I have an announcement to make..I am “with book”.
Or shall I phrase it, “I have a book in the oven”.
No, I’m not pregnant. I have a book deal!
A few months ago I was contacted by a publisher who asked if I was interested in writing a craft book about felting. Long story short, I submitted a proposal, it was approved, and now I am immersed in developing my new creative “baby”.
While nothing could truly compare to having a child, I like the baby analogy in regards to this uncharted territory I’ve entered. I’m definitely in my first trimester. See similarities below (with publishing comparisons in parenthesis)…
1) When the doctor (publisher) calls and says “you’re pregnant” (“your proposal is a hit!”) it is mind numbing.
2) When you do find out you’re pregnant (have a book deal) you don’t tell anyone at first, because you can hardly believe it yourself!
3) You’re very excited about this life changing event, yet with a healthy measure of fear of the unknown.
4) You know this pregnancy (book development) will be a long hard journey that will be totally worth it in the end.
5) You imagine the future and wonder what your child (book) will turn out like. Will it be beautiful? Successful? Will you be proud?
6) You feel good most days, knowing that your baby (book) is growing inside you (taking over your brain), punctuated by occasional moments of nausea (nausea!).
7) You wonder how your first born children will react to the newborn (book) when your attention is most certainly divided.
8) You’ll read everything you can get your hands on about pregnancy (publishing) and child development (book writing).
9) You’ll lie awake at night while your brain swirls with hopes, dreams and worries (ideas).
10) You will face each milestone (deadline), medical test (deadline), and inevitable discomfort (deadline) with strength, grace, and determination!
That said, like most new parents (authors) I am open to any sort of advice or insights any of you may have to offer. Under one condition….you may NOT touch my belly!
What exciting news for such a big addition to your family – sleepless nights and brain thumping with ideas now though – but we will all be able to say we “knew you” before you were famous so it’s all good for us! Ha ha.
What a great analogy! I’m sure you are going to make a wonderful mother (author) 🙂
Congratulations!!:-)
I´m interesting to know more about felt and i´m sure your book will be great and perfect for a crazy-felt(me):-)
Congratulations! I have just started playing with felt and your site has given me a lot of inspiration and eye candy. Can’t wait to see your little bundle of joy at my local book store.
Congratulations! Have fun with your baby (book)!
Congratulations I was just excited when I got a comment in a book about what I do and that I edited the book for the writter that was and still is way neat to me. I don’t know how I would feel if I actually had written the book I think the baby analogy is great. Good luck and happy creating
Betz…you are creative and visual and whimsical AND you can write…..all the elements for a successful book….can’t wait to add it to my workroom collection. Congrats!
Congratulations. I’m so very happy for you. What an exciting piece of news. I can’t wait to hear more about it.
Many congratulations to you!
I am rather new to your blog but can tell that your book will be fabulous. Good luck and the analogy couldn’t be more perfect!
I would totally buy the book.
I would go to the book signing too.
Keep us posted.
Fantastic news Congratulations! Can’t wait to see the finished thing 🙂
I am very happy for you! Great news!
Congrats! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Wow! It will be a most beautiful book with all your creations in it. Congratulations!
Wonderful news Betz!
Congrats on the book. The cupcakes are adorable!