The Launch of Before the World Opened

June 6, 2018

Top Winnipeg fashion blogger Cee Fardoe of Coco & Vera reads a copy of her second novel, Before the World Opened, wearing a black silk Everlane blouseCopies of After the Shots and Before the World Opened, two novels by top Winnipeg fashion blogger Cee Fardoe of Coco & Vera, sit in front of a Matisse printTop Canadian fashion blogger Cee Fardoe of Coco & Vera reads a copy of the second edition of her first novel, After the Shots, wearing white Grlfrnd jeansThe back covers of After the Shots and Before the World Opened, novels by top Winnipeg fashion blogger Cee Fardoe of Coco & Vera, next to a pair of Tom Ford glassesTop Canadian fashion blogger Cee Fardoe of Coco & Vera reads a copy of her second novel, Before the World Opened, wearing Tom Ford glasses and a silk Everlane blouseBefore the World Opened by C. Fardoe
After the Shots by C. Fardoe

The big day is finally here! Well, to be honest, the big day was Monday – but sometimes it’s better to spread out good news. My second novel, Before the World Opened, is officially in print! And the second edition of my first, After the Shots, is also on the shelves.

In advance of the launch date, I’ve talked a lot about both books on instastories (and here, too, to be fair.) The fact is, I talk about it a lot not just because I’m so excited – although I am – but because it still feels utterly surreal. I want to be able to describe how it feels to see books you’ve written in print, but the truth is that the combination of elation and subtle disbelief and total disarmament defies description – at least with conventional adjectives.

When I first published After the Shots four years ago, I did it on a bit of lark. I was lucky that when I started to promote it, the response was encouraging and even, dare I say, enthusiastic. But that also made me regret my impulsive decision to publish. Perfectionist that I am, if I had realised so many people would read After the Shots, I would have put more time into the cover design… rather than assembling it myself on my laptop using Photoshop. (Yep. True story. Not my best decision.)

And so, as Before the World Opened approached completion, I decided it was time to do things right. I reached out to one of the most creative women I know, Bria of Digital Darlings Creative, to help me create the cover art of my dreams. While I was initially apprehensive about handing the creative reigns to someone else, our collaboration was pure magic. And I think that shows in the cover design of both books. The new designs look even better than I envisioned. I couldn’t be more proud to be releasing these books into the world, because not only do they contain stories I’ve worked so long to put on paper, but they look absolutely gorgeous.

Before the World Opened is a book that I never thought I would write. When I finished After the Shots, I felt ready to move on. In fact, I wrote an entirely different book with different characters the following year! (In case you’re wondering, I subsequently shelved it.) But the same question kept coming up: “What happens next?” It’s hard to express how meaningful and gratifying it is, as a writer, to have people around you care about your characters – essentially, the figments of your imagination. But much to my ongoing surprise, people do. And while Before the World Opened is about what went on before, rather than what happens next, it is a continuation of a story that I remain totally surprised and endlessly thrilled that people enjoy.

Right now, Before the World Opened and After the Shots are both available on Amazon. I’ve also set up a Shop – you’ll find it on the top menu bar – so that you can purchase copies directly from me, too. If you do happen to pick one up, I’d love to see a snapshot of you reading it. After all, a good book never goes out of style. Happy reading!

6 comments so far.

6 responses to “The Launch of Before the World Opened”

  1. Courtney says:

    This is such a wonderful accomplishment – I’m excited for you!

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

  2. Lyddiegal says:

    I think you have every reason to stretch out your celebration for as long as possible, and enjoy every moment! I love the new cover designs and I can’t wait to read Before the World Opened!
    https://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/

  3. Yay, yay!!!! The most wonderful news!! And I can only imagine how surreal and amazing all this must be. SO proud of you Cee!! These photos are some of my faves, you’re looking as lovely as ever and so is your home. Plus, as you know, I’m over the moon about the design! Though I’ll confess… I have a soft spot for the design of your first book too. Excited to own that edition as well. It often sits on my coffee table, or TV book shelf! xo

    http://www.girlandcloset.com

  4. Sherin says:

    OMG Exciting!!! I’ve just ordered it and it’s arriving in a few days. Can’t wait! You go girl!

  5. Lorena says:

    Congratulations !!!!! What an accomplishment 🙂

  6. Dorota says:

    Congratulations! I’ve been working on my book for over 6 years now (wrote many stories in between) but never finished it. I am so impressed with you actually publishing one. That’s such a great accomplishment! Congratulations once again!
    Dorota
    http://www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com

Cee Fardoe is a thirty-something Canadian blogger who splits her time between Winnipeg and Paris. She is a voracious reader, avid tea-drinker, insatiable wanderer and fashion lover who prefers to dress in black, white and gray.

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