(warning: poor cell phone photo quality due to lack of real camera on hand)
It’s so surreal. I can’t explain it well, but having a book published is like an out of body experience. It’s weird enough to say out loud, “I have a book published”, but even more mind blowing to see it in public. Or as I like to call it “in the wild”.
This weekend I was in our local Barnes and Noble with the boys. This particular store has a VERY small craft book area. More like a shelf than an “area”. Anyway, I knew from last time I looked there, the chance of spotting my book “in the wild” was slim to none. But lo and behold, my sharp eyed 8 year old spotted it before I did! OMG, there it is. I gave him my cell phone and posed with the book and son number two. Even with the low light and the low res cell phone camera, I love this photo! So much so that I messed around with it in Photoshop.
If you can’t sharpen a photo, make it blurrier, that’s what I always say. Well, I don’t really say that, but isn’t this painterly effect fun?
Forgot what this filter was called…I tried so many.
This one is “cut paper” but it looks a little paint by number to me.
It’s also kind of funny to have moved to a new area right before the book was released. People I meet ask me what I do, and I just haven’t figured out the answer to that yet. Craft book author? is that my byline now? I had some recent local press. The town newspaper had a nice little article about me/the book the day after Christmas. It’s the kind of paper the comes out weekly, and everyone gets one delivered to their homes. Talk bout being “outed”. Before, I was just that new mom at the bus stop that worked at home…doing something. It’s actually been nice to have a newspaper reporter sum up “what it is that I do” since I have such a hard time distilling it down to a simple statement.
Hey, here’s an idea… wouldn’t it be nice if everyone that moved into a new neighborhood had a little introduction in the local newspaper? “This is Suzy Q, she loves to cook and plays a mean game of Scrabble.” Just think of the connections that could be made, the conversation starters. Hmmm, I like this idea…
***Oh, and by the way, thanks to everyone that’s joined the Warm Fuzzies Flickr group so far. Keep it coming! It’s a great way to share what you’ve made. And, as I get questions about the book, I am posting answers in the “discussion” area of the group. Check it out!***
What you do? You respond “artist”
Barbara
Woohoo! I”m so excited for you! I just saw on etsy that your book was out, and I can’t wait to get it. I’ve been collecting sweaters for years, and now I have a 6 ft tall bookshelf full of felted sweaters waiting for inspiration…… Congratulations on your book!
That is great! You are very creative and deserve a book on display at Barnes and Noble!
Congrats on the book! I can just imagine how wonderful it is to share that experience with your family!
What a fun experience! Good for you! I love the book by the way. Thanks for writing it–it is beautifully done. 🙂
Your book is beautifully done Betz. Quite an accomplishment, its so much work. Now you have a wonderful piece to be proud of. Yay!
A moment to be proud of! And great too that your sons where there. 🙂 It’s a very good photo indeed, who cares that it isn’t technically perfect, in all other ways it’s the best! Congratulations!
Wow what a feel good moment for you to see your book there, great too that you got a picture ….well done!
Im tracking down a copy of your book now!
When people ask what you do…You say i’m an artist and author…because you are! congrads. smiles, andra
Congrats on the article, and seeing yourself in the wild (must be weird!!)!
Being the word nerd/grammar geek that I am, I felt compelled to correct that article. The author says: “White has always had a pension for working with fabric.” Isn’t it PENCHANT?
Sincerely,
Feeling Nitpicky in Minneapolis
hey pumpkin girl..You’re right! LOL! I was wondering why that sounded so odd.
Actually, I do have a pension. And I am spending it all on fabric! HA!
I saw your book the other day in my local Barnes and Noble….congratulations!!
CONGRATULATIONS (again!) I think it would be the most fantastic feeling to see your own book in a book shop. I want to write a book some day. I think you should call yourself a “Published Author”
What a fun photo of you guys! Your book is gorgeous, you did such a super job! I’m so happy for you!!!!
Congrats!
thanks for the post on my blog..I have been in Atlanta for the gift show..great trip…lots of new opportunities…
stay tuned!
hey, check out print and pattern blog..she did a posting about my designs!
carol
Betz,
I have the same problem and then everytime I say something like, “I have the weirdest job ever and it is hard to explain.” Then I fumble around trying to explain myself. Ugh. Why do I do it to myself?
Hey, I will email you later, when I recover, about tnna! I saw your stuff, sister!
susan
That’s awesome. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to have your own book published. Unfortunately, my Barnes & Noble doesn’t have it, I checked! argh I did see it at the big fabric/craft store about 35 miles from my house though. So, you’re famous in Northern California too.
And always a delight to have your age published in the local paper, too! Love the book–beautiful projects and beautiful photos. Come back to the Textile Center for more classes!
Ann
Hey Ann WS,
You said it, what IS IT with journalists and people’s ages??? And it’s always right there at the TOP of the article.
BTW, I will be at the Textile Center in Mnpls August 2008…details to come!
Betz
Congratulations !!
And that is a glorious photo – the golden tones makes it all the more happier, as do your painterly playings-withs 🙂
Excellent work !!
How wonderful to spy you very own book at the local B&N. I love your book, but most of all love your work. So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your moment at B&N, you can even make a cell phone picture look beautiful.
Congrats!!! That is so cool!
How fun for you….I would love to be on the other side of the book right now! almost there.
I have also been pegged by some school moms now that saw me in out local paper last week too! My cover is blown.
Have a nice night. I love your pic too 🙂
xo,AM
How cool!! Congratulations!!
That picture is worth a thousand words. How absoulutely inspiring!
Hi Betz! Congrats on your book! I came across your store on Etsy and wandered here. I really like your designs. How delightful to find your book in a store. It must be surreal and make you feel so proud!
WOW, congratulations! I guess this is an amazing feeling when you see YOUR book on the shelf!
thank you pumpkingirl – I saw ‘pension’ and thought ‘waaaa’, and tried to look for the email address of the article writer to grumble at her. Or her editor. No such luck of course – but congrats to you, Betz, for spending your pension on fabric!! Vive la France!
sarah