Happy April First Lovely readers! (I promise you, there are absolutely no pranks in this email, I know how much you hate those.)
Today I am sitting in my office thinking about the fun that is National Poetry Month—with a brand new book of poetry as the Sparrow flies, out just a little over a month ago, the gratitude is still so fresh. I have connected with so many readers recently who have shared how my words have met them in a time of loneliness, grief, or the anguish of betrayal. Other mothers who have experienced birth trauma as I have, who need to remember that they can reclaim the strength of their stories—and that all of these aches, don’t actually separate us from Christ, but actually connect us with him even more—because he knows.
It’s such a joy to get to do this work. And as my husband and I continue to navigate a financially challenging season, I just hope you know that every like, every comment, every share, every book purchase—it all helps so much as I pursue being a writer who can actually pay her bills with her writing.
THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! On that note, I have THREE exciting announcements/opportunities to share with you today.
1. “Ugly Duckling” Versions of as the Sparrow flies ON SALE!
The first exciting piece of news is that I have added the “Ugly Duckling” versions of my book to my website for less than 1/2 the retail price! (Only $10!!)
These “special” versions of my book have a few minor printing errors along the spine, some have a bit of white showing at the edges of the interior artwork, some of the spines are a bit tight and misaligned towards the back of the book—but all are perfectly readable and ON SALE NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! This is a great way to get a paperback version of the book if you’ve been eyeballing it for awhile but it felt cost prohibitive.
These versions are also included in my promise to send a personal note to the first 50 people who buy a book off my website, and they can be autographed if you choose! (PLUS FREE SHIPPING!)
(Of course you can still get the regular version on my website as well as prints of Bethanie Pack’s incredible artwork—its the perfect gift for a friend IMO. ;) )
2. Fancy a Paid Subscription Discount?
The second fun discount announcement is that to Celebration National Poetry Month, I am giving all New Paid Subscribers a sweet 20% off deal! But first of all, why be a Paid Subscriber to The House of Rest?
Your paid subscription helps an artist buy groceries, fund book projects, and purchase needed office supplies so she can keep doing this writing work. (To those of you who are already Paid Subscribers, Thank You!)
Your Paid Subscription also allows us to have sort of an “inner room” community place to go here at the House of Rest. As the publication continues to grow, I want to continue to find ways to have more intimate, nuanced, and non-judgmental conversations with readers who are committed to naming the ache, so that they can lean in to the rest of God. Paid Subscriptions allow me to create something smaller and a bit more private than the “outside internet” allows, and I’d love to invite you to be apart of this.
3. NEW ROOM IN THE HOUSE: The Library
The third and final announcement is that starting this month, I’m also adding another benefit to your Paid Subscription plan. There’s a new room here at The House of Rest; “The Library”. This section will be where I share what I’m reading and loving, and it will also contain an invitation to connect over nuanced themes, books, and topics in a private community chat thread. I hope to also start a book club here in this space in the months to come!
Paid Subscribers also get occasional bonus personal essays, mini-blogs about the poems I share, and poetry writing prompts, along with a place to share the lovely poems you create in an intimate community.
That’s a lot of goodies for less than a cup of coffee a month! Upgrade to a Paid Subscription today, support a writer, and save!
[If for any reason, you really want to be a paid subscriber, but simply cannot afford it, please reach out to me at gracekelleywrites@gmail.com and I will comp you for 3 months free, no questions asked.]
If you’re still here, thanks for sticking with me friends! I’m so grateful to have you here at The House of Rest. Thank you as always, for your thoughtful comments and kind support.
Between you and me, the cup and the steam, let’s name what aches—so that we can lean into the rest of God.
Warmly,
Grace E. Kelley
P.S. for my local friends—in case you missed this—I will be signing books at Books Are Awesome in Parker THIS SATURDAY 4/6 from 12pm-2pm!
TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND COME AND SAY HI!
Grace, does #3 go along with my current monthly subscription? Thanks, Susan