“

This book is for your niece, and for my niece. It’s for all the nieces.

Somewhere out there right now is a 94 year old woman on one leg in an unbreakable tai chi pose, breathing in the oxygen and breathing out her power. This little book is about that, about a strong foundation, personal power and independence.

Also there may be swearing.

A short, insightful book that is inclusive, practical and refreshingly free of judgement.

Recommended for ages 16+

“

I had the pleasure of collaborating on a unique project—helping Evie Ashton bring her “stocking stuffer” of a book to life. What started as a simple inquiry about formatting turned into a delightful exchange of ideas, driven by Evie’s vision and enthusiasm. Now, I’d love to take a moment to highlight her work and reflect on the project itself.

Evie reached out to me, sharing her plans for this compact book—a thoughtful creation designed to be as vibrant in its presentation as it is in its content. Her directions were simple yet intentional: a red-purple cover with bold orange-gold text, the title in all caps. With just a few cues, I could see how much she cared about the look and feel of her book.

Working with Evie designing her new book was a great experience. Small enough that I could read it and design it accordingly. Using acres of white space to frame each concept and help with the storytelling that Evie laid out. Evie and I collaborated on the flow of the book, and the layout choices even spurred on some further editing of the story.

Evie Ashton
Author of The Little Book of Power
Founder of Lucies / Newsreader / SheEO Activator

“This is looking so good… I’m really leaning into your layout for the book now… Thank you so much Matt. You’ve really elevated the project.”

It’s not just about formatting text or laying out pages. It’s about capturing the essence of the author’s message, translating their passion onto the printed (or digital) page. Evie’s request wasn’t just about design choices. It was about creating something that would speak to readers and reflect her energy.

Throughout our conversations, Evie’s focus on getting the details right was clear. She was patient and thoughtful, knowing that good design requires a bit of back-and-forth. From font selection (she opted for geometric fonts—clean, modern, and fitting for her vision) to clarifying how the layout might differ between print and e-book formats, she was engaged and collaborative every step of the way.

I appreciate working with independent authors like Evie giving me the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful on a personal level. These projects aren’t just business transactions—they’re about helping someone bring their story into the world. Even when budget and time constraints come into play, there’s always room to find a solution that works.

If you’re looking for a short read with heart, keep an eye out for Evie’s book. And if you’re an aspiring author yourself, remember that the process is all part of the journey. Every little detail—fonts, colors, cover textures—is an expression of your voice.

Ngā mihi Evie, it was a pleasure to be part of your book’s journey! Looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ The National Library of New Zealand (November 11, 2023)

• Language ‏ : ‎ English

• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 66 pages

• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0473695499

• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0473695491

• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 - 18 years

• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.36 ounces

• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.13 x 0.17 x 6.06 inches