Guest Post: Author Cynthia Ravinski Talks Emotobooks

I think the concept of "Emotobooks" is an interesting one. Check out Cynthia's guest post on the subject and let us know what you think about this new medium in the comments. Take it away, Cynthia!

Hi Roger, many thanks for letting me post on the Novel Project today. And I’ve got just that for you. My story, Lingering in the Woods is an Emotobook. And that is a new medium of fiction published by Grit CityPublications to be available for ereaders of all sorts.

The idea of Emotobooks as a literary form lodged in my mind and haunted me for days after I’d first heard of it. Using abstract imagery to enhance the reading experience engages multiple areas of the brain, which appeals to my vivid sense of color and shape. Louis Sullivan, an American architect, put it perfectly, “form ever follows function.” Emotobooks have a unique style and structure. They are all fast-paced, imagery-heavy short stories or serial novels containing abstract, emotionally provocative illustrations to depict what characters feel during peak moments of tension. These expressionistic elements provide both a cerebral and visual stimulation, which enhances the experience. 

Lingering in the Woods was not always an Emotobook though. I had written it and let it sit in a drawer for a couple of years by the time I heard about Emotobooks. Its fast pace and image-filled narrative seemed to me a perfect fit for this new form. Also the publisher is looking for all forms of fiction, including all the genres. So the fact that Lingering in the Woods is a fantasy also fit perfectly.

When the editors accepted it I was thrilled. I’d get to be a part of the Emotobook revolution. The first thing they did was comb through my story to find the best locations for the abstract images that are unique Emotobooks. At this point they brought on the artist that would create the imagery; see this sneak peak from inside Lingering in the Woods:

When they sent their editorial notes back I reviewed and worked with their suggestions to improve the balance of pace and intensity. When I’d returned the final copy, the editor formatted it for the different ebook retailers it would be going to. It is available at Amazon, iBooks and all major ebook retailers.

Grit City Publications is a very different type of publisher. It’s more like an indie collaborative--a little like the folks who come together for this Magic Appreciation Tour a few times a year. The publisher requires all authors who publish Emotobooks support each other through social networking. The catalogue is always growing, so the support base is as well.

Recent advances in technology brought us a good way to read the electronic book. Emotobooks have brought a new way to enjoy ebooks.

If you try an Emotobook and love it, visit the Grit City page to request an autograph card from the creators.

This post concludes my September Magic Appreciation Blog Tour. My previous stop was an interview at the Importance of the Impossible with A.E. Marling.

Cynthia Ravinski

Cynthia Ravinski writes Emotobooks, among other things. From her coastal northern setting she finagles language into stories. She’s been an athlete, a co-pilot, and a world traveler. She’s basked in the light of great poets, and has been educated to high degrees at UMaine Farmington and Seton Hill University. To say she is obsessed with drinking tea is an understatement.

Find Cynthia Ravinski at her Blog www.cynthiaravinski.com

On facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CynthiaRavinskiAuthor

And twitter @CynthiaRavinski

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Thanks, Cynthia!