I started a new writerly tradition, and I'm wearing it now.
I have decide to buy a piece of jewelry for every book contract I get. It doesn't have to expensive; it doesn't have to be flashy; but it does have to reflect the contract's book(s) in some way - even if only I see the similarities.
I don't know when I had the idea, but it was sometime after I quit my job in New York and decided writing sounded like a pretty awesome occupation. (Well, to be honest, it always sounded like an awesome occupation, but this was when I decided sooner rather than later.) Somewhere in the midst of fantasizing about embarrassingly-praised manuscripts and author dates where young people discuss minute details of my books, I thought that I should have some way to commemorate every step of the journey.
So, I came up with the jewelry idea. I plan to wear said piece of jewelry to every author event for the book(s) associated with it.
(NOTE: I am fully aware that there are far more books published than there are publicist-planned author events. However, ceremoniously going to the bookstore on release day to see my novel on the shelf definitely counts as an author event.)
It's the thought that counts, especially when you're giving a gift to yourself.
In honor of my first book contract, I purchased this:
Please note - This is not my neck.
This is a leather lampshade that was nearby when I wanted to take a picture.
I bought it from a stationary little store in Bozeman, Montana but I'm pretty sure this talented lady makes them.
The pendant is turquoise, the little blue stones are apatite, and the grayish stone might be smoky topaz. Because I am curious, I looked them all up.
Turquoise is supposed to give good luck. It symbolizes wisdom and protection. Apatite helps creativity and communication. Smoky topaz is good for channeling a bunch of stuff to a common goal.
Bodes well, I think.
The best part was walking down the street after purchasing it with that full, joyous feeling you get when you know you've done the right thing.
I have decide to buy a piece of jewelry for every book contract I get. It doesn't have to expensive; it doesn't have to be flashy; but it does have to reflect the contract's book(s) in some way - even if only I see the similarities.
I don't know when I had the idea, but it was sometime after I quit my job in New York and decided writing sounded like a pretty awesome occupation. (Well, to be honest, it always sounded like an awesome occupation, but this was when I decided sooner rather than later.) Somewhere in the midst of fantasizing about embarrassingly-praised manuscripts and author dates where young people discuss minute details of my books, I thought that I should have some way to commemorate every step of the journey.
So, I came up with the jewelry idea. I plan to wear said piece of jewelry to every author event for the book(s) associated with it.
(NOTE: I am fully aware that there are far more books published than there are publicist-planned author events. However, ceremoniously going to the bookstore on release day to see my novel on the shelf definitely counts as an author event.)
It's the thought that counts, especially when you're giving a gift to yourself.
In honor of my first book contract, I purchased this:
Please note - This is not my neck. This is a leather lampshade that was nearby when I wanted to take a picture.
I bought it from a stationary little store in Bozeman, Montana but I'm pretty sure this talented lady makes them.
The pendant is turquoise, the little blue stones are apatite, and the grayish stone might be smoky topaz. Because I am curious, I looked them all up.
Turquoise is supposed to give good luck. It symbolizes wisdom and protection. Apatite helps creativity and communication. Smoky topaz is good for channeling a bunch of stuff to a common goal.
Bodes well, I think.
The best part was walking down the street after purchasing it with that full, joyous feeling you get when you know you've done the right thing.
