Tah-Dah…Drumroll…Curtains up…
I am so thankful to everyone who has weighed in with comments, suggestions, poll votes, and general support. I think the Koehler Books graphic design team did a great job of capturing what my book is all about and rendering it as an eye-catching, easy-to-read cover that quickly conveys the book’s purpose.

Foreword by Jason F. Wright
How grateful I am to Jason F. Wright, New York Times best-selling author of Christmas Jars, The Wednesday Letters , and a brand new release Even The Dog Knows, for enthusiastically taking on the Foreword of the book right in the middle of his own book tour! He is a kindred spirit when it comes to believing in the power of a handwritten note:
“What you have in your hand is far more than another book on the proper way to write a note or letter. It is written with care and commitment to build your confidence and teach you to find your own ‘voice.’ It offers you the inspiration and encouragement to know— deep in your soul—exactly the right thing to say at the right time.”
I hope you’ll read my Amazon review of Jason’s new book and check out any of his other great reads.

Testimonial from top industry professional
How blessed I am to have connected with a top professional in the greeting card industry, George White. Besides being long-time president of the greeting card company Up With Paper, he is past president of the Greeting Card Association and President/CEO at C.M. Paula Company, a family of companies. Not only did he read my manuscript, but he wrote this wonderful testimonial and has helped put me in touch with others in his industry:
“The emotional thrill of receiving a handwritten envelope in the mail is both unique and shared. The handwriting on the outside of that envelope alone immediately provides a connection from the distant writer to the recipient, combined with anticipation of the message contained therein. That thrill, connection, and anticipation not only drives human relationships; it also maintains a functioning Postal Service in the US and around the world. Why else would we check our mailboxes every day, enabling the Postal Service to also deliver us other items in which we have less interest?!
“The pandemic, and the loss of human connections it so cruelly stole from us, certainly drove home the power of hand-written communications between friends and family. I can confidently say that greeting cards amp up that power further, combining powerful images and words with handwritten sentiments, even if the latter is just a signature.
“Elizabeth Cottrell and I share a belief in the power of a piece of mail to connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire—to create and strengthen that which is most important: human relationships. I recommend reading her book on how, when, and why to send a personal note, to help you harness this power. Most importantly, I encourage you to send a heartspoken card or note to a loved one today; the impact of that effort is likely greater than anything else you will do today!”
George White, President of Up With Paper and Past President, Greeting Card Association
Treat yourself to a perusal of the Up With Paper website. The 3-D cards, books, and products are absolutely exquisite, fun, and so unique. I’ve just gotten my first order and am so impressed.
My new website home page features my upcoming book!
The talented Danielle Koehler of Dalitopia Media has redesigned my home page to reflect this summer’s book launch and testimonials for HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. It still maintains all the old links to my hundreds of blog posts and freelance writing and editing services, but with the book launch right around the corner—July 15, 2022—I thought it was time for a new look. Please check it out HERE.
And if you’re not already on the no-obligation email list to be notified about book launch news, you’ll find the form below this post. Or CLICK HERE.
My dream is finally coming true…
Now available for pre-order in several online stores:
- Amazon: CLICK HERE – and be sure to click the FOLLOW button near my author name and photo.
- The Heartpoken Bookshop: CLICK HERE (a great choice if you prefer to support independent bookshops)
- Barnes & Noble: CLICK HERE
Congratulations, Elizabeth! I’m so excited for the launch of your book, having been heard about your idea when we met at a conference at least 10 years ago. How beautiful too, that you acknowledge those who’ve helped it to fruition. You are a model to follow!
Thank you so much, Denise! Your friendship, professional guidance, and support have been invaluable!