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.
Stephanie B. says
OMG!!!!! OMG!!! Charlotte! I’m so excited!
…like too excited… I’ve had too much birthday cake today… But best Birthday surprise ever! :)
J & T says
hahahaha. That was the most EPIC ending to any post we have seen thus far!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha thanks!
xo
s
Lindsay M says
I can totally understand you fears, but try to enjoy this accomplishment.
If it makes you feel any better, because I know my opinion is all you’ve been waiting for, It’s already on my Christmas list. :)
Sarah says
Yayy you’re coming to Jersey! So glad you added that on! You mean you weren’t invited from any places in your hometown area?! Oh well I was so upset because I’m not big on traveling to the city so this is just great!!
Taylor says
Forget Atlanta, stop by Charleston, SC! As someone who lives there and works in publishing – we LOVE BOOKS HERE!!!!
Plus we were just voted #1 city in the world, what what.
Plus I’ll totally take you guys out to lunch (best restaurants in the county).
Plus I’d let you house-crash. Except I live in sad cookie-cutter military housing, and even though it’s cute it’s nothing special.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, we love Charleston! Here’s hoping it gets tacked on too!
xo
s
Chrissy Henry says
I too would be SUPER nervous if I was in your shoes! But we all love you guys and I am already secretly plotting how I am going to tackle all the amazing things I find in your book.
FYI, I am totally coming to see you at your book signing next month in Minnesota! I am sure I will be even more awkward and weird then you claim to be so get excited for that!! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Chrissy!
xo
s
Amy Castle says
I wish you all would come to the Midwest for a signing, particularly Kansas City! Sigh, we get left out alot on these types of things. Most people do the East Coast and the West Coast and skip the majority of people in between. I understand that you all don’t pick the time/places, so I don’t hold it against you. :-) I can’t wait to get my book in November!
Heather says
So excited for you guys! I can’t wait to get my book, and I can’t wait to drive to Dallas to meet you guys (not that my husband has been told about this yet… ;) )
Nadia says
Wait! Hold the phone! So the Cincinnati signing is this week? Sooooo, does that mean that some people will have your book by then?!? Does that mean that maybe, just maybe, preorders will be sent out sooner than Nov. 6?!?!? Aaaaaaah, it’s like Christmas!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Every event will be selling the book- so anyone going to signings before the book is out gets an early copy! And yes, pre-orders might sneak out early too!
xo
s
julie g. says
So excited!!! I am sure it is a surreal experience and I will be in line in D.C. with my copy to be signed. I remember going to the book signing for the Pioneer Woman cookbook and could not believe how many folks turned out. We waited on line for four hours and all I could think was, “I thought I was the reason she was famous – what are all these other folks doing here!” It is crazy how you perceive the world when sitting behind your own computer.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! That sounds so funny!
xo
s
Sarah S says
first offI can’t wait for the book to come out! It has been on the top of my Christmas wish list since you announced it’s arrival way back when!
SUGGESTION- the beauty of you guys having a web presence means you will still be connecting with the readers of your book through the blog. Therefore, you could always create a series of posts if any clarifications seem necessary for a particular book project.
Best of luck with the upcoming tour! I’ll finally get to meet you guys on the stop in Austin,TX!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Sarah! I definitely hope to post updates and clarifications on our book tour page- just worried I’ll have this urge to try to write in the margin of every book out there to get to the source! Haha!
xo
s
Sue in Chicago says
I’ve just come to know your blog within the last year, upon stumbling upon it. Your are now the first thing I log onto every morning, (and of course again in the afternoon for the 2nd post) and I want you to know how much I look forward to reading what you guys are up to. I cannot imagine putting a book out there, but if it is half as good as what you do here on your blog everyday, it will be loved by all. I have pre-ordered your book and can’t wait to read it!! Keep up the fabulous work and congraulations for such an awesome accomplishment.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Sue!
xo
s
Taryn says
Another DC date! I’m going to go ahead and assume that you’re staying for the two days in between (I’ll see you at Flor). From a previous post, I’m pretty sure you have family in the area to give you DC recommendations, but let me just say I think the whole family would like the National Building Museum, complete with Lego exhibit! Tryst has amazing coffee, treats, and yummy foods, and they just opened a super cool new diner/coffee shop/bar called The Coup in the Columbia Heights neighborhood with an awesome tin ceiling. It’s amazing. And real close to my loft, if you’re looking for a house to crash… :)
Taryn says
Also, I’m a technical writer/editor and used to work in publishing. All books have typos and you guys write better than 90% of people. No need to stress :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Taryn!
xo
s
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Taryn! Sounds fun!
xo
s
Juliet says
I think it’s so wonderful that you have a book out! It’s nice to have something tangible, that you can hold in your hand; pages to flip through; sleep with it under my pillow (ha). You just don’t get the same sensation on the internet.
I wish I could come to your Boston appearance, put have to work. Ahhh… so close, and yet so far. Have a great time!
Carolyn L says
OK, so I just took a wee work break to read this and got super teary-eyed. I would be the same way – in fact, just seeing the REAL-ness of the book gave me butterflies FOR you. I’m sure many others agree, but you guys feel like our friends and neighbors. I talk about you like you ARE my friends! “Oh, my buds, the Petersik’s daughter Clara did this cute thing.. and their bathroom is coming along so well..”
Seriously. Back in 2009 before I had discovered YHL, I told a coworker that I wanted to do exactly what you guys are doing. Due to a lay-off, I ended up starting my own business and wallowing in my sorrows and our general brokeness so my dream never really mobilzed the way I pictured. But you – I live it through you! And this book (also spilled to my friend) is so worth the grace and pride and fear!
PS. You guys did a way better job than I would have and I can just sit back and read it! Hehe.. kidding :)
XO
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Carolyn. You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Alleene Smith says
I am so happy that Charlotte has been added to your itinerary. It’s only about an hour from my house. I will be there!
Courtney L. says
I can’t wait for the book to come out – I would be soooo nervous too, but I just know it is going to be great. You guys are so honest about everything, and I really respect that, and you have the best cheesy (in a totally good way!) humor. I am so psyched you added a stop in Ridgewood, NJ. I just called my husband and told him schedule it on the calendar, we are going!
Elisabeth A. says
So excited for CLT! I’ll be there for sure!
Allison Campbell says
Wish you were coming to Missouri!! Maybe on the next book tour :) Can’t wait to read it…I’m sure it will be fabulous!
Emma says
Don’t be skeeerrd! It will be great. Can’t wait to read it. AND YESSSSSS!!!! New DC date on December 1st of December when I’ll actually be in town. Yahoo! Count me in (for whatever it is that’s going on).
Karen C. says
I am a copy editor and page designer by profession, but have actually written a few stories in the last several months – talk about out-of-the-box skeery!!! But it is also so wonderful to spread your wings, so I am cheering for you guys as you experience your book tour!
And OMG – your book tour starts this weekend! Good luck!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Karen!
xo
s
Izabela says
Dear $herdog and John and really Clara and Burger, you guys ALL ROCK! Your book is amazing I’m sure, and I cannot wait to see you in Tacoma Washington in January. Since you’re coming in 2013, I know it’ll be a good year already!
Christine says
Someone once said, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” True, eh? So being freaked out is a good sign!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Christine!
xo
s
Brittany says
Please please please come to Atlanta! The closest stop to me is Charlotte :/
Reese says
So excited for you to be coming to Cincinnati!! I’ll be heading over right after I run the Cincy Half Marathon…..hopefully I won’t smell too bad to get a pic with my favorite DIY bloggers! Excited to see the book and proudly display it on my freshly painted estate sale bookcases, inspired by you!
Laura says
I am holding out hope you guys make it to Philadelphia!! Fingers crossed!
Stefanie says
Some of life’s biggest thrills are the one’s that leave us holding our breath and full of uncertainty, but they are ALWAYS worth it!
I can think of so many times that I’ve felt like that, getting married, buying a house, having babies, and waiting to hear if your favorite blogger is going to come crash your house while they are on tour in Dallas! :)
Just kidding about the last one. Hello! YOU did this! You Rock! Glad you don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. See you in my city soon.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah- thanks Stefanie. You guys are the best!!!
xo
s
Briel K. says
I would be skeered too Sherry! I think it’s going to be great though! I just pre-ordered my book today from Amazon. I thought I had done it a while ago but couldn’t find an order so I finally put it through. If I get two then someone will be getting lucky for Christmas! haha
Once the book comes out will you guys be sharing what were your favorite projects, what didn’t turn out as planned, and other fun details like that?
I know it still says tbd but is there any chance that the Portland date will be on or around a weekend? If we don’t get a Cali date then I may try to make it to Portland if it’s on a weekend. *fingers crossed*
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we have crazy behind the scenes stuff (projects that got cut/failed, things that went wrong, happy accidents, all of that!). Can’t wait to spill those beans! And we’d love to meet you in Portland! I still remember when you bought a YHL T-shirt!
xo
s
Carmen says
Soo happy for a Saturday date in DC!!It would have been nightmare-ish to get there on a weeknight/my boss probably wouldn’t have understood why I needed to leave early.
ivette says
You are gonna do great because you are honest, humble, and yourselves. Even when you are up on stage and super nervous, people still love you, because they can relate to how genuine you guys really are.
Best wishes on the tour, and I know the book will sell tons!
Gudrun says
I totally understand your feelings! But I’m sure the whole book is fantastic. And ya know, if you feel like adding an update or anything you could always have a blog post about one of the chapters in your book. Might be a neat way to tie your book into your blog! But keep up the good work! Can’t wait to read the book. :)
lrlockwood says
COME ON PHILLY! (this is me cheering, in hopes that you make a stop in Philadelphia) Most of us who read your blog know you two are a little quirky. I mean come on! we are like family here, we know all about how many bras you have, and that you DON’T fold your underwear. How much closer can one community be…..? Don’t be skeered, be excited!! Nothing exciting happens to people who sit on the sidelines of life. You two/four have put yourselves out there, enjoy the ride.
Emily says
You guys are awesome! I am so excited you are coming to Dallas. Do you think I will have the spend the night to get into the book signing? Cuz I might do it :) not in a creepy way, it just would be cool to see you in person after reading your blog daily for so long! Keep up the good work! The boom is totally worth the price and it will be amazing! And I am cheap, but you guys are worth it!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you’re so sweet Emily! Hope to see you there!
xo
s
Mrs. McKeon says
You MUST come to Atlanta!!! You have so many fans here. Plus, the weather is gorgeous right now. Just saying ;)
Emily says
Umm…the book that is! Darn autocorrect! You and me both Karen!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!
xo
s
Karen F says
at least you can blame yours on autocorrect – mine was all me! LOL
YoungHouseLove says
Ha!
xo
s
katie says
As luck would have it, I have a book coming out on the exact same day as yours, and I can relate completely with all of the feelings you’ve expressed in this post. My book is called “Whirlybirds and Ordinary Times.” I’m especially nervous because it’s of the memoir-persuasion, which means I’m sharing lots of personal stories and opinions, and they happen to be about faith, which might be the one thing more polarizing than decorating! Anyway, thanks so much for taking us with you on your journey to publication. I’ve read everything you’ve posted since I discovered your blog two years ago, and my three-year-old son has asked “Who is that?” about Clara so much that I think he recognizes her now!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Katie! You’re so sweet! And best of luck with your book- it sounds awesome!
xo
s
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
You guys are awesome! It is your honesty and sharing that keeps us all coming back. This post is a prime example.
Alot of us love your blog so much we not only come back daily to read it, but you have inspired us to start our own. So thank you…..and don’t be skerred. We got your back. ;-)
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
P.S. the typos and missing commas in my comment are totally done on purpose. ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahah!
xo
s
Tonja M says
Stop in West Virginia!!!…..say like on the way to see granny? Empire Books at Pullman Sq or in Charleston at Taylor Books or Books-A-Million?? Pretty Please? :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that would be fun!
xo
s
Sarah F. says
Oh, man– I remember feeling some for reals skeeredness when I went into business for myself. And you know what? I think it’s totally appropriate. It’s a venture of growth! Plus, if you didn’t have any jitters or sweaty palms (maybe that last part is just me), you wouldn’t be prepared for each next step to come. It shows that you care. Just know that you have a *ton* of people who love you guys and are supporting you every moment of the way! Wooooot!
P.S. Soooo stoked to have y’all back in Portland!!! See you soon!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Sarah!
xo
s
Amisha says
I am so bummed I won’t get to see you guys in CT because I am out of town that weekend. I was surprised that you didn’t have a Jersey stop initially b/c I figured I could come to NJ to see you guys since I won’t get to see you guys in CT. But now I am even more bummed to see it’s the same day as the CT stop. Any thoughts on adding more cities in NJ and/or CT? Please?
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry Amisha, we don’t have any control over that stuff, but it sounds like it’s a giant crazy puzzle that the publisher is trying to piece together. I don’t envy her, that’s for sure!
xo
s
Cori says
First of all, I can’t imagine putting so much work and anticipation into one (albeit huge-big-deal) project. I don’t blame you for being skeered. But, as many people have already said, you don’t need to be! We love you guys, and we will love this book, even if there are a couple of typos. And, yes, maybe someday down the line, you’ll think you should have changed or tweaked a project or two. But that’s ok!!! I’d bet lots of money that every big-time designer/artist/author looks back at their work and can find some little piece to improve. That doesn’t negate the choices you’ve made or the work you’ve done. You SHOULD be proud, because you’ve accomplished something amazing, and I just know it’s going to be awesomesauce. So take this as a virtual HUG, and know that it’s okay to be a little scared and nervous and excited and giddy. That’s how you’re supposed to feel for these big life events!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Cori, you’re amazing. Thanks for the kind words!
xo
s
jennifer says
It blows my mind you guys are nervous! I can see why, but you guys?! Come on! Everybody that will be there is there bc they support you (think of it as a room full of family, which could be worse, I guess?!) Seems everyone is preordering it (do you have any clues as to numbers so far?) Can’t wait!
YoungHouseLove says
We don’t really get any info on numbers of things sold or anything, but that might be a good thing. It helps me relax to picture just ten copies out there, so it might freak me out. Haha.
xo
s
Suni says
All I know is I’m so excited for my own copy of your book, and excited to give it to the people I also got copies for as gifts… gots to share the wittiness of Sherdog & John. :) Hugs, I know it will all be so fantastic.
Joy S. says
So excited for Charlotte! Hoping it’s on the weekend so I can make the drive up. Or I wouldn’t hate it if you just added Charleston, SC as a stop (we were just named best best city in the world by Conde Nast after all). I’m saying this like it might entice you even though I know you have no control over it. Either way, it’s great to have a southeast option!
Laura @ Unpunctuated Life says
I would love to see y’all at an Atlanta event! I was hoping my city might make its way onto your list of stops.
Ammie says
First it’s “Moose, there it is” then “Word to your motha” – the perfect way to end any blog post. You’re awesome Sherdog!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Ammie!
xo
s
Gretchen says
Look forward to seeing you in Cincinnati Saturday! Your blog has inspired me to do all kinds of new things in my 50’s!!!
Ashley @ LibertyBelles says
I’m hoping a Philly stop gets added! But if not I’ll probably be able to make it to the Ridgewood location! My best friend and I are obsessed with your blog and her parents live very close to Ridgewood so we could make the trip!
Jennifer says
I am so happy to see a date for Charlotte. Thankful that location was added to the itinerary. Have fun!!!
Katy C says
SOOO excited about the addition of Charlotte! I’m in the Upstate of SC, so I was originally bummed that neither you or Ana were going to be swinging close by! So pumped!!