Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Welcome to My Book Launch Party!

Over the last year I have been working very hard on producing my own book inspired by my lifestyle and entitled
'Living with Nostalgia -Surround Yourself with the Past'

It has been a labour of love, as I wanted the end result to be a book that I would want to buy myself. I have bought several interior design/craft based books by various authors over the last year and have been disappointed by most of them for one reason or another. I, like so many creative women, am a very visual person. I thrive on beautiful images and relish looking at the minutest details within a photograph.
During the year I was very fortunate to have some very helpful advice and support from author Sally Page. She had found it difficult to get her books published, basically because she wasn't famous. I knew that I would have the same problem, so decided to go ahead and create my own book using Blurb.com., with a view to using the final copy of my book as a manuscript to show to prospective publishers.
Having worked on all the editing, photography and text myself, I am finally in possession of my completed book. Sally warned me that it could take years to secure a deal with a publishers, so I have decided to offer my book for sale, for now, via Blurb.
Blurb print each copy of the book to order, which means they are a little expensive, but it is my hope that anyone wishing to buy a copy will not be disappointed with the content. The book has 238 pages and includes well over 820 photographs! Sally suggested that this was actually enough pictures for two books! Any publisher taking it on would instantly remove around 50% of them!
As I said, I am a visual person, so this is the look I was going for and would hope I am not alone in this way of thinking. Perhaps it is time for something different, rather than sticking to the usual formula?

I have given the book 6 main chapters, which guides the reader into thinking nostalgically and creating a comfortable lifestyle and homely environment, by cherishing those vintage possessions which tell a story. There are tips for finding inspiration, for recycling all sorts of treasures and materials and reusing family pieces. Everything is easy to achieve, even on a limited budget, which I felt was important. I have read books and magazines where the advice given seems rather pretentious and unachievable due to cost, or sourcing problems. I have included many of my own possessions in the photographs, to show how easy this lifestyle can be to implement.
It is clearly and simply set out, with the photographs being the main focus and telling the story.

Vintage fabrics are a passion of mine, which can be seen throughout the pages. The whole recycling ethos is as important now as it's ever been and I would hope to encourage this and to show how easy it is to reuse many of the materials that already surround us or which are available from flea markets and fairs, rather than buying new from the high street.
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Collections is a more light-hearted and fun area to enjoy, once the basics have been installed in the home. I wouldn't dream of telling anyone what they should or shouldn't be buying, but have made suggestions and offered advice for those not knowing where to start. At the end of the day, it is down to each person to have a home that reflects their loves and personality, not to have someone dictate what is good and bad taste.
Antique and vintage postcards, for example, come in many designs and styles, so a tailor made collection that you enjoy looking at is easy to achieve.
Having sold vintage goods for many, many years, I have met lots of like-minded women, either when selling at fairs, in my shop or out on buying trips. I am very fortunate to have made very good friends with some wonderful people and I was delighted when three of them agreed to have their homes and possessions included in the book. I feel this adds lots more interest to it and makes for a more balanced view as to what can be achieved when women forge their own style. Each one has a home bursting with individuality, which reflects their personalities, with the end result of a stylish and unique environment. Not one of them worries what others may think of their surroundings and each enjoys their home because they have the things that they love around them. All of the homes were photographed as they are lived in and not styled, to give a true representation of this easy way of life.
Debbie lives in a small Somerset cottage; we enjoy shopping together at flea markets and fairs and look for rose printed china and pieces of Victoriana to add to her cabinets and shelves.
The 'Room by Room' chapter will take the reader on a tour of this charming abode!
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Helen also lives in a cottage, but it has a more rustic, country style. The last 5 years have been spent renovating it from a very sad state of repair.
She has always lived with a very strong sense of nostalgia and has stories to tell throughout her home. Romance is assured in bucket loads!
Threadbare toys have pride of place in the main bedroom adding sentimentality and smiles!
*
Maggie's colourful home has jaw dropping collections inspired by flowers. Pouring over every detail in the photographs is sure to inspire and entertain - I know I was mesmerised by the sumptuous nature of her pieces the first time that I saw them.
She is also very creative and has many ideas for making pretty accessories for her home. This is just one small area of her incredible workroom!
And not stopping there...gardens also have several pages dedicated to them....all with nostalgic influences, of course!
I have also shared a few simple craft projects, which are easy to achieve for the non-crafter, or which could be developed further by the more experienced.
And finally special occasions needed to be included - for many, Christmas is the most nostalgic time of the year, so a few images from this celebration find their way into the closing chapter of the book, along with Easter, Birthdays, and family get-togethers.
If you would like to order a copy of 'Living with Nostalgia - surround yourself with the past', it is simple to do through the Blurb website. They are an American company, but ship to most countries. Remember that your copy will be printed just for you, so you need to allow printing time, plus shipping from the States. The link is on my blog sidebar and can also be accessed via my website.
Why not add a copy to your Christmas list? ;-))
Niki x

61 comments:

  1. Hi Niki, congrats on a job well done. I'm really excited to read your book. I wouldn't normally get one of these self published books, but having followed your blog for some time I have no doubt it is stuffed full of wonderful treasures! I think I shall get a copy for me and my BFF Beth. I hope she doesn't read this! xo, suzy

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  2. Wow Nikki that's great news, although I can't afford to buy one at the moment. It looks fabulous from the photos! Congratulations on your first book and I wish you lot's of success with it!
    Hugs
    xox Carol

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  3. C.O.N.G.R.A.T.U.L.A.T.I.O.N.S!
    Dear Nikki,
    I`m so very pleased for you!
    You sure deserve this book to be published!
    I will be getting one for sure!
    Can`t wait!!!
    Kisses
    Debbie Moss

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  4. Anonymous11:58 am

    Well done Nikki, the book looks fab, can't wait to buy one! Sue x

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  5. Anonymous12:07 pm

    Congratulations Niki, I have just ordered my copy...cant wait to get my hands on it! Best wishes Julie.

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  6. You clever thing! It looks fabulous. Well done. I'll add it to my Christmas list. Lucyxx

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  7. I just knew you had a book in you and it looks wonderful. I couldn't agree with you more about being disappointed in many books available but yours looks the business. Congratulations I will certainly be ordering one.
    Jan

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  8. Oh wow Niki, it looks (as I expected) absolutely fantastic! Well done - you have obviously worked really hard to create your book and I think you are right to stick to your guns on the pictures. Just think how many of us buy lovely coffee table books and lifestyle magazines and then really only look at the pictures instead of actually reading them! I'm off to the blurb site now...
    Sophie x

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  9. Oh my goodness - how exciting, Niki!!! Your book looks delicious!!!! I'm off to Blurb...

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  10. Anonymous12:40 pm

    Ok so yesterday ( my yesterday) I left a comment on the previous post about your blog being like my favourite magazine or book and then Today!!!!!! Oh my goodness...I am sure I didn't know that before I wrote that comment...really truly because I really sound like I was hinting at something now!!!
    How exciting, it looks delicious and I am running over right now to have a look at your website!!
    Congratulations! Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage.

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  11. Anonymous1:11 pm

    Merry Christmas to me! Merry Christmas to me! I have to agree with Lilly Cottage, your writing and photos have always been bookworthy and my free version of a glossy magazine. Can't wait to get my copy. Congrats Niki. It won't be long before this beauty is picked up by a publisher.
    Wendy

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  12. Anonymous1:31 pm

    congrats Nikki, this book looks lovely! What an accomplishment!
    xoxo, Tiffany

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  13. What a georgous book Nikki, congratulations to you! Like you I and I think many others really do like photo's, and with over 800 you really are spoiling us.

    Kx

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  14. It looks totally fabulous Niki! I've just had a look at the preview on Blurbs website and I can't imagine why any publisher wouldn't want to publish it. If I hadn't lost my job on Friday I'd be getting my credit card out right now so I shall have to start saving for it instead. I hope you sell lots and get a publisher interested.

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  15. Anonymous2:47 pm

    Hi Niki
    Well as you know I have had a quick preview of your amazing book and can honestly say I can't wait to get my very own copy,it is with out a doubt the best book ever on the vintage home, and your a very clever girl.Well done !!!
    Love Maggie x

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  16. Oh gosh! Congrats Niki and this book of yours is awesome! double awesome! I can't wait to have a copy.. and that only happen when I save some money in my piggy bank :-( *sob*sigh*sob* I believe the shipping to my country would cost me arm & leg.. but seriously you are awesome! your book is awesome! I just saw the preview.. oh my, I love the pictures in it.. all the pictures are so yummylicious! seriously delicious & fantastic! Congrats again!

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  17. Having been lucky enough to have had a sneak preview I know that it is the most wonderful book on vintage I have EVER seen. I shall get a copy for sure but I wish you would be paid somehow for each copy sold. You need to get yourself a publisher Niki and get it out onto the bookshelves of all the best bookshops. Hopefully someone out there will pick it up and publish it for you.

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  18. Congratulations Niki - I'm lost for words! That looks like a truly beautiful book, i am sure it will be snapped up very quickly by a publisher. I'm off to Blurb ...
    Kimx

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  19. Anonymous4:11 pm

    Congratulations Niki, it looks like an absolutely gorgeous book! I love your idea of including many photos, I too am such a visual person. Will put this on my Christmas wish list :)

    Laura
    xxx

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  20. Hi Niki, gosh what a fantastic achievement, looks absolutely divine. Totally agree on the vintage books thing, never enough pictures, and I rarely read the text. Hope you've left some pictures in reserve for your 2nd book!!!
    Lucy x

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  21. Wow! This looks absolutely fabulous. It's my birthday soon so I should probably treat myself...

    Well done, what a wonderful achievement for you.

    Hen x

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  22. Now I know what I want for Christmas!! I just need to figure out the cost in U.S. dollars!
    Like you, I love books with TONS of pics!!
    Congratulations!!
    :)
    ~Becca~

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  23. what a fantastic idea! well done, the pics look great, I will have to drop big hints to hubby for christmas!
    Josie x

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  24. Anonymous7:59 pm

    I've just been over to Blurb and looked at the preview and your book is quite simply gorgeous. This is a wonderful achievement and I sincerely hope that you are lucky enough to get snapped up by a publisher.
    Carolyn x

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  25. Hi Niki

    Like the others who have seen the actual 'hard copy' I can assure everyone who thinks they'd like the book that they will love it. The pages are full to bursting with wonderful photos and I have no doubt it will be on many people's Christmas lists!

    Good luck with the sales.

    Sue x

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  26. So so so fabulous!!! It looks amazing!!! I know what I will be asking Santa for! :)

    Bravo!!

    xoxo Jenny Holiday
    http://everyday-is-a-holiday.blogspot.com/

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  27. WooooHoooo! It looks amazing - pour me a glass of that bubbly so we can drink a toast to your amazing work of art! It looks just wonderful! Well done you! t.xxx

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  28. Well done on your book, I have just ordered a copy, I can't wait to read it.

    Best wishes
    Sue xx

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  29. Oh my gosh! I want your beautiful book! I'll have to whine and beg my hubby for it for my birthday/Christmas gift! It looks gorgeous! Congratulations!!

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  30. Anonymous9:06 am

    I couldn't resist ~ am now waiting anxiously for the book to drop through my letter-box!

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  31. Anonymous9:15 am

    Surprised and excited ....

    Theres me feeling sorry for myself , with a bad cold and I log into my dose of colour for the day, which hurts my eyes , sorry not your fault Niki all down to the cold !

    And there nestling between the "new Products" a book ! a book written by "Niki" intake of breath (cough and spluter, weres my cotton hankie ? )

    Congratulations ! , wow ! , you are amazing !

    Hope all goes well and im off to look at "Blurb"

    love Barbara

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  32. Well done Niki, I remember a while ago you telling me about this and now you can reveal it all to us.

    Blurb is great to allow us to create our own publications and of course I will defo get a copy of your book -

    best wishes Ginny xx

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  33. Anonymous9:52 am

    Oh Niki... you clever thing. I appreciate the dedication & hard work that you must have put into this book... it looks absolutely SUPERB. Well done.
    Frances x

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  34. I am overwhelmed by the kind comments and emails that I have received regarding my book! Thank you to everyone for your support and I hope that anyone who has chosen to order a copy, will enjoy reading it.
    Thank you! xx
    Niki

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  35. WOW! Well done you, it looks stunning and such an achievement! I plan to order a copy next week when I get paid!

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  36. Anonymous10:54 am

    Dearest Niki
    You've taken my breath away! Congratulations on a truly inspiring and charming book.
    I've just ordered my copy, and.... Can you believe it? I was even encouraged to do so by The Husband!
    Just as a matter of interest? I hope your still keeping busy making one or two signed book plates. It would be awfully nice if we can get our books signed by the author. Hint hint!
    Lots of love
    Lizzie

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  37. Hi Niki,
    WOW! I'm speechless at the beauty of it all - esp the floral dresser!!! It is already my background on my computer. I have asked Anth for a copy for Christmas. Thank you for producing a book with decent pictures, can't wait to study in minute detail!
    Love
    Jane xx
    P.S I noticed a pic of the book I bought from you too!

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  38. Hi Niki! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you for bringing this labour of love into the book world. It looks like a stunning book and full of glorious images. Wow! How many hours must you have spent in the creation of this book?! I am certain the book will reach many more likeminded people beyond blogland. Be justly proud of your achievement - Well done you! Wishing you every success with it. Denise.

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  39. OMG (oh my god!) as all the youngsters say these days!!!!!
    Many, Many Congratulations Niki... It looks like a wonderful book & Jack WILL be buying it for me!!!
    Well done!
    Liz x

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  40. Anonymous7:17 pm

    Niki, the book looks fab-u-LOUS!! I just looked at the preview. Having done a book on blurb myself I know how much work & how much fun it can be. Best of luck for lots of sales : )

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  41. Anonymous8:02 pm

    Hi Niki!
    How amazing...your talents and energy are truely limitless!
    Well done to you...it looks like 'a must have' to me!!!
    Lots of love and best wishes
    Amanda (Shabby Chick) xxx

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  42. A Book! You picked a fantastic cover picture. Like you, I also like visuals and I'd much rather see alot of pics in a book that is going to give me ideas. Publishers just don't get it. After all, if it doesn't have a good cover pic your not going to give it a second glance. I toast you! :)

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  43. What a fabulous book - it's on my Christmas list. What superb photographs and truly wonderful collections you have.

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  44. wow! Niki this is the book all of us vintage nuts yearn for...loads of scrumptious photos of gorgeous vintage finds! fantastic, what a lot of hard work you have put into it,it looks wonderful.. well done! x

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  45. Congratulations on your fabulous book! I agree that lots & lots of pictures are essential in a book like yours! The pictures look wonderful - what a great achievement!

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  46. Anonymous7:15 pm

    Hi Nikki
    I saw your book and it was fabulous and well deserved to be published. Why don't you try Athena Press they welcome new authors and advertise in Cygnus Books.www.athenapress.com or email info@atehnapress.com.
    Congratulations on a wonderful achievement.
    :ove Gillie x

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  47. Well done Niki! it looks fabulous,its on my list for sure!

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  48. niki!!! congratulations ... what a busy bee you have been! I am so excited to get one of these books from you, I will definatly be ordering one soon. EVery page looks just amazing and I can see you put your heart into it. You know I just love your style so I am certain it is gorgoeus. xoxo Heather

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  49. Hello! Wow, I am so pleased I found your blog. I've just started thinking about writing and you have really inspired me. I've just downloaded the software from that site you mentioned and it's brilliant! Thank you so much! Sian x

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  50. Anonymous5:08 pm

    Wonderful news, it looks amazing!
    Well done you & wishing you much success with it.
    love
    Alison x

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  51. Hello!
    super book.....how can i get a copy?
    xx

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  52. Congratulations Niki, it looks fantastic, and all importantly you have created the book that you would want to read. So good that you photograph the rooms as they are .. real homes for real people. Absolutely charming from the snippets that you have shown. I hope it is a huge sucess.
    Warm wishes
    Ginny x

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  53. Hi Niki, it looks gorgeous! So many of the vintage lifestyle books out now seem to be the same pictures under different titles (do they think we won't notice?!) but yours will be totally unique. Well done you! Louise xx

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  54. Anonymous3:15 am

    Hi Niki! Gosh! Your book is just amazing! It's SO inspiring and definitely on my Christmas 'wish list.I would love your permission to add a link (and if possible, a picture) of it to my own blog:
    (www.paintingskiathos.wordpress.com) in order to be able to share it with my regular readers,I just know they'd love it too! Thank you, Warm wishes, Yvonne x

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  55. Anonymous3:41 pm

    wow how wonderful . Well done .
    How do we buy a copy living here in the USA. I want one to keep in my shop.
    Lisa from Accessories of Old

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  56. wow how wonderful . Well done .
    How do we buy a copy living here in the USA. I want one to keep in my shop.
    Lisa from Accessories of Old

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  57. j'aime tellement ton blog !!!!!même si je ne sais pas l'anglais je viens toujours me faire plaisir chez toi big kiss

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  58. Niki this is LOVELY....On behalf of ALL Vintage Lovers....THANK YOU for doing this....I'm going off to order my copy....!

    Cheers from Australia,
    Tamarah :o)

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  59. Hi Niki!
    Your book is very very wonderful....
    he keeps me company .... is a travel into the past!!!
    A dear greeting, Maria.

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  60. Hi Niki, I loved stumbling upon your blog. Will your book be available in South Africa?

    http://findingprettyagain.blogspot.com/

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  61. Nikki, I live in Russia and has long been reading your wonderful writing and watching photos. I like your work. I want to buy your wonderful book, but I do not know how to do it. Can I get it to Moscow? How do I know?

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx