September 1, 2008

Kay Mackenzie

This is me. I’ m quite happy with this photo and plan to use it for the next 40 years at least. My eyes are open, and I don’t have that slightly crazed look that I do in most pictures. The reason for the success in taming my wayward face is that this photo was taken by Most Fantastic Photographer Gregory Case with his partner Elena Morera.

Gregory is renowned in the quilt world for his fabulous quilt photos. He did the photography for my last two books. He also does people, so when I needed a professional shot, I begged him to squeeze me in.

Getting a picture of myself is usually an agonizing, tortuous process, replete with much cursing, but this time it was almost pleasant. I felt like a rock star! Elena advised me on hair, wardrobe, and makeup. They sat me on a stool and adjusted the big lights, told me to turn my knees this way, my head that way, tilt it a little bit, a little more, and Elena kept darting in to tug my blouse into position. We tried different positions and camera angles, and kept going until we got one we were all happy with. (The joys of digital photography.)

And why did I need a really good professional picture of my mug? Okay, here goes. Deep breath… I’m doing a book for Martingale & Company / That Patchwork Place! I needed an author photo to go in the back of the book.

I can hardly believe that I’m writing this as fact, and you’re hearing it here first. My book is called Easy Appliqué Blocks: 50 Designs in 5 Sizes, and it’s due out in March 2009.

As you may know, I’ve published little books for quilters myself. Ever since I began my career as a designer and writer, I also had the goal of being traditionally published. I’m so excited that this flip-side goal is coming true!

This is the first of a series of articles on my experience, from concept to print. If you’ve been thinking of writing a book yourself, you may find the series of interest to you. Stay tuned!

Until next time,
Kay
Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs

Comments

12 Responses to “A journey to a book ~ Part 1”

  1. Brenda Mercado on September 1st, 2008 1:40 pm

    WOW! That’s so exciting! I’m thrilled for you…and will stay tuned to your adventures as you start this new journey. I’m doing a little happy dance for you! B=)

  2. admin on September 1st, 2008 1:45 pm

    Brenda, thank you!!! I’m joining you in the happy dance right now. Mine looks like jumping up and down and doing the twist at the same time. :)

    Kay

  3. Lindi on September 1st, 2008 7:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing your photo and congratulations on your book. I look forward to seeing it.

  4. Susan Brubaker Knapp on September 2nd, 2008 6:14 am

    Oh, Kay, Congratulations! What a thrill. And thanks for sharing your experience with us. I will enjoy hearing about what you are doing… I’d love to write a book! Susan

    P.S. Your photo is fab!

  5. annie smith on September 2nd, 2008 7:41 am

    Congratulations on your new book, Kay!! I know it will be a big hit.
    Also, congrats on getting THE perfect photo. It just couldn’t be better. Gregory and Elena are wizards, aren’t they? ; )

  6. Beth, of Lizzie B on September 2nd, 2008 9:08 am

    Wow, Kay…. that is so great! (wonderful photo, by the way… I agree with Annie!)
    I am so excited that you are sharing your book adventures with all of us out here. Liz and I have embarked on that task as well (we are working with Kansas City Star) and it is daunting to say the least! It will be less scary to hear that you have survived it first. ( But oh crap—we will have to get photos taken??!! Gregory, Elena…. please work your magic here too!!) So glad you are another applique fanatic…..yippee!! Can’t wait to buy your book!!

  7. admin on September 2nd, 2008 9:28 am

    Lindi, Susan, Annie, and Beth… you are the best! I so appreciate all your kind words and support.

    Beth, I love your energy. Yes, so far I have survived, and not only that, I have loved the guts out of the whole thing! You and Liz will tear it up with the Kansas City Star. Big congratulations on that! And yes, start bracing yourself for that photo “issue.”

    Kay

  8. Cathy on September 2nd, 2008 1:14 pm

    Congratulations, Kay, and that is one gorgeous picture. Can I use it for the next forty years, too!?? (LOL!) Hugs!
    Cathy

  9. Susan Marth on September 2nd, 2008 5:27 pm

    Congratulations Kay! I too think your photo is very nice. Good luck with your book.

  10. Dawn on September 4th, 2008 7:45 am

    Congrats on your journey. How exciting!

  11. Maria Peagler on September 5th, 2008 9:28 am

    Kay –

    So exciting to see the book coming to fruition! It’s so gratifying to see a fellow author basking in the joy of a new title. I’m delighted to see the progress on your applique book.

    And what a luxury to have Gregory close enough to have him snap an author shot! I’m totally envious.

  12. admin on September 5th, 2008 12:28 pm

    Cathy, Susan, Dawn, and Maria, thank you so much!

    For those of you who don’t know Maria yet, she lives in Georgia and has to ship her quilts across the country to have Gregory photograph them. Maria has a fabulous book coming out a month before mine… next February, hold onto your hats for “Color Mastery” by Maria Peagler!

    Kay