Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep. 71 Do you have a dream buried inside you? Listen to hear Maleah answer a reader question about how she started her writing journey and became a published author of the memoir, Lies of the Magpie. Learn 4 Power Perspectives to help you claim your dream, break through the fear barrier, and take the next best step toward your heart-felt desire.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep. 70. Do you ever feel that you are working and working, but not seeing results? In the meantime, it seems that everything your neighbor touches turns to gold. So why bother? Why keep trying?
Listen today to learn three important truths about work and results. The goal for this podcast is to help you feel satisfied with your efforts and motivated to keep sowing seeds. Thanks for tuning in.
I have planted so many things that haven’t grown.
In Arizona, our yard was desert landscaped which means a lot of rocks, but I wanted to grow something. Figuring that zucchini will grow anywhere, in any climate and any type of soils, I cleared away a patch of rocks, worked the soil, and planted zucchini. It never really produced. Later, I learned that homes built in Arizona are treated with a termite barrier, and if you dig around the house’ foundation, you violate the barrier. Oops. I hope the people living there now don’t have termite issues.
Every year since moving to Utah, I have attempted to grow peas. When I pull out the pea seeds, my husband asks why I bother planting peas when I can buy a 5 pound bag already shelled from Costco for $5 (and 5 lbs is more than I’ve ever successfully produced from my garden). It’s a legitimate question. For me there are a lot of reasons. For one, peas do well in cooler temperatures and so they’re some of the first vegetables you can plant in the season. By March I am done with winter and hankering to get out a shovel, turn some dirt and get something planted in the earth. And there is something magical about picking a pod off of a plant and not knowing how many peas will be inside when you crack it open. Maybe there will be two but maybe, this pod will have 8 or 9 or 10 peas. My tongue and tummy feel so bounteous when I slide my teeth down the open pod, delivering those fresh, sweet, green garden buttons to my mouth. But more than that, there is something powerful about activating the law of harvest in my life.
But it can be so frustrating when I’ve tilled and toiled and watered and weeded and there are only a few curly sprigs of growth to show for my labors, particularly when I look over the fence into the neighbor’s yard and see that their crops are thriving.
It can be easy to think that people have a green thumb and everything they touch shoots up like Jack’s beanstalk. But this isn’t true.
Last year, my cub scouts came over and helped me plant two rows of carrot seed. We planned to eat healthy, sweet, crunchy carrot sticks for den meetings in August. But not ONE carrot grew!
It can be easy to think that people have a green thumb and everything they touch shoots up like Jack’s beanstalk. But this isn’t true. Gardening is a gamble. Not everything you plant will grow. Not everything you cultivate will result in a bumper crop.
from the book Becoming by Michelle Obama
Story of Katherine Heigel becoming an actress.
The best example that ties all three principles together is my peach tree. Some years, my peach tree yields bushels and bushels of sweet, delicious fruit. Other years, due to late frost or insects, we have no peaches. But even during a year of bumper crop, all those peaches are ready at the same time. We only have a period of two to three weeks to eat all those peaches fresh before they are gone. I always wish I could change this and spread the harvest out so we could eat fresh peaches all summer, but this is the way of the harvest. And as soon as the peaches are gone, it’s time to fertilize the tree, mulch the soil, and begin preparing for the next harvest. We work 11 months to care for the tree for 1 month of fruit. Sounds about right.
When I get frustrated and ready to give up, I’ve learned my frustration is usually because I’m focussing too much on results, especially if I’m comparing my results to the results of others. What works best is for me to focus on my efforts and leave the results to God. There are so many factors outside of my control, but I can control my effort. I know that if I keep sowing, keep working, eventually something will grow.
The final decision came down to one surprising element. (Read the end to learn the deciding factor.)
Thanks to everyone who has followed, made observations, and given feedback through this process.
There is a LOT of thought, calculation, and psychology that goes into designing a cover. If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes process of choosing the final cover, below I will walk you through the concept and evolution of each cover, the audience response, the pros & cons, and ultimately why the cover was or was not chosen.
If you just want to see the FINAL COVER, skip to the end.
The first cover was illustrated and painted by artist Bethany Baker three years ago. Check out her work at Midsummer Studios. She will create a custom whimsical portrait of your child, family, or fiancee.
Concept: “The Carnival of Life” Watercolor. Illustrates a mother’s role escorting her child on the rides of life.
Pros: I love the symbolism injected in custom artwork. The red balloon represents the woman’s hopes and dreams. The weight of the magpie is holding down the ballon, preventing it from rising to the height of its potential. Bethany designed the image to wrap around the book’s front and back cover and included space for the title and author.
Cons: I commissioned Bethany to create this cover in 2017 when I was considering self-publishing. Since then, I’ve learned the importance of matching the cover mood and style to the book’s genre. This painted image conveys a children’s picture book more than an adult memoir.
In March I began working with my publisher’s cover designer. I gave her a synopsis of my book as well as the genre and overall tone and said I’d like a magpie and possibly a necklace. The following are the concepts she created.
Concept: Vector image. This was the first design I previewed from the designer and it took my breath away. Seeing this made my story come alive.
Audience Response: Facebook Favorite. Marketing Specialist’s Favorite. This was the clear winner of all the vector images.
Melanie: “To me it signifies there is something in all of us. From the outline of the women and the bird within.”
Colleen: “Creative flow and I love the color”
Kerry: “The theme Lies of the Magpie and it whispering in your ear fits.”
Shanda: “It needs the silhouette of the girl for the human touch effect.”
Jill: “It draws me in. My kids who love to write voted this one as well.“
Pros: The woman’s profile in silhouette hints she has a personal struggle. Something is stopping her from facing life straight on, and you get the hint the magpie plays a big role. Clear and easy to read.
Cons: Hard to find a con other than the weight of the image is heavy on the left and the mood is a bit depressing.
Concept: Live photography magpie at window. This was one of my early favorites.
Audience Response: Facebook Winner
Kylene: “By far my favorite.”
Clarissa: “Caught my eye quick.“
Tasha: “Intriguing.”
Lisa: “My least favorite. I find it a little confusing.”
Pros: The image evokes curiosity and lets you know this will be an emotional story. Lovely use of black & white with hints of color.
Cons: Ultimately the cover is too confusing to understand at first glance. There is a lot going on. The title gets lost in the image.
Concept: Live Photography of Magpie
Audience Response:
Larita: “Both Lies and Magpie are distinct and pop out. Neither words are mixed into the photo. So clear and grab at you.”
Laurel: “I like the emptiness and use of the negative space.”
Ryan: “Nice and simple. No images conflicting with the title.“
Pros: People like this cover for its clarity and use of white space.
Cons: Gives the impression of being a nonfiction nature book rather than literary memoir.
Concept: Thieving magpie flies away with the story.
Audience response: Editor’s Favorite.
Brooke: “Like the colors and letter font. Love the bird in flight“
Ashley: “The blue one!”
Pros: The color and unique font. Reminds people of the book Wonder.
Cons: While the font is awesome, it’s also difficult to read. And it’s hard to tell if this book is for teens or adults.
Concept: Woman in Cage. In an unintentional effort to confuse my cover designer and complicate the process, I found this image of a woman in a cage which I LOVED. My designer created a dozen variations of this concept including the magpie holding the cage by a chain in its talons. This is the cover I’ve had the hardest time letting go of.
Audience Response: Publisher’s Favorite. Author’s favorite (except for the final cover).
Kris Stena “It intrigues all of us in my family, makes us want to know why she’s in there.”
Sashleigha: “Girl in the cage for sure.
Tessy: “Shows there is a story within the book.”
Jean: “This is the most intriguing to me… it’s like… hmmmm. what’s this book all about???”
Roberti: “This one feels very depressing and personally, I would not pick it up.”
Pros: I love the idea of a woman trapped in the cage while the bird is outside calling the shots. A lot of power and metaphor in the image. Also conveys there is an intricate story within the pages.
Cons: Some readers were turned off by the oppressive tone of this cover image. Some confused it for a story about domestic violence.
Final Cut: While intriguing, this cover could trigger too much negative emotion and might mislead readers to thinking it’s a story of abuse.
Concept: Live Photography with whispering magpie.
Audience Response: Mr. Warner’s Favorite. A Facebook Favorite, this cover tied in votes with the Magpie at the Window.
Brooke: “It looks like the magpie is whispering lies.“
Emily: “This is my favourite – it’s alluring, intense, emotive.”
Janine: “I like this one best. I was intrigued and wanted to know what the magpie was whispering in her ear….”
Lori: “The visuals are mentally stimulating and curiosity evoking.”
Pros: This cover showcases what a rockstar the designer is. Look at the lighting on the woman’s hair! So much emotion. Title is clear and easy to read.
Cons: My daughter thought this looked like the cover of a romance instead of memoir. Cover reveals too much of the story.
Final Cut: This cover almost needs a warning that says “Spoiler Alert.” It gives away too much too soon.
Concept: Simple illustration of magpie with locket in its beak.
Audience Response: Gotcha! I didn’t show this image on the Facebook or Instagram polls because I wanted it to be a surprise!
Abigail: “Love this. Looks very clean and professional.”
Cons: Interestingly, when shown to fellow authors from my publishers group, NOT ONE person voted for this cover. And yet this is the cover. WHY? There is a lot of calculation and psychology that goes into cover selection.
Pros:
Final Cut: Ultimately, one factor finalized the decision to go with this book cover.
MEN!
Yes. You men were the deciding vote!
One might think a book that recounts pregnancy and childbirth in explicit detail might be just for women. However, the beta readers who finished fastest and had the most to say have all been men. A majority of my first endorsements were from men.
Perhaps this is because men have always wondered what goes on in a woman’s head and this book gives them a front row seat to one woman’s psyche.
Ultimately, the final selling point was choosing a cover that wouldn’t be a barrier to men reading this powerful story. In addition to all the above factors, this is a cover a man could hold in an airport or have on his office desk or nightstand without appearing to be reading women’s romance.
I’d love to hear your comments. Thanks for following this cover journey.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Today’s episode continues the discussion about common mistakes we make when responding to mental health issues. Join us to learn how fear is fertilizer for mental health issues and how forcing the “get well” can also exacerbate problems.
Fear is fertilizer when it comes to mental health issues.
Why is our first instinct to be afraid of mental health?
Because, mental health has been horribly stigmatized in movies and in society. The problems is lumping everyday mental health issues under the same umbrella as insanity or psychosis. It’s time to end the belief that a mental health disorder equates to being crazy. Additionally, it’s time to end the assumption that a mental health disorder is a character weakness or bad behavior.
Our human tendency is to fix anything that’s broken. On the surface, this sounds like a noble effort. But what about when broken is beautiful? What about if broken is just right.
Our instinct to rush in to repair anything that’s broken may send a message that our loved ones aren’t enough as they are. We have human bodies and human brains, and often our to-do lists far exceed our human ability. When we fall short, we feel frustrated with ourselves for not being able to perform at a higher level. What if life isn’t about productivity? What if life is about presence? What if you have a period of time when you can only function at 50% of normal? That’s okay! What if you feel yucky? That’s okay. You can feel yucky and still be a good mom. You may not be a Pinterest mom. That’s okay! You’re children don’t want a the Pinterest version of you, they want the real YOU.
SHOW NOTES:
Ep. 68 3 Common Mental Health Mistakes Part 1:
Brain on Fire by Susan Cahalan: Book or Film
Misdiagnosed Mental Illness Ep. 18: https://maleahwarner.com/leaning-into-discomfort/
Film: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Untamed by Glennon Doyle: Book
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep. 68 What are the three most common mistakes we make regarding mental health issues? Join the podcast to learn how our instinct to respond by ignoring issues, reacting with fear, or trying to force a recovery actually compound mental health issues. Learn simple things to do instead that will encourage health, build relationships, and end the stigma and shame surrounding mental health issues.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep 67 Why do you fight with the person you love? Today we are talking about the explosive arguments that leave you and your partner feeling emotionally wounded. If you love your spouse and can’t figure out why you fight, this episode will show you the root cause for your arguments. Listen to gain new perspective on what the fight is really about.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep 66 In music a rest is an interval of silence, a pause between notes. These moments of silence are what makes the difference between music and noise. Listen to learn how to use spaces of time in your life to define what happens in between.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep. 65 Our human tendency is to be uncomfortable with empty space. An empty house, we want to fill with furniture. Empty bellies we want to fill with food. Empty calendars we want to fill with activity. Listen to the podcast to learn the POWER of EMPTY SPACE.
We live crowded lives, then wonder why we aren’t getting what we want most. Magic happens when we leave space in our lives for new and better things to come. The abundance we seek is abundance that overflows but also leaves room for more abundance. Abundance that is at once overflowing, but uncrowded. Abundance of everything needed with room for more of what may come.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep. 64 Two years ago I traveled to Denmark and saw Thorvaldsen’s Original Christus Statue. Join the podcast to hear insights about life I learned from three of my favorite Thorvaldsen sculptures: Goddess of Hope, Thorvaldsen with Statue of Hope, and the Christus.
SHOW NOTES:
Thorvaldsen Museum: http://thorvaldsensmuseum.dk/en
Virtual Tour of Christus and Apostles: Click Here
Audio Descriptions: Click Here
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Hope: Click Here
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Ep. 63 Parenting is hard, even if you have superhuman strength. While many of us are homebound during the coronavirus quarantine, attempting to balance work and homeschooling, the messages of Pixar’s animated film, Incredibles 2, seem especially apropos. Listen today for a fun re-cap of the of how this animated superhero film captures the dynamics of family life and feel better about how INCREDIBLE you are.