That’s the idea behind Authors, Come Paint Your Book Cover—an intimate, one-of-a-kind event I’m hosting on August 25 at Bottle & Bottega on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
You’ll paint your book cover on canvas. A guided painting session walks you through re-creating your cover—no experience necessary. While you paint, you’ll sip wine, eat cupcakes, and settle into your own creative space. We’re aiming for the kind of open, relaxed energy that makes everything feel more possible.
And in the middle of all that fun, I’ll be weaving in group and personalized author business coaching—the practical, strategic kind I post here on Substack—to help you figure out book marketing and author business model options that makes sense for your specific books, readers, customers, and personal situation.
Take a few hours away from your routine, pick up a brush, and spark some author business breakthroughs.
A guided painting session where you re-create your book cover on canvas; wine, soft drinks, and cupcakes; group author business and book marketing coaching, personalized coaching moments throughout the evening, and a room full of serious, like-minded authors having a good time.
I’ve spent 30+ years in publishing and coached 200+ authors one-on-one across six continents. And one thing I’ve learned is that breakthroughs don’t always happen at desks…when you sit down to think things over, strategize on schedule, and make a plan.
At least as often they happen when you’re doing something else—in the shower, on a walk, building with your hands, engaging in another creative activity. When the pressure is off. When you’re in good company and the conversation and creativity are flowing. When the wine is poured, the dessert is served, and someone asks you a question you hadn’t thought to ask yourself.
That’s the environment that awaits you on August 25.
Space is strictly limited to 16 authors.
When: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM CT
Where: Bottle & Bottega by Painting with a Twist, 2900 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60657
Early Bird Rate: $80 (first 6 seats only)
Regular Rate: $95
All painting supplies, wine, soft drinks, and cupcakes included.
P.S. Don’t have a book yet? Come paint the cover of the one you’re going to write and publish. The one you’re in the middle of working on. What better vision board than a canvas?
P.P.S. Six seats are priced at the early bird rate of $80. When they’re gone, the regular rate of $95 applies. If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time.
Are you attending? What book cover are you going to paint?
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