For two years, I’ve been working on a book.I’ve mentioned it occasionally. In fact, you may recall the following photo I posted of the manuscript. I submitted this ream of paper to my publisher last year:
As you can see, I was, well, a little wordy.I had to cut it way down. Susan, my editor at David C. Cook, and I tossed out entire chapters in hopes of getting it to a manageable length. We sliced. We diced. We hacked away at that thing for a long time to shorten it and make it accessible to busy parents. We basically did this:
We don’t want to overwhelm anyone or scare people away with a book that could be used as a door stop. It’s not been typeset yet, so we haven’t been able to weigh it or measure thickness, but hopefully it’s short enough.I’ve hit various milestones on this publishing journey—one of the biggest being the day I sent off that fat file for Susan to start picking apart.Another was when we named it. The book’s title is Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families.We hit another milestone today, when the copyeditor sent me a nearly final version that I’m supposed to review. After I address some trouble spots and resolve some confusing sections, I’ll send it back. The next time I see it, it’ll be typeset and look like a book.Speaking of looking like a book, this is the cover art:
Look at that boy (he’s not my boy, in case you’re wondering).He’s loaded down and isn’t sure what to think about it.The world tempts us to load down our kids and speed up our families in all kinds of ways. Here’s a little copy we came up with to describe how the book explores the effects of the high-speed life:
Frenzied families find themselves fragmented in this high-speed, fast-paced, goal-oriented society. Even while racing to second jobs, appointments, lessons, practices, games and clubs, we crave an antidote. How do we counteract the effects of our over-committed culture? Replenish our depleted selves? Restore our rushed relationships?Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families offers hope to families struggling with hurried hearts and frantic souls. Through stories, practical ideas, insight and research, readers will discover the rejuvenating power of an unrushed life.
I’m imagining the day the book is available to future readers—it still seems kind of far away, but it’ll be here soon enough:The release date is August 1st.We still have to wait a while, but as the author of a book on slowing down, I don’t feel free to complain when things take time.I’m telling you kind of early. In fact, now you’ll have to wait, too.But I wanted you to be among the first to know.
Yay! Congratulations! And such a timely topic…
Congrats Ann! I love the cover and the title too. I can’t wait to read it (although I must remember not to work myself and my family into a frenzy while I wait). 🙂
How exciting! You have a publishing date!
Good for you! Your book is much needed in our society. Children don’t have a chance to think! I pray for your success with your timely message!
I will look forward to reading your book.
Can’t wait to read it, Ann!! Great work!
congratulations.
I would like to be invited to the release party – virtual or otherwise.
I’m so happy for you! Writing a book is no small feat. Thanks for letting us in on it 🙂
oh my goodness! i’m so proud of and excited for you! the cover is just… amazing. i actually might wait in line to buy a book for the first time in my life!! 🙂
whoot, whoot, congratulations!!!!
Love the cover!!!
can’t wait to read it!
Oh Ann, I’m so happy for you!
I’ve been waiting to hear about a release date!
Congrats!
Congratulations!! That’s quite an accomplishment. And a very timely topic.
That’s so great- congratulations!!
Yeah!! That is so awesome. I so wish we would have signed you; but I am glad someone did. I will shelf it proudly next to your first book. I am so proud of you.
Thank you!
There’s so much encouragement flowing through your comments–I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to begin sharing this with you all! The publisher recommended waiting until we were closer to the release date to begin talking freely about it…so I guess we’re close enough, since they themselves started publicizing it on their Facebook page.
Now I can tell you about any upcoming events and invite you to share in the fun!
Looks great!
You know, I always wish I could stick your writing style and mine in a box, shake them up, and we’d end up with a nice-sized manuscript to start with. I sit down to write and think “I’ve got two words. That’s it.”
Maybe I should look into writing snappy sayings for t-shirts instead.
Anyway, THAT’S SO EXCITING!
Congratulations, Ann! I’m so proud of you!
Wow! What a subject matter that is near and dear to me! We are simplifying our lives by living in a small town in a small house. I have always worked to avoid overloading us with educational programs {since we homeschoo} and extra activities. It can take over families. I would like to feature your book on our blog when it is released. Please email me when it’s out! Great job!!!
~Kim
How do I pre-order…
Good, good, good. A word I’m quite sure that Amber and I will be reading.
Oh yes… and,
Orange.
How exciting! I’m thrilled for you and I can’t wait to read it!
Ann!!! Yay!!! I have been preaching this for…uh…Years-n-years. And you wrote the book. You are my new hero!!
Can not WAIT to read it. Will definitely need your autograph, though.
I’m getting teary-eyed over here. You all are so sweet! I’ll be sure to let you know how to preorder, Seth (and others). But thank you again for your kindness!
Anne – so thrilled for you…such a needed topic in our busydizzy world. 🙂
Oh my word, are you squealing? You must be so excited. Congratulations!
I loved The Contemplative Mom and will look forward to this one as well! Congrats! And what a timely and important topic…
Thanks for visiting my blog lately, btw. I have found it so hard to write lately –thoughts slagging and energy level so low. I really appreciate your visits and comments, Ann. 😉
Fabulous!!! Way to go!! I’d love any information when it becomes known as to release and such. I will pass this along for certain! Congratulations!!!
(By the way, I loved your Rorschach cookie comment LOL! Thank you for stopping by, I hope to see you again in the future!) 🙂
I’m so proud of you! LOVE, LOVE the cover too. John and i were just talking about your last book because he found three copies at Half Price Book Store. 🙂
Congratulations Ann!
I could have pared that stack another inch or two. That kid on the cover should just stick to fishing.
Now get back on Facebook so I can talk to you there.
Peter
Ann, how exciting for you! And a topic that I really believe in! I’ll be looking for it in August to add to our library.
How exciting! Congratulations on coming so far. I love the topic, as every day it seems I teeter back and forth between wanting to provide all the experiences my kids ‘need’ to grow up successfully, and keeping the focus on the most important. Can’t wait to dig into your ideas.
I can’t WAIT to read! Looks fab – love the cover art. YAY!
Ann, big congratulations! That’s such a great achievement. Love the cover, too. I hope the book sells lots and lots 🙂
Oh, WOW Ann! You must be delighted! The cover artwork if fabulous! I would also love to get my hands on a copy when it’s released! Great topic!
Awesome! How exciting!! What a great topic.
Oh how exciting to see your dream come to life, Ann! All that hard work and effort is paying off in the end. If you’re already done the slicing and dicing, you’re got the hardest part behind you… well, except for the waiting. That’s never any fun either.
I think this would be a perfect time to break out the Nutella and celebrate the light at the end of this tunnel.
Wonderful!!! Congratulations to you! I want an autographed copy. What a great subject, something we all need to hear and I know you’ve done an excellent job with it, without having to read a word. Because you’ve got one of those clear, calm voices that is easy on the soul. Can’t wait to get it.
how exciting! congratulations.
I’ve been quietly squirreled a way for Lent, out in my own wilderness…. slowing down, listening, quieting….
And then this was slipped my way!
Oh, ANNNNNNNNN!!!
Is it okay to squeal with delight during a Lent wandering?!!
How can I come find you, jump up and down with you… then kneel, pray joy tears of thanksgiving… offer this all up to God.
In my heart I am with you, bowing low, worshipping God, laying this on the altar for His purposes.
How I send love, friend…. more than these thin words can carry….
(((Ann)))
All’s grace,
Ann