Keepin' it real
Look what came in the mail yesterday.
;)
Of course I cried.
Though, not when I leafed through the amazing illustrations my now-former agent drew herself. (She’s left agent’ing and gone back to school for design and illustration!!)
Nor the gorgeous calligraphy, hand-penned by a dear friend.
;)
;)
Nope. No tears so far. I actually breathed the first deeper-than-chest breaths I’ve managed in a while. It was an arc of relief to finally lay my hands on the product of so many people’s hard work, cleaned up and polished, Sunday-clothes fine.
It was at the acknowledgements page when I completely lost it.
;)
The very last page. Pages 265 and 266 to be exact. I can’t imagine how I would have made such a beautiful thing without the village of friends, both new and old, who worked their asses off when it wasn’t neat and tidy just yet, who offered up their talents, skills and creative genius for little more than fresh-baked bread, jars of jam or homemade ice cream. These are the people who were still around when I got too little sleep and cried more often than I’d care to admit. When there were deadlines all the time and I had no free time for play. When I needed copious amounts of tea and snacks. They welcomed me into their homes to share food, insights and pulled pork. They drove me to New Jersey so I could learn how to sew. They made dinner every night (and I almost took it for granted).
I can’t wait for you to read the names of these people.
;)
An ISBN number, woah!This book is hardly about me and my journey. It’s actually about you. You were out there ready to listen, ready to read. You left me comments of encouragement and inspiration on the Facebook page, here on the blog. You filled-out my houseparty planning form, you told me to come to your city. You told me to keep on, keeping on! You made this real.
You continue to keep it real.
Oh, hell, here I go again. (I promise not to cry at the book signings. This is surely why they send authors advance review copies.)
Book Process
Reader Comments (19)
Congrats!!!! The book is beautiful! I can't wait to get a copy in my hands! :-)
It looks gorgeous, Kate. Enjoy it all - you'll only ever publish your first book once! Congratulations - you've earned every tear of joy.
What a beautiful book! Congratulations what an exciting moment for you enjoy it :)
Aw, sooo lovely to see it! And truly such a gracious post about it too--you are so generous, and it's wonderful to see this coming back to you.
(So generous, in fact, to have FF! there in the book illustrations--thank you!)
Kate, I am so so so so excited and happy for you! You can count on your fans and friends here in town to cry when we see you at the signing and have a book in our hands. :)
Kate! I'm so proud of you. You're an amazing talented woman. I'm not kidding when I say I want to be you when I "grow up". Can't wait to get my hands on the book! XOXO
Congrats!!! I can't wait to buy your book! :)
Kate - I am so proud of you! and I cannot wait to get my paws on this book! srsly!
That is so fabulous. Congratulations... even if I'm a complete stranger. I like to see people succeed!
So exciting!!!! Can't wait to get my hands on one!
A red-letter day for you, for sure. And it's just the beginning...as you spread your wings, looking forward to seeing where you fly.
You got me crying tooooooo-Kate I have not known you that long but for the time I have shared with you so far, you have made my world alot brighter. You are such an amazing creative burst of energy. It has been a pleasure to watch the tail end of your journey getting the book in our hands and it will be pure joy watching it leap off the shelves.
I've been crying since the beginning with you (it's a Mom thing)! I am so proud of you for finding your passion and having the guts and tenacity to see it through. The fact that there are pages to read is a testament to your character. I love you and I'm proud to be your Mama!
OK, I was fine until I got to your Mama's comment. Goodness! Now I'm tearing up :)
Congrats on such a wonderful accomplishment - I'm so looking forward to seeing the book in person!
Congratulations, it looks wonderful!
So thrilled for you. The book looks simlply gorgeous and I can't wait to get my hands on my very own copy of your ISBN#. :) Many, many congratulations on such a tremendous accomplishment.
How impressive. and the milk crates are an amazing idea. I could hang them on the wall.
Looks marvelous! Congratulations on seeing this come to fruition. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
What an awesome accomplishment. This book looks so cool...can't wait to get a copy!