butterflies
Do you remember that feeling of 'butterflies' when you were nervous as a child? Well, I don't just have butterflies today, I have an entire lepidoptery collection fluttering inside me.
Because I have got my hands on my first copy of my book, and I am quivering from head to toe. The situation wasn't made any better by the fact that the lovely Marissa who works in the PR department of Hodder & Stoughton rang me yesterday and told me excitedly that the books were in. But I had to wait until today for mine to arrive. And then this morning I received a congratulatory email from Jane, my agent, which meant she had her copy, and I still didn't have mine. By mid-day I was almost stalking the poor postman who couldn't understand why there was a large sign on the gate saying 'I AM IN' - just in case he wandered off again with my precious delivery.
Finally it had arrived. And far from settling the butterflies, it has caused them to flap their wings even more.
I never, ever really expected to see my name on the spine of a book. I have always been bookish, but in the reading, not writing sense. I have always been passionate about books, but not in an imaginative, creative way. But then I started writing this blog, and my bookishness began to change. Even then it took quite some pushing and encouragement from you and Simon before I began to see that my name on a spine could be a reality.
I keep flicking through the pages,
delighting in the design and the colours,
thinking, 'did I really write this?'
And those few letters on the spine of the book tell me, yes indeed I did.
Now you can see why I'm a quivering wreck.
***
Many people have asked whether the book will be published in the US, and I promise that you will be the first to know if and when I have any news about US publication.
How fantastic! I just popped in before going to bed, (I'm in Australia), and I had to write and say.... you're living the dream!!!
Congratulations. The book looks wonderful, and I'm sure it'll be worth all the hard work.
Posted by: Lisa | September 19, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Many, many congratulations Jane you should be really proud of yourself:-)
The Heather Small record comes to mind!
Take care,
Alison x
Posted by: Alison | September 19, 2007 at 02:03 PM
It must be exciting to see your words printed and bound.
Congratulations!
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 19, 2007 at 02:05 PM
How Joyous! You have inspired us all through your lovely pictures and touching words. Looking forward to seeing many more books from your heart.
Posted by: Regina | September 19, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. Thank you for being a source of inspiration and delight! We're waiting patiently (not at all, really) here in the States for a copy :)
Posted by: danielle | September 19, 2007 at 02:12 PM
congratulations, jane! the sneak peeks look gorgeous.
xoxo
Posted by: irene | September 19, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Oh congratulations, it looks fabulous. Pubished just in time for my October birthday, I really can't wait to buy it.
Posted by: donna | September 19, 2007 at 02:14 PM
Congratulations - what an exciting thing to have done. The book looks really beautiful and I'm afraid to say I may have to break my promise not to buy any new books ;o)
Posted by: Lesley | September 19, 2007 at 02:19 PM
That is Exciting! I can't imagine how great that must be. It's always been a bit of a pipe dream of mine for it to actual happen must be incredible.
It has come round so quickly it doesn't seem all that long ago that you were doing proofing on it! Has the cover changed? It seems softer somehow. Love the spine rather whimsical!
Can't wait to read it. The tasters here are driving me bonkers!
Posted by: Gemma | September 19, 2007 at 02:25 PM
What tantalising glimpses you've given us! And many many congratulations .. you've done it! I'm in two minds about pre-ordering from Amazon as I did that with Francesca Beauman (daughter of Nicola)'s brilliant new book and didn't get it until about 10 days after it hit the bookshops ... which would be too frustrating with yours. Can't wait. (I don't think you've told us what the next one is focusing on have you ...?).
Posted by: Hattie Davies | September 19, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Congratulations - it looks so enticing!
Posted by: Wannietta | September 19, 2007 at 02:28 PM
How exciting to actually have your book in hand after all of your hard work! From your little teasing peeks, it looks wonderful...congratulations, Jane!!
I'll be placing my order as soon as I return from my trip as it would kill me to return and find it soggy on the doorstep. Can't wait! (Apologies for the profusion of exclamation points, but if ever a post deserved them, this is it.)
!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jan | September 19, 2007 at 02:29 PM
Kudos to you. I am so very happy for you.
Posted by: Debbie | September 19, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Congratulations! That is really bodacious. Can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Ursula | September 19, 2007 at 02:41 PM
Congratulations Jane!!
I have your book on order from Amazon and am so looking forward to seeing it. The cover is so beautiful and I know for sure that the contents will be just as gorgeous. Reading your blog has inspired me to take up baking and knit lots of wonderful things and find time to read more books.
Well done.
Posted by: Janet Brown | September 19, 2007 at 02:49 PM
CONGRATULATIONS, Jane!!!! And me, I'm very much looking forward to the day when I will have the pleasure and joy to flick through its pages. I think I'll quiver a little bit too, not as much as you of course, but yet, a little. After all I've followed on your blog, without knowing it then but always with much delight the process of its bringing into being. Wow!:-) Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Brigitte | September 19, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Jane, it's really, really beautiful. Many congratulations to you. I cannot wait to get MY hands on it....Bookdepository here I come!
Posted by: tara | September 19, 2007 at 02:52 PM
How exciting! It would be such an amazing thing to see your name on a book. It looks lovely - congratulations!
Posted by: Kirstie | September 19, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Well done, Jane. What an achievement!
Posted by: Helen Owen | September 19, 2007 at 02:55 PM
CONGRATS! I'm excited for you! And for me, and all your other U.S. readers, for when it comes out here...
Posted by: Amy | September 19, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Yayyyy!!! I am SO happy for you! I can hardly wait to get my hands on a copy. You are such a constant source of delight - visually and intellectually.
Posted by: Roxie | September 19, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Congratulations! Amazon.co.uk has always been pretty good about getting my preorders out on time so I'm very much looking forward to receiving this soon!
Thank you for writing this book, and of course, this wonderful blog.
Posted by: Ali | September 19, 2007 at 03:08 PM
How wonderful! Congratulations!!
Posted by: jennifer w. | September 19, 2007 at 03:13 PM
I laughed, I cried, I am so happy for you. Your writing abililty is terrific -- I too had butterflies just reading about the wait for the postman.
Posted by: niki | September 19, 2007 at 03:14 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! Ready and waiting for US publication. lEE
Posted by: leelaine picker | September 19, 2007 at 03:15 PM