This is the book writing process, according to me.
Write a bit.
Take some photos.
Look at the photos and scream. Buy new stuff for the house. Delete previous photos.
Write some more. Take more photos.
Do anything but look at the book. Take walks, eat snacks, clear the desk, do the laundry.
Look for that missing sock that I couldn’t find because, you know, it was important to find, darn it!
Write some more and take more photos. Shake my head while I read my manuscript between yelling “What was I thinking?”
Realize the book is due to my publisher and I don’t have any photo captions. Write photo captions in one day. Some of the captions don’t make sense, but I don’t care, I’m bleary eyed and the thing must be shipped. Later I realize they didn’t use any of those captions, but I don’t say anything because I wonder if I should have known they didn’t want captions.
Cringe while reading notes from editor who doesn’t get my sense of humor. “You might want to leave this part out.” she says kindly.
“Oh, how did that get in there?” I ask, sounding as innocent as possible.
Then there’s the last minute change of heart on the book subtitle that MUST be changed.
There’s more, but I think you are getting a window into my crazy town. This has been a beautiful, incredible, awesome, crazy, bizarre, difficult process. It reminds me of being pregnant and giving birth. It’s the best time of your life and the worst at the same time if that makes sense.
So isn’t that a compelling reason to buy my book? Oh wait a minute, I’m supposed to tell you why you might want to invest in this book. So how about 3 reasons you might want it?
Reason 1:
It takes you through how I approach decorating a house from start to finish. My blog posts focus on a particular project or concept, but the book is much more comprehensive.
Here’s the table of contents.
Reason 2: I’ve included a list of my best resources, where I go to buy things.
Reason 3: It’s full of practical information about decorating including how to pull a room together, which I think is the most difficult part of decorating.
Reason 4: See how I did that? I said I was going to give you 3 reasons, and I threw in an extra. Lots of incredibly talented people have said some very nice things about my book.
And, here’s some more.
Well, so why am I nervous?
Because
- It is my first book.
- I can’t go back and change a paragraph or photo like I can in a blog post.
- It’s down to earth and not your typical French design book, so I don’t know if people will like it.
- I’m honest about my flawed life and journey.
At the end of the day, I’m not a big name interior designer with a fru fru degree. I’m someone like you, who quit my day job to pursue my passion. I learned from reading magazines, design books and blogs. I taught myself to use a camera, to sew slipcovers, and to decorate. I was told I wasn’t creative. My first attempts at decorating were embarrassing. I made pretty much every decorating mistake you can make. And you know what? I learned what not to do. I learned what doesn’t work. I learned the importance of classic, timeless design. And if I can learn this stuff, so can you. My hope is that I can share my disasters, so that you can avoid them.
My book is available on Amazon right now as a preorder.
At Amazon on the link below. It’s an affiliate link.
Or if you want a signed copy, you can buy it from my shop. They should ship before the end of August.
Congrats, congrats Anita!….So very excited for you and can’t wait to get a copy and hang on to every word and photo in the book!…Hope you are not afraid of heights, as you must be on Cloud Nine now!!! Bravo Anita…dreams do come true and thanks for inspiring us and sharing your great style and expertise with us!
Anita, I can not wait for your book! Will be my go to for design ideas. Was hoping to meet you at Haven this year, maybe next year 🙂 congratulations on what I know will be an amazing book.
Janie
I can’t wait to get your book. From the first page I was intrigued and inspired. I love your blog and read it often I can’t wait to receive this beautiful book! Congratulations on this achievement – I am so happy for you!
I need SEVERAL signed copies! Christmas gifts for friends. Exciting!!!!
Oh Anita, how exciting!! You are such an inspiration to so many of us and I cannot wait to get a signed copy of your book. I am sure those nerves are from all of the excitement! You have worked so hard on your masterpiece and now it is time to just enjoy this much deserved moment. Congratulations on all of your success!!
I am looking forward to meeting you one day soon. I saw that you may be coming to Theresa’s blog party at Zapp and she has graciously invited me to be her guest vendor this year, so I (Junktion Alley) will be there as well. I am really looking forward to it. ♥~Liz
Anita,
I’ve put your book on my Christmas Wish List!!!
Even brought “Mr. Ed” in to view the front cover!!!
I’m thrilled for you, dear friend!!!
This is only the start of something b i g!!!
Congratulations!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Anita! Congratulations! I remember when I first discovered your blog and fell in love with your style. You hung in there over the years and now you’ve published your first hardcover book. I’m going to order my copy to grace my coffee table. I’m sure it’s filled with gorgeous photographs! Remember when I had a little blog called Delightful Eclectic Abode? Well, now I have gone on to collect vintage and antique items, totally re-decorated my home and have 2 antique booths and have a booth this weekend at a very popular Vintage Market this weekend. Our booth and business is called Lemon Lane, Fresh, Re-styled, Re-imagined. I find your blog so inspiring as well as your journey with photography and interior design. You are extremely talented and self-taught (which is the best in my opinion).
I can understand how you would be nervous – but it is rather exciting. I cannot wait until it is out!
Best wishes,
Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
I love this post. I love how you infuse your writing with your personality and I’ll bet that will resonate with readers of the book, as well. It’s nice that it sets it apart from the plethora of books out there. So excited for you!
I am So excited for you Anita. Your French decorating of your home is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Can’t wait to get the book. Your book will join the other French books in my family room……..
Oh how exciting! Congratulations!
Even from the sneak preview you can tell it’s fabulous! I love that you’re self taught and relatable! Some design books are lovely but so pretentious – this will be a breath of fresh air!
Putting on my book wish list
Bon Chance!
Congratulations Anita, I think you are worrying too much because your probably a perfectionist like myself. I finish a painting yet still see flaws in it even though everyone else raves about it. I know what you mean though about being scared, even when I have proof read and changed a blog post ‘a million times’, I will still find something to edit after I have published it.
I think the best thing is not to read through the book after it is published, just enjoy your gorgeous photography. The reviews above are proof enough that everyone will love your book and your style of writing. I think the average person who will be buying your book will get so much more from it knowing that it is written by someone who passionately loves French design but is not necessarily an Interior designer. You can study interior design and not necessarily have the flair for French design, whereas You do it beautifully and it is never over done.
All the best with your lovely book.
I can’t wait to get my hands on your book Anita! So proud of you!!
How awesome, Anita! I am so thrilled for you… and captivated just by reading the excerpt. Even your bio on Amazon is fabulous!
Best wishes, mon ami!
Awww thanks Sondra!
People will love the book because I’m sure it’s genuine, sincere, unpretentious and thoughtful…just like you. I wish you great success with your first book, Anita!
Thank yo Cindy!!