Today, it is a pure honour and joy to welcome back to Jorie Loves A Story, Ms. Sandra Leesmith! Of whom was featured previously in a Book Cover Reveal post as on the 14th of March, “Love’s Promises” was not yet on a blog tour but being revealed to the literary world as its cover was ready to make its début!

I was quite excited to participate in my first event hosted by Ms. Amber Stokes of Editing Through the Seasons, and I could not have hoped for a better day! The conversations which ignited in the comment threads simply warmed my heart, as I am always striving towards making Jorie Loves A Story a happy hearted place for readers and writers to alight, whilst conversing about books, bookish culture, and the authors we appreciate discovering!

This was a particularly joyous day as an author I dearly appreciated also dropped by for a quick visit, Ms. Julie Lessman! (author of the Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart in San Francisco series) When I was asked by Ms. Stokes to participate in the blog book tour for “Love’s Promises” I was simply overjoyed I could ask to Interview Ms. Leesmith and by a suggestion of Ms. Stokes to focus a bit more on the snippets of a larger conversation her and I had only just touched the generalities on during her Cover Reveal!

Let me share what I am referencing:

INSPIRATION BEHIND MY INTERVIEW:

{14 March, 2014}

Ms. Leesmith: I really do like having print copies so probably will do it. Lately though even at book fairs, (I was recently at the Chocolate Affair in Glendale, AZ) most of my sales were kindle. Young people especially want to use their e-readers and I guess they are better for the environment. The old publishing paradigm was such a waste. At least with print on demand, you don’t have more books printed than are being used or bought.

So keep positive. A print copy might sail your way after all. smile

Jorie: I am hearing murmurs to that effect in some regions (as far as young adult readers seeking digital copies) but then, in other regions in the States I am learning that there is a falling back to reading traditional books; as the culture of the Indie bookshoppe is undergoing a Renaissance where readers are appreciating the ability to converse and gather! I find this to be both humbling and uplifting, as it goes back to how I grew up appreciating the interactions at bookshoppes! In regards to the environment, I have been proactive in seeking how publishers can lower the footprint of carbon in the making of books as well as the footprint of distribution. Some of my findings are already out there and known; such as using non-old growth forest paper, Eco-friendly inks (ex. vegetable ink), and of course, I have a few personal ideas about how to make hardbacks more environmentally sound. I love how some publishers (esp Indies) are going carbon-neutral for production by implementing green energy on behalf of their printing side of the ledger! Renewable energy sources excite me for their ability to shift traditional industries into an era of new green freedom! I don’t believe the old paradigm is dead completely, because I do believe in print books being alleviated to a new level of green by changing how we focus on book production and the ‘ingredients’ in which go into book printing! :) And, that *excites!* me!! :)

Ms. Leesmith: Okay okay, you talked me into it. I was on the fence about printing the book and have several friends who prefer the print. So I will contact Lena and she will get it going. She does a fantastic job so I can’t complain there.

And yay for you on promoting the “green”. The old paradigm was CRAZY. I mean printing 100,000 books and throwing away what didn’t sell. yikes. That just breaks my heart to think of all those books burning away. And the waste. But you are right. The changes are not complete, but they are on their way and that is a good thing.

Jorie: Oh, my dear stars, seriously!? I feel rather chuffed then! I hadn’t expected to alter your stance on this, but felt encouraged to broach how I think publishing is making strides towards change which can be not only be more efficient but positive for our collective futures! :) Yes, I do agree one of the downfalls of discarding the books is that they were never put into the hands of those who could benefit by reading them! :( I felt there was a disconnect between waste and recycling the books into programs and charities for literary outreach! A bit like how restaurants and grocery stores had to shift their thinking towards day-old bread and pastries!? I get excited about where positive progress in the 21st Century is leading all of us! :)

Ms. Leesmith: And yes, what a concept to recycle and use what was formerly thrown away. I love the changes coming about with new ideas and new ways of thinking. Seriously we have to think about these things. Waste is not God’s plan is it? We are so blessed so we should take care not to lose those blessings.

– quotedfrom the comment threads on Book Cover Reveal: Sandra Leesmith’s Love’s Promises

Author Biography:

SANDRA LEESMITH loves to travel in her RV and explore all of nature’s beauty, discover America’s history, and fellowship with the wonderful people she meets while on the road. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, swimming, and pickleball. Learn more about Sandra and her books at sandraleesmith.com.

Book Cover Designer Biography:

LENA GOLDFINCH writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she’s writing something light and contemporary like her latest releases, Haunting Joy and Take a Picture. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Learn more about Lena and her books at lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.

 Hi Jorie, and thank you for inviting me to join you on your wonderful blog.

You have some very intriguing questions.

I have been environmentally conscience about our footprint on Earth since I was a young child, which took on a new height of awareness when I met an Environmentalist in the 5th grade who spoke about the plight of the natural resources with a focus on the Amazon in Brazil. Coincidentally, this was the same year I saw the motion picture “Medicine Man,” which had a deep impact on me. What were the roots and impetus of your own heart’s focus on the environment?

Leesmith responds: Interesting question, and I love hearing how your journey began. My parents used to take us camping every year, and they instilled in me a love of animals and their habitat. I grew up in California where moderate temperatures year round allowed me to spend most of my free time outdoors. Add my marriage to a biologist who spends every spare moment outdoors, and it becomes clear how my love for nature and the environment formed naturally.

What was the seedling idea that inspired you to etch out a thread of narrative with a focus on preservation and conservation within “Love’s Promises”?

Leesmith responds: My husband and I purchased a house at Lake Tahoe—a fixer-upper. When we began projects to renovate, we ran into the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The agency caused a setback to our projects, but we both were intrigued and impressed with the purpose and goal of the agency to preserve the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.

I write romance and I try to find interesting occupations to bring a refreshing element into the basic plot of boy-meets-girl. It is even more fun when the occupation can add to the conflict. The people at the TRPA were very helpful in helping me develop conflict and plot.

As you first started to feel the ink slip out of the pen and create characters living inside worlds of your own imagination, did you find yourself drawn to knitting together stories which had a social action awareness or was this something that developed organically?

Leesmith responds: I’ve always enjoyed books that have a subtle social message. I think that is why I end up writing stories with a social message. Maybe it’s the teacher in me. I don’t purposely set out to write a social message, but social issues are what interest me, so I end up including them in my writing. So I guess you would have to say I develop them organically.

I have noticed a shift towards more environmentally sound building practices (green building), retrofitting renovations, and a more plausible shift towards offering green building supplies & materials. Did you incorporate these into your back-story, or were these part of what inspired the focus on a low impact build within the story? Do you feel that as we move forward green building supplies will become more affordable rather than cost prohibitive?

Leesmith responds: The policies set forth by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency were revolutionary in the early eighties when I encountered them for the first time. Their innovative ideas inspired me to focus on the low impact build within the story. I am not an economist, but I would imagine if green building supplies are required and consequently mass-produced, they would come down in price.

Extending from here, when I hosted your Cover Reveal, we started to talk about the changing tides n the publishing industry to have a focus on creating environmentally sound books within the trade. At the heart of the conversation we were each murmuring a nod towards how encouraging this practice is for those who do not want to negatively affect our fragile world. Have you found resources to drop the impact from a self-published author’s point of view, or is it still limited to publishers who can implement the changes? (either independent or mainstream)

Leesmith responds: Personally, I think the change in the publishing world is long overdue. It is a struggle at this time because of the extreme paradigm shift going on. It is difficult to not only change the paradigm for the publishers and authors, but the readers need to shift also. For example, readers used to go into bookstores and see physical books, read the back covers, and then decide which ones to purchase. With the advent of e-pubbing, the reader isn’t quite sure where to look for new books or new authors. Blogs featuring reviews have blossomed. GoodReads is a source for those who know about it and understand it. But it takes awhile for the general public to shift their buying paradigm.

It has been much easier for the publisher and author to shift to print on demand and e-book publishing. These are so cost-effective and, as you pointed out, low impact on the environment—specifically trees—that the shift to actually produce a book using these new methods has become relatively easy. What is difficult is the seller-buyer relationship. How do these publishers and authors make their product known? This shift is in constant flux and change, which is both frustrating and extremely exciting. There is so much change going on it makes one’s head spin to keep up.

What inspires my heart towards the changes that are upcoming, is that we do not have to become a completely digitalised world of readers. There are key steps to take to either become carbon-neutral, or by making smaller changes such as tree-neutral or non-old growth forest sourced papers, vegetable dye inks, and non-off gassing glues for binding purposes. Do you see more readers starting to pay attention to how books are produced and feeling celebratory when they find publishers who are taking a stand for a new green-minded publishing platform? Or, do you feel this is limited to writers and publishers who see a healthier way to produce print books in a more environmentally ethical way?

Leesmith responds: Well as much as I would love to think publishers, readers, and authors are thinking of these issues, I doubt that most even know it is an issue to consider. Most authors and publishers are trying to figure out how to market their work and frankly, I don’t think offering environmental friendly products means much to them. I could be wrong and sincerely hope I am, but in my experience, the environmental issues just don’t resonate with most people, especially if they impact their pocketbook or their plans.

Do you think the mind-set has been that if its not digitally published it is not green? And, if this is true, how then, can we as readers and as writers lead the movement forward by championing green practices for print books? Especially considering that not every reader is physically able to read digital books?

Leesmith responds: Hmmm great question. I imagine that just like with every aspect of awareness of the environment and our responsibility to care for this planet—our life support system—we need to continue to educate the public. Maybe when a reader becomes aware that there are such things as green practices for printing books, they might try to be more supportive of the practices.

What kinds of stories enlivened your heart first as a child and then as an adult? Which branches of literature do you find yourself leaning towards? Whom would you consider your favourite authors and the books they penned which still leave you ruminative!?

Leesmith responds: I skipped most books that children read and went right to my mother’s books, which were mostly romance and historical. My favorites though of the children’s books were animal stories like Black Beauty, White Fang, Old Yeller, etc.

For me, I started to notice that my path towards being a reader was directly hinged to being a voracious reader from a young age. Do you think most writers feel an intuitive inclination to write whilst wrapped up in the happiness of reading? What do you think guides us in this direction, or what do you feel guided you?

Leesmith responds: I do believe that most writers are or were voracious readers. They are easily caught up in a world of make-believe or into a quest for knowledge. I also believe that most voracious readers were so from an early age. Reading is an important source of information, entertainment, and joy.

Writing on the other hand is a gift. Not everyone is cut out to write, and it can be quite painful. It is a craft that can be learned, but getting into the true grit of characterization and creation of a story is in my opinion a gift we are born with. I enjoy good music, but I can’t carry a tune to save my life. I enjoy good art, but I can barely draw stick figures. But I can dream up stories in my head. I’ve been a daydreamer from as far back as I can remember. I consider it a gift and am thankful to have it.

The setting for “Love’s Promises” is situated in Lake Tahoe, which is known for needing a pulse of attention on its growth and development which will allow its residents to be stewards of the land rather than consumers who hurt its natural beauty. In your research, did you find the general populace was in agreement with protecting the natural resources, or did you find them to be a bit indifferent? I ask as I tend to find most areas of natural beauty are caught between the balance of protection and living in the moment for what works for the majority.

Leesmith responds: I think many visitors are indifferent to the environment issues. However, any tourists who are interested in the outdoors and participate will be educated. Most hiking trails post signs with instructions on preserving the environment. Many of the roadside rests and points of interest have displays showing the environmental issues. So people who stop to read these informative brochures, posters, information boards, etc., will become aware.

Anyone who lives in the Lake Tahoe area or tries to build will definitely learn and be concerned about the issues. They will be like Monica, who was forced to learn what impact her plans would have and which plans would be allowed.

What do you feel is Lake Tahoe’s greatest blessing? And, what is their greatest concern?

Leesmith responds: Lake Tahoe’s greatest blessing and their greatest concern are the same. The environmental beauty with all of the features that attract tourists are what blesses the area. But damage to the delicate eco-system and preserving the natural beauty is their biggest concern.

Despite the overwhelming odds to bring more green into the world of publishing, what has been one observation of positive change that you have thus far seen?

Leesmith responds: When I go to books festivals and book sales, I find I sell fewer and fewer print books. Most people smile and tell me they read from their Kindle or e-reader. I don’t think this change is because of environmental concerns though. I think they are just easier to manage and books are cheaper. Economics still drives production.

You appear to live in harmony with the natural world each chance you can. Do you enjoy walking out in nature? What are your favourite species of birds and/or wildlife to encounter whilst you’re in their living habitats? Do you take a camera with you as I do?

Leesmith responds: I love nature and the outdoors. I get rather grumpy if I can’t get outside for at least part of my day. I am blessed to have lived in temperate climates where this is possible all year round. I love to hike and walk in mountains, the desert, the valleys, the beach—wherever I am. I am delighted beyond measure when I spot the local wildlife. While at Lake Tahoe we saw black bears, deer, coyotes, foxes, squirrels, and chipmunks. There were many species of birds and raptors to enjoy, however you surely won’t miss the raucous noise of the Steller’s jays. Their bright blue color and silly antics are very entertaining.

What is your greatest joy as a writer!?

Leesmith responds: I think my greatest joy as a writer is the ability to get lost in another world and make things come out with a happy ending—something we can’t always do in real life. My family all tell me it’s because my characters are the only people who listen to what I say. (Being the oldest child and a teacher, I’ve been known to be rather bossy. However, what they all fail to tell you is they all are great at ignoring me.) This makes me chuckle anyway. I’m sure it goes deeper than that. My husband likes me writing stories because then I’m not writing him a honey-do list.

Official Author Websites: Site | Twitter | Facebook | Seekerville Blog

  Cover Designer Pages: Site | Twitter | Facebook | Pin(terest) Boards

Converse via Twitter: #LovesPromises, #ChrisFic,

#cleanromance, & #inspirationalfiction

You’re quite welcome, Ms. Leesmith! It was an absolute pleasure having you back whilst having the ability to carry-on a conversation which was a bit in-progress since we last conversed! I welcomed the chance to get to speak to you about green publishing practices and green-living principles. So much in fact, that it sparked a renewed interest in re-seeking out all the lovely links I had saved on my computer which has been in the graveyard since late 2013! I had a special folder I was keeping updated for green publishers and information on how publishing was starting to enact greener practices as well as how revolutionary the printing & inking sources were starting to be reflective of keeping our books environmentally friendly! I was overjoyed finding that there are far more websites and publishers making headway towards a green future for the bookish soul in all of us with an environmental conscience! And, the best part of all is that everything I have uncovered has lead me realise that my own heart’s dream of finding a way to keep books in print format has already arrived!

How thankful I am that my tour stop today is hosted on *Earth Day!* A day in which my heart overflows with the hope of what lies ahead in the future as each of us endeavours to grow in mindfulness & chooses to seek out those who are like-minded and astute towards environmental protection and change of conscience in commerce practice! Happy Earth Day, dear hearts! Go out and hug a tree! Listen to it whisper a ‘hallo’! And, remember to continue to love books in print format for there are changes on the horizon which will give us the ability to print them in a kind way which has no impact on the trees which grant us life! Rescue out of print books and previously read books from used bookshoppes! Spread the love and give books as gifts! And, remember, always find a bookish ear to sit alongside whilst enjoying a cuppa tea and chatting merrily about what you’ve recently read!

Kindly note: in addition to this short list of resources for green-minded practices & the champion of eco-friendly resources in publishing & printing of books, I have also included two additional resources: the last two links are green building & business contacts as much as in the Related Articles are hand-selected published documents which continue the conversation forward. Including finding mainstream publishers who are adverting their Sustainability & Green practices which are already in effect. Kindly know each post I include “Related Articles” those were not selected by a computer, they were hand-selected by me! I read each one & felt it was necessary to include the links for reading after you had concluded my own blog post.

• Tree Neutral : treeneutral.com
• Forest Stewardship Council : us.fsc.org
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative : sfiprogram.org
• PEFC : pefc.org : global forestry protection & certification
• Green Press Initiative : greenpressinitiative.org/index.htm
• Green Edition : greenedition.org
• Green America : greenamerica.org
• Canopy : canopyplanet.org
• The Nature Conservancy : nature.org
  
• Eco-Libris : ecolibris.net/index.asp : Plants trees for books read
• Greenpeace Book Campaign : greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/forests/greenpeace-book-campaign
• Ancient Forest Friendly Papers : greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/forests/greenpeace-book-campaign/ancient-forest-friendly-paper
• Seeds : seedsgreenprinting.com : green publishing choices : esp POD/print on demand for ebooks
  
• The Independent Book Publishers Association : ibpa-online.org : advocates for green practices
• Barefoot Press : barefootpress.com : a green-focused personal/business company
• Greener Printer : greenerprinter.com : a green-focused personal/business company
• Eco Friendly Printer : gregbarberco.com : green marketing printing
• Chelsea Green Publishing : chelseagreen.com Vermont based green publisher
• Island Press : islandpress.com/index.html : environmental focus publisher
• Milkweed : milkweed.org
• Green Writers Press : greenwriterspress.com
• Pinball Publishing : pinballpublishing.com
• Greenleaf Book Group : greenleafbookgroup.com/home
• Advantage Media Group : advantagefamily.com : tree-neutral publisher
• New Society Publishers : newsociety.com   : Canadian publisher
• Green Books : greenbooks.co.uk   : UK green publisher
• Building Green : buildinggreen.com
• Green Biz : greenbiz.com

Virtual Road Map of “Love’s Promises” tour:

• 21 April: Introduction to the tour @ Seasons of Humility
• 21 April: Author interview (feat. Lake Tahoe) @ The Wonderings of One Person
• 21 April: Review + author interview @ The Curried Nut

• 22 April: Author interview (feat. environmental concerns) @ Jorie Loves a Story
• 22 April: Review @ My Favorite Pastime
• 22 April: Review + Tuesday Tea author interview @ Sherida Stewart
• 22 April: Review @ Best Reads (2010-2014)

• 23 April: Review @ Ann’s Two Cents
• 23 April: Review @ Literary and Lace
• 23 April: Review @ Bluerose’s Heart

• 24 April: Character interview with Greg Linsey + review @ Reviews by Molly
• 24 April: Character interview with Moncia Scott + review @ i blog 4 books

• 25 April: Author interview @ Fictionally
• 25 April: Review @ To Be A Person
• 25 April: Review @ Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
• 25 April: Conclusion of the tour @ Seasons of Humility

This blog tour is courtesy of:

{Amber took a job at a publisher

& closed her publicity service Summer 2014}

Previously I hosted “Love’s Promises” Book Cover Reveal. And, I look forward to reviewing Love’s Promises when the novel is released in a print edition! Stay tuned!

Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.

I am curious to learn what your thoughts and impressions are on how publishing is making strides towards greening the publication and printing of books? Have you started to notice the labels and badges of certification of green printing practices like I have started to see included in print editions? (i.e. ChocLitUK novels carry the badge for FSC certification) Do you feel like I do that there is plausible hope that we can continue to read print books in a world in which being more environmentally conscience is part of how we can carry the torch for being economically tree-neutral? I have also started to research finding which publishers and/or printers are aligning their companies to adopt carbon-neutral practices by implementing green energy for their production. I find it to be quite the exciting time in publishing and I welcome your thoughts, observations, and conversation in the comment threads!

Kindly share sites and links for both mainstream & indie publishers whose green practices I might not have highlighted in this Post. As well as any other green-minded websites you think would be of interest to me! I will be updating my linkage in my sidebar once I compile all the links together! Thank you in advance!

{SOURCES: Cover art of “Loves Promises”, author & illustrator photographs, book synopsis, and publicity badge were all provided by Editing Through The Seasons and used with permission. Author Interview badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Dividers provided by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via pureimaginationblog.com. Tweets were embedded due to the codes Twitter provided.}

Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.

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