Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

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March 11, 2009 40 Comments

Not So Fast

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.

Filed Under: books, creativity, motherhood, parenting, reading, self-discovery, simplicity, slowing, taking risks, writer, writers, writing

Comments

  1. Keri says

    March 11, 2009 at 1:10 am

    Yay! Congratulations! And such a timely topic…

    Reply
  2. Jo@Mylestones says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:57 am

    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). 🙂

    Reply
  3. Leila says

    March 11, 2009 at 7:23 am

    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.

    Reply
  4. Andrea says

    March 11, 2009 at 7:42 am

    Can’t wait to read it, Ann!! Great work!

    Reply
  5. Ramona says

    March 11, 2009 at 9:25 am

    congratulations.

    I would like to be invited to the release party – virtual or otherwise.

    Reply
  6. Kristin says

    March 11, 2009 at 9:38 am

    I’m so happy for you! Writing a book is no small feat. Thanks for letting us in on it 🙂

    Reply
  7. amanda says

    March 11, 2009 at 10:23 am

    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!! 🙂

    Reply
  8. shepherdsgrace says

    March 11, 2009 at 11:15 am

    whoot, whoot, congratulations!!!!

    Reply
  9. Robin says

    March 11, 2009 at 11:19 am

    Love the cover!!!

    Reply
  10. Monica- Paper Bridges says

    March 11, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  11. Virginia says

    March 11, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Oh Ann, I’m so happy for you!

    I’ve been waiting to hear about a release date!

    Congrats!

    Reply
  12. Islandsparrow says

    March 11, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    Congratulations!! That’s quite an accomplishment. And a very timely topic.

    Reply
  13. Kara says

    March 11, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    That’s so great- congratulations!!

    Reply
  14. Teresa says

    March 11, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
  15. annkroeker says

    March 11, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    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!

    Reply
  16. Stretch Mark Mama says

    March 11, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    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!

    Reply
  17. Pattie says

    March 11, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Congratulations, Ann! I’m so proud of you!

    Reply
  18. Kim @ Forever Wherever says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    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

    Reply
  19. sethhaines says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    How do I pre-order…

    Good, good, good. A word I’m quite sure that Amber and I will be reading.

    Reply
  20. sethhaines says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Oh yes… and,

    Orange.

    Reply
  21. 50s Housewife says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    How exciting! I’m thrilled for you and I can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  22. Carol says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
  23. annkroeker says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    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!

    Reply
  24. Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    Anne – so thrilled for you…such a needed topic in our busydizzy world. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Shannon says

    March 11, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    Oh my word, are you squealing? You must be so excited. Congratulations!

    Reply
  26. Joni says

    March 11, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    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. 😉

    Reply
  27. Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says

    March 11, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    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!) 🙂

    Reply
  28. Susan Ginn says

    March 11, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Peter Woelper says

    March 11, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    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

    Reply
  30. Lisa says

    March 12, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    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.

    Reply
  31. Esther says

    March 12, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    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.

    Reply
  32. Megan@SortaCrunchy says

    March 13, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    I can’t WAIT to read! Looks fab – love the cover art. YAY!

    Reply
  33. lynn@queenofthecastlerecipes.com says

    March 13, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Ann, big congratulations! That’s such a great achievement. Love the cover, too. I hope the book sells lots and lots 🙂

    Reply
  34. Leah says

    March 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    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!

    Reply
  35. ohamanda says

    March 13, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    Awesome! How exciting!! What a great topic.

    Reply
  36. Shalee says

    March 14, 2009 at 7:10 am

    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.

    Reply
  37. Rachel Anne says

    March 14, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
  38. chickadee says

    March 22, 2009 at 1:05 am

    how exciting! congratulations.

    Reply
  39. Ann Voskamp @ Holy Experience says

    March 24, 2009 at 8:01 am

    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

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Stop the Reading Madness! [With a Mini-Challenge Trio] « filling my patch of sky says:
    April 18, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    […] drawing: a signed copy of Ann Kroeker’s soon-to-be-released book, Not So Fast. Check out the book and the rest of Ann’s blog for more […]

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