And like that we're three months into the year.

You might not have seen much from us recently. That's mostly been to give us some time to focus on things that were wrapping up, so that we can then spend more time on the things that matter like the book and our adventures.
But don't worry! Just because you haven't seen much doesn't mean we haven't been doing much.

A few things to share in this update and some fun moments to look forward to.

So lets get to it.

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Notes from Cohen

Last newsletter we talked a bit about goals and being intentional with our time. It's all well and good to talk but it does come down to action.

So far this year I've been intentional with a few small goals. It hasn't always suceeded but they're growing, and with their growth brings the structure to add more little actions and bigger ones too.

• A Daily Journal to reflect on the day
• A moment of Stillness to reset between periods of work
• Reading (at least) a few pages a day (It's usually more.)

Now I'm working to add in daily writing. Realising that it doesn't have to be about Cohen and Kleo. But taking time to write means that I keep practicing the skill. I keep the brain turning and growing ideas. It's intermittent now but we'll get there.

Outside of goals and making things happen I've found a lot of joy in getting back to the arts this year. Checked out a lot of shows at the arts festivals that have been held so far. Going along with friends or just Kleo and I. Some really neat projects seen. Keeping my eyes open for what's coming up.

The Book Nook

On the 2nd of May Cohen and Kleo will be posting up at Ages of Pages book fair. If you're in Hamilton, NZ we'd love to see you.

We've got a few surprises lined up before then. Check out the latest video on our socials - seems we got an exciting delivery in the post.

Kari Kaze, our artist, has been painting away. Producing some really beautiful pieces for book two Kleo the Kererū and the Palace Cat. We'll be looking to share some soon.

No release date just yet but stay tuned for updates. Might even try for a launch party this time around.

From the Editing Desk

Trying a new little section here. We'll keep exploring these newsletters.

So Kleo the Kererū and The Palace Cat has been giving us a chance to keep exploring our process. With Kleo the Kererū meets Cohen the Kiwi we engaged a bit of support both from friends and professional companies. At the time this was definitely needed we were in new territory and asking new skills, but it took away a bit of flexibility and meant relying on others for the timeline.

This time around we're going to take a shot at doing more of it ourselves. This is of course going to come with a lot of work.
I, that is Cohen, am not a professional childrens book editor or designer or layout-er (okay thats not a word but you get the idea)

So it's a learning curve which is fun and interesting and hard and frustrating. Right now I've got most of the technical 'how-to' basics down, it's rough but I can technically put the book together.

The real challeneg now is getting the design right; marrying the art and the text together. Telling the the story and building the rhythm through the layout.

If you've got any recommendation for resources that you think might help we'd love to hear about it.

P.S We're using Affintiy by Canva at the moment which is working well

P.P.S Check out progress below on rebuilding the book title. Top is the original, bottom is the remake. Rough around the edges but getting there.

On the Horizon

• Our first book fair of course
• The release of book 2; Kleo the Kererū and the Palace Cat
• We're thinking of connecting with local schools for a reading time - got any recommendations?
• This trip we keep talking about - who knows

Until Next Time

Cohen and Kleo

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