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Monday, February 14, 2011

Writing a Book Is Hard

Well, that title probably says it all. I'm in the thick of writing the fitting chapter for my book, and it's proven to be the most challenging chapter yet—even more so than the 70-page technique chapter! I've always thought there should be an intuitive way to approach fitting. But this chapter has just shown me that there are so many different ways to write about fitting. I hope I find one that works.

I spent a weekend traveling with my editor recently and we laughed about what a huge project this book has become. When I met with some other publishers early on, they seemed overwhelmed by the scope of the book and suggested that I cut it down considerably. But Melanie was the exact opposite—she suggested that I make the scope bigger! I think I knew I'd found a kindred spirit then.

Anyway, this is all kind of a roundabout way of saying that I'm going to take this week off blogging to focus on my book. I know how much we all struggle with fitting, so I feel a huge responsibility to get this chapter right!

Have a fab week, and keep your eye out for good cat videos to share. Better yet, record one of your own! Pip is weirdly photogenic, so I figure it's only a matter of time before we have a viral hit on our hands. (She's still working on her people skills, though.)

If you're interested in watching a cat chew his toes, Henry's your man.

Yep, we'll definitely be recording that viral YouTube sensation any day now.
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40 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Good luck!
    Px

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  2. NathalieFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Best of luck with the writing. If your book is anything like your blog, it can only be amazing!

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  3. ErikaFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Have a great week writing! And maybe relax with some beading or embroidery once in while? =)
    Fun to hear the book is coming along. I'm so looking forward to having it in my hands!

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  4. Chedva @Rooms and WordsFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Good luck with the fitting chapter and with that youtube hit;-) As a future reader of your book, it's nice hearing how much thought you put into it. I know you'll do great!
    xo,
    Chedva

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  5. CaseyFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    I had been wondering how the book writing was coming along; I can only imaging how much hard work you're putting into this (plus juggling a job, blogging, sew-along, etc.!). My hat goes off to you for the commitment to getting this just right; I dare say the final result will be a must-have sewing tome! :)

    Enjoy your time off, and I hope you are able to get some serious writing time in. ;)

    ♥ Casey

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  6. ValerieFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Best of luck with the writing--it's hard work. I can't wait to read your book.

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  7. ladykatzaFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    That first picture of you in front of the computer should TOTALLY be your author photo.

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  8. Seersucker SallyFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Looking forward to seeing your book!

    In honor of Valentine's Day, I made a cat video of my own.You can learn a lot about love from a cat:)

    http://seersuckersally.blogspot.com/

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  9. oversewn (Raven)February 14, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    I am so excited for your book! Good luck this week

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  10. KellyFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Good luck! I am beyond excited for your book!!

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  11. UnknownFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Good luck with your book.

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  12. TasiaFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Good luck with the book writing! I bet it will be fantastic and I'm looking forward to having my own copy! :)

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  13. Leah FranquiFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Good luck writing! I know it's challenging, but when you get it right isn't it just the best thing ever? That satisfaction is addictive. Also, check out this blog: http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com/

    Something about the Japanese being translated into English makes me laugh so hard.

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  14. PamFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Hurry Up Gertie! I need to buy this book stat (just kidding!). . . I can't wait to see it and know you'll do a fantastic job! Have a great week!

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  15. Sam February 14, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    If your attention to detail when it comes to writing is anything like your attention to detail when sewing, I know your book is going to be amazing.

    I've only recently discovered your blog and I love it! After not sewing for a while I plan to make a few new items for spring/summer and I'm looking forward to putting your tutorials into practice.


    I can't wait for the book!

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  16. LizFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Good luck with your writing, the book sounds like it's going to be amazing!

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  17. RosieFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Good luck with the book. Aww it is always great to see the kittehs!

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  18. BrookeFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    I was just trying to explain slopers and flat patterns to a non-sewing friend of mine. I'm hoping that might be featured in your book... seems like if you invest the time in one or the other, you'll have a much easier time altering patterns right from the start.

    Good luck with the book, and let me know if you're looking for any beta readers or technique testers. I think I'm your audience.

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  19. Chanda AKA Siouxsie HomemakerFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Woohoo! I need one of those (giant, all encompassing sewing books).

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  20. Robin LemkeFebruary 14, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    I love Melanie's knitting books, and I can't wait for yours to come out! I'm sure it will be just as fabulous. :)

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  21. SuemarieFebruary 14, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    I cannot wait! If I could pre-order it this minute, I would. That aside, take your time!!

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    Good luck with the book! It's going to be awesome. I can't wait to read it.

    ~Sewjourner

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  23. TillyFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    Good luck with the writing! I'm sure it's hard work but just remember that us loyal readers know that you can do it. I can't wait to read what I know will be a brilliant book.

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  24. NikkiFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Yep - I spent last year writing a sewing book. It is VERY difficult to synthesize all the knowledge and experience that goes into what we think is intuitive and write it in plain language. The writing requires a whole new set of skills!!!


    All the very best with it, Gertie. It'll be a hit.

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  25. JaniceFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Good luck with your book! We'll be here when you're ready to blog again. :)

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  26. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    I cannot wait for this book.

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  27. frk.bustadFebruary 15, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Have a nice writing-week! It's great to get an update on the progress of the book, and I know that a lot of your faithful followers will really appreciate a good fitting section! Can't wait to the book is finished, and I totally agree with Melanie; the bigger the better. Good luck!

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  28. gertie @ The Old Block HouseFebruary 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Found your blog after you visited my Etsy shop. Thanks for stopping by as I'm rather enjoying your blog. Good luck with the book!

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  29. dawn sFebruary 15, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Good luck with your writing. Just don't forget to give us some modeled pictures of Crepe when you come back.

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  30. thatgrrlFebruary 16, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Have you read Julia Child's My Life in France? Her recounting of the seemingly endless testing and retesting of recipes and the difficulty of explaining concepts to Americans that are givens in France and the struggle to find a publisher who would let her produce a mighty tome would, I expect, cound eerily familiar to you...

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  31. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Keep up the good work! We can't wait until your book comes out. :)

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  32. a mandolinFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. a mandolinFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    I've just happened upon your blog and thought you'd enjoy this video of my friend Dianne's little Sphynx Warren.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gu7MBP83MI
    Happy writing!

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  34. LadyNoirFebruary 17, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    cute^^


    xx


    http://ladynoirwashere.blogspot.com/

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  35. UnknownFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    You are an amazing young woman with many talents. I am sure you will find just the right way to say what you know so we can all follow along with your explanations. Catch up with you later. Give the kitties a chin scratch from me.

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  36. UnknownFebruary 20, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    I'm off topic because I'm too busy to have sewed in several weeks so here is my cat video contribution:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrH8RdVBP5A&feature=player_embedded

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  37. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    It's funny that you didn't know that because, as I recall, you work for a publishing company!

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  38. AngelFebruary 21, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Good luck on writing your book! If you find your "inner voice" and unleash her, everything will unfold naturally.

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  39. Boo Boo KittyFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I cant wait for your book!

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  40. mollyFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Since you mentioned cats again, I saw this really funny news clip about a clepto-cat
    http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/02/15/133784265/no-not-a-cat-burglar-a-cat-thats-a-burglar?sc=emaf

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie