Short Summary
Hi there, I'm Jim Jordan. Sometimes known to friends and artists as Jimmer, or Jimmer Shine. Interestingly, in Chinese, my name translates back into English as Sesame... Good times.
I've recently returned to the United States to live and teach from the nation of China where I lived for almost eight years. I had AMAZING times there!
This Next Book, follows Sesame Glazed China (my first book after returning to the US, published July 2022) in my effort to relate to people here in the US what incredible sights and people I met while living and traveling in China.
This book currently has three main sections, one that shows my trip through the Tibetan highlands of Qinghai and Gansu, one that showcases festivals, and another that allows me to share particular themes that I found unusually cool.
Having spent almost a month in the Northwestern Amdo-Tibetan region, seeing places and meeting people that impacted me for their vibrancy and resilience, I have a lot to share.
I was able to be a special guest at a large, weekend-long, ceremonial festival that commemorated the recognition of China's oldest Yellow Tea Mountain, where I witnessed Chinese tea culture at its apex, Taoist ceremony, and more. Of the thousands that were there, I was the only foreigner and was kindly welcomed in at the most central events the organizers provided themselves.
Lastly, the bits like motorcycles, which I found tricked out with rugs and paint jobs that caught my eye and the foods... So many foods. I can share a few really stand-out ones with you.
What We Need & What You Get
As for financing, it's required. Sesame Glazed China's production was a great learning experience for me, and to make this Next Book, pre-sales will be necessary. Think of it this way. . . Early Access has its perks: Sesame Glazed China was a 50$ book from out of the gate. I'll put this Next Book out to early adopters for 42$, and we can add perks to that as well.
- 7-21$ signifies heart-felt support with no expectations. Thank you~ If you wish to buy a book at a later date for its cover price after publication, those of you who sign on here can use this amount towards the cost of a book purchased directly through the publisher if you wish.
- 42$ signs you up for The Next Book ~ (Aiming for completion in late summer)
- 50$ signs you up for Sesame Glazed China ~ (Available, can be shipped in February)
- 64$ signs you up for The Next Book and a handwritten note of thanks on a post card from "out there" (limited number available!) ~
- 88$ signs you up for both books ~
- 108$ or more gets both books and an enclosed post card from somewhere "out there" (limited number available!) ~
The Impact
Your support will show me that people care about this. This is a witnessing of China without politics. Imagine that, an ability to travel freely in an otherwise closed off place, an ability to see where there are otherwise walls blocking your view. I was there and took snapshots and will write to you about how it went.
You will truly be helping our nation and the world by allowing positive images of people and places who are otherwise mostly dehumanized through the politicization of modern media into your home, so that you and people who visit you can consider with technicolor empathy, the people and culture of modern China.
Risks & Challenges
This book is still unfinished. It may not come off on the schedule that I've laid out for it. I'll have other people look at it, and I may have to reshape how it comes out as it grows. The challenge of creating a frame narrative is normally a project that takes years. I'm aiming for months. If it's not nearly complete, I'll share bits and bobs to keep you in the loop on the progress, and not let up on getting this done. I've got the time to use for this now, so I'll set to it and do my best. Knowing that you're waiting for your copy is excellent inspiration for me. Cheers~
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you are unable to financially help lift this project up, you can still share this with your social media circles! Please do so! I only have 60 days to raise these funds. You can amplify your impact.
Thank you ever so much!
Time for me to get back to it.
~ Jimmer
See more at JimmerShine.com and ShowUsChina.com !