Stable Style Book by Raquel Lynn, the Back Story

If you love barn eye candy, gallop, don’t trot, over to my friend (in real life) Raquel’s site and snag a copy of her coffee table book Stable Style: Barn Inspiration for All Equestrians.

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I’m thrilled to share a behind-the-scenes Q & A regarding Raquel’s Stable Style book, but first, a little back story. If you don’t have time for that, skip down three paragraphs. lol

Before I met Raquel in person several years ago, I had been a fan of her equestrian blog Horses and Heels. She does a fabulous job showcasing cowboy boots, home decor, DIY, recipes and round up posts of all varieties that will make you want to shop. I reached out to pick her brain on blogging things and that interaction blossomed into a horse girl friendship. I think there was a natural connection because we both hail from the Midwest–Raquel is from Ohio, I’m from Illinois. 🙂

Over the years we have had fun together trail riding in Griffith Park, walking through her horsey neighborhood by the L.A. Equestrian Center on foot, and (pre-pandemic) meeting up for dinner now and then in LA. I’m also a huge fan of Raquel’s diva Pomeranian Mango (small dog, HUGE personality).

Stable Style Book Back Story

Several months ago Raquel shared with me a secret–that she was writing a book! I was and am so excited–there can never be too many horse books put into this world, right? Today I am thrilled to share with you my friend Raquel Lynn’s gorgeous book Stable Style. Enjoy!

Tell us the back story of Stable Style, both the blog and the book.

The Stable Style blog was officially launched in the spring of 2016. The idea for Stable Style came from my blog, Horses & Heels. I started a section on the blog called Stable Style. I loved sharing barn content and saw a popular response. I knew it needed to become its own platform. 

The concept of a Stable Style book has been in my head for a couple years. I thought a photo book would be the perfect way to give my followers a piece of Stable Style at home. I spent a year procrastinating about actually making a book and finally forced myself to pull the trigger in January of 2020. I started the process and never looked back. 

You’ve been a successful blog and magazine writer for years, but share the greatest challenge you faced in writing a book?

The amount of work involved in the project was a huge challenge. Blog posts and articles can take days or weeks from start to finish, but a book requires months – even years. There are so many aspects that go into creating a book, it’s a labor of love. 

When did you start the book and what have you learned from the process?

I started officially creating the book in January of 2020. I learned an entire new set of skills. I wanted to design the book myself so I learned InDesign, I discovered the world of print on demand and I learned that creating a quality hardcover book wasn’t an easy task. 

I experimented with lots of trial and error. The company that I originally wanted to use to print and ship my books turned out to be a bust. Their quality wasn’t up to my standards and that was very disappointing. I ended up trying three more companies until I found my perfect printing company. I would also say, just like anything in life – everything takes longer than expected. 

What type of person will enjoy your book?

Any equestrian will appreciate flipping through this book. It doesn’t matter what discipline they ride. It’s a book filled with inspiration and I created something that I love, hoping many other horse addicts will as well. 

What are one or two of the most unique or beautiful barns featured in your book (I know they’re all pretty, but which few are most special to you?).

DarkHorse, is one of my favorites. This all white barn always inspires me. There are several gorgeous projects from Blackburn Architects and I have crushes on the rustic wooden barns shared by Sand Creek Post & Beam. I appreciate so many of the thoughtful design details throughout the book, it’s hard to decide. 

How did you find barns to feature?

I reached out to architects and barn owners who I have featured on the Stable Style blog. I have so many wonderful relationships with lots of different architects and builders so it was hard narrowing it down to the barns that were selected. 

Where can readers buy your book and follow what you do online? 

The book is available for purchase on Stable Style’s website – https://stablestyle.net/shop/ and on Amazon–click here for free Prime shipping. 

For more barn tours they can visit https://stablestyle.net or keep up with the Instagram account @StableStyle https://www.instagram.com/stablestyle/ 

Will there be more books in the future?

Absolutely!

Thanks, Raquel for sharing your author journey with us, and thanks, readers, for reading all about it Now go on over and grab a copy for yourself, and maybe even one for a friend. <wink, wink>

Tally ho!

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