coming right up
So, a little box of books arrived here a few weeks ago. Our book! These three advanced-copy readers have been pouring through their copies, counting pictures of themselves (thank goodness Mama made sure it was even), and sending all sorts of funny and sweet reviews my way. And they're pretty quick to jump at the chance to sign a book for family, though I think that has more to do with being able to use "Mama Pens". I get that.
So, in exactly three weeks, the book will make it's way out of our home (or rather, out of the distributors warehouse), and out into the world. Eek! A few questions I've been hearing...
Publication Date:
The official publication date is April 1st. If you've pre-ordered the book, you'll be getting it right around that date. If you're buying it locally, it will also be available on that date - though you should call your local bookstore to be sure they're ordering it.
International Orders:
The book should be availble anywhere that you regularly order books, so that's your best bet. You can also order directly from Shambhala, who will ship internationally. (And, no, I'm sorry that there are no plans for translation right now.)
Book Events:
In which I hope you can come say hello if you're local! (By the way - at the top of my nightmare list? That would be speaking in front of people I don't know. So, also coming in April? Conquering fears!)
Friday, April 4th
5-8 pm
Edith & Edna
Portland, ME
The official book launch! Along with the opening of my show everyday thread: a collection of photographs and embroidered works.
Thursday, April 10th
6:30 pm
Books, Etc
Falmouth, ME
Saturday, April 12th
3 pm
Rock-N-Romp
Great Scott
Allston, MA
Saturday, April 19th
1 pm
The Odyssey Bookshop
South Hadley, MA
(I'll add this list to my sidebar soon and keep it current with updates.)
Thank you for your patience as you've so kindly waited for this book; and for your preorders; and how sweetly you've been spreading the word. It's coming right up!
Congratulations! It must be amazing to hold it in the flesh!
Posted by: Sarahaha | March 11, 2008 at 07:59 AM
wow, that looks great. Congratulations. it must be so nice to finally see it and touch it.
Posted by: Tiel | March 11, 2008 at 08:00 AM
How exciting!
Posted by: julie | March 11, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I can't even imagine how wonderful it is to have your little ones pouring over something they inspired you to create. Something so personal.It must be a magical feeling for you! Thinking of your families and friends faces when they get copies signed by those little ones(and you of course), they'll treasure it. We can't wait for ours...soon, soon!
Posted by: Mandi | March 11, 2008 at 08:17 AM
oh how exciting...i can't wait until it finds its way into my mailbox in a few weeks!!!
congratulations, amanda...and these photos are just too sweet ;-)
Posted by: Kirsten Michelle | March 11, 2008 at 08:18 AM
What an accomplishment - looking forward to your visit to South Hadley! Let me know if you need an recommendations for good food or fun places to visit! ~Heather
Posted by: Heather | March 11, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Hurray!! I can't wait to get my hands on my own copy. It's so hard to be patient :)
Posted by: Kate | March 11, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Congratulations! Can't wait to get our copy. Must be so thrilling to see it all come to fruition. You and your family continue to ispire me. Thank you.
Posted by: Lucia | March 11, 2008 at 08:31 AM
omedetou gozaimasu. congratulations soulemama. you must be buzzing with nervous energy and excitement.
Posted by: cyndi | March 11, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I'm excited you're doing "book events"! I don't think I'll be able to make it April 12th at the Great Scott- I'll keep my fingers crossed that there might be an additional Boston-area event (perhaps at my favorite Brookline Booksmith?)
Congratulations!
Posted by: Amy | March 11, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I'm so excited for you Amanda (although I know how hard the public speaking will be for you)! It's sweet to see your little ones signing the book, I have to admit I never would have thought to make sure each had an equal number of photos in the book- kudos to you! I can't wait for my book to get here!!
Posted by: Rachel | March 11, 2008 at 08:46 AM
eagerly awaiting my copy. (of course you thought to make the pictures of the kids come out even! brilliant.)
Posted by: emily | March 11, 2008 at 08:47 AM
How exciting! Can't wait to devour our copy when it arrives!
Posted by: Marissa | March 11, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Wow what an excited Mama you must be!
And the kids look pleased as punch with the whole thing.
Well done!!
Caroline
: )
http://carolineinckle.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Caroline | March 11, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I can't wait! (I preordered a LONG time ago!)
That picture of them reading is so darling!
Posted by: FlipFloppingMamma | March 11, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I really don't envy you in regards of having to speak in front of people and "push" the book. I think I would rather stick needles in my eyes. But it must be exciting for you, so well done etc. And counting themselves in the book?? Gah. I would never have thought about that, so nice one for making sure it was even!
Posted by: QALBALLAH | March 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM
How exciting for you amanda!
Posted by: Jen | March 11, 2008 at 09:10 AM
yay!
I am crossing my fingers for a Minneapolis book tour! how cool would that be?
Posted by: martha | March 11, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I'm very excited. I have 3 on pre order. One for me, one for a new mum friend and one for a mum to be friend. I'll keep checking the front door for the parcel.
Posted by: Sam | March 11, 2008 at 09:11 AM
that is so cool! I hope I can get a copy!
Posted by: nancy | March 11, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Congratulations Amanda
That feeling of holding your own book in your hand must be amazing.
Cheers
Posted by: Nancy Cook | March 11, 2008 at 09:14 AM
getting very excited for you and the book. Do you feel a bit crazed? I am sure it is stomach turning times. I am ordering some for xmas gifts for new parents. xo
Posted by: amy | March 11, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Congratulations Amanda! Look forward to your book signing in South Hadley:-) Will you be signing solo or the kiddo's signing too?
Posted by: Suzanne | March 11, 2008 at 09:26 AM
congrats (again!) on this amazing feat. i'm so looking forward to this book.
Posted by: julia | March 11, 2008 at 09:28 AM
how incredibly exciting for you - enjoy every moment and i wish you and your family continued creative adventure and success. xoxo
Posted by: jennifer | March 11, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Congratulations! Excellent job. I can't wait to read it.
Posted by: maya | March 11, 2008 at 09:32 AM
are you coming to NYC for book tour/signing? Please! You can come visit Purl & Purl Patchwork and all the fun craft stores here!
Posted by: JZ | March 11, 2008 at 09:33 AM
hurray !! only 3 more weeks to go, I think I can handle that.
I've pre-ordered it through amazon in germany ( their information says it will be released april 1st, so that's good news for me, I'm looking forward)
I love the picture of your kids looking through the book. So cute.
( And I love Ezra's taste for socks ;-) !!!)
about your interviews, a little tip have some rescue ( bach flower remedies) before your start. You will be calm and relaxed. And know the right words to say.
xxxx
Posted by: ilse | March 11, 2008 at 09:41 AM
congrats- the proof of the great substance that i'm sure is contained in those pages is in the three amazing little people that inspired it! you are a truly inspiring woman... also, loving the pear fabric (from adelaide's pants)around here, too!
Posted by: liza | March 11, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Love the picture. Your whole family should be so proud of the accomplishment. I preorderd as a birthday gift to myself and I can't wait.
On the public speaking- just remember you are the only one who knows what you are supposed to say so if you miss something or flub something no one else will be the wiser. It's also eaiser to talk about something you are passionate about.
Wish I lived closer so I could come and root you on. Will you come to Chicago? Please. A little book signing, a little playing with the kids at Millenium Park, we even have a beach.
Posted by: mary | March 11, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I'm eagerly anticipating my copy!
Posted by: Dawn | March 11, 2008 at 09:59 AM
I'm so excited, the date is getting closer and closer. I'm just not going to think about it, and then I'll receive the beautiful package.
I love that apple/pear fabric in pants. I've been using my piece so sparingly. (I live in Australia, so all fabric costs extra for postage...)
About the public speaking - if you continue to speak from your heart, and with the truth that we see in you, then you'll have no worries at all. I also find that a few words prepared (and practiced to the kids, or mirror) helps a bit too.
Posted by: Ellie | March 11, 2008 at 09:59 AM
How adorable!!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Congratulations! I can't wait to get my copy. Public speaking can be daunting but how great that you have a subject that is so natural to you and you are so passionate about - what a blessing! I think you should let that carry you through. No worries! It would be so great to meet you at a signing - come to Michigan!! Wow! Look at all your kids are experiencing through you. What an amazing role model you are.
Posted by: Sharon | March 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I am dying to see the book! Funny about making things even. My mom still does that for her "kids." We're 34, 32 and 30. Ha! Old habits die hard, I guess.
Posted by: Alicia | March 11, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Oh, I can't wait! I pre-ordered awhile back. I am going to make it to one of your book events. I am in Vermont, but it seems like from here you have to "drive" to get anywhere!
Talking in front of people gets easier with time...imagine everyone is in your livingroom having tea and cakes...makes it seem your talking to friends,not strangers. Good luck!
Posted by: Heather, whatchabuildin | March 11, 2008 at 10:09 AM
many congradulations!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Hi Amanda,
I can't wait for your book...
and I am glad, that I can get it here in Germany too...
Congratulations to you...
and I love those pictures of your kids... you got a great camera... but also perfect objects ;-)
Greetings...
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | March 11, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I just got an Amazon gift certificate for my birthday--I might spend part of it on your book. And there's a Rock N Romp in Boston now!? We might have to make a few trips down this summer. Very cool.
Posted by: Amy | March 11, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Congratulations! Finally holding the product you have put so much into must be so rewarding. I can't wait to get my copy!
Posted by: linnea | March 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Congratulations! Finally holding the product you have put so much work and love into must be so rewarding. I can't wait to get my copy!
Posted by: linnea | March 11, 2008 at 10:27 AM
YAY! Congratulations! Can't wait to get my copy...and I love the kids signing the books. So much fun!
Posted by: Joy | March 11, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Wonderful and exciting news for your family and for mine! Congratulations, Amanda. I am happy I pre-ordered... April is not too far away. I can hardly though!
We will enjoy some new inspirations this spring and summer, and we will be thinking of you and your family--in gratitude--along the way.
Posted by: Kimberly | March 11, 2008 at 10:36 AM
i can't wait! :)
Posted by: LobotoME | March 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Hi Amanda- congrats on your book. I have been reading and loving your blog since I first saw your book listed in a book catalog I was going through last fall at an independent bookstore where I work. I have been hooked ever since and you have developed a following in Missouri. I can't wait to come into the store one day and see your book on the our shelves and then I can take home and savor with my friends!! Several other mamas I told about you are eagerly anticipating your book also. Best of luck and know this Mid-MO mama, book buyer, crafter is so excited for you!
Posted by: Chris Willow-Schomaker | March 11, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Congratulations!
It must feel like having a forth baby... I adore your work, your style, your kind of living so much, that I have to be careful not being envy!
Great!!!!
Posted by: dolores | March 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Congrats!! That is totally exciting!!!
Posted by: Amanda D. | March 11, 2008 at 10:54 AM
YAHOO!!!!!! I can't wait!!!! I pre-ordered my copy a couple of weeks ago!!
Let me know if your doing a book event in Western Washington.
Posted by: Anna | March 11, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Congratulations, Amanda.
Say hello to the Valley for me. I used to count The Odyssey as one of my local bookstores. It's a great shop and if I were still in the area, I'd come to see you. Since I'm half a country away that won't be happening, but should you come to a bookstore in MN, I'm there. ;)
Posted by: Sarah | March 11, 2008 at 11:05 AM
What a cozy interested group there! They look great...congratulations on living the family life and your book launch. Can't wait to get my copy and sit on the cozy couch.
Posted by: coffeechris | March 11, 2008 at 11:10 AM