In my first book, Freely and Lightly, I shared my story of how learning to trust in who God is and who He says we are results in the true rest and peace we’re all in search of. It has been met with such a kind response and – even better! – so many of you have shared the ways my vulnerable words have made you feel seen and understood and encouraged to take a deep breath and continue on asking questions, finding answers, and resting in God’s goodness and love for you.
I’m so excited to tell you about my newest book, a lovely little companion to F&L, called Living Freely and Lightly.
Living Freely and Lightly guides you through each step of your identity journey with thoughtful questions that gently challenge, prayers to start a conversation, scripture verses to encourage, and plenty of space to reflect and process as you go deeper and invite Jesus’ transforming power to work in you. My desire in creating this journal was to find a way to take you through the same process I went through, made especially for those of you who do not naturally do this on your own.
I look forward to sharing much more with you about the journal … but today, let’s talk about the cute cover!
the cover
Since I am definitely a person who judges a book by its cover, I think it’s fun to share with you all the behind-the-scenes of designing one.
(You can read about the cover of Freely and Lightly here. And the cover of Twirl here.)
After we had our title, but before the journal was actually written, we began brainstorming ideas for the cover. My publishing company is so kind to ask about my wishes for the cover and allow me to give my opinion and make suggestions along the way. I’m truly so grateful.
The designer then came up with a few initial designs:
Loved the linen, loved the simplicity, but they didn’t totally feel like a companion to the book … so we kept going.
Here was round two:
It was helpful to see the designs next to the book to see how they coordinated.
There will be an o-wrap (maybe that’s what it’s called?! Or a belly band?!) anyway, there will be a piece of paper that wraps the journal to hold all of the bookstore details. It will be removed once you start using it, so we wanted the journal to be great both with the wrap and without. All three designs totally work (I actually really love the peacock blue one), but it felt like pulling inspiration from the end sheets of F&L (seen here) felt the most special. And maybe most eye-catching, which is always good for those book-cover-judgers like me.
After tweaking the artwork arrangement and adjusting the color of the wrap, here’s where we landed:
Isn’t it wonderful?! I love all the artwork. And love the tiny stretch of stripes as a nod to the book.
The final cover will be printed on linen book cloth which makes me so happy (I really love how it makes it feel so special!) and there will be ribbon bookmark (because a ribbon bookmark also makes it feel special!).
We’ll definitely be talking much more about this journal (can’t wait to show you the inside pages!) as well as special gifts you’ll get when you preorder. Details to come!
Didn’t see this journal coming but so excited to purchase it when it’s finished. I loved the book and have given it as a gift to friends. It spoke deeply to my heart and I’m sure the companion journal will be an amazing addition to my time with the Lord each morning.
So, so lovely! I cannot wait!
Yay!!! I am so excited about this! Both for you, but also for me! I am going through your book slowly, like maybe 4 chapters a week and I am loving it! This book will be a great next step!
That means so much to me Lindsey! I think you’ll love the journal. xo
Emily, this is the prettiest journal I ever did see!
I’m happily featuring you on A February Bookbag –
http://www.lindastoll.net/2022/02/a-february-bookbag.html
Bless you!
Thank you so much Linda for sharing!
I love love seeing your process! I love design and so what a treat it is to see the behind the scenes! Thanks! But right when I saw that cover, it was so right, Bc we all loved those end papers so so much! I cannot wait to see it in person!
Thank you Stacy! I think so too 🙂
I’m so excited! I loved the book and have gone to it again and again as well as my verse card a month. I think what you picked is perfect!!!!
Emily! I’ve been waiting for this journal companion since F&L was released. Excited to hold a copy in my hands when it’s available! It will be great to re-read F&L and journal along.
I love the cover
I truly love the cover design and can’t wait to pre-order this journal! Perfection!
Thanks, I enjoyed the peek behind the cover design.
I ordered both Twirl and Freely and Lightly. I look forward to their arrival today. I didn’t see the journal but will be looking for it now. Thanks again!
I enjoy the book “Freely and Lightly”. It highlights the beauty of Gods truth in all moments we sometimes seem to not see or don’t want to see. I thoroughly enjoyed the watercolor artwork which support the books theme.
Hope another book is coming soon!