Help with Sfts branding

Below are a selection of covers for the Leeds book that we are working on. The design would then provide a template for other towns and cities. Would genuinly love any comments from you guys. We really need help in getting this right even though we are some months away from going to print.

We are told that it is cover design that sells books, more than the content!…………..so

Which do you like the most?

Is this a cover design that would stand out to you were you to see one of these in your local bookshop?

Is it easy on the eyes and were your own town or city featured on it how would that make you feel?

Just post your comments below. Huge thanks

Design 1. The type of shot that you would find on most housing estates in the UK

 

 

Design 2 A variation of the above

 

 

Design 3. An iconic site in Leeds; one that nearly everyone in the city would recognise. Is this important to grab peoples attention?

 

 

Design 4 The canal side in Leeds

 

 

So again, if you have a  comment then put them below. We are not looking for anything clever, simply which ones you like,  even if you dont like any of them! Many thanks

So who holds your story?

Today I spent a few hours building some of those Ikea cupboards. You know, the one’s that if you don’t get it exactly right then you live to regret it a few hours later.

Just beginning to transfer stuff across now from one unit to another, and came across two boxes; one belonging to my Chinese adopted daughter Zhen, and another to my other adopted daughter Zhou. Each of them contains some of the most precious items to their story; I’m looking at some of them now.

 

The first pair of shoes they wore.

Clothes from the Social Institute that they spent the first months of their lives in.

Photographs of the moment they were given to Kathy and I.

A plastic bag, with Chinese writing on the side and other items too special to mention right here and now.

A massive part of their story…………..held in two boxes.

When many years ago I used to work in residential care many a young child or teenager would come through the door clutching a similar box. Disconnected from so much that most would call normal, a few possessions become prize mementos of a time in danger of being lost; their story,  held in a box.

I could never be a Buddhist. Too much of a chuffer for all that peace and so on. However I do like this quote I picked up the other day, from a Buddhist teacher called Perma Chodron.

“Being known is critical to our well being. Having our stories held and told by others gives us a sense of place in the world, a sense of belonging……..the good ground.”

Having our stories held and told………………At this moment Kathy and I are custodians of Zhen and Zhou’s story. We are holding part of their stories………..in two boxes.

So who is holding your story today?

Good question isn’t it. I’m chewing on it right now.

Making words work

These last days I have been getting to know someone called Elly. I have yet to meet her, but I feel that I know her already having had the privilege to read some of her poetry. She really makes the words work.

Over the years Elly has used writing and art as a therapy for herself and others who have no voice in a variety of settings, both home and abroad.From hospitals to war torn Beslan, street girls in Nepal to women’s groups in Porstmouth the creative arts have been a lifeline restoring hope.

Take a look. You might, lke myself, be a complete novice when it comes to poetry. Elly makes it so accessible. Click on any of the links below and if you want to have a go, then just log in and start to write.

 

Stroke

A shocking but sensitive portrayal of life for so many

Sleep

Take your sleep for granted? Read this shortest of poems

Grace

Just let this one wash over you.

An invitation to live

Nothing more needs to be said. The words explode off the page

The Kite

Elly fully expresses something of her belief….and flies high as a kite!

One last thing; I just have to mention Susan Boyle. “A new kind of celebrity” is how the ITN described her last night, as she awaits the final of Britain’s Got Talent. Ordinary, a bit silly, not good looking but with genuine talent………An interesting “post Jade Goody” shift?

We will see.

 

Stories through the words of the poet

I have never really been into poetry. Probably because I have lived a lot of my life in a  rush; never giving enough time for reflection. For pondering and chewing on the richness of words. On how they can be made to tumble off the tongue, cascading like……well I will let you add in the next line of poetry!

I feel very honoured to be trusted with the growing number of poems that are being added into the web site.

Take a look at any of the below, or go straight to the poetry section. If you like what you read then you can very simply click on the sharethis button beneath each poem and circulate round your social networking site, like facebook or Twitter.

Some great stuff; all practising poets. All exploring the wonder of words

Two poems from the Underground by Elly

Grand Central by Shazza

Where is home? Anon

Starbucks by Tiffy Allen

Invitation to live by Elly

Btw Any of you fottball fans who remember Danny Wallace; ex Man Utd player. Very moving video of his battle against MS if you click here Also an equally moving story of Phil Neville’s daughter, and her journey through cerebral palsy. Strange isn’t it……….I have never liked the Neville brothers. Bit of a stupid thing to say really cos I’ve never met them. Suppose I just didn’t like the image of them that comes over on the football field.

Suddenly my heart softens when I hear something of their story.

That’s what true life stories do.

Was contacted today by someone who had read one of the stories on the website of childhood abuse. It rang bells for her and wanted to write to the author. Thought it might help her in her own journey.

Stories build bridges and cut through the crap.

The universe is made of stories not atoms

Think about it………………..it is you know. Nothing else worth having.

To read some of the stories that have come through to the web site over the last days click on the links on the left hand column. Some great stuff.