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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It was nerve-wracking in that “what if we regret these color or fabric choices later?” kind of way.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Maureen says
Having 3 cities to choose from to see you guys is an embarrassment of riches! :) The Ridgewood meet will definitely be the most convenient since it’s at night. Woot!
Anna says
Don’t be afraid! I’m sure all the people who will come to see you loves your blog and your works, so they will give you a warm welcome.
My only concern is perhaps you will end very tired with all these travels.
Good luck and take care!
casey d says
I vote for a Philly stop!!!
Stefanie says
I feel weird even saying this and I don’t want to come across as a creeper or anything but I’m extremely proud of you guys. So much that I may have actually teared up a little while reading this. I’ve followed this blog for what seems like eternity and I’m so proud of what you guys have turned it into and all of the things you’ve accomplished and I hope you two are as well.
I’ll be at two signings, one in DC and one in Richmond and I can’t wait to see you guys and have you sign my books (and picture of Sherry and Eminem..again, this is not a joke) and let you guys know just how awesome, albiet awkward, you are. <3
YoungHouseLove says
Aw Stefanie, you’re so sweet.
xo
s
Zandra says
Here’s hoping there’s eventually a San Francisco stop! I love your blog and it’d be so fun to meet you guys in person. :)
Lisa says
Can’t wait to receive my copy. So proud of you. Well deserved! I was/is a big dog person, too, and got my first ankle biter, as I call them, last year. He’s totally won us over. Love that little guy. It’s like having a forever puppy and who doesn’t love a puppy?! He’s a Maltipoo and makes most everybody melt.
Lawton D says
Don’t worry! You are your own biggest critic. The world will love your work and if they don’t who cares! Getting published/all the other things you accomplish everyday is an inspiration to us all.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lawton!
xo
s
Jennifer says
So excited for the Washington DC book singing! Blogging, home decor, bookwriting and singing?! Is there anything you can’t do? I’m hoping Clara is going to do some dancing to your singing. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! It’s supposed to be signing (is there a singing typo? that’s too funny). You don’t want to hear me sing- trust me!
xo
s
Carol N. says
I wish you guys were coming to Birmingham but maybe I can sneak away to an Atlanta signing. My book is ordered – it will be a Christmas gift from my mom – and I can’t wait to open it up and start some of the projects!
Sara says
Just RSVP’d! See you in Boston! :)
Laura says
So excited for the Jersey stop… and you book!
Ellen says
Cincinnati is so ready for you! See you on Saturday and really , really looking forward to it :)
-Ellen-
Ashley J says
I’m sure your book is going to be amazing! It will be a like a dream come true – so many “posts,” so much inspiration all in one place! And I’m pretty stoked for some house crashings!
Michele says
I’m sure you answered this at some point but why 243 projects? Any significance to the number? Congrats on the book and I can’t wait to get my pre-order.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, 243 = we love you (number of letters in each word). SO it’s cause we love you!
xo
s
Emily O. says
I would say it definitely IS a much anticipated non fiction!! I can’t wait to own it!! Also, thanks for adding a NJ stop, work on Philly, I will bring a whole crowd of my peeps yo! (That’s me trying to have as much street cred as $herdog!)
hillary says
Will I have crossed the line into “creepy” if I come to both DC tour stops?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- no way!
xo
s
Jen H says
Im really sad you guys are not coming to utah! too bad. Congratulations again, You guys are an inspiration of hard work, determination, and an example of taking a chance on doing what you love.
BTW, do you guys know how many books have been preordered overall? That would be an interesting fact to know. We are all rooting for you
YoungHouseLove says
I wish we knew that stuff! We don’t really know many stats, although it’s probably good since I like to pretend there are only 10 books being printed so I don’t get too nervous. Haha!
xo
s
Sarah S says
I just feel good that I can finally contribute financially to you all because you have been entertaining me for free for 2 years now, which hardly seems fair! I can’t wait for this book to show up on my doorstep in a couple of weeks! Congrats guys!
Ashley says
Sherry,
When does the book officially go on sale? I turn the big 3-0 on Friday and am a big 3-4 weeks preggo. My friend and are we planning to visit you in Cincinnati on Saturday as part of my birthday/ almost-baby-time fun. Will there be books to purchase there you to to sign? I keep reading “November” and was just curious. Thanks so much!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s due to be released on Nov 6th, although we hear it might come out early to those who pre-ordered (and of course at every early tour stop it’ll be for sale). Wahooo! So if you go to any signing they’ll be waiting in a big ol’ pile ;)
xo
s
Erin says
YAHOO! So happy for you guys, and glad you are able to be proud. What an accomplishment. And everybody’s scared, so the only difference between you and us is – you wrote a book! What was that ridiculous Successories-ish book title? “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” ? Yeah, that’s what you gone and done. :)
Congratulations!
Amanda says
I would argue that your book IS much anticipated non-fiction. :)
Desiree C. says
I have no idea how it feels to publish a book, but you Petersiks are definitely deserving of this experience. I’m certain the book is wonderful. Don’t worry about how others perceive it–that’s why a primary and secondary audience is chosen. :) The primary will love it and lose their minds over it with excitement (me and others alike–though we havn’t seen the book yet, I already know you have two crazy girls anxiously awaiting your arrival in Minneapolis to fill your ears with nothing but encouragement, gratitude, and our crazy, overly-obsessed-with-YHL giddyness that we’ll TRY to keep tame…”try” is the operative word, there.) and there’s no doubt about it. I’m sure the secondary audience will react the same way.
Hang in there and don’t be scared. YHL is awesome. I’m sure I’m safe speaking for your fellow DIY-ers/YHL followers, but everything about YHL rocks our socks off. Nuff said.
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Desiree. Thanks!!
xo
s
mary says
congrats to such a talented family–and i LOVE that family picture on your patio, it needs to go on the gallery wall!
Kate Steves says
Yay for a Charlotte stop! Hubs doesn’t know it yet but in Feb we are going on a trip to Charlotte!
Elizabeth says
Soooo, will this Living Social stop in DC be tied in with some sort of book-related Living Social deal that we should keep an eye out for in the next couple of weeks??
So excited for you guys!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I would keep an eye out at the page it links to (and more deets as we get them!)
xo
s
Sarah says
You got this girl! I can’t wait to get my hands on your book- I’ve already pre-ordered, and RSVP’d for your first DC stop. So excited for you guys- I have no doubt it will be a raging success!
Mallory @ R. Simple Life says
I’m so excited for you guys. As a long time reader, I kind of feel like I’ve been there for the journey and couldn’t be happier for the success you’ve totally been rocking. Crossing my fingers for an Atlanta signing… unless you want to get get a little closer to Biloxi, MS? You can stay at my house.
xo
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Mallory!
xo
s
Meagan {Green Motherhood} says
I totally get the scary but I think it’s more about all of us being excited to support you. I can’t wait to see the book but I’m mostly buying it because I want to give yall a big high five for getting it done! You’re published!
So hoping I can make it to Charlotte. (a stop in Charleston SC would be divine, yes?)
Amber says
Hooray for Charlotte! We’re in Raleigh, but our folks are outside of Charlotte, so I might be able to make that one! It’s closer than Richmond, anyway. :)
Mary says
I’m a big fan from Ohio and super excited about your book! If you have extra time in Cincinnati, be sure to stop at the Newport Aquarium!
Randi Cooper says
I’m stoked! Pre-ordered last night and joined the facebook group for the Dallas signing…..also you should know, my friend and I are driving from Nacogdoches Texas four hours away to meet you guys….kinda stalkary but in a god way. Love you guys you’re the best!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so awesome Randi! Can’t wait!
xo
s
lucy says
Seriously, $herdog! You guys are the cats’ meow. In: (this will take a while) decorating zaniness, editorial and writing excellence, raising a super cool doggie, and even more astonishing lovely toddler, and professional bravery. Good luck to you, and ignore any nay-sayers, I say! Your book is tops on my Christmas list (both to “receive” and to “give”) Having been married a “few” more years than you two, I can only say you have the recipe for success, in more ways than one, so I wish you all the best! And I’m even more sure it will come your way. Hugs!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw shucks, thanks Lucy!
xo
s
Katherine says
Happy to hear that you are coming to Toronto.
This is a bigger than life event that average folks will never experience, so your jitters are understandable. But think about this from the other side of the book shelf – readers love you and that is why the publisher said yes to you in the first place. And why the book will sell well.
Enjoy every moment of the tour, meeting people who follow you, visiting our towns – maybe a bit of house crashing along the way. This is the reward for the hard work. Congratulations.
Shannon says
Congrats! I’m glad to hear that Philly is being tossed out!!
Jill says
Sherry,
I can’t thank you enough for writing this post. We are in different but similar boats. I am currently writing my first book and while I’m far behind you in the process, I am already having the same sort of freakouts you described (mine is on food fermentation, not DIY stuff).
When I get overanxious and think about all I have to do in such a short amount of time I think of how you and John were able to run your blog, be parents, and still get all that book stuff finished. And then I know I can do it too.
SO MANY thanks for writing the things you did about the book being something that not everyone will love. I find myself caught up in that vortex of perfection too and the next time it happens to me, I’m going to remember your words.
Thanks for being an inspiration to another soon-to-be author!
Jill
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jill! You can totally do it! Good luck with everything!
xo
s
Michelle says
How about good ol’ Neeeeeebraskie? Ok, let’s compromise…..how about I make Clara some ruby red slippers if you stop in the KC area? I’m sure I could come up with a cute little basket lined with a cute little plaid fabric? Probably not working, but certainly worth a try!
Continue enjoying your new adventure! I CERTAINLY CANNOT WAIT UNTIL MY COPY OF THE BOOK ARRIVES! Woop Woop! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you’re so funny Michelle!
xo
s
Alana Lindsey says
I couldnt be more excited you added Charlotte to the list. The only bad thing is that I’ll have to wait till Feb to buy the book at the signing.
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says
You guys are AMAZING-that’s all there is to it!
I can’t even imagine what jitters you are feeling; but I had a thought about you the other day. Does life get any better than this? You are married to the love of your life, you have a bright & beautiful daughter, and now you have a book! That has to be the 3rd best thing to happen to such a wonderful couple. I know you are being critical of yourself but like you said, it’s published and there’s no going back, typos and all. And while you might not be perfect (whaa?) you two do the best you can and I guarantee you, you have changed/inspired more people than you will ever know. It’s not just about DIY, it’s about seeing two people madly in love with each other and life that gives us hope…which is what everyone could use in these crazy times.
Just keep doing what you’re doing, obviously someone in the literary world was as (smitten) impressed by you two-just like your boatload of readers. Congrats to such a well-deserving couple of DIY dorks!! We love you guys!! xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Oh geez, now I’m all teary. Thanks Jess, you’re so right. Lots to be thankful for! What a crazy ride this has been.
xo
s
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says
Sorry, I got all teary, too ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man. Sniffle. You guys are so sweet.
xo
s
Stephanie says
So excited about the Charlotte stop! Now I’m nervous about meeting you guys!
Genelle says
Wahoo for a Charlotte stop! I’m moving from the Washington DC area 16 days before your November stop here and I was so bummed that I’d be missing you. However, my new home is only 35 minutes north of Charlotte so I will definitely plan to be there in February to meet you and get my copy of the book signed! I’m very excited to receive it… I pre-ordered it from Amazon months ago. Congrats to you both! I’m sure it will be an awesome book!
Julia says
Woo – another stop in DC! The Living Social building is awesome – I used to work around the block from it and not only is it a fun neighborhood (across the street from the Spy Museum and right near the National Archives!) but this means I can actually get to see you guys. I’m so excited!
I think it’s natural to be scared, but I’m sure this book is going to rock
Georgiana CK says
I appreciate this blog post. You have so much strength in your vulnerability–and cheers to you for showing others that this is a strength too. Your blogs have anyways been personal, funny, heartfelt–but this one shows us that you aren’t super woman. You are simply driven by what you love–and that makes you shine and provides inspiration to us all.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Georgiana! You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Skittle says
I agree with everything I’ve read above. I love you guys & your blog because you seem like real actual people who are just doing what you love & are able to entertain & inspire me while you do it. Jackpot! :) I am so excited for you both with your new adventure. If you weren’t nervous, then it would be geniune. I pre-ordered my copy the minute you said “GO!” & I can’t wait for it to get here!!
Skittle says
If you weren’t nervous, then it wouldN’T be geniune. Ugh with the typos!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Skittle!
xo
s
Erin C. says
I have the same crazy nightmares before big events too.. (getting married– oh, no, we forgot flowers for the flower girl….having a baby– oh no, I forgot my son in his crib all day!)
Also, not that you wanna jump right into that book-writing madness again, but I’d consider the book-writing equivalent to editing/updating info to be a book PART 2 with the latest and greatest!
I cannot wait to have YHL on my coffee table :)
I hope you can come to Philly!!
Anne says
So I was flipping through Redbook (backwards of course), and I turned to a page that looked just like your kitchen. I finally figured out that the entire article was about you guys and it had some great ideas (I’m assuming some of them are from you book, considering that one of them is pictured above). Great job!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Anne!
xo
s
Annie says
If you come to Atlanta, I will be there with bells on!
I’m also drooling over that mid-century desk I see in your living room. I’ve been searching for one of my own for what feels like an eternity.
Kara says
I already RSVP’d for the Toronto stop where my girlfriend from the DC area is flying up here to go with me to see you guys! Then I was gonna fly down to DC and make it to your first DC stop, but now that you have this second stop – on a Saturday? SCORE!!!! It’s not super-creepy or stalky if we go to two of your events, right? :?
How do I change my RSVP from the first DC stop to the second one? I’m sure the event planners will need to keep track of all that!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s not stalkey at all! I wouldn’t change anything until you see the info for the second one (it’s a paid event for a very small group, so maybe be sure you’re in and don’t mind the fee before canceling the free one?). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Hilary @ My So-Called Home says
At first I was thrilled you were coming to Jersey but I’m a little bummed my book probably won’t arrive in time. Will you guys sign something else I can tuck in when the book finally comes? Or else I may need to buy two.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes! We have bookplates or you can buy a second one for us to sign and then gift/resell/ebay the first copy!
xo
s
Ally says
Don’t sweat it, $herdog…word up…we got your back, sista! (It’s really hard to talk when you’re wearing golden GRILLZ :)
xox
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahhahahahah!
xo
s
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
The whole process seems nerve-wracking but I’m confident that the book is going to be awesome! It should be that good kind of nervous! I’ll be buying a book when you guys come to NYC (since you mentioned that would make the vendors happy) and you can always laugh at my awkwardness if you’re still nervous then :)