One of the projects I assigned myself this past year was to create a book with some of my images as a Christmas present to give my children, my two sisters and my parents. I waited until November to finish it like a good procrastinator would do. But, it is done and everyone seemed to enjoy it. After finishing it I had one shipped to me then made a couple of edits to the final version. I used blurb after I purchased and reviewed a couple of books, one by Faye White and one by Graham. I was pleased with what I saw.
As with a lot of projects they seem to move in directions we do not expect. My intentions were to make a small book with 24 of my blog posts, wording on one page and the image on the opposite. However, I found myself gravitating towards some of my black and white images and giving them simple titles. Here is a link to the pdf preview if anyone wants to check it out. Again, any feedback is welcome.
PS: I just found out my mother will have triple by-pass surgery this morning at 8:00 am. Any form of prayer or thought would be appreciated. Thanks!
18 Comments
QPB (Mary Ann)
Monte, very cool that you did this–inspires me, I’ve also wanted to do this (but am also a procrastinator).
Regarding your mother, an abundance of prayers for her and for your family. Keep us posted. Mary Ann
Monte Stevens
Thanks for the prayers, Mary Ann. I found the blurb software quite simple to use and flexible enough to meet all my needs. I was worried about the quality of the images but found them to be adequate for my needs. I urge you to try it. I’m thinking of the wonderful imagery around your home would make a neat book.
Earl
Monte, beautiful book…I ordered a copy of it this morning. Soon you shall reside on my coffee table.
An abundance of prayers for your Mother and the whole family. As Mary Ann stated, keep us posted.
Monte Stevens
Thanks for the prayers and hope you like the book. Let me know what you think of the quality of the printing.
Ken
Awesome book, Monte. I will also offer a prayer for your mom.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Ken, and appreciate it.
Anita Jesse
I will keep your dear mother in my prayers. May her recovery be brief and as as comfortable as possible. Yes, please do keep us up to date on her progress.
Your book is outstanding. Congratulations. What a wonderful christmas gift! I know your family members must have been delighted.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Anita , and I will keep you all posted on her progress.
pj
I looked through the preview and it’s beautiful work Monte. It’s a project you can take great pride in. I hope it’s available for awhile — I’d love to order one in the near future, as soon as I can swing it. It’s a book I’d be proud to have on my bookshelf, right there alongside Weston and Adams.
And yes, my thoughts are with you. May all go well.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Paul and it would be nice to see people enjoy it. I just talked to my sister a couple of hours ago and mom is out of surgery and will be in ICU for a couple of days. She seems to be doing just fine.
Mark
Congratulations! I like the images you chose for the book. Seemingly everyday objects turned into thought-provoking imagery. I am curious at what you think of the print quality of the blurb books.
I see that surgery with your mother went OK. I hope she has a quick and healthy recovery.
Monte Stevens
I think blurb uses more than one printer so that can sure put a twist to the quality. After I finished the book I ordered one for my analysis.. I had also ordered two other books so I had three to evaluate. For my purposes they work just fine but they are not going to be the quality needed for selling in other venues. I actually think they could be used as a portfolio you could just give away to clients. For me it was a cool experience to hold a book in my hands with my images, a feeling of accomplishment. 🙂
Hope to find out more about my mother later on today. I’m sure it will be good news. Thanks for your concern, Mark.
Paul
Fantastic book, Monte. Kind of sorry to hear about the print quality, but I guess POD has a ways to go. I would guess, also, that Blurb does the old “Least cost provider” routine to make books. At any rate, the photos were thought provoking.
Monte Stevens
Actually, I am quite pleased with the print quality, especially for a softcover book. Blurb does mention they use a couple of printers so I assume you get what you pay for. I will use them again. Have a super day, my friend! By the way, how’s the job hunting going?
Chris Klug
My prayers for your mom and congrats on your book!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Chris. My mother is doing well and expected to go home today.
Ove
How wonderful! Congratulations on you indeed lovely book!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Ove. It really was different to hold that small softcover book in my hand than a matted and framed print or posting an image on a website. I recommend anyone try it.