Oh my. All that work, and now it’s a secret. Almost.

Amazon’s algorithm (which is perhaps a new swear word for me) says that as long as the FIRST Edition has sold more copies than the SECOND Edition, then only the FIRST Edition will come up on searches.

Do you see the irony? This is a great way to sabotage sales of the Second Edition!

After much arm-twisting, they agreed to add this “banner” stating “There is a newer edition…” to the original edition’s book description page. Still, the image in the banner is tiny, so you can’t see the bold words “Second Edition.” And of course, if you rush to purchase, without seeing this banner, you will be buying the 2020 original edition…which you might already own!

If you look for it on a smartphone, it is even worse. You will have to scroll down a lot to see any hint of a Second Edition version.

I have very few publishing/republishing options, but I have decided for now to leave it as it is and continue celebrating this new book which is a breath of fresh air for any struggling artist, especially if they love watercolor.

Here’s how you can help.

If you have already purchased your copy of the new book, thank you! Now, follow this link to return to the second edition’s page,

Click on the blue “480 ratings” (or whatever number it says when you read this), right next to those 4.5 gold stars. It will look like this:

When you click on the word “ratings,” it will open a new window where, if you scroll down a bit, you can see on the left a place to click to add your star rating and a review.

Then listen for my heartfelt applause!

If you haven’t purchased your copy of the new book yet, click on this link here, purchase your copy, then after you’ve received your copy, please feel free to add your review as well. Just follow the instructions above.

~~~~~~

This brutally frustrating problem with Amazon has had a curious side effect though.

Inspiration.

This morning as I was enjoying my coffee, I asked myself,

“How on earth can I work around this without destroying all the joy I had in creating this book?”

Then I wondered,

“What’s the very best part of the new book?”

Then I smiled. The answer is obvious. Chapter 6- Introducing: Water!

That is why in the next 8 weeks, as we dance through what is left of summer, I will be publishing Chapter 6 right here, in 8 installments. Free. Just for you.

Chapter 6 is about watercolor’s powerful-yet- invisible secret ingredient: WATER.

No one talks about the crucial role of WATER in a clear, methodical, and comprehensive manner.

You can buy endless watercolor books and online courses and go on in-person painters’ retreats, and they will talk about brush technique, color theory, and paper types. But never, ever WATER ALONE. It’ll be mentioned, of course, but it is never the sole focus. Until now.

You are in for a treat. Once you have read and understood all 8 lessons, and have practiced to see for yourself, you will never again moan saying, “Watercolor is so hard!”… because by then you’ll know all the secrets.

By the way, THIS is what the cover of the new book looks like in its full glory! Twice as thick as the first edition, just brimming with new inspiration from aloft!

See you next week for part 1 of The 8 Secrets of Vibrant Watercolor.

*******

** If you decide you would like to purchase a copy of the new Second Edition, be sure to look for the version with the green stripe down the left side of the cover, and the words “SECOND EDITION” in the blue cloud at the top of the cover.

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 And, as always, thanks for spending some time “aloft”!