At last I have a front and back cover to show you! The dimensions are 5.5 x 8.5. (I thought that would be a great size to carry around with you.)
I’m adding some pictures inside and as close as I can tell at this writing the book will be about 270 pages. It should be very easy reading, however. I’ve broken it down into bite-sized pieces.
Barring any unforeseen problems, I might be able to get this to the printers by the first week in February. At least I hope so!
Let me know how you like the cover. You know I value your input.
BACK COVER:
Copyright by Theresa Martz 2014. All Rights Reserved.
WOW Theresa, This is just a beautiful and attractive cover. I love seeing you out in your garden – putting into practice what you write about inside the cover. No desk-gardening in this book!!!!
I also love that we get to visualize you in your garden as we read. I can NOT WAIT to get my mitts (or should I say gardening gloves) on this book. A+++
I love it!
Just knowing that this isn’t just a styled photo shoot , but your beautiful garden, makes it just perfect.
The photographs are stunning.
The kind of garden we all want.
Beautifully lush and abundant… Can’t wait!
Theresa, the covers are so attractive! Your garden is beautiful, and you make it look so easy. Sign me up for a copy; it can’t arrive soon enough. Best regards.
I love the photos – they make me think “hey, I can do this too”! I am particularly a fan of photos, it gives me inspiration to SEE how other people are making this work. At 5.5 x 8.5, this is the kind of book I would want to take out to the garden WITH me – are you having it hard bound or ring bound (seriously, I take these things out to the garden, turn to the section I am referring to, and make it work in my world).
I did find I had to look twice to see your name fully (the white type over the photo) – maybe that’s a good thing since the focus is the garden!
It is gorgeous! Congratulations!
Love it!
Wonderful, I agree with the previous comments. I can’t wait to get your book.
LOOKS GOOD AND FITTING FOR THE GARDENING ADVICE YOU HAVE TO GIVE
THANKS AND HAPPY GARDENING
RAY KENT
Theresa,
Amazing! I always have thought you should write a book or two or three! Congratulations!
Is there a way to pre-order?
The covers are both beautiful…and show exactly what can be done with good practices.
So happy for you.
Gail
Amazing! I’m so glad you will be able to share more of your gardening wisdom with old and new readers alike. Congratulations!
What else can I say?? I totally agree with Sandra and Betty 🙂
Beautiful photos of an amazingly beautiful garden! I too can’t wait to get my hands on the book! We are starting to plan this coming year and are getting super excited!
I LOVE IT! It’s just like standing in your garden! I just love it!!!
I absolutely love the cover photos. And your personal message on the back cover is so inviting! Who wouldn’t want this book?
I agree with everything everyone has to say, Theresa.
The only thing better would be my being in your garden with you…I can dream, can’t I?
Here at the end, getting the book ready for the printers has turned into an almost insurmountable task. But with all this support it’s much easier to go forward and complete the “mission”. I am overwhelmed with feelings of appreciation for you! Thank you so much for this encouragement.
I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a special thank you to my dear friend and reader, Sandra, for all the great support and ideas she gave me when I first decided to write the book early in 2013. I bounced so many ideas by her and she helped me to see what the first book REALLY needed to be about. Her support and encouragement continued through the year while I was writing the book.
Keep in mind she has 3 young kids to tend and all her other duties, but she still took time to help me and I know the book would not have been as good without her. I even created a file with all her ideas in it, in order that I could review them from time to time to make sure I didn’t miss any of her great suggestions. So even though my name is on the book, readers can thank Sandra for showing me (in many instances) what’s really important to gardeners.
When it comes to gardening, there’s always a lot to discuss. Hopefully, I’ll have a long life and write other books. But if I only have one shot at helping others, I’m pleased with what’s presented in this book. It’s very basic, very easy, and is what every gardener can use to be more successful. And yes, I realize the world has different soils and everyone has a slightly different situation. Nonetheless, if you apply the basic principles set forth in the book, you will definitely see an improvement. The main key to everyone’s success is in the soil. And that’s a fact!
Betty, you’re right! It definitely was not a styled photo shoot. Bill knows I don’t like my picture taken but snaps photos while I’m in the garden from time to time. I guess it’s a good thing, because readers who don’t know me well, like you guys, need to know I’m real.
Suzanne, the May garden is my favorite. Lush and abundant. As drought sets in each year, it’s still abundant but not as lush and pristine as the May garden. But, it feeds us anyway!
Susan, it IS easy! All you have to do is go forward each day and do something towards your goal in the garden and follow my 3 steps to success. I sure hope to have one in your hands by March 1st. Am keeping my fingers crossed. 🙂
Kate! WELCOME TO TMG! I’m delighted to have you join us and appreciate your commenting. The reason I chose 5.5 x 8.5 was so it would be easy to carry — to the garden or wherever you want to take it. The book will be a paperback, but will have a laminated cover to better protect it.
Toni Brock emailed me and also mentioned having a bit of difficulty seeing my name (the white type over the photo), but I think all will be fine when you have the book in hand. Besides, it’s the contents that will be important to the reader rather than my name.
Monica C and Susan — Thank you for your encouragement! So glad you like it!
Sure good to hear from you Danita. It’s been a while and I missed you. I’m anxious too for you to have your book to start the season. Hopefully, it won’t be long.
Ray, your comment made me know that I accomplished with the cover what I set out to do. I wanted it to be “fitting” for the gardening advice I give. Thanks for letting me know.
Gail, thank you for your vote of confidence! Soon I will present a way for anyone who wants to pre-order to order. I have a few more tasks to accomplish before that’s possible, but it won’t be long. Glad you like the covers. Out of all the photos that Bill has taken over a 4 year period there were only 4 that were considered for the covers. I wanted to show what was in the book and as you said: “what can be done with good practices.”
Lisa, I too will be glad if I can share these easy keys to success with more gardeners. There is soooo much misinformation out there and a lot of overwhelm. Too bad, especially when it’s so easy.
Thank you Cynthia!
Stephanie, I’ll have this book in your hands as soon as I possibly can! So glad to hear you are super excited about this coming growing season. I want to, through this book, be right there with you every step of the way! (And if you need addition help, you know you can email me.)
Beafootmama – THANK YOU! Since you’ve been in my garden in May — that is a wonderful compliment!
Pat, your comment really meant a lot. I only had a small space to present a hopefully powerful message. I can help gardeners be successful, but not everyone will choose to allow me to help. You made me think that maybe my message will help folks make the right decision and get started on the journey towards success.
One more thing. Long-time reader and friend, Beppy, sent me an email. She said,
“I think the picture of you gardening in a skirt/dress will encourage some women who might not otherwise think they can do it.
Looking forward to the book.”
I thought that was a significant comment, because I think many think you have to wear pants to garden, but I’m certainly living proof that’s not true. I realize however there are times you’d be better off with pants, like if you have problems with ticks for an example.
Sharon, what a lovely thing to say! I sure think of you when I’m in my garden, so in a way — I’m with you as you garden and you’re with me. This book will make it more so!
I appreciate your comments so much. Keeps me on track. I always welcome any input you choose to offer!
Theresa
I forgot to mention: Betty (Dotson) was searching the archives and left a comment on the post https://tendingmygarden.com/planting-perennials-is-bigger-better/
There is such good information in that post. So you may want to review it when you have a minute. It can also apply to vegetables even though most are annuals. With new plants — bigger is NOT better. Small, strong and healthy IS better!
Theresa
All the others said just what I would say, only better. I agree with Sharon, a walk through your garden and around you beautiful yard, I would say, would be a pleasant and calming experience. Here’s wishing smooth sailing on the final steps on your “mission”.
Thank you Beverly!
Two thumbs up!!!!
So happy to know that you are in the home stretch now!
Eagerly looking forward to getting my copy.
Thank you Aparna! I added some pictures to the book today. It’s coming!
Your book looks very good. Having published numerous books myself, I know how excited you are at the moment. Your husband has probably been a great support. Best wishes
Thanks Millard.
And yes, Bill has always been a great support in any undertaking since we’ve been married. (50 years this year)
Thanks for your best wishes. Sure appreciate it.
Theresa