Monday, October 21, 2013

Well.... Here it is... Our New Cover!


Ms. Virginia Palmer is so talented!  I just love our new cover!  This scene is inspired from the lovely view of Mt. Pisgah as one might look out over the landscape from the side or back of the Biltmore House. Although it is not immediately as identifiable as our original cover, I think it is beautiful!  Thank you, Ms. Ginny, for being so gracious and for your outstanding work! You're the best!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

New Cover Is On The Way... Almost! :)

The wonderful folks at the Biltmore Estate graciously blessed us with permission to use their trademark image of the beautiful Biltmore House on the  original printing of "My Days with Nell."  Now that those copies are almost  gone,  it is time to redesign the cover. I certainly did not want to lose the original drawing of Nell, Lilly and Ellen Jorith looking at the home of George Vanderbilt.  I thought it was gorgeous and was the image I saw in my mind when I was writing the book. But, I have kept my word and am extremely grateful to Biltmore for their generous gesture. I met with my talented friend, Virginia Palmer, who did the original artwork for our book. I absolutely love her to pieces! She is so sweet and listened intently to make sure that she would create artwork to match my imagination.  And that's not easy! Last Friday, I saw her initial drawing and I loved it.  I'm happy to report that it should be done in a few days! As soon as it is complete, I will have it scanned and deliver it to Micki Cabaniss Eutsler at Grateful Steps Foundation, LLC.  It will take a day or so to upload our book but then it will be on the way to the printer. Our target date for the receipt of books from the second printing is Thanksgiving week. I can't wait for you all to see the new cover.  I hope you will like it!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

A DREAM COME TRUE!

Today was my birthday. . . This was my present!

My book, "My Days with Nell", was on the shelf of the Bookstore at Biltmore! I have such a deep respect and love for the "House", this was a dream come true and the answer to many prayers.  I am beyond grateful!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Grateful Steps Post

Boutique was a great setting for a 
My Days with Nell book signing














My Days with Nell ,author, Vicki Blake smiled every 
minute while signing books at Biltmore Village's William
and Grace on Saturday, October 5, 2013.  She is seen here 
with Madelaine Grace, for whom the Grace in William and 
Grace is named. Nell is Cornelia Vanderbilt. In this fictional
work, she becomes a close friend of Lilly, a girl who travels to 
Asheville for tuberculosis treatment in the early 1900s. 
A third girl joins the pair: Ellen Jorith, an  African-American 
orphan. There are almost no copies left. The multicultural 
book will be reprinted shortly. Biltmore Estate approved the 
trademark view of the front of the House for only the first 500
books. The new cover design is nearly finalized. Biltmore
Estate will be carrying the book in the estate's shops.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Another Wonderful Day! Thank you William and Grace!

     Yes... I had another wonderful day at a book signing!  This one at William and Grace Children's Boutique was special for many reasons.  Of course, Brenda and Thea, owners of this lovely place, were precious as usual.  They are so warm, welcoming and hospitable.  They met every need I could have possibly had and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and "at home."
     On top of that, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Thea's daughter, Madeline Grace, who is just the most adorable young lady. She is social beyond her years and is intelligent and beautiful.  We talked about the writing process and she shared with me that she too had written a book.  I would love to read it someday.... I hope I can! I was honored to view her VIP fashion show of beautiful dresses, one of which she may wear to an upcoming special event in her life.(I still like the black velvet one ;) , but honestly the girl could not look bad in any dress... she is gorgeous!)
      I also had the privilege of having my publisher, Micki Cabaniss Eutsler, attend this event.  She is such a treasure! Such an ultimate professional and so kind! She has supported me throughout this entire publishing endeavor with patience, love and respect.  I appreciate her so much!
     And if all this wasn't enough to bring a smile to my face, I met some of the nicest people today!  A special lady from Minnesota spent time with me asking questions, and sharing her love of the Biltmore House.  I loved visiting with Jean, she is such a nice lady. There were many others, which unfortunately I failed to catch their names, that came by to chat or have me sign their books.
     Well, like I said in the title of this post, it was another wonderful day!  I have been so blessed to be able to share my book with such kind and generous folks that share my passion for the Biltmore Estate. I have loved every minute of it!


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Book Signing at William and Grace

I am honored and excited to have an upcoming book signing at  William and Grace Timeless Children's Clothing Boutique in Historic Biltmore Village.  Saturday, October 5, 2013, at 1:00 pm, is the date and time.  If you are looking for unique and classic clothing for your little ones. . . look no further.  Brenda and Thea are the wonderful owners of this store and they are the nicest folks you would ever want to meet. I would love to have the opportunity to meet you and share my book,  "My Days with Nell " with you.  Come shop in  the village and be sure to stop in William and Grace ... hope to see you Saturday! :)