I did it! It’s real. I have been working on this sexy beast for five years!
Y’all I have never worked harder or longer on anything in my entire life. It was so important to me to create a rich, comprehensive, and fun resource for all creatives who want to use their time and talents in service to creating a more just and beautiful world - or just stave off the apocalypse.
I am THRILLED with the end result of the tremendous amount of labor that went into this book. The tools in Let’s Move the Needle will meet you where you are at and support you in leveling up your work as a change-maker. It is basically everything I know in one handy spot!
That’s right, for under $20 you can have my entire brain and a bunch of my art…because you know I filled it with amusing and entertaining things to look at too! I feel like that’s a good deal. ; )
The publication date is October 1st but you can - and should - pre-order now. Did you know that all pre-orders count towards your first week of sales? And that an author’s first week of sales determines all sorts of things related to the financial success of the book? Pre-orders also indicate to retailers which books they should carry. Now you know. So do me a solid and pre-order today?!
You can order it from your favorite local bookstore or any online retailer. Here are the links the major ones to make things easier.
Also, you know how much I love our libraries. My goal is one book in every library in the US. Would you request that your library carry a copy? I want this to be accessible to as many people as possible. Most libraries have online request forms so you don’t even have to leave your couch!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE.
When you pre-order, screenshot your receipt and head to my website. I will reward you handsomely with this exclusive embroidery pattern and all the tutorials that go along with it. This is one of the chapter titles from book and it’s all about having fun getting uncomfortable.
Just upload your receipt and I will send you the digital files the following Friday.
https://www.badasscrossstitch.com/howiroll-1
The Book Tour
The other VERY exciting part of this adventure is that I get to go on a book tour! We (the publishers and I) are starting to plan the tour now. So far, I know I will be in New England, maybe New York, and several spots in California. But obviously, I want to go everywhere and I definitely want to go where I am wanted. I need to hear from you!
Where should I be heading? Do you have connections to make these things a reality? Would you show up? Spill the tea! You know I love to travel. I’ll happily go anywhere (again)!
I already have two local pride groups in Massachusetts who reached out to co-host events - which fills my queer heart with joy. Several bookstores, craft shops, and libraries have reached out to plan events. Let’s make it a year-long party?!
Also, the idea of planning events that aren’t just book talks is exciting to me. Let’s plan a community art initiative or intervention, a hands-on workshop, or a crafty fundraiser for your org. I want to think outside the traditional book event box.
OF COURSE I am kicking the tour off in Chicago. There will be several events and I will keep you informed as details emerge but I need you to SAVE THE DATE for the monster party I’m throwing for us.
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 5-10pm
Location: Workshop 4200
There will be two dozen art activists from across the country showcasing their work and getting you involved. There will be live music, performances, an EPIC quilt raffle, and so much more. It is going to feel like you just stepped inside my book!
The party will be a pay-what-you-can donation entry with all funds going to support the work of the Chicago Freedom School.
I will be debuting a new piece of art that I’ve been working on for two years as well as signing books and dispensing endless hugs. Obvi.
I really hope you can be there!!!
APRIL EVENTS
I have been absolute garbage at promoting this month’s events because I’ve been drowning in book stuff. As a result, I have LOTS of spots in this Saturday’s Intro to Embroidery workshop on Zoom. It’s pay-what-you-can and loads of fun. You will learn everything you need to know to be a badass stitcher in just 1.5 hours. Register here:
Intro to Embroidery // April 13 // 2pm - 3:30pm CT
Meditative Mantras with Chai Wolfman // April 14 // 2pm - 3:30pm CT
One of my favorite art activists and humans, Chai Wolfman, will be leading the Patreon community in a meditative mantras workshop. Using a meditative process, we’ll create a watercolor atmosphere for a stitched mantra of your choice.
Maybe this is a good time to revisit your word of the year. Maybe you have a daily intention practice. Or maybe you have no idea what word to use, but the group will inspire you.
We will use a few simple watercolor techniques to create different blends and marks as a background. Then with needle and thread we’ll stitch our words into the painting. No experience needed! This is a calming activity that ends with a beautiful and meaningful piece of art.
All you have to do is join the Patreon community (for as little as $1/month) and you can join in this workshop. Plus, you will have access to all past workshops and embroidery tutorials. It’s a lot for a little. Join here.
Holy shit! That is a lot of exciting things and I am literally exhausted from being so excited. I am going to go do a 10-minute meditation to calm my ass down before I explode from so much joy. I am profoundly grateful for you all. Thank you for being a supporter and friend. I can’t wait to see you in real life, sign your book, stir up some good trouble, and squeeze you (only with consent).
Much Love, Shannon