I’m proofreading the book this week, looking for typos and embarrassing word choices (there have been a few). There are parts I’ve really enjoyed reading back, and others that I’m not too keen on. I know it’s too late to do any major rewrites and I’m guessing this is just part of the process: the book will never really be finished. It’s a snapshot of my thoughts and ideas during the six months I wrote it. There’s truthfulness in it; there are parts that make me cringe a little, when I worry I may have said too much. I’m happy with all the Polaroids, so that’s something to hold on to when I get nervous about the looming publication date. I really wish we could put a big sticker on the front cover of every copy that says: To be read while wrapped in your favourite blanket and sipping hot chocolate. With a journal by your side.
It’s that sort of book.
You take the most beautiful, poetic photographs of your desk. Who knew paper and pens could be so beautiful! Congratulations on reaching this stage in your book! I know exactly what you mean about the book being a snapshot of your thoughts during the time you wrote it. I think every creation is that. I am learning to be thankful that no project can ever be perfect which means there’s always more room for more creating. Good luck with the final edits!
I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this. I promise I will read it under a blanket, with some hot chocolate, and a journal by my side.
wow!
I can’t wait to get the book at the store… or Amazon :)
I can’t wait for this, Susannah! So… book tour in Seattle, perhaps? :)
Dear Sus… as you say, it may be too late for major rewrites but I know you and you can be a perfectionist.
Writing about yourself is difficult because you are exposing yourself and your most intimate feelings. You are brave and poured your heart in those thousands of words that you are giving us as an amazing gift. You do it everyday in your blog and in your courses and the result has always been perfect.
I have a suggestion for you. Now that you have to do this proofreading, be as professional and perfectionist as you always are but also, try to read it as if it was someone else’s book or even better, read it as if it was one of us learning about you. Enjoy it, let yourself be sorrounded by the beauty of the images, by the powerful words, by the story you will be reading. Avoid judging. Just as you say… wrap yourself in a blanket, sip your chocolate and be gentle with Susannah and with her book.
I’m sure it is going to be a book to love and cherish. I’m looking forward to read it.
A big hug for you from Mexico.
“To be read while wrapped in your favourite blanket and sipping hot chocolate. With a journal by your side.”
Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to get the book in my hands and dive in :)
And I really think you should do the sticker thing! That would be so cool – setting the scene for reading the book – I can already feel the warm coziness of the blanket and smell the hot chocolate by my side :)
Man, you are so creative and inspiring. I think we all criticize our work more than anyone else, but I’m sure it’s a perfect piece of art. I can’t wait for it!
Those would be the best stickers ever. If I walked into a book store and saw that sticker on a book, even if I knew nothing about the book, I would probably buy it.
I love those kinds of books. :)
I can’t wait to read your book! I’m proof reading my thesis now and I feel so nervous even though it’s going to be read by 2 people, I can’t imagine the excitement of proof reading an actual book that people read :) I love your photos as always.
Great pictures for this post! Just wanted to say I pre-ordered this a month or two ago and I cannot wait to read this! Favourite part and I plan to try and do “To be read while wrapped in your favourite blanket and sipping hot chocolate. With a journal by your side.”
my dear Susannah, your heart is so shiny and beautiful that anything that comes from it is going to be received with love … you make good things Susannah – you can trust that <3
I love these little glimpses into your writing process… and I’m certain you haven’t said too much. Remember you can from blogging where you heart was there on the page often… it’s what I love most about you: that willingness to be real.
Man, I hope your book makes its way to these tropical shores.
SO looking forward to it. x
I can’t wait already! I will remember that when I start to read it :)
Susannah, I can’t wait to read it, experience it. And again I thank you for sharing you – you are awesome and a reminder to me of courage, openness and compassion; always. In and out! xx
i can’t wait to read it!
Oh my goodness. The way you described the book … that is exactly my favorite sort of book to read! I can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait.
Also, I absolutely adore the images in this post. I so love your photography. So poetic and lyrical and peaceful.
i can’t wait to curl up with your book, hot chocolate in hand, journal at my side. what you’ve shared in your book is going to be so uniquely and truly you…we will all embrace it and hold it with love.
It has been really cool listening to your process as you create this book. It reminds me of when I was reading John Mayer’s blog dedicated to the crafting of his last album “Battle Studies”…stinkin’ cool…
I can’t wait to get a copy of your new book! I’ve enjoyed reading your journey here on your blog and I think it’s great that you’re brave enough to share all the bumps and bruises along the way. That’s what makes us human.
I cannot wait to read this book and don’t worry, I’ll have a hot chocolate, a blanket, and my journal with me.
Stunning pictures, of your desk and book.
Hi Susannah,
I work with Mary and designed the interior of your book. It was such a pleasure to work on and I love seeing here on your blog. Your photos are amazing, I wanted to use every single one!
Really looking forward to the release of your book Susannah! And your idea of putting a sticker on it made me smile and even more curious … I am 300 % sure it will be a piece of art in every little detail … Warm greetings from the south of France x
PS: lovely to see some glimpses of your desk! Really love your interior design taste. You are a talented and very inspiring woman!