Artwork by Amanda Evanston
Hello, and happy Friday! We made it! Again!
Okay, you know how I am… I set out to write something quick and snappy, but inevitably, I have more words and feelings than I even knew. My fingers struggle to keep up with my brain. Before I know it, I’ve typed over a thousand words and I fear no one will muddle through them.
First and foremost: thank you for muddling through. I wish I knew more about who *you* are and why you’re here. (Tell me!) But what I do know is that you’re more than willing to journey with me, even when I take the scenic route.
Today will be a bit of a reprieve. (This is, in fact, a week of jubilee!)
This email marks the official start of the official launch for Start with Hello (and Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors) It’s all very official!
As I’ve promised, you’ll always be the first to know.
Start with Hello releases on October 11. Six skinny little weeks from now!
You might be thinking, “But you’ve already told us this, Shannan…” And you would be correct. But! It’s a lot more fun starting TODAY because I get to share the bonus freebies just with you.
A quick pinch of backstory, for the curious:
Pre-order bonuses are basically enticements to reserve your copy early because pre-orders are THE BIGGEST DEAL. They show retailers (of all stripes and sizes) how much stock to have on hand and avoid running out. They also create buzz, by showing that people are excited about the book. After two years of writing/editing/publishing this book, I want to do all I can to help my book make its way into the world and truly flourish. Your pre-order helps make that happen!
What you’ll get when you pre-order SwH:
Exclusive access to two videos highlighting my ordinary life in a couple of my favorite places around town. (Hints: soup + tea!) Cory recorded all of the video himself, and I loved working with him. (This is the biggest bonus I’ve ever done but it’s still homespun.) The instant you pre-order and fill out the quick form, you’ll receive the videos. You’ll be the first to watch…moments from now!
Free artwork download from Amanda Evanston, created only for Start with Hello pre-orderers. (Shown at the top of this email!) Amanda’s art is among my favorites. The slight chaos of her florals speaks straight to my heart. It’s colorful, joyful, and layered. Just like life. I’m having mine printed on a giant canvas as I speak. You can also print it smaller, use it for your laptop or phone wallpaper/lock screen, wrap it up as a Christmas gift for someone you love. It’s yours to do whatever you please.
Free audiobook of SwH at release. Okay, THIS IS BIG. When Falling Free came out, some 6 years ago, I “auditioned” to record the audiobook. They turned me down. (insert cry laugh emoji heeeeere) For Ordinary Places, they didn’t even extend the offer. Is it my Midwestern twang? My surprisingly low register? My lifelong sinus issues? We will never know. All that matters is that in the year of our Lord, 2022, I’m recording the audio for Start with Hello. I’m ECSTATIC. This is a bonus you wont receive until launch day, but it’s a v v v big deal that they’re offering this for free! It’s the best kind of BOGO.
“It’s not unrealistic to want the easier connection of childhood in the thick of adulthood.” - Start with Hello
“No one teaches us that community has to be built with our hands and our tender hears and our precious time. No one breaks it all the way down. No one gives us the tools. From the outside looking in, it can seem like community just happens for the lucky few. It’s easy to assume we’re the ones getting it wrong.” - Start with Hello
Fine print: When you pre-order, you don’t pay until the book ships. You’re literally reserving your copy ahead of time. The awesome news is, it will arrive at your door on October 11 (release day) and by then, you’ll probably have sort of forgotten that you ordered it and you’ll be like…a gift? Who loves me????
If you plan to buy Start with Hello (I think you’ll love it!) please consider pre-ordering today! You can choose your retailer when you tap on the green box:
If you’re as excited about these freebies as I am, I’d be thrilled if you helped spread the word. (I’ll be talking about it on social media next week, but I don’t mind at all if you beat me to it!)
“Living in close connection with other humans has made my life brighter, weirder, and better.” - Start with Hello
I am so excited to put this book in your hands. Thank you for being here with me along the way.
This email ended up being a little longer than I expected.
Happy last Friday of August! Thank you for being my online neighbors. Hope the weekend is so good to you.
Love,
Shannan
I should have clarified: you can pre-order from any retailer at any time in order to receive the bonuses. If you pre-ordered previously, dig out your number and enter it on the pre-order page! (Scroll down a bit.) If you have any trouble at all reply to my email and I'll help you out. 💚
We cannot wait to hear you read this to us. I’m speaking for all soup eaters everywhere. Cheering you on forever and ever. x