SPARK {My Book Launch + a Cozy Giveaway!}

| Allison

Hello, dears!

AHHHHHH. I AM IMMENSELY EXCITED. Because guys –  it’s finally time to reveal my second poetry book! *happy dance* I’ve been working on this project for the past year, and I’m so ready to announce it officially. 🙂

This year, the book launch will be accompanied by a small-ish blog tour and A GIVEAWAY! Eeep! I’m so excited for the giveaway too; I kind of want to keep everything myself. 😛

So, let’s jump right in before I burst with excitement. 😀

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Okay, are you ready to see it? Ahem. Introducing… Spark: a little book of poems, now for sale right here.

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AHHH! I hardly knew where to start with this post, but I figured the cover would be a good place. 😉 I’m really pleased with how it turned out! I believe my cover designing skills have improved slightly from last year, even though I still like Unfurling‘s cover.

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I’m happy with the back, too. The girl catching a firefly kind of embodies the whole theme of the book; she’s almost Spark‘s logo or mascot.

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Even though this book is still pretty thin, considering, it’s nearly twice as thick as my first poem book, which I’m super happy about. 😀

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Somehow this first page makes it feel REAL.

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Now to talk about the behind-the-scenes of how Spark came to be. As I mentioned, Spark is nearly double the size of Unfurling, with 100 poems instead of 54. Ever since the release of my first book, I’ve kept a notebook on my desk and intentionally composed a LOT of poetry, not obsessing over the quality or perfection of each piece since I knew I could change and sort it later.

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And I did! Many months and even more pages later, I collected the decent poems from my handwritten notebooks, copied them into an Open Office document, and started polishing. Then I copied THAT into a Google Doc, and kept perfecting it with the incredible help of three of my dear blogging friends: Charis, Clara, and Aria.

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Like last year, I waited to illustrate the poems until I was mostly done editing them. I stuck with a simple, slightly whimsical illustration style similar to the pictures in my last book. But I like this art even better than last year’s. 🙂

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After many more hours of formatting, cover designing, wrestling a continually crashing Open Office, publishing with Lulu, revising, and re-publishing, a box of shiny new books arrived at my door, and IT WAS DONE. And I am so, so happy with the result. 

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Let’s be real: no book, least of all mine, can change the world. But the person reading it can. If this book reminds you that there’s still a reason to smile; if it shows you that it’s okay to be sad; if it helps you finally feel understood and not alone; if it opens your eyes a little wider to our boundlessly great Creator; and if it stirs you to go into the world and love people, freely and fiercely; my mission is accomplished. How could I ask for more?

It is my sincere hope that God will use the words he placed into my heart to touch the hearts of others.

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*takes deep breath* Wow. I didn’t meant to write another poem. Sometimes that kinda just happens… Ahem.

Now for the giveaway! 😀 The winner will receive…

  • an autographed copy of Spark
  • a set of fairy lights
  • a pair of amazingly fluffy socks
  • a box of chai tea
  • a mini print of a poem excerpt + illustration
  • a Spark-themed playlist

I intentionally and carefully picked out items that will enhance and be enjoyed with the book, not distract from it. 

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Before I tell you how to enter, I’m going to go over the prizes (except the book) in more detail so you can fully appreciate their wonderfulness. XD First up, fairy lights! *heart eyes*

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Guys, I’ve got to get myself some of these. I’m sure you’ve seen fairy lights all over the internet, and for good reason. They’re perfect for adding a little magic, warmth, and ambiance to photos, bedrooms, etc. This particular set is 66 feet long (O.o), comes with the option to plug into the wall or a USB port (like in your computer!), and has five different brightness settings to choose from. Fancyyyy, eh?

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Next up, the coziest socks I have ever worn. Well, I haven’t actually WORN these socks, don’t worry. I just have another pair, the black ones, that I’m wearing right now and could probably wear every day if it wasn’t for their extreme puffiness making them mostly incompatible with shoes. 😛

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These are Mukluks brand socks, according to the grips on the bottom. Normally I don’t like grippy socks because you can feel the texture of the bumps under your feet, but I actually love the grips on these socks; they’re helpful rather than uncomfortable. AND SO FUZZZZYYYYY. They’re lined with super soft and fluffy fabric that keeps your feet warm, but not too warm. No, this post isn’t sponsored. I just really love these socks. XD

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I can’t truthfully say I love this tea because I’m not sure I’ve ever tried this particular kind. XD But I do love chai tea in general – the sweet + spiciness of it literally tastes cozy. Also, to be honest, I picked this partially because the colors of the box went with the theme. :’D

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Lastly, 1) a simple little poem print-out and 2) a playlist inspired by the book!

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You can hang the mini print on your bulletin board, pin it to your fairy lights, send it with a letter, etc. The playlist contains 20 cozy songs, instrumental songs, songs with beautiful lyrics that tie into the book, and… you get the idea. If you’re the type of person who likes to listen to music at all times, you can turn on Spotify while you read! If not, I feel you. 😛

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HOw To Enter the Giveaway

  • This giveaway is only open to U. S. residents. 😦 I’m so sorry, my international friends, but… SHIPPING. *weeps*
  • If you’re under 18, please get a parent’s permission before entering since I will need your address if you win!
  • Giveaway starts October 25 and ends 12:00 AM EST on November 4
  • Comment on this post to tell me you’re entering the giveaway! Then enter by clicking “commented on Allison’s post” on the form below (please visit my actual site if you’re reading this on email or WP Reader). 
  • To get bonus points: 1) share this post to social media. 2) Comment on the other posts in the blog tour. (Keep reading for the blog tour links!) Each tour participant will add question(s) to the end of their post – just comment your answers on their lovely blogs! And it might be fun to read their posts while you’re at it. 😉 

Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

Hang on, guys – we’re almost to the end of the post, but I can’t forget the blog tour schedule! I can hardly express my gratitude to my wonderful friends for helping me launch this book. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.

Make sure to check out their posts because this list not only includes some of my favorite people, but also some of my favorite bloggers! We have all sorts of interesting content coming up, from book reviews to author interviews, poem snippets, aesthetic photos, and maybe even some bonus poetry. :O See?

October 25

Allison @ A Farm Girl’s Life – Blog Tour Kickoff, Author’s Intro, + Giveaway Begins

October 26 (Saturday)

Aria @ Aria Lisette – Book Review

October 27 (Sunday)

Amie @ Crazy A – Book Review, Author Interview

October 28 (Monday)

Jo @ Pananaw – Review, Snippets, and Author Interview with a slight twist 😉

October 29 (Tuesday)

Sam @ The Chocolate Box – Book Review & Poem Snippets

October 30 (Wednesday)

Megan @ A Barefoot Gal – Mini Book Review

November 1 (Friday)

Hannah @ The Striped Plaid – Book Review & Poem Snippets

November 2 (Saturday)

Charis @ Charis Rae – Mini Book Review & Instagram Q&A

November 3 (Sunday)

Heather @ The Frozen Library – Author Interview

November 4 (Monday)

Clara @ Clara & Co – Book Review & Author Interview

November 5 (Tuesday)

Allison @ A Farm Girl’s Life – Blog Tour Wrap-Up + Giveaway Winners!

And now, we are FINALLY done with this post! YAYYYY, you made it! Thank you for bearing with my excitement and wearing out your scrolling finger for me. I appreciate it. XD

Are you excited for Spark? What do you think about poetry? (I used to hate it. 😛 ) Which item of the giveaway would you be most excited to win?

Thanks SO much for reading, dears, and please have a lovely day! ❤

***Allison***

187 thoughts on “SPARK {My Book Launch + a Cozy Giveaway!}”

  3. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SO EXCITING EEEP I AM SO HAPPY AND IT’S SUCH A WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL BOOK AND I CAN’T WAIT TO POST MY REVIEW TOMORROW. EXCELLENT POST, MY DEAR. EVERYTHING WAS SO PRETTY. *applauds*

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  4. EEEEEEPPPPPPP HOW EXCITING!!?! THE COVER AND EVERYTHING IS SO PRETTY AND AHHHHHH 😍😍😍. WONDERFUL, ALLISON, WONDERFUL. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PEEPS ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY!!

    (if you couldn’t tell from the excessive caps, I’m excited XD)

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  8. CONGRATS! I squealed when this popped up in my Reader. I’m so excited to read Spark! The cover is gorgeous, and I bet the inside is too. ❤️ I’m about to enter the giveaway, it looks wonderful! 😁

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  10. AHHHH I’m so excited too! I love your little photo shoot! You did a great job on the cover! It’s SO cute! And I love all the fairy lights everywhere! 😀
    Does being a host for the tour disqualify me for the giveaway cuz otherwise I would totally enter. Literally everything looks so awesome and I’d totally have a use for all of them! Especially the awesome fairy lights! ❤
    I don't really like writing poetry, but I like reading it sometimes. But I'm so excited about your books! 😀

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    1. AWW THANK YOU! I love how the cover turned out too and YES, fairy lights for everything. XD
      Nope, feel free to enter! 😀 Heh, I feel you, because I used to hate writing poetry and reading most poetry too. XD But now I like both. 🙂 Thanks, dear – I can’t wait to read your post!

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  11. YAYAYAYAY!!! I love giveaways and this one is no exception! You did an AMAZING job on the cover! You have such a talent!
    The book is definitely the best part! I’m so happy for you!!
    How do you find inspiration for all those poems? I love writing poetry, but I’m all out of ideas…. 😦

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    1. AWW THANK YOUUU!
      I’m so excited! 😀 EEEP!
      Heh, good question. Usually I get inspired by whatever is happening in my life at the time – whether it’s the people I’m around, the stories I hear, the nature I see out my window, etc. Sometimes a phrase pops into my head and I base a poem around that, too. 🙂

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  14. *jumps up and down in excitement* IT’S OUT HIWAY!!! it goes without saying that your poetry is wonderful, allison, and your art makes me cry in happiness. XD

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  15. Hi Allison, I am entering your giveaway. I am excited to read your poetry and I had no idea you wrote poetry. I just recently started following you 😁 congratulations on your 2nd book!

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  17. This book is so pretty!!!! I write a little bit of poetry, but cannot imagine being confident enough in their coolness to publish them so kudos! XD I’m entering this cozy giveaway!!!!

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  21. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!😊🎊🎊
    Secondly, the cover looks sooooooo beautiful!😍 I’m awe-struck!😍❤
    Thirdly, I got really excited about the giveaway which was followed by extreme sadness as I am a resident of India and that means I can’t enter the giveaway!!😔😞
    Lastly, I’d still be hanging around your blog and I’m really excited to see what’s in store!😊

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    1. AWW, THANK YOUUUU. You’re so kind!
      Ugh, I’m so sorry. *cries* I wish the shipping wasn’t so complicated and exorbitant! But at the end I’ll have links to everything in the giveaway so you can at least buy them yourself if you’d like. 🙂
      Thank you so much once again for your sweet comments! ❤

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  23. Pingback: November Book Club Theme Announcement

  24. AW THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! I can’t wait to read it 😁😁😁Congratulations, Allison! I’ll definitely ask if I can enter the giveaway 🙂

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  32. (entering the giveaway) AND GOSH, GIRL. Of allLLLL my years of being in the Indie community, YOU make me VERY PROUD! What an astounding book–the cover, illustrations, fabulous! Congrats!

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  40. This is such an exciting and cozy post!! How delightful and satisfying it must be to see your own book in print after all that hard work! I would like to enter your giveaway if I may (see my poetry there? :P)
    I agree with you – I used to not be a huge fan of poetry, but I’ve grown in my appreciation of it and have written a few poems of my own on various late-night-inspiration occasions. Besides the book, I would be most excited to win the fairy lights or fuzzy socks 🙂 Fairy lights give off such wonderful, relaxing light, and fuzzy socks of the description you gave are just Awesome because they are like wrapping your feet in a fuzzy blanket 24/7.
    I loved your pictures for this post by the way! Especially the one of the fairy lights entwined through your hair…:)

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    1. Aww, thank you! It is very satisfying and rewarding indeed. 🙂 (HA HA, lovely poetry! XD)
      That’s wonderful! Ahhh yes, you’re quite right. Good choices. 😉
      Thank you so much – I loved that one too!

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      1. By the way, if you are needing to track comments by name, my name appears differently depending on if I am commenting on a WordPress blog or not. Apparently I am J Lodi through WordPress, but I often comment as just Julia on non-WP blogs 🙂
        I LOVE your new profile pic – so perfect for this season!!

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  43. AHHHHH!! YAYAYAY!! CONGRATULATIONS!! 😀 This is so exciting! I am so happy for you!! I am DEFINITELY entering!! These pictures are all SO PRETTY!! ❤ ❤ YAYAY!! 😀 XD

    -Laura ❤ 🙂

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      1. SIGH. Well, lucky for me I copied it ahead of time, because WP has been eating a lot of comments lately. Here you are..
        I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS POST. The pictures are BEAUTIFUL and eeeeeep I love the book so much and I’m so glad I got to help with a tiny part of it!! 😀 I absolutely love the paragraph where you said “no book, least of all mine, can change the world. But the person reading it can.” *nods happily* ❤
        I am entering the giveaway almost entirely for that playlist. XD Music while reading is my favorite, and I'm quite curious as to what songs are on it. 😛 Also those fuzzy socks look amazing. HURRAH FOR SPARK AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL POETRY! *cheers* *goes to work on my post*

        -Clara ❤

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        1. PHEW! Ugh, I know the feeling – I often copy my comments on your blog too, just in case. XD
          Thank you, THANK YOU for the wonderful comment! I’m so glad you could be a part of Spark too. ❤ Also HAHA, that's great! XD I had a lot of fun putting the playlist together. 🙂 They ARE amazing! Also THANK YOU AGAAAIN!

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  45. Your book looks so pretty, congrats on the new book! ❤ I'm 100% entering the giveaway! Whoever wins it is going to be one happy person! 🙂 I love reading your blog posts and seeing all of your pretty pictures and reading about your amazing life, you really know how to take some creative and gorgeous pictures!

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  46. YAY! I’m SO excited for you! I love writing poetry, but I’ve never published any of it in a book. I’m definitely entering the giveaway. The fairy lights look absolutely beautiful! And I’ll love to read through you poems. 🙂

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    1. EEEP THANKS. That’s so neat! Poetry is just really relaxing and enjoyable to write, in my opinion, even if you just throw it away afterward. Thank you so much for entering!

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  50. I haven’t seen your blog in so long, but it is a lovely one! Congrats on your book; it looks so pretty!!! I would like to join, I have my parent’s permission, have shared this on Pinterest, and commented on the linked posts 🙂

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