No Joke

Did you hear the one about the Lutheran, the agnostic, the Jew, the Mormon, the Seventh-day Adventist, the woman and the atheist? No? Good, because it's not a joke.

Just a group of kids, two of them my sons, playing Apples to Apples, talking, laughing, even discussing politics. They don't agree on everything — their opinions likely influenced by conversations they hear in their own homes — yet they patiently listen to one another. They think about what the other guy just said, their average-sized egos not over inflated by flimsy experiences we believe that we win, and then they try to problem solve. For a bit. Then someone says, "Wanna go back outside and play Capture the Flag?" So they do.

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Book Update: to Mormons, with LOVE is now also available at DeseretBook.com and the Kindle store. Other epub formats will be available any day.

The Book

NOTE: This post appeared September 28th on CSquaredPlus3. Last post before the move to ChrisyRoss.com.

This isn't the final book wrap, but it's the only file I have to share. It's 95% of the actual.

I shared the Amazon link (pre-order the paperback, and Kindle format coming soon!) on Facebook and have tweeted news about my book...once. It feels funny to self-promote. In the same breath, I'm proud of the project and the content concept.

To Mormons, With Love is written primarily for an LDS audience, (Apologies to my mother's bridge group if you've been misled. She was confused.) but I believe there's cross-over potential. Several nonmember friends pre-ordered the book on Amazon. I'm flattered and moved by their blind trust and support. If you're not LDS, but have Mormon friends, neighbors, or a general curiosity about life in a predominantly Mormon community, you might enjoy my story and message. It's a quick and easy read, but tremendous thought is behind every word, illustration and design element.

I was asked to write a feature article for LDS Living based on the book. The article will appear in the November/December issue. To say that I'm honored and thrilled for the opportunity is an understatement.

Darrell Driver turned my illustration concept into a beautiful piece of cover art. And Justin Hackworth provided the lovely family photo, complete with irritated family members.

Very shortly, like in a matter of hours, my new site will be complete. Ninjamatics, founded by Elan and Aidan Morgan (Schmutzie and The Palinode), did a fantastic job redesigning my blog. I'm so pleased. I don't want the project to end, because it's been such a pleasure working with Elan. A few of you have already taken a peek at the site because it's not password protected, but give me a minute, and I'll share it with the rest of you.

CSquaredPlus will have a new name and different look, but I'll continue to blog in the same manner—sporadically and about personal things. I'll also promote my book, but not ad nauseam. I promise. If you're a current subscriber to CSquaredPlus3, your feed will automatically be transferred to the new URL.

I'm excited! And nervous...