Last Sunday was an important day for me. A day that I had worked towards for many months. It was the day of the launch of my latest book ‘Reflections from La Herradura’ which is also available in Spanish ‘Reflejos del Paisaje Humano de La Herradura’. When I started working on this book, about a year and a half ago, I could not have foreseen the journey that I was to embark on. Interviews with interesting artists, inspiring people, some difficult and full of ego, others super relaxed and easy going, but all worthy of a story. My book was born. Officially last Sunday, when the launch of the book took place in La Cochera, a fantastic arty café on the seafront in La Herradura. La Cochera, an artwork in itself with fantastic decorations and influences from all over the world, also features in the book so it was the right place for it.
Weeks prior to the launch were filled with finding a good printer, getting the book ready for print both in English and in Spanish and spreading the word. I often felt as if I was running around like a headless chicken but beneath the chaos there was structure and things did get done. Then I came down with hefty cold turning into a serious bronchitis which told me I probably had overdone it and asked too much of myself; stress and plenty of worrying had taken its toll. I was forced to take a step back and get some extra sleep - I was so tired and ill I could not even stay awake if I tried – and this did get me back on track again.
There were ups and downs, problems and solutions, great results but also some disappointments. The result of the crowdfunding that I had organized to raise some funds for the printing only covered about a quarter of the costs; nevertheless it was a welcome contribution to my project, so a big thank you to those who kindly donated some money! However, not having reached my crowdfunding amount did mean I had to make a decision…. Was I going to take a risk and order a big stack of books which would result in a scary negative bank balance, or was I going to play it safe and call off the celebratory launch and start small?
I believe you have to take a risk sometimes and in my case to have faith that the book I have created is worth reading. It is an inspiring book which leads the reader into a fascinating world, describing life in a small Spanish seaside village both in the past and present and also offering an interesting account of what inspires painters, writers, dancers, musicians and other creative souls. Why are they in La Herradura? What drives them?
Some of the artists in La Herradura
I decided to take the risk and spread the word about the launch. I was so busy with the preparations that I did not even had the time to feel nervous. The only silent give-away that I probably was, were my moments of indulging in foods that are not necessarily good for me. Comfort foods that made my top feel even tighter than it was when I was last wearing it. But Sunday came and went. My presentation in Spanish and English was well-received, the atmosphere super and the live music fantastic. People dancing and enjoying themselves. Thanks to Antonio, the owner of La Cochera who kindly offered me to have the launch in his establishment and Mel O’Gorman, who has been a great support, help and rock throughout the entire process, I can now look back on a wonderful day.
Did you miss it? Are you interested in a signed copy of the book? Please let me know. I will extend the discount price of 15€ ex. shipment till the end of April, after that it will go back to its original price of 19.50! Please contact me via renate@renatevannijen.com
For more information about my art or my books feel free to visit my website: www.renatevannijen.com
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