My book, The Art of Magic Words is finally available. No one else will be as pleased by this as I am; it has been hanging over my head as something unfinished for months. The issues with the graphics we were having seem to have resolved. I'm so relieved!
Here is the "marketing" description of the book:
The Art of Magic Words explains why verse is so appropriate for casting magic: not only are sounds and rhythm conducive to achieving the right state of mind to work magic, but the meaning of the words can help to move you to another state of consciousness, a dream-state in which all is possible. "Having a spell," the author suggests, is a more accurate way to think of it than "casting a spell."
This book will be a solid addition to your occult library, and will especially appeal to you if you're interested in developing spells for your personal or for your coven's Book of Shadows. Not only are ready spells provided in a Grimoire section, but four instructional chapters show how to master the art of spell-poem composition for yourself.
Plus, because the Grimoire section of the book is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License rather than a traditional copyright, with proper attribution the spells herein can be non-commercially published, republished on your Website or in your Book of Shadows, modified and published yet again in order to encourage creativity in the spell casting community.
This book will be a solid addition to your occult library, and will especially appeal to you if you're interested in developing spells for your personal or for your coven's Book of Shadows. Not only are ready spells provided in a Grimoire section, but four instructional chapters show how to master the art of spell-poem composition for yourself.
Plus, because the Grimoire section of the book is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License rather than a traditional copyright, with proper attribution the spells herein can be non-commercially published, republished on your Website or in your Book of Shadows, modified and published yet again in order to encourage creativity in the spell casting community.
I was also fortunate enough to get a few people to review the book; here is what a couple had to say:
"This delightful introduction to the composition of New-Age Wiccan Spell Poetry takes the reader through the whole process of making a piece of rhyme that works, and it also includes a Grimoire of spell poems by the author."
--Peter J Carroll, Past Grandmaster, Illuminates of Thanateros
"The Art of Magic Words fills an important gap in the bookshelf of the beginning liturgist, connecting the mechanics that may only be dimly remembered from school to the practice and discipline of Pagan ritual. This slim volume contains a wealth of experience from a practiced and passionate wordsmith."
--Dr. Brent Neal, Triad of Leadership, Universal Eclectic Wicca
"Rather than simply advising readers to consider composing magickal prose as part of their Craft, the author encourages personal experimentation by providing lucid, step-by-step examples of her own creative process. The extensive included Grimoire reveals lyrical verse as a powerful and elegant tool for focusing intent and achieving magickal gnosis. A rich selection of spell-poems ranging from the pragmatic to the celebratory and visionary will inspire readers to explore the techniques herein and experiment with the possibilities for themselves."
--Al Hogar, Mystic and Magus, Order of the Golden Breath
--Peter J Carroll, Past Grandmaster, Illuminates of Thanateros
"The Art of Magic Words fills an important gap in the bookshelf of the beginning liturgist, connecting the mechanics that may only be dimly remembered from school to the practice and discipline of Pagan ritual. This slim volume contains a wealth of experience from a practiced and passionate wordsmith."
--Dr. Brent Neal, Triad of Leadership, Universal Eclectic Wicca
"Rather than simply advising readers to consider composing magickal prose as part of their Craft, the author encourages personal experimentation by providing lucid, step-by-step examples of her own creative process. The extensive included Grimoire reveals lyrical verse as a powerful and elegant tool for focusing intent and achieving magickal gnosis. A rich selection of spell-poems ranging from the pragmatic to the celebratory and visionary will inspire readers to explore the techniques herein and experiment with the possibilities for themselves."
--Al Hogar, Mystic and Magus, Order of the Golden Breath
I'm awaiting my final proof copy now; once I receive it and assure myself that the pdf and book preview reflect the printing, I will purchase distribution for the book, and it will (shortly thereafter) become available on Amazon, etc. It is currently priced at $9.98, and available only through Lulu. When distribution at other booksellers begins, however, the price will go up, because Amazon and other book sellers will need their "mark up." At that time, the price will go up to $12.98 (and there will be an actual ISBN number inside, rather than an ISBN placeholder).
If anyone wants a signed copy--why anyone would is beyond me, really, but I did have someone ask about that once--let me know, because I believe I can order a copy, sign it and then send it on to you. If you live far away from me, shipping, of course, will be more or less doubled that way, but my 10 seconds to sign will naturally be free of charge.
I have seen previous proofs of the book, and they were all fine except for a few fine lines that ran through some of the graphics (and drove me crazy). Because these lines were apparent in the electronic preview, as well, I'm relatively certain that there are no such issues with the graphics at this time. However... fair warning. You'll want to weigh whether or not it's worth more to you to get the book now with less expense or to pay three dollars more and get the book after distribution has been purchased when the printing quality has been verified.
