You can go to Amazon
You can pre-order it directly from Herald Press
Or if you want a signed copy shipped directly from my house, you can go to my website and place an order there. Within a few days, I will have the option to buy online, besides the option of ordering through the mail. I will be processing the orders as soon as the book is released on February 3.
Writing a book is rewarding. But for me, the publishing process is even more exciting. Many people have aptly compared this process to pregnancy and birth. I’m enjoying every stage. I know many writers have described the editing process as something excruciating, when their words are tampered with. I actually LOVE the editing process: the careful attention to the words I’ve written by someone with literary training and a sharp eye for detail; the careful consideration of what parts of the story are essential, and “the little darlings” I need to let go of, the turning of a phrase that gives me the aha! feeling; and then those electrifying surges as I’m reading the final product when I anticipate how my readers might like the story.
I am so fortunate to work with Valerie Weaver Zercher, who is creative, professional, keeps her sense of humor, and is a literary genius. They don’t come more top-notch than Valerie. No wonder I love the editing process, and I feel like the product we’re putting out there will delight readers!
Alongside the editing process is the designing of the book cover and the interior of the book. I am pleased as punch with the results of both, as I am with the book trailer.
Along the way, endorsements came in. There is something incredibly gratifying about having people say how much they like your baby… oh, I mean… book. Here are some phrases from the endorsements I’ve received:
The reader is in a conversation with Saloma from page one. The conversation isn’t one-sided, as some memoirs tend to be. It is a conversation that asks you to engage and that rewards you in return. ~ Callie T. Wiser, producer of PBS American Experience documentaries “The Amish” and “The Amish: Shunned”
“This story includes all the elements of a good romance: attraction, danger, secrets, beautiful scenery, obstacles, culture clashes, and old-fashioned chivalry.” ~ Shirley Hershey Showalter, author of Blush.
“You will rejoice with Saloma as she acquires independence from her previously cloistered lifestyle among the Amish and recall your own first glimpse of someone you knew would capture your heart–and therefore change your world forever. Bonnet Strings is a memoir not to be missed.” ~ Jolina Petersheim, author of The Outcast
“The reader cheers as Furlong overcomes obstacles to create a life true to herself and her faith.” ~ Lucinda Martin, Research Centre Gotha, University of Erfurt, Germany“
“A beautiful memoir… It will break your heart and piece it back together again.” ~ Mary-Ann Kirkby, author of I Am Hutterite
Asking for endorsements is an interesting process. When you ask people for one, you expect them to say good things about it. In many ways, it reminds me of the advice Mem used to give when I was growing up: “If you can’t say anything good about someone, then don’t say anything.” And yet there is no way I could have anticipated what people would say. So, in that way, it is still a surprise. The only way to find out how many readers agree with the endorsers is, after the book launch, when the reviews are posted on Amazon, Goodreads, and people’s blogs. I hope you, my dear readers, will weigh in then.
Just in case you haven’t seen it, and also because I want to post it again, here is an image of the book cover. My gorgeous niece, Leanna Mast, is the model, wearing the cape dress that Kirsten Hall and I sewed for the occasion. We altered my old dress pattern to fit Leanna. It was amazing how sewing an Amish dress came back to me after 35 years.
I’ve not yet seen the back cover, but when I do, I will share it.
Saloma, it’s been a great pleasure to work together on books this year, and you have risen to every challenge with determination and grace. Congratulations! I know how great this feels, and I hope we will have at least a few opportunities to tell our stories in collaborative book talks. I’m excited, too, about Herald Press, their great staff, and their decision to publish “real life stories of Amish and Mennonites.”
Shirley, thank you for the kind words. I have also enjoyed getting to know you, and thank you again for connecting me to Herald. I look forward to finding venues where we can speak jointly.
I ordered from Amazon and whenever we meet for the first time I will ask you to sign my copy. I look forward to reading this book and adding it to my collection. Plus I am excited to watch the PBS video, The Amish: Shunned
Katie, I will feel honored to sign your copy — the legend of Sarasota. I cannot wait to watch the PBS video myself. I’ll look for you in it. Have you seen the preview of it that came out yesterday?