Sometime last year, I submitted my memoir to AllAuthor for a book cover contest. Having forgotten about it, I was pleasantly surprised by an email from them stating, “Country Perks and Grit has been selected as a contender in the Cover of the Month contest for March 2025!”
My cover (design by Dawn LeGros and photography by yours truly) made it through round one, ranking #16 out of 138 contenders! People I don’t even know are voting for it!
We need to make it past this second round (currently #13 out of 100 contenders) to have a shot at the finals.
I’d love your support by voting. It takes just a few minutes, and you’d be helping a book designer and humble country story get some well-deserved recognition.
How to Vote:
1. Click here (it’ll take you directly to my book cover at AllAuthor)
2. Follow the simple voting instructions
3. Cast your vote
4. Feel that warm fuzzy feeling of helping a neighbor out
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR VOTING FOR COUNTRY PERKS AND GRIT!
If you haven’t read Country Perks and Grit yet, you can get your copy here. #1 Amazon Category Best Seller for 7 months.
The old scratching gate marks the beginning of our walk today, its weathered wire masked with tufts of wool from our Dorper sheep that don’t require shearing. Can you hear the clucking of hens? Their soothing sounds transport us to simpler times and FRESH eggs.
Before we amble down the driveway, a tiny vinca minor flower catches my eye, its delicate petals a reminder of life’s small, precious moments. I can’t resist capturing its beauty – each snapshot a memory preserved.
We’re graced with a rare sight: the shy heifers, usually so quick to retreat, stand curious with their mouth’s full of oats. Their dark eyes seem to hold stories of generations past who’ve roamed these fields.
Inhale deeply as we pass the sweet-scented Star Jasmine. Its intoxicating fragrance lures wildlife to take a sniff. It’s also a good place to hide from the likes of us.
Behold the majestic landmark fig tree, stands sentinel across the private road from the driveway’s entrance. Its sprawling branches, recently trimmed from taking up part of the road, produces tiny, sweet white figs. The old fence line behind it whispers tales of long ago when the land’s rich tapestry remained void of mankind.
As we turn back, the sky unfurls a spectacular farewell – a sunset painted in swirling hues that takes our breath away. In this moment, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the echoes of cherished memories, I’m reminded of how truly blessed we are.
This lifestyle isn’t always picture-perfect. There are early mornings, late nights, and days filled with hard work that leaves muscles aching. But standing here, watching the day’s last light gild the fields we’ve tended with love, I know every challenge has been worth it.
Thank you for walking with me today. May this glimpse into rural life leave you with a renewed appreciation for the simple joys around us, and perhaps inspire your own adventure close to the land.
For most writers, the journey is extremely arduous – expenses can be outrageous, competition is steep, rewards are rare, and support is often low. So, what may seem like a small achievement to some, like my book Country Perks and Griton the cover of a social media group (image below), is everything to a writer who has poured their heart and soul into their craft.
That moment of seeing your work displayed, shared, or a 5-star review or comment is a testament to the perseverance and dedication it took to create something from nothing but words and ideas, despite the challenges.
While the writing process can be arduous, there are strategies that can help smooth the path and make it enjoyable and productive. Here are some tips for writers of all levels:
1. Manage expectations. Understanding that the writer’s path is difficult can help prepare you mentally and emotionally for the challenges ahead. Don’t get discouraged – this is par for the course.
2. Develop a support system. Having people who believe in you and your work can provide much-needed motivation when you feel like giving up. Connect with other writers who understand what you’re going through.
3. Practice self-care. The creative process can be draining. Make time for activities that restore your mind, body and spirit. Eat well, exercise and get proper rest.
4. Remember, ALL writers experience ups and downs. Determination and a thick skin will keep you going.
5. Find affordable resources that will encourage and build you up. Facebooks’ writing community offers many free support groups.
6. Celebrate each milestone, small and large. Completing a chapter, learning a new grammar rule, landing an agent or getting published are all huge accomplishments worth savoring on this arduous path.
7. Never stop learning about the craft of writing through books, classes and practicing regularly. These will pump you up.
The life of a writer is not easy, but embracing the process and persisting through setbacks is the greatest key to eventual success.
Please share tips that have helped you in your writing journey so others may reap from them as well.
I especially love my book on the cover of this Facebook group because it’s next to my critique partner’s new release, Who is the Real Amanda?. Having our work showcased by one of my favorite online communities was an exciting and uplifting surprise.
To check out Sharing is Caring Ebook Covers by Dawn, click on the image.
Too often, we try to handle everything ourselves. We consider our options based on experiences, confidence, financial constraints, and the desire to maintain control. But sometimes circumstances, and God, remind us it’s okay to seek help.
In the past, I had designed each of my e-book covers, and I had intended to do the same for my memoir. This time, I was determined to expand my skills and create a paperback cover. However, my initial efforts fell short of my expectations, so I revisited my photo achieves and selected three different photographs. With a clear vision in mind, I tried to bring my cover design to life, but as time passed and health issues kept me down, it was clear I wasn’t up to the challenge.
I needed help, but seeking assistance meant I had failed.
Or did it?
For months, I had self-edited my completed manuscript more times than I can count. I made changes (twice) based on my critique partner’s suggestions before doing the same with an editor, then a proofreader. I tackled computer and social media tech problems, spent many hours planning a book launch, creating posts to gain beta readers and launch team members, designing announcement posts, and much more. All this between health issues.
I was exhausted.
I had to make a decision.
Quit or trust God to complete the work He began in me, and reach out to Dawn LeGros, a talented book cover designer.
When I finally contacted Dawn, instantly, the burden of trying to do everything myself lifted. Dawn provided thorough explanations whenever I had questions or needed clarification. Her exceptional communication abilities and friendly demeanor made the entire experience effortless and enjoyable.
Using my photos, Dawn created an eye-catching e-book and paperback cover that perfectly captures the essence of my memoir. Here she is with her adorable 10-year-old daughter, Lilly, after receiving a complimentary copy from me.
Selfie by Dawn LeGros
By seeking help, we not only ease our own burdens, but also allow others to showcase their talents.
Are circumstances or pride stopping you from accomplishing your dream?
If so, here’s a prayer to help you move forward:
“Father, thank you for the dream you’ve placed in my heart, and the skills you’ve enabled me to learn along the way … for the wisdom to know when I need help, and the humility to seek it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Check out Dawn’s beautiful covers on her website and Facebook:
Christmas and I are absolutely thrilled by the positive response to Country Perks and Grit!
Thanks to your FAN-TASTIC support, it skyrocketed in two categories: #1 New Release and #1 Best Seller.
For those who haven’t had the chance to dive into the pages yet, Christmas, Norman (the big lovable guy on the cover), and other friendly (and not so friendly) animals play a role in this true story . . . plus the man who planted over one thousand trees.
But here’s where we need your help.
Amazon’s algorithm is a bit of a stickler and requires a minimum of 10 reviews to give a book a boost. Although we have 6 five-star ratings, we’re 5 reviews away from hitting that magic number!
So, if you could spare a few minutes to click the link here and leave a KIND Amazon review, it would mean the world to us. One or two sentences is all that’s needed.
Thank you in advance from the bottom of our book-loving hearts,
Christmas,
Norman,
Dianne,
and the man who planted over one thousand trees.
P.S.: Add this tip to those already in the book: Don’t let sheep get too close to a book. They’ll leave their mark on the cover! I guess ink has a nice flavor!
A book launch is an exciting event, but it can also be overwhelming. As authors, we hope everyone who hears about our book will purchase it (after all, e-books are less than a cup of coffee), read it, love it, write a kind review, share it, talk it up, and even re-read it. One can’t do this with a cup of coffee!
If you are an author or creative artist, you can relate to this sentiment. Most importantly, you appreciate the desire to create something valuable, impactful, and inspiring. Therefore, marketing can feel unfamiliar and downright uncomfortable for many of us.
We aim to offer hope, a touch of kindness, and guidance based on our experiences and/or education, rather than focus on sales.
While writing Country Perks and Grit, I wanted to leave a lasting family legacy, and offer hope to others that they too can step out of their comfort zones in pursuit of their dreams. It doesn’t have to be a country lifestyle or growing and preserving your own vegetables. Maybe you want to be a nurse, live in a tiny house by the ocean, pass an exam, or write a song.
When we take action on something we’re meant to do, we find purpose.
Achieving your dreams isn’t a simple task. It requires dedication and perseverance. By diligently applying oneself and staying true to the path that God has laid out, a realm of incredible opportunities and unexpected surprises will unfold before you. Here are two that surprised me:
Country Perks and Grit ranked
#1 New Release and #1 Best Seller!
It received five 5-star reviews within five days of release!
After filling your cup with freshly brewed coffee, take the first step towards achieving your dream. If you need a little encouragement, pick up your copies today. Glean useful tips from Country Perks and Grit to help motivate your own path into reality.
Do you have a dream you’d like to share? If so, I’d love to cheer you on.
Did you know Country Perks and Grit is now available in paperback?
If you’re one of the many who preordered, look for it on your Kindle. The paperback version will be released soon.
I’m in ahh that so many of you supported me during the preorder. Because of you, my book remains on Amazon’s Best Seller List!
You’re incredible!
If you haven’t purchased it yet, you can do sohere.
Country Perks and Grit is a true story, containing 33 chapters detailing the journey of embracing a personal dream (some scary, some funny) and a new lifestyle. Here are a few of them I think will interest you.
Big Mistake
Night Howl
Runaway Bull
The Great Race
Birth of a Rancher
One Thousand Trees
This book also includes insights and practical tips for those who dream of a change. No matter what your dream is, Country Perks and Grit offers something for everyone! On Facebook one follower commented:
“I ordered a Kindle just so I can read this!”
Thank you, everyone for making this an exceptional day!
Only 5 days before March 1, when COUNTRY PERKS AND GRIT is released! And guess what? It’s still on Amazon’s Best Seller list! A BIG THANK YOU to those who made this possible!
You’re amazing!
Are you getting excited? I sure am. I’m also a little nervous because I so want you to enjoy my story, but most importantly, I hope you gain something meaningful and uplifting.
If you haven’t purchased your copy yet, get it now! It won’t remain 99 cents much longer!
COUNTRY PERKS AND GRIT quickly became an Amazon #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release! This is a true story about realizing a dream, then living it. You can read the full blub here.
Only 10 days left until release day! Get your e-book now at a discounted price by pre-ordering today!(Always confirm price before buying.)
Many of us don’t expect a gift to fulfill our dreams or lead to a significant lifestyle change. However, that’s what precisely happened when my husband’s gift (sorry, no spoiler) kindled a shared dream to relocate our family.
Dreams give us hope; they connect us to goals and potential glimpses of a future yet to be realized. Maybe you’ve always wanted to live in a different state or country, or relocate from town to the country or vise versa. You might adore where you live, but you’d love to spruce up your home. Not all our dreams will come true. Some are passing thoughts. Others stay with us until we take that first step to bring them about … to live them to the fullest. Perhaps you’ve been mulling over a dream for months, or maybe even years because you’re not sure. Here are some helpful questions to ask:
What do I want for our family?
Do we Want to Change our lives?
How can we make it happen?
The answers to these questions helped my husband and me make the decision to move. We missed who we had been as children: country off-springs. We wanted our sons to have the same experiences, so we figured out how to make it happen.
Your dream is important, even if it isn’t to create a rural lifestyle. Working to fulfill a dream ignites purpose and enthusiasm. This is powerful. It can encourage your children, spouse, family, friends, and co-workers.
Be inspired through our experiences and useful tips applicable to most people bypreordering Country Perks and Grittoday,while it’s discounted!You’ll find a bit of humor, arduous and sometimes scary events, leading to a fulfilling adventure.
Dianne Marie Andre 