Okay, so we’re two months into the new year, but my announcement today, quietly in the works since November, can finally be shared.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know how much I love bringing stories, books, debut authors, and great collections into the spotlight. And you know I’ve said more than once that stories matter. Meaning, most of my posts on books or authors don’t focus only on great reading but on seeing the world in a different way, on making connections, on moving us through challenging times with the work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
Now I have an opportunity to go beyond simply blogging about books and authors.
A few years ago, a conversation over coffee, about my desire to bring the children’s story and artwork of Betty Sydow and Carolou Lennon Nelsen to print, grew into the first publishing project of Lisa Rivero at Hidden Timber Books.
After The Adventures of a Sparrow Named Stanley, my work with Lisa continued, as we collaborated on an anthology and I edited a collection of short stories. I could not be more proud and honored to have worked on all of these projects with Lisa.
She sought out the work of authors from quiet corners of the world and gave them a platform; she made space for stories, essays, and poems that speak to character, place, time, and the emotional connection of all three. She proved that a tiny press can do great, meaningful work that benefits writers and readers and the larger community.
A few months ago, I sat down with Lisa again to talk about the future of Hidden Timber Books.
After thoughtful and personal reflection, she has decided to step back from publishing to pursue other creative endeavors. Together, we brainstormed possibilities and found a way to carry on the spirit of the press.
(There’s a cool story, about the woman who inspired the name of the press; I can’t wait to share with you!)
As Lisa steps back, I am stepping in to continue the work she began.
I write to you today as not only an author, teacher, and editor but Publisher as well.
I know, right?
You’ll still find me here, crafting weekly blog posts, posting author interviews, all the things I love to do. But you’ll also find me at Hidden Timber Books.
Many thanks to Lisa for being a wonderful role model (then and now), a true confidant, and a wise sounding board–in publishing and writing alike. I am grateful and honored to build on what she founded.
Stop by Lisa’s website to read about one of my favorites of her personal projects.
And stop by Hidden Timber Books to sign up for the newsletter, so you’ll receive early updates on events, giveaways, calls for submissions, and new releases.
I’m truly excited, nervous of course, but what I love most about taking on this new venture is that I don’t have to rush into or through anything. As in most things life and writing, I get to focus on the journey, the next project; I can delight in the work, as I discover your next story.
Congratulations. I look forward to your transition to, and the future of, Hidden Timber Books.
Thank you, Paul!
Congratulations! Enjoy this new adventure, Christi.
Thank you, Beth!
Christi, first, thank you (as always) for your generosity, friendship, and ease of conversation and collaboration. I could not be happier for you and for the press! This is a transition that feels just right in so many ways. That publisher hat looks good on you. 🙂
Thank you, Lisa, for everything 😊
Congratulations, I think.
Thanks, Jess!
Congratulations!! Best of luck with your new venture!
Thanks so much, Myrna!
Well this just made my day. Look at you!!! This gives me goose bumps thinking back on the years of coffee talks — you’ve arrived, missy. Fingers crossed you’re as proud of yourself as all of us are of you! 💛
How wonderful! Congratulations, Christi. You’re a model of tenacity and grit.
Thanks, Jan 😊 Hopefully that tenacity and grit will stick and take me far!