Nearing the book deadline

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Friends,

the book- that memoir manuscript I’m clickety clicking away on my computer-

it’s due this Sunday, April 15th. Appropriately Tax Day, when I’ll have been sufficiently emotionally and physically spent.

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The book- all weight loss and body struggles and love of food- it won’t be published until next spring, March or April of 2013.

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And by then I’ll be doing book tours around my parents’ home, reading aloud to Dee in a different room each night.

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She’ll dismiss the book as wildly narcissistic and trite.

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I’ll feel insecure and remind her- “this is about me, Dee. I’m telling secrets and stories that make up my life.”

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But she’ll already have fallen asleep, so utterly bored with me.

Back to the matter at hand: the book.

I’m spending the week writing and rewriting and then rewriting everything I’ve put on paper in the past nine months.

For fun, I thought I’d share two websites that I love:

PostSecret– a site where anonymous people send in postcards with one of their secrets written on them. The secrets range from semi-funny to intensely moving.

1000 Awesome Things– a list of life’s small and happy things.

These sites are interesting and thoughtful and they’ll stay with you while I’m writing this week*

*writing shall include but not be limited to any and all of the following: insomnia, Red Bull, coffee, coffee, coffee, binge eating, coffee, emotional rollercoasters, angst, sincere self doubt, and a heavy dependence on non-habit forming substances such as:

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and

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53 thoughts on “Nearing the book deadline

  1. Alice

    Literally, literally cannot wait. They should publish it in March for my birthday, it’ll be top of my list.
    Good luck with the final push!
    Come and do a book tour in England, I’ll come to all your readings!

    Reply
  2. Beth Flynn

    I cant wait to buy this book. I am inspired by your writing. At 237 pounds and 45 years old, I was not too unhappy with my body, but boy was it unhappy with me. All of a sudden I hurt all the dang time and keeping up with the 12 year old became tougher and tougher. Then my husband’s MS got much, much worse and the idea of pushing his 250 pounds around in a wheelchair or having to lift him made me cringe. Life makes you look at what your doing and reminds you of WHY you need to be healthy. For those around you who love you and so that you may be around for those you love. :) Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Mary

    You write from the heart and are amazingly honest – there is nothing trite in that. People love to read stuff like what you are writing because it is real, it is honest and it ‘could be them’ – you aren’t Kim K or Paris or some other flavour of the month. You are a real, down-to-earth, woman who has struggled with issues that so many of us have (but without having a personal chef or training 4 hours a day whilst eating 600 calories in order to drop from a size 4 to a size 0).

    So as you sit at Starbucks worried that nobody will read it/like it/buy it…know that a great number of people will. Because you provide something that there is so little of left in the world: HOPE.

    Reply
  4. Robin Schott

    Hi, I found your site and just LOVE it..I read all about your journey, peace with food, exercise history etc…I haven’t even gotten to the food yet, but I KNOW I like what I see here. Your attitude is AMAZING and I’m so impressed with your results. Like someone else who had replied to your history, its so nice to see someone go through the same things we all are, and actually come out the other side with some good news..you dont have to KILL yourself for the rest of your life..

    I can not WAIT for the book!!!

    Will you be sending some type of Blast out when it is finally published and available?

    Thanks for brightening my day and my journey.. cant wait to continue reading and discovering on your site.

    Sincerely,

    Robin Schott

    Reply
  5. Bridget

    I am beyond excited for your book to come out. I tell everyone I know about your blog and your story. I talk about you to my friends like you have been my friend all my life…”Oh and today Andie… and last week Andie said…” They laugh and move on, not fully understanding the significance your story has in my life. Thank you.

    Reply
  6. Mary S

    Andie, I just found you recently and I am so thankful its happened sooner rather than later :) I can’t wait to read your book, I know it will be inspiring. Right now I’m on my own personal weight loss journey (100+ lbs) and I’ve re-read your journey so many times to get me through tough times and to help me get back on track. Thank you so much for doing this blog and writing your story- I only hope that I get a chance to meet you at some point during your book tour next year! Sending lots of love and luck your way! <3

    Reply
  7. johnny

    Andie, What can I say. It has been a wonderful journey with you and your writing. The book is a dream we all have had but only you could make come true. It is easy for me to say you have nothing to be anxious about, as far as I’m concerned you couldn’t put anything on paper that wouldn’t hold me, but it’s not me writing is it. Have faith that your faithful readers know you and would not let you down when we all say “You are the BEST and will always be!!” You have made us all look deep into ourselves as you have shared you, and good or bad you have helped us all. And by the way Juli is right cupcakes are VERY habit forming!! :) Lots of Love going your way!

    Reply
  8. Lanae

    Everyone is being so sweet and patient. Not me, nope, I am annoyed that I have to wait so long to read your book!! (just kidding, kind of). Seriously you are an inspiration and I am excited to not only read your book but for where your life will go next. Thank you for sharing so much of you with all of us!!

    Reply
  9. Trish

    Ok….I’ve been all off kilter lately. Not hearing from you on a daily basis, wanting to know more about your trip, just knowing you are ok and still out there. In your absense I’ve been pacing the halls, drinking extra coffee, eating all sorts of cupcakes in your honor :)or should I say white cake.

    and now I know….

    you’ve been busy working on your book. The very book that I can’t wait to purchase. The book that I will hold dearly and say to myself “hey self, I know Andie, I check in with her every day on my trusty laptop” :)

    So now I will get back to life as I know it knowing you are extra busy making your deadline and hoping to hear from you next week!

    :)

    Reply
  10. Nicole from Loving Simple Moments

    I cannot wait to walk into a bookstore and see your book there! And I shall tell everyone in the aisle that the amazing author is a bloggy friend of mine. And then I shall buy copies for every friend in my life, because they deserve to hear this story. :) If you can’t guess, I am SO happy and excited for you!

    Reply
  11. Samantha

    I’m so looking forward to it! I can’t get enough of your insights and I know I’m not just one of a few. Good luck!

    Reply
  12. Mildly Entertained

    Congrats on your achievements so far! It must be scary putting yourself out there so much. I’ve considered writing a memoir myself one day but feel that it’s too overwhelming and actually pulls me down more into those depressive years. I just want to find light now :)

    Oh – and those last pictures – ARE addictive substances!

    Reply
  13. Cait

    Oh I can’t wait to read it!! If you ever do a book signing in MA please tell! Id love to meet you, you are such an inspiration!

    Cait

    Reply
  14. Kelly

    I can’t wait to see your book, Andie. I love to “read you.” My Rowdy (Puggle) seems to have the same tendencies as Dee does.

    I’m hoping I can get back in control of my weight again soon. I wish the book was due out sooner….

    Reply
  15. Janna

    Can’t wait to buy your book next spring! Does it have a title yet? Can you share the title?

    SO EXCITING! Best of luck this week!

    Reply
  16. *Andrea*

    this is so exciting!!! do your parents still live in MA? If so, I really hope I can attend a book signing!

    I love post secret too. Reading the posts helps me feel so many different emotions.

    Reply
  17. Tracy

    Oh Andie. I am so super proud of you and cannot wait to get a hardcover copy in my paws. I mean I will be coming to a book signing and finally meeting you! Can Dee come too? YAY <3

    Reply
  18. Laney

    Hi Andie, I have followed your blog for a while but this is the first time I’m leaving a comment. Good luck with the book and I’m sure it will turn out amazing! By the way, you have the cutest pug in the world. She is such a bundle of joy!

    Reply
  19. Michelle in N. Cal

    I am so excited for your book too! Good luck on your next phase of the writing journey. Luckily summer is on its way so the sunshine hopefully will help! (I know it always does for me ;-)

    I recently bought my daughter The Book of Awesome and the whole family loves it. I will check out PostSecret.

    {{Hugs!!!}}

    Reply
  20. Kate

    I found your site through Pinterest, and kinIjustsay, I am very much looking forward to reading your book. I’m not heavy, but I’m not naturally “thin” (never eaten junk food, some stuff is genetic). It’s difficult to find a cook with such a balanced view on cooking- I can’t eat Pasta Bolognese with whole milk every night any more than I can eat seitan wrapped in raw kale. I can, and will, eat your recipes and take inspiration to get up from your writing.

    What I mean is: I appreciate what you’re doing, lady, so please do keep doing it!

    Reply
  21. April

    2013!!! how can I wait that long!?!?
    =)
    good luck in wrap up! clearly I cant wait for the book to come out!

    Reply
  22. Emily

    love your blog and cant wait for the book to come out. your journey has inspired me to get healthy and happy on the inside and out. (outwardly lose that pesky 10 pounds) and be fit. i just the started my own blog. would love and appreciate any advice etc.

    Reply
  23. Natasha

    I found you last night – and there are no words at times…for me at least. I’m inspired, moved, amazed, happy, relieved, and above all thankful for your blog – and for you.

    Yes – I can stay for dinner…and infact lingered over your site while making dinner – go figure…

    You are not only beautiful obviously inside and out, but your insanely brilliant! The deadly combo would prove too much for the faint of spirit! :)

    I have so many questions – one of which would be related to skin surgery…yikes…I said it…I’m on a journey of physical transformation myself and I worry…if this is topic is too personal – I humbly apologize and understand.

    Love and light to you – I CANNOT WAIT to read your book eventually – go Girl!

    Reply
  24. Natasha

    Oh – my attached pic is 6 years old – and missy over here is ++++++ pounds in the positive…sorry for the type o’s~ Natasha

    Reply
  25. Amy Mo

    Andie! I was just thinking of you clicking away on your computer, rushing to finish up your book before Sunday and hoping you’ve gotten everything done that you needed to! Can’t wait to read the finished product…you really are one inspiring girlie! :)

    Reply
  26. T

    By the time you read this, the book will be in! I can’t wait to buy a copy. I’m a loyal reader and I truly appreciate your positive messages. Thanks for working so hard for all of us. :)

    Reply
  27. Hillary

    take care of yourself, love.

    i’m sure your book is going to a motivational, inspirational read.

    i hope by now you’ve celebrated finishing the manuscript… at least once, hopefully twice :)

    Reply
  28. AZJoy

    I have to say that I blame you for my sleepless nights! I LOVE your blog! I am on a long journey, I weigh 277. I have lost 6 lbs so far and I have learned a few things. One, is that it is never about the food itself. Two, I love REAL food and dont want to go on a diet. Three, I do not need to apologize for not being what others think I should be. and four, It is ok to love good food, but the key is portion control. I am learning how to portion and hopefully I will get it together!!! Thanks so much for your blog and keep up the great work!!! LOVE!!!!!!!

    Reply
  29. Erin

    I found your blog via Motley Mama and love your weight loss story. It’s so incredibly inspiring and I really commend you for writing a book about it! You’re a terrific inspiration!

    peacelovedecor.com

    Reply

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