Well, this giraffe has been a busy beaver (now there’s a visual for you). This week has been all about the blook. As things move along I’m becoming more and more aware that this is actually happening. The big news is that the cover design has been finalized and now just needs some minor tweaking here and there. I must say it’s not at all what I first imagined but I think it’s a winner. And no, I’m not showing you yet so stop looking at me like that. You crowd have already read most of the book so I have to keep a few surprises in store.
It’s all so surreal. I talk to my editor (she’s a sweetheart) on the phone and we hammer out this detail and that detail but I still have no concept of this coming to pass, a theme that has emerged in my life ever since I turned it upside down. I haven’t read the book since early December and for all I know it’s a nightmare. But I don’t care. If I start reading it now I know I’ll go all medieval on it, plundering and pillaging it from start to finish. It’s a sickness this compulsive need to change. So it’s best that I leave that file untouched. It is what it is.
We’re on track for a mid-April release and I’m not sure what’s more exciting to me about returning to Canada, having a launch for a book I wrote or stuffing myself with sour cream until it seeps from my pores. Yesterday I realized that I was planning my whole trip back to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia around food. I knew I’d hit rock bottom when I had my editor checking on my favourite Mexican restaurant, Zapata’s in St. John’s (still open, Olé!). God love her.
At any rate now I have to prepare for the vulgar business of self promotion. I can barely survive getting my picture taken so I have no idea where to begin for this mess. Hey Everybody! Look at me! Buy my book! I am so worth your hard earned money! If you don’t buy my book I’ll starve in the street! Yuck. I suppose the first step would be to learn how to be dressed in real clothes on a regular basis. I’ve already made a start on that front. I broke down and bought myself a pair of Fly London boots for the Great Canadian Charade of Confidence and Style.
Apart from always having something green and leafy stuck in my teeth (or worse on my face), I can dress myself. I think so, who can remember? But I still have no friggin’ clue what I’m at or what I’m in for with all this. I imagine that I will somehow manage to make a right idiot of myself at every turn. And that’s just as it should be. I wouldn’t want something as small as a book to change me now would I?
Can’t wait to see the cover Bobbi. And don’t kid yourself this is a big deal.
So no sweatpants then?
Haute couture sweatpants would be okay.
When I said it was a big deal, I meant we are all so thrilled for you.
Maybe ones that say Juicy across the bottom.
This whole process seems like it came about so organically, like you knew all along what the pay off would be. I love that. You are an inspiration and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
xo
It’s funny you say that. I have no idea how this all came about. It just happened, interesting what having no plans can lead to.
How exciting! So has the date been set to kick off the fun? Are you going to have book signings and parties like Carrie did in “Sex and the City”?
It sounds like as good an excuse as you’ll find to break the giraffe bank and purchase a frenchie ensemble. Then when you visit Zapatas everyone will say “she must be a foreigner”.
Nuts
There will be signings but I don’t know about Sex in the City (never watched it). I imagine low key affairs will be the order of the day!
A low key affair sounds like something a Dr. would do. How about having a reception where you would flog (I mean descreetly offer for purchase) the blook and of course have it signed by the author. You could even consider having a french wine bar. Take a cut off the top and voila (my only french), the new frenchie outfit is paid for.
Nuts
FRED on Agricola would be nice. Thought of you when I was there for the Adsum House Art Sale before Christmas….you were always a supporter. So happy for you Bobbi- count me in for a copy ….and one for my mom.
Love the photo of the giraffe ironing…do you even have an iron over there ?
I have an iron collecting dust but tomorrow I might iron my sweatpants.
You are such a tease! I want to see the cover!
I picked a great day to pop back into your blog. What great news! I can’t wait to read the book and promote the heck out of it. So thrilled for you.
You’ve got many fans and friends who will be helping you promote your blook so don’t be afraid to ask. Will you be going to Halifax? I have a few friends there and will keep them up to date on your appearances. I’ll ask them to bring sour cream.
The boots are essential.
Don’t think about it as promoting. Think of it as charming the pants off of every member of the book-buying public you come across. Bookstore audiences laugh when you are self-deprecating. They want to love you.
Have you ever read “Survival” (I think that’s what it’s called)? Margaret Atwood confesses that she’s been chosen to speak at a major academic conference on the idea of the north in Canadian literature and feels completely inferior. She talks about she imagined none of the other speakers chose earrings (sleds, pine cones, etc.) to match their lectures.
I don’t suppose a book tour would bring you to Dallas? Ah well, I’ll settle for buying it online. In my house we always had a “We’re Proud of You” song that we sang at those auspicious moments. I’m humming it now for you. :-)
You people are all sooooo nice.
Hi Bobbi
Your new Fly boots are a relevant prediction of your new blook…it will soar and fly in sales!!!! Fly is a signature brand for people who have verve, creativity and a positive sense of self! …..which seems to emulate yourself perfectly!!!! When are you coming to Hali???
Thanks! Should be mid to late April but not sure yet.
This is fantastic! I can feel your excitement! It is going to be fabulous if slightly nerve-racking so try to enjoy it (says the woman whose skinny knees are knocking over her launch around the corner too!) Your editor sounds great and there’s nothing like some home support.
Count me in for word of mouth promotion and getting the blook onto the library radar, at least in the States.
You know . . an ARC would make this even easier (cue puppydog eyes).
Coming from “Bootsie Fox Meadow” my old nickname from my early 20’s… A pair of new Boots makes the most sense.. One can do rags, naked or ? but the foot ware must be solid! I am secretly hoping that the Giraffe pictures you have used thru out your blog end up being on the page of each new chapter! April you say? I was thinking of April as well to fly to Hali?
Fly Boots, Rubber Boots, who cares, you’re a winner, and that book is gonna do well, real well, so there.
Hi Bobbi, Looking forward to your book launch in Halifax and pleased it is not until mid-April or so. I’ll just be coming back home from a nice France vacation at that time so want to be involved in the promotion plus meet you. Cheers to unplanned dreams coming true!
When you’re doing the rounds, would it help to just think of everyone who attends as being your fellow readers and book lovers? Because 99.9% of the people there will be exactly that :)
OH, so that’s what an iRON looks like? I’ve heard of those.
Nice spots darlinh. You probably need an advance and a quick trip to Paris for an outfit…
I am so excited for you Bobbi!
So exciting…..I pass your blog’s name on to all my friends.
Personally, I think you are a “stunner”….is that a word?
If your using it for me then yes, it’s a word ;)
Good girl Bobbi-pick the footwear -then the outfit-Fly is one of my favourites so you know if the shoe freak approves “you done good”-can’t wait to see you-The IWK is just not the same without you!
I thought of you when I was buying them (online of course). I knew you’d approve! Can’t wait to see you too…
You need to let me know when you will be in Halifax. need several auographed copies. Your book is going to be my Christmas present of choice next year!!!!
ps, I want to take you out for lunch or dinner when you are here if you have time.
April? Just marked it on my calendar. But damn, Newfoundland is a much longer hike than Windsor from here…
Let it change you, darling. Let it show you how fabulous you are. :D I’m in California for the beginning of April. When I come back, I’ll be looking up where to order your book from asap.