Young House Love

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Behind The Scenes Details Of Writing A Book

It’s Tuesday afternoon, which means it’s high time for some over-sharing (aw yeah, let’s talk about feelings, shall we?). The very first hot-off-the-presses copy of our book arrived via Fed Ex yesterday and it kind of melted my brain a little, I think.

Book Here1

We couldn’t stop beaming at it and saying things like “It’s real! It has pages! It has a cover! It has our names on it!” – but I’d be lying if I said that “crazy-pants excited” was my only response to seeing it there on the floor looking all real and book-like.

Book Here2

I’m also skeered. Really scared actually.

And since I’ve spilled my guts about 14 months of breast feeding, owned up to a bunch of my unglamorous $herdog quirks, and even a copped to a beyond embarrassing teenage moment caught on video with a certain platinum-haired rapper, I’m cool with dropping this whole “jittery sweaty-palmed fear is actively happening” truth bomb. I mean I think I can be described as a lot of things, but I wouldn’t call myself especially brave. I have normal insecurities and self-doubts and all that. The book is a really big thing, so it feels especially scary. And for some reason I thought that pouring my heart out in a little online ditty could be the emotional equivalent to owning it (and perhaps others who’ve struggled with similar things might chime in and make me feel less weird). So here it goes.

Book Styled

I think it’s one thing to keep an online DIY diary for the world to read for free, but somehow putting out a book that then exists in the universe forever feels a lot more intimidating. Sure it’s hardly a high-profile thriller or much anticipated non-fiction, but there’s something crazy about not just being able to toss up an update if there’s a sentence that’s unclear or a typo that sneaks through like we do on the blog. The words that we wrote in that manuscript back in 2011 are printed and soon they’ll be on a shelf. Lots of shelves. And it just feels a lot more weighty and permanent.

Book Editing

Plus people have to pay for it. We worked darn hard to keep the price down, and even though books are returnable or re-sellable (and we got on our publisher’s last nerve to keep that price down) it still feels a lot… bigger. More complicated than a blog post by about 500 percent. I mean it’s 336 pages long with 243 suggestions/tips/projects, so it’s sort of like secretly writing 243 different posts and then publishing them all at once for a fee and then not getting to update or edit them if anything about any of them calls for a little note. Wait, it’s not sort of like that, it’s exactly like that. Maybe that’s why it feels a lot scarier.

It was also pretty intimidating to plan the entire book over three years. Finalizing the outline a year and a half in advance (that’s when we pinned down every last project) and shooting all the projects nearly a year ago (in an epic three week marathon at our house where neither of us remember eating or sleeping) was definitely like nothing we’ve ever done.

ShootDay1 Messy Living Room

It was nerve-wracking in that “what if we regret these color or fabric choices later?” kind of way.

BookTimeline

I’ve even had nightmares that there were typos on every page, chunks of blank pages, and even a particularly vivid one about some fictitious magazine that somehow recreated every last one of our projects identically (same exact fabrics and colors!) and scooped us by publishing them before our book came out. Oh yeah, my brain can go a little nuts whirring away while I’m laying in bed thinking of all the ways this endeavor could make me want to crawl under the covers a la Burger:

DayLife 25 Burger In Bed

But this little freak-out fest does have a silver lining. The thing that I feel the most – even stronger that the jitters and self-doubt – is actually gratitude and pride. Not “I’m an author, look at me” pride, just “wow we actually did this” pride. Sometimes I can’t believe that I somehow convinced myself (and John) to put ourselves out there and write a book. Knowing that just like our blog not everyone will love it, and that’s ok. Blogging has taught is that we can’t please all of the people all of the time, so we want to focus on the positive and amazing aspects of this experience. Whenever I’m feeling especially clammy I just remind myself that there hasn’t been a single book on the planet that was beloved by everyone who ever read it (some of my faves have 5-star reviews as well as 1-star ones) so that helps me let go of that “be perfect or you suck!” voice in the back of my mind. Imperfect = real life. Like this crazy seconds-from-a-paw-yank family photo from last week:

About Picture3

So you can find me hiding under the covers with Burger when I get that guts-in-knots feeling, but don’t get me started about how excited I am for the tour. I know meeting you guys will be awesome and I’m literally giddy with excitement to thank you guys in person for the love you’ve shown us. And speaking of the tour, they added four more signings! Woot.

TourDates3

You can see more general tour info on our book page (just click the tour dates button), but here’s the news that we have so far on the new dates:

  • RIDGEWOOD, NJ: Friday, November 2, 7pm – Bookends, 211 Ridgewood Ave, book signing. More info here.
  • WASHINGTON, DC: Saturday, December 1st, Time TBD – Living Social, 918 F Street, Talk, holiday crafting, and book signing. More details to be released here.
  • RICHMOND, VA: Sunday, December 2nd, 1pm – Mongrel, 2924 W. Cary Street, book signing. Store information here.
  • CHARLOTTE, NC: Early February. Other details TBD

*There’s also serious talk about an Atlanta stop while we’re nearby in Charlotte, so we’ll keep you posted! And of course other places like Philly & Cali are still being chatted about. We wish we had more control over what cities we’re hitting! It really is all about who invites us where (so it has nothing to do with how big a city is, it’s all about if a certain vendor or bookstore works with the dates/times/etc).

Anyway, thanks to you guys for being so excited and supportive about this whole crazy book journey! It’s kind of a big deal in our little lives, and you’re just the best readers ever. So in return we’re burning the midnight oil to churn out a bunch of projects for ya (even when we’re slipping through 20 cities we’ll be doing our best to blog at our regular pace, with lots of secretly stockpiled makeovers & projects of ours along with house crashing & window shopping adventures a plenty). Not to mention that we have another before-and-after-fest in the hopper for you tomorrow.

Not sure how to end this ramble-fest, so… word to your motha. $herdog out.

Comments

  2. S says

    Big projects make us nervous for a reason – we wouldn’t be nervous if we didn’t care, and obviously you care a lot about the book after investing so much of yourselves in it!

    I will see you in Cincinnati Saturday – I am ridiculously excited!!! Thanks for coming to my neck of the woods.

    Reply

  5. Marie Kovarik says

    Don’t be afraid, Sherry. We love your blog, and your whole fam, and soon we’ll all love your book too. I can’t wait to see you guys in Chicago.

    Reply

  6. Catherine says

    Is it weird that I feel a little bit scared for you guys? Probably…but I’ve followed your little blog for a while now and I’m so happy that you guys finally published a book! Call me old-fashioned, but something about having a physical book with pages to turn just has some kind of magic that the ol’ interweb can’t compete with.

    Reply

  7. Marlena says

    A huge congrats! And so amazing to see your name come up as the author. So much good comes from riding that edge of discomfort – that’s where the neat stuff happens when you stick with it. But you two know that already! Can’t wait to read it!

    Reply

    • Anika says

      Love the way you said that, Marlena – “riding the edge of discomfort” – and it’s so true. Hang in there Sherry (and John!); you know you have a strong ‘fan’ base that will come out to support you and this new endeavor, and we too are extremely grateful for this book! Can’t wait to meet you guys in person – crazy!

      And seriously, take a break while you’re touring! We will all survive a day or two without an update – you guys definitely deserve to just enjoy your hard earned moment!

    • Mia says

      I totally agree with Marlena – it’s important to push yourself beyond where you’re comfortable. That’s when you make a difference…now if you’ll only schedule a little stop up here in northern New England :)

    • Jamie D says

      I’m also on board the train that wants you all to not feel like you have to post every single day on the book tour. Do some fun Instagrams or Facebook posts of your travels, or make your posts about the tour, instead of feeling like you HAVE to post about projects. The true fans would probably all agree!!!

    • Kate H says

      I’m not sure I can handle a day or two without an update. LOL

      Come to Paris! You know you want to! :-)

      Part of the reason I come to this blog is I know I’m getting to read about the real life of the bloggers. Keep it up- thousands of us are behind you.

      (Katie Bower would insert butt joke here.)

  8. Jennifer W says

    am I misreading that “sign two book deal” part or does that mean you’ll have another book?

    Either way, congratulations! And that’s awesome they added Charlotte!!

    Reply

  9. Wendy says

    By the looks of the schedule, it appears you might have family/friends time in the NOVA/DC area. If so, good for you all! You deserve it!

    Might I suggest taking homemade treats on the road, if you have any that are special to your tummies? I always make sure I have what makes me happy when traveling (and will pinch back on the grocery bill at other times to ensure this “safety food travel fund” reality).

    Something else on food I learned recently, microwaveable popcorn packets make a really good dinner when one is stuck/not really hungry for local fares while on travel.

    Reply

  11. Melissa says

    I am incredibly excited to get my book signed at your first DC stop! But you know what, I think part of the reason that you guys have so many followers on your blog, and so many people who leave comments is *because* you two are super real. You never try to be anything you’re not, and you always fess up when something doesn’t go right (a la John and the deck :( )and I think that makes us mere DIY mortals a bit more willing to take the risk and try something new. You guys keep on being your awesome, real selves…and we’ll keep trying to do things ourselves!

    Reply

    • Nicole says

      I agree with this wholeheartedly! We love you because your real and can relate to you on many levels. Congratulations on your book, it is a big deal to your fans as well and most of us don’t even know you personally! See you in Toronto!

  12. Emma says

    I hope Atlanta gets added!!! What a wonderful post, I think it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there like that! Good for you guys!

    Reply

    • hollyloo says

      me, too! atlanta! atlanta! atlanta! if you come here, you can crash my house. i have a yellow doooooor. heck, you can crash AT my house—unless twin 4-year-old boys scare you.

      and as far as your fears go … typos = real, and real is why we like you. fabric/color remorse = a little slice of history. (you’re too young to remember, but in the 70s people chose to have avocado green refrigerators!) your book is a time capsule—a thing of beauty and a joy forever. you should be so proud!! you give us free advice, free stories and free smiles every day. i am excited and honored to BUY your book!

  13. Kati says

    So sad not to see a blue star in the middle of that map! Midwesterns DIY too! LOL! Congrats on everything though, I am on pins and needles waiting for my book copy to arrive at my house!

    Reply

  17. Brynn says

    So excited and happy for you guys!
    Great job keeping your cool!
    You guys are going to rock the socks off this tour.

    Reply

  20. Annette says

    Congratulations on all of your wonderful success! Just “knowing” you through your blog, I think your little family absolutely deserves it!!!

    Reply

  21. Amanda says

    I’m such a dork…I almost yelled “WAHOO!” at my desk when I saw you would be coming to Charlotte. So Psyched!

    Reply

  22. Allyn says

    Thanks for being so honest! I think most of us feel that sort of self doubt at times, and we’re hardly doing anything on the scale you guys are. I’m glad it hasn’t held you back though!
    Fans will be fans, and jerks will be jerks.
    Don’t let the haters keep you from doing your thang.
    SUPER excited about the book!

    Reply

  23. Kearney says

    OMG! you are coming to charlotte?!? i’m so there!

    on a side note, i have really developed a thing for chihuahuas and i think burger is partially responsible for it…i’m a big dog (golden retriever) person but i have fostered 2 chi’s in the last month. what is it about them having to sleep under the covers with you? i worry about rolling over on to one – not a problem with a golden!

    you guys rock – can’t wait to get my book (i preordered)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, Burger is honored that he has done a solid for his fellow Chis and gotten you on board! I was a big dog girl too, so Burger is my first little guy. Definitely an adjustment, but all snuggly and cute too…

      xo
      s

    • Nick says

      I second this. After reading your blog for a while, I mentioned to my partner that I REALLY wanted a Chi – and one appeared in our back yard about a month later. Tell Burger thanks for sending Bruno our way!

      Oh and the book, its going to be awesome…just like you guys!

  24. Cassie says

    Still so excited! Don’t worry, I’m totally nervous about the goobery pictures I plan on taking while meeting you on Saturday hahaha

    Reply

  25. Rebecca says

    SUPER excited for you all!! Congrats on the book (an amazing accomplishment)! I’m still hoping you are stopping in Cali! Also, sidenote, I found the greyhound statue at my Target on clearance over the weekend (only one left) and scooped him up, so thanks for the Target shop fest so we could adopt another animal! :)

    Reply

  26. Elena says

    So excited for you both! Hopefully you will make it to Atlanta. Oh and John, how do you not laugh at Sherry all day long? “word to your motha.” I’m still laughing.

    Reply

  27. Lindsay B says

    Everything you guys touch turns to gold. You have NOTHING to worry about! Also- I am SO PSYCHED you added Charlotte! Only three hours away! Petersiks (and IKEA) here I come!

    Reply

  28. Kaitlyn says

    I just pre-ordered your book today!! I’m so sad I won’t be able to make it out to one of the locations for a signing (and I live in Detroit), but I have NO DOUBT IN THE WORLD that I’m absolutely going to LOVE it!! You guys are awesome, and I promise I’ll be a giddy little schoolgirl as soon as it arrives in the mail :) xoxo

    Reply

  29. Jessica says

    I love that you decided to do a stop in Charlotte for your book tour! :) My husband and I will be closing on our first house on the 30th and I can’t wait to get my hands on your book and put it to good use. I think your book will indeed make me a DIY junkie.

    Reply

  31. Karen Q. says

    Don’t be nervous at all. The book will be wonderful and fabulous- just like you all are! Can’t wait until Nov when I can come home to my own package waiting for me on my front door with your amazing book inside! Here’s to you and much success! =)

    Reply

  32. Jeanette says

    I absolutely cannot WAIT for the book to come out! I know it will do great if all your online support is any indication… And for the record, I would still love it even if there was a typo in it ;-)

    Reply

  34. Tashauna says

    Don’t be scared Sherry, we all love you. I’m sure the book will be great. This a great step for you guys. Don’t know you personally but I have been reading this site for years now and I am beyond excited for you guys!!!

    Reply

  35. Jennifer Eckerman says

    It’s okay to have some nerves. But with the tour you have scheduled, plus the additional 4 dates, that really speaks to the faith your publisher has in you guys. I can’t wait to meet you in Minneapolis…of course if you’d care to make a pit stop in Des Moines, Iowa, that would save me a four hour car ride with my children;) Good luck guys, can’t wait to get my copy!!

    Reply

  36. Amy says

    I still wonder how you got a stop to Grand Cayman in there, in the middle of winter! That will be a nice break from the cold and snow

    Reply

  37. Jennifer A says

    I wish you were coming to Nashville!!! You can do it at my house! haha. But, seriously, the powers that be need to invite you here!

    Reply

  38. Elena says

    Yes. Philly. Yes. Your book is going to be fabulous! With you two at the helm, there’s no way it’s going to be anything but great. I can’t wait to check it out!

    Reply

  39. Carol S. says

    I can’t wait for the book to get here! And I’m super excited you added a Charlotte stop to the tour. I’ll certainly be coming to that :)

    Reply

  40. Kendra says

    Wooooooot for an NC stop! I’m there.

    I also feel nervous for you a little bit. But I feel nervous for everyone, which is why reality TV is the thing most likely to cause my death.

    Reply

  41. Kate says

    I was so excited to see you in my copy of Country Living last night! I think you all hit all the mags this month :)

    Many many congratulations!

    Reply

  44. Toni says

    I am so excited that you are coming to Charlotte. I will be there, maybe even the first in line. So how excited am I? So excited that I yelp-screamed (yes that does happen) at the library. Talk about an embarrassing moment, I had to leave and text you in the car, Lol.

    Also, don’t be nervous, your book will be a best seller-just wait and see. I cannot believe it has been a year since the book shoot-that went by really fast.

    Reply

  45. Ann Marie says

    Dreams are a normal stress outlet. When I started grad school I was pretty nervous and I started to have dreams about forgetting to go to one of my classes for the entire semester and then having to take a final or write a paper on something I knew nothing about. After a bad day of work (as a nurse) I have dreams about handing off my patients to the oncoming shift, and I realize that I totally forgot to take care of one patient for the entire day!

    It sure would be nice to get some stress relief during sleepytime!

    P.S. I think Santa will be delivering a lot of YHL books this Christmas!

    Reply

  47. Eunice says

    so…still no oahu stop? =)

    I really wish I could get back on the mainland to see you, john, and the bean (anywhere!) but I do hope that you have the best, most wonderful book tour bonanza filled with love, fun and many more exciting posts for us “islanders” to enjoy!!

    Reply

  49. Missy G. says

    I so wish that y’all were coming a little closer to Baton Rouge so that I could meet you. Instead, I’ll reach through my computer and your laptop to give you a virtual hug and give you a pat on the back. Don’t be skeered. You’re amazeballs, and gosh darnit, people love you. :)

    Reply

  50. Sarah Jessica Farber says

    Everything warm and encouraging I had to say got wiped from my mind when I saw you were coming to Charlotte. YAY! Even though Richmond is closer to me than Charlotte, especially when I remember my brother is in Midlothian (not that I forget that, exactly), I feel like seeing you in person would be better in my home state. Plus there is an Ikea there! And maybe I can make a friend road trip with me. SQUEE. I also feel like your Richmond dates will be hella crowded because you guys are hometown heroes, and I love ya, but I can only stand in line for so long!

    Oh I know what I was going to say. I write briefs for work and every time one of them goes up on line for all the world (and all my colleagues) to see, I cringe. There are always errors, or things I wish I could re-do, but in the end you give it your best and move on.

    I also heard an author on the radio last night (no idea who, he was on Fresh Air), talking about how you get this idea for a book, gestate it (that’s the proposal), then outline it (elementary school) write it, edit it, (middle school and high school) and in the end, you send it off to uni with an electric tea kettle and wish it well (publishing it!). He’s British, so translate the electric tea kettle to micro-fridge and a case of Ramen, and it works completely. In the end your little book has grown up and it will succeed on its own in its very own way. :-)

    Reply

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