We take a break from our regular programming today to ask a favor. Faithful readers of this blog will remember that on the post of 2/12, The Best Way to Learn French, I announced I was writing a short, fun book on language learning, entitled How to Learn a New Language with a Used Brain. Now, a year later, enfin (finally!) I am close to getting the book out. Who knew that writing/editing/designing/publishing a book could take so long? Well, now I know. (Mostly it’s just the learning curve. The next one will be du gâteau, as they say, a piece of cake).
In case you missed it, the book will not be just about learning French, but about learning any foreign language. It starts with the why’s of learning a language and then progresses to a full program that you can follow. There is a chapter that reviews and rates many of the language learning tools that are available on-line, at your bookstore, or in your community. There’s a chapter just for expats. Most importantly, there’s a chapter written by YOU, Dear Readers, with all of your personal tips for learning a language. The book is meant to be upbeat and fun, to get you started on your new language, or to keep you going if you’re deep into languge study.
So now the fun part: choosing a cover! And for that too, I’d love some input from you. I asked Damon of Damonza's Awesome Book Covers to design a cover for me and I think he did a super job (and if you’re shopping for book covers or trailers, he's your man). Here are the two final choices:
If you’d like to cast a vote or give feedback, please do, I’d love to hear it. Send your vote to lynn.mcbride@southernfriedfrench.com. Vote for Monsieur le Flower Pot, or the Langauge Balloon. Sorry I won’t be able to answer your emails personally, but I’ll be counting those votes.
A huge, grand MERCI to everyone, and watch this space for the big release, someday soon!
To thank you for your help, we need a special recipe. We’re on the Côte d’Azur this week, and we lunched at the legendary African Queen, on the port at Beaulieu-sur-mer, where I ordered “L’African Cocktail”. It was served up pretty in a big stemmed glass . Although that whole ‘shrimp on top with it’s eyes bugging out' thing was a bit disturbing. But that’s typical French.
RECIPE: L’African Cocktail
This is easy to serve on lettuce for a nice spring lunch, or it's a knock-out starter for company:
Mix together fresh shrimp (peeled, boiled, and chopped), chopped avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh pineapple cut into cubes, and minced parsley.
For the dressing: they dressed it, with a very light touch, in a remoulade sauce. Here’s my quick way to make that: Put ¼ cup of mayo in a bowl and mix in a tablespoon of chile sauce, or to taste (ketchup will do in a pinch). Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar. Stir well until sugar is dissolved.
Toss with shrimp mixture and enjoy.
In the COMMENTS: Suzanne, I will pass along your wish. Sylvia and Frank, thanks for the translation correction. Sandy, I don't know the chapel in Antibes but hope to visit. Kiki tells about the cemetary in Nice, worth a visit as well.
33 thoughts on “Judging the Book Cover: Which Will You Choose?”
Love the title, Lynn. Pete says you need a photo of you on the front and it will sell really well
Hi Lynn: I agree with the idea of a photo of you but setting it on the back cover will do nicely. My vote for the front cover is the one with the watering can replenishing the brain. Very cute. Katy
Language Balloon!
I like the amusing side of the first cover – good luck with your new book (I too am almost ready to publish my 3rd book!)
I like the graphics qualities of the second.
I vote for the flower pot, but I LOVE the shrimp recipe and am writing to tell you I’ll be serving it at my Easter Sunday brunch in my antique Daum caviar glasses…just the thing!
Bonne chance with the book, I’ll be looking for it. I wish I had you wherewithal, my book is going on FIVE years and it’s still not going into print anytime soon!
The Flower Pot. The color is outstanding and the the drawing is catchy. It makes you want to pick it up. The other is a bit confusing and I might just walk by.
Noori’s Indian cuisine on place Grimaldi in Nice if you get tired pot au feu, etc. or Le Merenda near city hall. That cafe-well everything is a surprise..closed on weekends, and take cash…but then there is always lunch at the Hotel du Cap if it is open. Happy Easter
Hampton
The one with the watering can and flower! It looks positive and it makes me think there is hope and growth! And it looks fun!
Language brain looks like I feels…jumbled.
Of course, you can combine the two: put French words on leaves of plant.
That shrimp cocktail sounds delicious, and will have to try, as Bob’s favorite is shrimp. I’ll omit the whole shrimp with eyes though, LOL.
Great to hear that your long awaited book will be out soon! The flower pot is more your humor I think. And the point of the book pops more with the red letters on “flower pot” version, whereas the lettering on the second cover emphasizes “new brain” rather than “new language.” At least that’s how my old eyes see it.
Reading “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Susan Vreeland. WOW!I feel like I’m in Renoir’s brain as he paints. Thrilled to discover via Google that the original painting is in the Phillips Collection in DC, an hour from our home!!As the kids say, “I’m SO GOING THERE!”
My vote is for the flower pot. Very clever and would entice me to pick it up to browse the content. I agree with Pete, your beautiful face needs to be somewhere on the book jacket. Good luck
and can’t wait to read it.
I’ll vote for the flower pot version. (HOpe that I didn’t post this twice.
I vote for the Fower Pot–it’s lively, attractive and humorous, like the author of the book it may grace. And definitely your photo on the back. I have fond memories of the Saturday market at Cluny and Nicole’s Wednesday morning French classes. Congratulations on your book.
I like the Language Balloon version, but with the words highlighted as in the Flower Pot version. I’ll look forward to reading your book!
Lynn,first of all, congratulations on your book! It’s a wonderful,interesting subject and after enjoying all of your terrific posts, I can’t wait to see and read it!
Choosing which cover is a tough call because they’re both wonderful. The flower pot,however, somehow just reaches out and grabs my attention. The finishing touch would be your picture on the back(!!)
(Any chance of getting a signed copy???)
The flowerpot/watering can! I do love the idea of languages in the balloon but it’s a bit too busy – for “used brains” to grasp!!!
The flower pot looks like it is a gardening book, but it puts your name at the top.
I vote flower pot.
Congratulations Lynn ! I personally like the flower pot !
Je prefere le flower pot.
Yeah! GO with the flower pot!!
I like the “flower pot” version. My old brain could consume that title better due to the arrangement/color of the words. Good luck!
Lynn, congratulations on the launch of your new book. Bravo!!! How exciting and my choice is definitely the turquoise-green cover with the flower pot. Sounds wonderful.
The flowerpot gets my vote! I get distracted from the title trying to read all the words in the balloon. Congrats on finishing it!
The flower pot! It is amusing, the colors catch your attention and it is a strong, simple design. I see that a lot of people agree! Compliments to your designer for both ideas. Can’t wait to get the book. I hope that it will be available at Amazon UK!! Baci.
The flower pot seems more optimistic!
I like the flower pot design. Bonnie chance!
I like them both but I feel the “bubble” is more specific to the book.
FYI, I tried to email via the link and it bounced. Weird!
Pour moi, c’est facile de choisir. La tete de fleurs! Tellement astucieux.
The other seems busy with too many colors and sizes of type, whereas the flower pot image conveys immediately the theme and purpose of your book in a very clever way.
I’d suggest a slightly different shade of red as the color on my monitor appears a bit washed out.
Wishing you every success.
Lynn –Congratulations on your book…… I am looking forward to reading and learning because goodness knows, I do have a used brain.
I like the flower pot cover…..It is catchy and makes it look like a really fun and interesting read. I am so proud of you. Mickey
Felicitations! I also love the flower pot cover Lynn. Catchy, fun, colorful. Certainly do include a lovely picture of you on the back.
We are looking forward to reading it soon!
Love the flower pot cover. Best of luck with your book-look forward to reading it!
chère Lynn,
Je prefer le pot de fleurs (ou arrosoir?), avec votre portrait ou photo aussi!
Félicitations concernant votre livre!
Chère Lynn,
Je prefer le pot de fleurs! C’est charmant!
Félicitations pour votre livre! Fantastique!