Monday, April 24, 2017

Why I decided to write a book

Happy news! I've been working on a quilting book with Stash Books (C&T Publishing) for the last few months. If you saw me at QuiltCon or are a member of my guild, you might already know, but I wanted to announce it publicly here for a few reasons.


First, I'm really excited! Unfortunately, I can't talk about anything content-related until 2018, but I promise I'll explain more then. That seems a long time away, but it really isn't (scary for me!).

Second, as you can surely imagine, writing a book is a h.u.g.e. endeavor, and it is, quite deservedly, taking up a significant portion of my free time. So far, I'm loving the process and I'm thrilled to work with the helpful staff at C&T. I've also lined up small projects to give myself some "fun" sewing (though so far, all the book sewing has been really, really fun).

For the next few months, blogging will be a little less than usual sometimes (like the past couple of weeks). I want to be clear about why since some have noticed I've dropped off the radar a bit.

 I've also decided to hold off on a summer quilt-a-long for the first time in several years; I'll be finishing up the book and moving house all at once, so even though I have a couple enticing QAL ideas, those two endeavors are main priorities! I hope to run a fun QAL in the fall, though (we'll see - if not, January). The Wonky Press will run as usual, 2x a month (1st and 15th day).

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Why did I decide to write a book? Several reasons. As a traveling quilting teacher and lecturer, it often crosses my mind that it would be quite swell to have my own book in tow. Not just to sell (yes, money is an important part of what I do) but also to engage my students and have a physical reference that contains my own work and methods. These are the main reasons I've decided to sign a book contract. I want to help quilters and grow my business!

The other reasons are, as follows: I have some ideas I want to share in an official way. I've always wanted to write a book (never did I imagine it'd be on this subject, though; my 10-year-old self always imagined I'd be a novelist). I love to sew. I love to teach. I love to write. All of those things combined.

 

How did this all start? I'd thought about it for awhile but decided to build up my classes and lectures first before pursuing anything. Roxane at C&T contacted me a year ago (I can't believe it's been that long), and I wrote up a proposal. Then, I signed a contract in November. I've been sitting on this news for a while. :) Those of you that have known - you've been so supportive. Thank you.

Surprisingly, I *do* have a large quilt finish to share later this week as part of RJR's What Shade Are You? blog hop (sneak peeks above). I'll also be attending and teaching at Mid-Atlantic Mod quilting retreat in Lancaster, PA this week, and I hope to have a recap next week all about it!

22 comments:

  1. Awesome news Jess! Your book will be great succee and I'm looking for to hear more! You have your own unique, beautiful style and it's fantastic you will write a book! x Teje

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  2. Very exciting news Jess! I can't wait to see it when it is published! And I did see you at QuiltCon but never noticed the 'author' tag on your badge - but maybe that was because we were doing yoga at the time!! :D x

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  3. Congratulations!! I am so thrilled for you and can't wait to add it to my collection.

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  4. That's so awesome! congratulations. Of course, I know firsthand what an endeavor this is, and I know your book is going to be amazing!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  5. I think I speak for everyone when I say "Yahoo!" We can't wait to see what you've been working on.

    And I really appreciate this post. I tend to be a bit cynical when a new book comes out. Like, do we need another book on modern quilting?! (For that matter, do we need another fabric collection?!) Of course, I know yours will be different from the others in my collection by virtue of your passion -- quilting on your domestic! -- being what it is. But I like the idea of this volume as the companion to you, the teacher and blogger. Although I've had the pleasure of taking a class with, say, Sherri Lynn Wood, I am thankful to have a copy of her book as reference two years after that experience! I'm sure some of your students will say the same thing.

    Wishing you all the best on this creative journey, my friend! Your readers couldn't be more thrilled. : )

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  6. I am so excited for you! Tha I you so much for sharing about your process and thoughts and I am so happy to hear the book quilting has been fun so far, too. :)

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  7. Congratulations Jess! And yay for moving house :)

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  8. GOOD FOR YOU! Exciting news and I'm really pleased for you!

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  9. How exciting, Jess! Can't wait to see it next year : )

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  10. Oh, how wonderful! I am absolutely delighted for you!

    And congrats on the house-moving news, too--lots of reasons to cheer for you today! (Too many exclamation points? Not today!)

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  11. That's great Jess. I love your work so I can't wait to see your book.

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  12. Congrats Jess! I can't wait to hear more about the book when you can share it!

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  13. Congratulations, Jess! That's very exciting. I smiled when I read about your 10 year old self thinking you'd be a novelist. I did too! Still not book (of any sort) on my end, but I'm thinking one of these days there will be :) Dreams don't die, but they change shape sometimes, lol. I can't wait to read more about your book when you're able to share.

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  14. YAYAYAYAY!!! So very excited and happy for you! <3

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  15. Congratulations, Jessica, definitely put me down for your book!

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  16. How wonderful, Jess! Certainly well deserved :)

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  17. So exciting!! Congratulations!! Looking forward to hearing more about this!!

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  18. What an exciting news! You go girl!

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  19. Congratulations! Looking forward to reading your book and best wishes for much success.

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Let's start a conversation! I love comments and I'd be happy to reply to all who have an email address accessible. Thanks for commenting!

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