense satisfaction of opening a book from a publisher, that you yourself have created.  I was beyond ecstatic!

 

I love the journal aspect of this book...looking back at myself three years ago and seeing who I was then.  I will most likely tire of blogging someday (not yet!) and this record of me, my family, my art and my thoughts will be lost.  I also appreciate the format of it all being on paper and easily accessible to flip through.

If you like the idea of having your blog printed out in journal form...I can only encourage you to go for it! 

You'll be very happy that you did.

(now I just have four books left to finish up...two more years of blog posts, my SoBoFoMo book and one other photographic book of last year's December Views.)

...and I'm almost finished SoBoFoMo!

Comments

[Kerstin]

This looks great, one year's work was worth it! I used Blurb for the first last December; since meeting Tom in 2003 I've been making him a photobook for Christmas every year. I used to use iPhoto software but last year I had so many photos that it was going to be too expensive so I went with Blurb instead. And like you I was very pleased at the quality! And guess what? YOU are in one of my books, too! from when we saw you in Victoria :) Kxo

[martie]

Oh Kate! Congratulations and it looks wonderful. I did my first Blurb book of 2008 - but I did it in soft cover. I will do all future ones as hard covers and you are right - it is wonderful to look back at yourself. I never kept a journal and having the website as a tool is wonderful - documenting life. I'm working on *earlier* years now.

I too was impressed with Blurb's quality.

Again - congratulations!!!!!

[Olivia]

Congratulations, Kate. I'd never heard of Blurb before. So beautiful! And appropriate to preserve your work! xo, O

[Serena]

Congratulations, Kate and WOW....your blog journal looks fantastic!!! What a neat idea!

[Graciel @ Evenstar Art]

How wondertful!!! I watched a blurb "how to" video last month and now, after seeing your result, I'm in!

Love and blessings to you, Dear Kate.

[Deb Taylor]

Kate, your Blurb book is amazing. I wanted to do one too, but it seems challenging with E-Blogger.
I love following you.

[Kate I]

Thanks Deb, I love "following" you too! You have soooo much energy and create so many varied and amazing things, that my head spins just reading your blog!

[Kate I]

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and I look forward to hearing about your newly produced books. Martie and Kersten, you've already "published" a book or two so know the thrill of which I speak!

[Angie D in Ohio]

Kate:

I never heard of blurb... but love the idea and will definitely check it out. What a lovely way to remember the previous year. Your idea has simply inspired me.