Speaking of Books . . .

Oh, look! It's my book cover!

I'm so nervous right now I can hardly type. But yes, it's true — all this time, for more than a year, I really have been making a book. When the publisher sends you your cover, you go, "Oh, so that's what I was doing!"

Because after months and months of work, after countless stitches, a hundred conversations, thousands of words, dozens of people (and pets), so many photos, joyful days and tearful ones, you kind of lose track of what you were doing. You kind of forget what it's all for.

But then they send you the cover, and you say [quite shakily — okay, maybe you sob, but you're kind of a blubberer like that], "Oh! Now I see!"

Because it's true: There really is a book within it all. One hundred and sixty pages. Thirty projects. Thirty-thousand words. So many pictures I lost count. Two ISBN numbers. These wonderful covers. And although the book won't be released until November, Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy is available for pre-order. It really is.

As an author, the covers and titles really are pretty much out of your hands; you just kind of hold your breath and cross your fingers. I saw the front cover a couple of months ago and was thrilled — Arden with her doll was always the image I wanted for it, though I didn't know what the publisher thought would be best.

But I didn't see the back or the flaps until a couple of weeks ago, and I think they have done such a great job, not only with the gorgeous, just-right design but with the copy they wrote (if you click on the images you can probably read the text). It all really captures the spirit of the book so perfectly. Whenever someone asks me what my book is about I start bumbling through my explanation — "Um, personal things, sewing, like, a recipe-card apron . . . and stuff . . . you know?" — never have I felt so inarticulate. But now that I have this, I believe I will just commit the front flap and the back cover copy to memory, and start reciting it the next time I must answer, because . . . Potter Craft, you got it.

Well, I'm going to stop talking and go away now. I'm still feeling very nervous. Everyone said this would happen. They didn't say I would want to run straight out the front door and right down the block, but they pretty much warned that this tossing-Cheerios feeling would happen. The truth is, there's so much of me in this book — more than I ever hoped or even deserved to share. So, even though I can't help being nervous, and even though I've just spent three entire hours writing this post and I still feel as if, were I to express my feelings in sound, a high-pitched dolphin noise might come out and scare Clover right out of her dog bed, mostly and deep-down I am just shaky with gratitude. I'm so grateful to everyone in real life who helped me do this, but especially to all of you here on the blog who have, every single solitary day, made me feel so very welcome to try. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for that. You really can't imagine what it means.

Comments

[Kim]

I can't wait to have my very own copy! Will you have any available that you have signed?

[Cynthia Granmo Riebe]

Congratulations! When I was on amazon.com a couple of weeks ago, I saw that the book was pre-orderable (is that even a word?), and I pre-ordered it. I CAN'T WAIT for it to come out!
I can't think of anyone who deserves this success like you do - you who share your beautiful life and self with all of us.

[Sharly]

Oh, it's beautiful!! I have the same question as Kim - any chance of signed copies for your faithful blog stalkers??? Puh-leeeze? Pretty puh-leeeze with a cherry on top?

[Kelley Hart-Jenkins]

It looks beautiful! The projects look fabulous. I want it now so I can start making Christmas presents! November huh? Maybe I'll get the book for Christmas, and make presents for '09?! Must think ahead. Can't wait!

[Witoka]

SMILE SMILE coming your way. Congratulations! That has to be so exciting to see your work in a great looking book. It is just so cool...

[Marilyn]

Ok I am really planning ahead right now but I would LOVE to write a review of your book! I'm gonna get in touch with my editors and see if they like the idea. I'm sure they will. :)

[Mary]

Congratulations!!! It looks AMAZING, and I can't wait until it comes out!

[Kathy]

Oh, so much congratulations coming your way. We're all so thrilled for you and can't wait to get our own copy.

And for all the nice things you say about us, I know I speak for many when I tell you how much reading your blog every day means to us. It's just a breath of fresh air and a little bit of joy reaching out across the net. Thank you, Alicia, for all the little happiness you give to me.

Kathy

[not really Lois]

Wow, a! Congratulations to you! Looks like you purged your bookshelves at the perfect time!

[Michaele Sommerville]

Congratulations!!!! Really, you need to go outside, take in a deep, slow breath, then WAHOO at the TOP of your lungs!

[Amy H]

I am so thrilled for you and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of my very own. Congratualtions, Alicia, I know it will be gorgeous!

[Katelyn]

Oh my gosh!! I love it! I can't wait until its out, I'm going to buy a few of them as gifts and of course one for me! You must be so thrilled!

[cindy k]

i saw this yesterday!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Stitched-Time-Memory-Keeping-Projects-Creator/dp/0307406261/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1GT6FZYO12Z2T&colid=1HSC265EU9AW9
it's on my wish list!

[sheila]

I am so excited! I am really looking forward to the book. It looks absolutely fabulous. You must be so proud.

[irene]

congratulations, alicia!! it looks gorgeous.
xoxo

[Jessica]

Congratulations!!! I LOVE that rickrack-decorated pillowcase on the back cover.

[Holly C.]

I can't wait to own this book! I saw the cover on Amazon and I was wondering if that was Arden. How perfect!

Congrats!

[cindy k]

if not signed books, maybe signed bookplates?

duh to me re: the link to amazon, which you included in your post. i was just so excited for you i had to comment right away!

[Sara]

I am so happy for you. I've been reading you blog for several months. You inspire me to craft more & follow my dream. Thanks

[julie]

Putting this on my birthday wish list. Don't be nervous...it really takes a lot to put yourself out there and you, of course, have done a beautiful job with your book. Just can't wait to see it!

[Melissa C.]

Alicia, that is so awesome! The cover looks fantastic, and very much your style. I'm glad your publisher "got" you so well.

I hope you know how much we friends/fans out here in blog-land share in your excitement over this great achievement of yours! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. :D

[Natalie]

Congratulations. Cheers and flowers and applause and a deep down sincere smile with tears in the corners of my eyes, and I cannot explain it, but I just feel elated for your accomplishment. I want to hold your book.

[Dave]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That's so exciting, and I'm sure that, as nerve-wracking as it is to put so much of yourself out in the public eye, that it will be loved and appreciated by so many people. Happy bookselling!

[jen]

Congratulations! The cover is just beautiful and really reminds me of you. I've already pre-ordered mine and can't wait to see it. You should really feel proud and accomplished and yummy inside :)

[sizzle]

How fantastic! :)