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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. Lise says

    I love that you keep it real. It helps me keep it real. Your book is my most anticipated, most “woohoo” purchase of the year. Can’t wait for it to arrive in the post. Even if it is a Christmas present from my hubby. I may have to sneak peak a few times a day.

    Love, love YHL and wish I lived in the US (even if just for November) so I could go to a book signing. Boo!

    Reply

  3. Karin says

    Sherry, I know what you mean. I’ve published a book too, and it’s really, really hard to put yourself out in front of other people (or at least that’s the part I find hard). I also do artwork, but that seems to be much easier for me to share.

    Now my husband and I have started a geeky t-shirt website, for geeks in the arts and sciences. And I’m having a lot of anxiety about it! It wasn’t so bad opening the online store, but what drives me crazy is not being in control of everything that happens to our customers.

    We decided not to print our own shirts, which means we send off the orders…and then there’s silence. We don’t know how the printing went or if it happened on time until we ask the customers! We’ve kept the issues mostly to ourselves (unless you know me on Facebook!), but we’ve already had some troubles with print vendors.

    I’m reminding myself to breathe. Just breathe. If someone’s shirt takes longer than it “should” to print, we’ll all live. I don’t want it to happen that way, but I have no control.

    So in a way it’s related to your feeling of being unable to fix any errors in your printed book–are we perfectionists, or something? We’d just rather have things go smoothly, right?

    You guys have done such an amazing job with your site. I think your writing skill is a huge part of it. There are other sites with DIY and cute families (man, you guys are photogenic!), but you’re the ones who can write circles around everyone. And you have such a great attitude, knowing that you can’t please everyone, and just being yourselves. Love it!

    Best of luck with the book tour. It’s all a big adventure. (Breathe.)

    karin

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, you’re so sweet Karin. I can totally relate to just feeling like control is gone and you’re holding on for the ride and just crossing your fingers!

      xo
      s

  4. shannon says

    Can’t wait to get my book!! Last week, I signed up for the book signing in Wilton , CT. Can’t wait to meet you guy.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, no way! They’re going to be pretty different (one is an intimate paid event with lots of hands on interacting and one is a general everyone-come-on-in signing, so they should both be fun!).

      xo
      s

  6. Izzy says

    Ridgewood is my hometown! Super sweet downtown area – many a fond memories of book signings at Book Ends. Sorry I’ll be missing yours. Hope you set some CA dates soon! Congrats!!! xxx

    Reply

  7. Jessica says

    Congrats on the book! I can’t wait to get my copy! And how fantastic that you’re starting the book tour in my beloved hometown?! Unfortunately, i I just relocated down to ATL, and won’t be able to meet y’all in Cincinnati. A couple of places to visit in Cincinnati: Red Tree Art Gallery for local art (and fair trade coffee). Blue Mannnatee children’s bookstore, Graeter’s ice cream and The Underground Freedom Center is amazing!

    Reply

  8. Kimberly says

    So sad you guys aren’t anywhere NEAR the southwest! I would have loved to have met you! You bet your bottom that I can’t wait to get the book. You two have so much to be proud of…thanks for letting us take a peak into your world. It really is one of the highlights of my day.

    Reply

  10. Jodi says

    Come to Philly!! Or Wayne, PA. Then I could walk to your signing. And bring all of my Mommy Mafia. Very excited for your book. Best to you both.

    Reply

  11. Shanna says

    YESSS!! Keeping my fingers crossed that Atlanta does get added! We’d love to have you guys here, AND you could sneak in another visit with the Bowers! haha

    Pre-ordering my book right now :)

    Reply

  12. Tara says

    Your nerves and jitters are completely understandable because you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t freaking out some. So excited for you guys and your huge accomplishment! I (along with a million other people) cannot wait to get my hands on it and read it/drool over all the pretty pics/try our hardest to recreate all the projects in your book!!

    Reply

  14. Kelsey says

    Oh dear….Am I excited!! Yes! I’ll be coming to see y’all in Charlotte!!
    Don’t be scared, you have so many people that are cheering you on! If your book is anything like your blog, it will be fabulous! Can’t wait to get my book and get it signed! This will be my V-day present from my husband! A signed book from you too!

    Reply

  16. Baird says

    I pretty much want to know the deets of the Charlotte stop the nanosecond you know them. Too much to ask? Eh, oh well. :)

    I live two streets away from the house you have crashed twice in the NoDa area of Charlotte, so stop by my house next time?

    Guess I am not good at fixing this whole “asking to much” deal. Over and out. :)

    Reply

  17. Rachel B says

    I really hope you guys make it to Philly!! I would love to meet you both since I’ve been reading your blog for so long! You guys are impressive and great role models! Enjoy your exciting journey, you deserve it!! :)

    Reply

  20. Brandan WH says

    Yours is the first design blog that I ever subscribed to and has been a daily read for me. You all are bound for big thangs! I’m just glad that I can be along for the ride! Good blessings on the signings and I hope to be able to catch you at one of the signings in DC.

    Reply

  22. Katie says

    Ahhhhh! Thank you so much for posting that book-baby timeline! I’m just launching my own business and it’s so nice to see that quality takes time ;)
    Very excited for your book!

    Reply

  23. Tad says

    I understand the fear, but you guys put out quality posts and I know your book will be worthwhile. Think of the non-internetty people out there- they need this book. And they will have no idea about blogs and so on. I make jewelry and I could make one of the top most blogged about DIY projects and my inlaws act like I am some kind genius and I try to tell them it wasn’t my idea and everyone is doing it and they get this vacant look in their eyes when I mention blogs and they just don’t get it. I love reading your blog and I know the book will be great. There will always be haters- they’re jealous!

    Reply

  24. Kelly says

    You know, blogging is a conversation, where publishing is a statement. It’s completely understandable to be nervous about putting something in print, which will be in libraries?!?! But of any author, you guys have tested the market, grown as writers, an have quite the audience already! I hope that the jitters will die down soon, because it seems like you guys need the sleep (referring to your crazy work schedule in “the day in the life” posts).

    Reply

  25. kirsten says

    Everything you two touch turns to gold, so I have no doubt this book will be AMAZING! I can’t wait to get my hands on one, but i’m waiting until you guys come back to Portland to buy mine:)!

    Reply

  26. Crystal says

    Ahhhhhhh Yeahhhhh! I’m so happy you’ve added Charlotte to your list! As my 6 year old told me the other day “You’re the bomb, baby. You’re the bomb, baby. You’re blowin’ up. You’re blowin’ up.”

    Reply

  27. Patty Berry says

    You guys are awsome, anytime you do something out of your comfort zone its scary, but that’s how we grow. I am really looking forward to your book, unfortunately I live in British Columbia so I won’t get a chance to meet you but I wish you all the best in this new endeavor I know it will be a huge success.

    Reply

  28. Kal says

    Absolutely no reason to be nervous or scared. The book looks amazeballs and beautiful. You guys did such a cool thing, not everyone can write a book. (trust me, I’ve tried, lack the attention span…) And if anyone doesn’t like it or says mean things, I will personal kick them repeatedly in the shins. Soooo excited to get my copy. :)

    Reply

  29. dervla @ The Curator says

    Congratulations, Sherry and John. I was one of the editors you spoke to when making the rounds to publishers. While I was sad you weren’t publishing with us, I was so happy to hear you’d signed with Artisan as your book will be gorgeous a la Design Sponge! Can’t wait to get a copy and hopefully meet you at the NYC signing.

    Reply

  30. Viv says

    Oh my god, you got to flip through actual glossy pages. of your book. I can’t imagine how exciting that must be. And scary. Yes!!!

    Just know that we love you guys for being yourselves. And even more after this post. Thanks for always being so real. Now I’m off to prepare myself and practice not being all star-struck and awkward when we meet… :)

    Reply

  32. Laura says

    Yay Charlotte :-D Hooray!! I’ll be there!!

    BTW, do you have any way of finding out how many have been pre-ordered? Just curious! :-) So looking forward to mine getting here as an early b-day present.

    Reply

  33. Kendra says

    I am beyond thrilled about your signing in Ridgewood, NJ! WOOOOOOHOOOOO! I can’t wait to finally meet you, although I feel like I already know you!!

    Kendra

    Reply

  39. KiTx says

    the Houston signing and magically “getting well” as I pull up to the store… I won’t tell if you won’t… ;)

    So, so excited for you guys and the biggest hugs possible to you and John for accomplishing your first book! I can’t wait to get my hands on it! (And hugs to Clara and Burger, too, because they’re cute and who wouldn’t want to hug them??)

    Reply

    • KiTx says

      Let this be proof that typos happen and no one dies or explodes into flames- I accidentally deleted the first part of the comment that says I’m thinking about skipping class on the day of the Houston stop because I will be “sick” and THEN “getting well” as I get to the store… makes so much more sense now, haha. But I’m not changing the hugs part at all, that stands. =)

  40. Katie D. says

    I am SO EXCITED that you will be coming to 918F St. The best of DC all in one place just got better!!! younghouselove + livingsocial = best combo ever.

    Reply

  43. Heidi says

    Ok, I’ve never posted on a blog before so- yay for that and yay for you having earned it.
    So here is what inspired me to do so: I work for a used book store, I have for a while, we are kinda a popular one in our country and I can speak on a professional level as well as personal fan to your blog book- You have nothing to fear but fear itself. If your book is accidentally misprinted or absent some fact or even heaven forbid own a typo or two, these copies will turn into well-loved, sought after, easter egg gems amongst the home and diy shelves. I promise. So don’t worry be happy. The End.

    Reply

  44. Hannah says

    SO excited for the book. We can all relate so thanks for sharing!

    I must admit, I am beyond devastated that you’ll be in Chicago on the day of my wedding (that is in Milwaukee). Huge bummer!!!!

    Best of luck!

    xo

    Reply

  45. Kat says

    Ahhhh!! Please post Charlotte and ATL dates ASAP! Might be able to take a road trip! Or just add New Orleans to that list and make it easy for me! :)

    Reply

  47. Danielle says

    Yay for the southern cities added! And for you guys having, ahem, a huge pair for putting yourselves out there!

    The only thing different I’d like t o see is Charleston,S C on that list :)

    Reply

  48. Michaela says

    You are inspiring, and maybe more so because you are scared. I wish there was a Colorado date on your calendar, but I’m glad I’ll get to follow along through your blog.

    Reply

  49. Whitney says

    I can NOT believe I’m going to miss you when you’re in Cincinnati… but that morning is when I’m re-pouring the concrete floor in my basement bathroom remodel! (Started as a simple bathroom facelift, quickly evolved to much jackhammering and copious piles of rubble…) Ahh, the joys and heart aches of home improvement. I am sending my mother to grab your book on my behalf!

    Reply

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