By: Judy Shields
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 8/12/2016 – “We are the original publishers of Chicken Soup for the Soul, although we no longer publish them, we had the original contract. found and discovered them and was with them for 15 years. We have done some landmarks things in our days and we are forty years old this summer.” Kim Weiss, Director of Communication at Health Communications, Inc. told The Hollywood Times today during a telephone interview.
Kim Weiss said what happened was they were in pursuit of a different kind of book to do, and a particular editor named Allison Janse, who is always searching the internet for the next best thing, brought them an idea, that a couple of years ago, coloring was very popular. They acknowledged it, but they couldn’t really see that doing so well. Then at one of their meetings back in 2014, some one proposed that they do a coloring book for the recovery market. She said “that made sense to us and that was therapeutic and all the ways that it is therapeutic that everybody writes and talks about. The audience needs it just as much as anybody else if not more.” So they came up with Inkspirations™ For Recovery, that was their first book in the series.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul connection lead them to create Inkspirations™ for Women and the response in the market place was so wonderful and they are still going. There is one of faith called Inkspirations™ for The Spirit and post cards will be coming out in October. Greeting cards are out already. Next year, they will have mailers
Kim told me that she has a group of women that come for a potluck dinner and color these books once a month. How fun does that sound. She also said that to check out libraries in our area, to see if they are offering coloring sessions.
I received three books from the HCI company the other day and I colored the first drawing from each of the books. I’ve included those drawings here and pictures of the various books offered from HCI.
I truly enjoy coloring with crayons, markers and I especially love using colored pencils. These books have amazing drawings for any of those types of coloring instruments.
I ride the train into work Monday through Friday and I spend my incoming trip coloring with these books. It sure does make the trip go peacefully and even a conversation will arise from a passenger with curiosity and I gladly tell them how wonderful it is to color. I hope to see others on the train purchasing these great Adult coloring books.
Click the link below to order your coloring books. These would make wonderful birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, Anniversary gifts and gifts for those in the hospital. Purchase a book, get some coloring pencils, markers and crayons, wrap them up for a special gift and give them to anyone of any age. Trust me, they would just love to have them and be ever so surprised and thankful. They are also available on Amazon.
http://www.inkspirations.com/shop
The two books that have authors to them are the “Recovery” and “Women”. Inkspirations™ for Recovery, we have Rokelle Lerner, a pioneer in the treatment of children and adult children of alcoholics and has trained professionals throughout the world in healing the family from the ravages of addiction. Rokelle is the senior clinical director of treatment to Crossroads Centre Antigua, which is owned by Eric Clapton. Rokelle is also the facilitator of Spring Workshops in London, UK. She is the author of several bestselling books and she has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Association for Children of Alcoholic’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Esquire magazine’s “Top 100 Women in the US Who are Changing the Nation.”
Inkspirations™ For Women, we have Marci Shimoff, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a world-renowned transformational teacher, and an expert on happiness, success and unconditional love. She’s authored the international bestsellers, Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason, co-authored six titles in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and is a featured teacher in The Secret. She currently co-leads a global online program called Your Year of Miracles to help people live more miraculous lives.
Kim said that they invite people online and Facebook to share their coloring finish product.
https://www.facebook.com/InkSpirationcoloringbooks/
Kim also mentioned that they have a five coloring book contract, with its first book coming out in November, with the AARP. That is some great news and they will be at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. on Saturday, September 24th with a 12-foot coloring wall.
Check out that website for information about the National Book Festival. Stephen King will be one of the guest speakers on the main stage. Tickets will be needed for this event and other authors slated to appear on the Main Stage are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (an American retired professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers), Shonda Rhimes (a television producer and writer and the creator, head writer, executive producer, and showrunner of the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy, its spin-off Private Practice and the political thriller series Scandal), Bob Woodward (an American investigative journalist and non-fiction author. He has worked for The Washington Post since 1971 as a reporter and is now an associate editor of the Post), Raina Telgemeier (is an American cartoonist whose works include the autobiographic webcomic Smile (A Dental Drama), which was published by Scholastic Press’s Graphix imprint as a full-color graphic novel in February 2010. That book, as well as the follow-up Sisters and the fiction graphic novel Drama have all been on the New York Times Best Seller lists) and Salman Rushdie (is a British Indian novelist and essayist. His second novel, Midnight’s Children (1981), won the Booker Prize in 1981. Much of his fiction is set on the Indian subcontinent. He combines magical realism with historical fiction).
Just when a sympathetic heart seems like it can’t take anymore, reach for something to help quiet the mind and ease the soul. Inkspirations™ coloring books for adults, offer a way to turn off negativity while healing the spirit. Art therapy has long proven its effects as an aid in emotional and mental restoration, and it is not news that coloring as active meditation reduces stress and quiets thoughts. However, from the original publishers of Chicken Soup for the Soul now comes a line of coloring books ready to encourage, inspire, and help worries fade.
Whether coloring with friends, family, or on your own, it doesn’t take much to color your day a little brighter. With moving quotes alongside unique and graceful images, Inkspirations coloring books include a wide array of themes to help express creativity and enjoy therapy through coloring. To start overcoming heartache, releasing tensions, and building positive energy, readers can visit the new Inkspirations website, www.Inkspirations.com
The website is a reader’s portal to a more colorful world, giving a peek at the wide spread of unique pages Inkspirations has to offer, and some highly anticipated releases.
On coloring lists now:
- Inkspirations™ in the Garden (June 2016)
Anyone blessed with a green thumb knows that a garden is nature’s haven, and when properly tended can transform a patch of ground into a place of splendor that abounds with intoxicating colors, scents, and wildlife. Inkspirations™ in the Garden celebrates gardens in all their glory, from images of delightful cottage gardens to well-manicured rose gardens, from lush tropical gardens to relaxing Zen gardens. The original designs feature exquisite floral patterns to color and customize, plus heartwarming scenes of loveable backyard critters, like ladybugs and bumblebees, and even the squirrels and rabbits who sometimes become our garden nemeses. Inkspirations in the Garden pays homage to those who make weeds into wonders and have been enriched by gardening’s lessons about a life well-tended and nurtured. Please visit: http://amzn.to/21nxZQS
- Inkspirations™ Animal Kingdom (June 2016)
For coloring enthusiasts looking for inspiration, nature provides a dazzling array of colors and patterns – the bold black stripes on a tiger’s back, the kaleidoscope of teals in a peacock’s plumes, the fiery orange of a fox’s coat, or the rainbow of colors in a macaw’s feathers. Now you can add your own burst of color with Inkspirations™ Animal Kingdom, which showcases more than thirty beautifully detailed designs of a menagerie of animals large and small. Paired with inspiring quotes and heartfelt lessons we humans can learn from our animal counterparts, this book will uplift and inspire whether you are an avid colorist or an armchair explorer. For information, please visit: http://amzn.to/1Q6oUen
Also see www.Inkspirations.com for:
- Inkspirations™ for Women (March 2016)
• Inkspirations™ for Recovery (February 2016)
Coloring to come:
- Inkspirations™ for a Happy Heart (June 2016)
Sharing more than 30 original designs to make your own, plus motivating mantras to help you relax, unwind, and greet each day with renewed optimism and creative energy. Whether you’re new to coloring or a gel-pen aficionado, you may have already admired the artistic creations of Diane Yi, whose stunning artwork has been shared, pinned, or colored around the world. With Diane’s style of intricate details with exquisite flourishes, Inkspirations™ for a Happy Heart provides a perfect canvas that will inspire you to color your world a little brighter. Please see: http://amzn.to/28G4xLo
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Robyn Henoch artist on Inkspirations for Cat Lovers Inkspirations™ for Cat Lovers (July 2016)
Cats are curious, regal, intelligent, and playful. They oblige us humans by allowing us to share our lives and hearts with them. Inkspirations™ for Cat Lovers celebrates the magic, mystery, and merriment of cats throughout the seasons, from Siamese to the Sphynx, Abyssinians to Persians, Maine Coons to calicos, and more. From long-haired to short-haired and everything in between, you will find more than 30 original designs that celebrate the many ways in which cats bring joy (and fur!) into our lives. Inkspirations for Cat Lovers is a fitting tribute to our whiskered companions who color our world brighter every day. Please see: http://amzn.to/1PuN3G7
COLOR – Are you hooked on coloring, but looking for new inspiration? Or has it been a while since you picked up a crayon, colored pencil or gel pen? Carve out some time for yourself and tap into your creative energy with Inkspirations™. As you color, each page comes alive as a celebration of the beauty that is all around you.
SHARE – Even though coloring is an enjoyable solo activity, the more, the merrier. Invite some friends over to color with you. De-stress through the day with a lunchtime coloring group at work. Become part of a vibrant online community sharing finished artwork and tips. You’ll find Inkspirations™ on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.
INSPIRE – Expressing ourselves creatively is good for the soul. It allows us to play and to reconnect with parts of ourselves that are pure joy. Use Inkspirations™ as an outlet to inspire you to create art that will be as unique and beautiful as you are. Explore and develop your own artistic voice by experimenting with color and shapes.
Meet the Artists:
Judy Clement Wall – In addition to Judy’s commissioned artwork and illustrations, she creates unique cards and original artwork that celebrates life and inspires creativity. To see more of her art and read her published work, visit her web site or her shop on Etsy. Judy has illustrated Inkspirations™ for Recovery, Inkspirations™ for Women, Inkspirations™ Create While You Wait, Inkspirations™ Greeting Cards, and Inkspirations™ Postcards.
Beth Logan – Beth studied graphic design at the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. several years later, and completely by accident, she stumbled head-first into the art licensing business, and today Beth’s creations can be found on all sorts of wonderful products. She spends her days happily drawing and painting in her cute little studio in the Seattle home she shares with her weird furry little family. Beth has illustrated Inkspirations™ in the Garden
Anna N. Carey – Anna’s favorite pastimes include traveling, spending time with her family, and running. She resides in Columbia, Missouri, with her husband and two dogs, Paisley and Hazel. To see more of her art, you can follow her on Instagram @PaisleyandHazel. Anna has illustrated Inkspirations™ Animal Kingdom
Robyn Henoch – Robyn is an avid animal lover, gardener, crafter, and all-around DIYer, she shares her home with one feathered friend. Robyn has illustrated Inkspirations™ for Cat Lovers and Inkspirations™ for Dog Lovers
Diane Yi – Diane’s work is in private collections worldwide. She lives near Kansas City with her husband and two dogs. In addition to her other awards, during the Kansas City Cow Parade, her design was chosen by Hallmark, Inc., to be produced on T-shirts as well as stuffed toys and ceramic figurines. Diane draws her inspiration from nature, beauty, and the sacredness of the human spirit. Diane has illustrated Inkspirations™ for a Happy Heart
Lorrie Bennett – Lorrie is passionate about the divine inspiration that is the source of her creativity, and the happiness and beauty that it can bring to others. Lorrie has illustrated Inkspirations™ Fruit of the Spirit.
Kristin Lieshout – Kristin is from Lynchburg, Virginia and she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. Kristin has illustrated Inkspirations™ for Christmas Joy
Manja Burton – Manja’s philosophy is ‘The path in life that we follow forms us and creates the path in front of us.’ Manja has illustrated Inkspirations™ Love by Design.
About Inkspirations™
Coloring — unplug from a wired world. If you find it difficult to unplug, and just the idea of being un-wired makes your blood pressure rise, help is here.
Coloring – As kids, who didn’t sit for hours with crayons spread out on the table? We loved coloring because it was fun. Moms loved it because while we were coloring, we were quiet — most of the time. Now we’re all “grown up” and life sure is more complicated, but as millions of adults have re-discovered, coloring is still fun!
Unplug, unwind & create – Inkspirations™ are coloring books designed for adults! We’ve filled the pages with sophisticated illustrations and word art, with thought-provoking messages. They are the perfect antidote for this wired world. Coloring with Inkspirations™ calms the mind and takes you to a place where time and space seem to disappear. It’s yoga for the mind! So, fill those silent, unplugged minutes by putting pencil, marker or gel pen to paper. Forget the day’s troubles and those nagging worries. You’ll find yourself relaxed, at peace, and best of all, you’ll have something beautiful to show for the time you unplugged.
We invite you to enjoy some of the artwork created by Inkspirations™ fans in our Art Gallery and to learn more about the books in our Inkspirations™ series.
2016 Titles
Inkspirations™ for Recovery
Inkspirations™ for Women
Inkspirations™ in the Garden
Inkspirations™ Animal Kingdom
Inkspirations™ for a Happy Heart
Inkspirations™ for Cat Lovers
Inkspirations™ Color Me Greeting Cards
Inkspirations™ Fruit of the Spirit
Inkspirations™ for Christmas Joy
Inkspirations™ Color Me Postcards
Inkspirations™ for Dog Lovers
Inkspirations™ Create While You Wait
2017 Titles
Inkspirations™ for Mindful Living
Inkspirations™ Love by Design
About HCI
Changing Lives … One Book at a Time
Since 1977, HCI has been changing the lives of our readers and the people they touch, one book at a time.
Dedicated to bringing readers quality books, HCI makes its distinction in the marketplace by not just publishing books, but by “publishing people”. These people are carefully selected authors who inspire readers to achieve their dreams, live lives of abundance, to experience consolation when needed as well the healing power of laughter. Readers will find a wealth of topics reflecting every aspect of life including: Inspiration, Self-Help, Soul, Spirituality, Relationships, Recovery, Healing, Health and Wellness, Diet, Teen Issues, Women’s Issues, and Parenting. There are riveting memoirs to enjoy and trademark stories to savor in the tradition that made Chicken Soup for the Soul series famous.
Although many publishers jumped on the self-help bandwagon through the years, HCI was a pioneer in the field. Its own inspirational story illustrates why one should never give up on their dreams.
HCI began a publishing program for professionals in the recovery and addiction treatment field. Starting with pamphlets and magazines, it soon expanded into books. Its mission then, as now, was to bring inspiration, information and hope to its audience.
In 1983, HCI published one of the landmark books in recovery, Adult Children of Alcoholics by Dr. Janet Woititz. Virtually spawning the ACOA movement and still a perennial seller, Woititz’s book inspired a new way of looking at the impact of alcoholism on future generations. The book became the first in a string of New York Times bestsellers for HCI.
What came next was a book from another emerging icon in the recovery field, John Bradshaw whose Healing the Shame That Binds You also hit the New York Times bestseller list. It continues to be a recovery staple worldwide and has even been featured on Oprah.
In 1993, after a brief dry spell in the recovery market and a decision to expand its publishing program, two motivational speakers came to HCI with a manuscript in hand that had been turned down by 133 publishers. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen would not be stopped by these rejections and persevered with their dreams. The stories they collected touched the heart and the intuition of HCI’s owner, Peter Vegso and history was made. The phenomenon that is Chicken Soup for the Soul, 101 Stories became the bestselling self-help series ever published.
HCI has come a long way since its roots in recovery and the life-changing Chicken Soup for the Soul series with an expansive list of contemporary voices. It has won awards for its books and works in consort with its own conference and magazine division. After thirty plus years of publishing, one thing remains the same — the voices published by HCI will always be dedicated to making a difference in the lives of readers.
