I’ve been working on my forthcoming book, Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families, for years. Much of that time, I wasn’t sure what I could say about it here on the blog.In fact, for quite some time, I was evasive. I didn’t know how long it would be before the book’s release, so I didn’t want to post searchable text that described what it was about.As we drew nearer to the release date, I thought I could tell you all about it. Just when I was about to make an announcement, I got the impression from the marketing folks that I should hold off even longer. So I kept quiet. Finally, though, after all those false alarms, I can speak freely.If you’ve been frustrated with me, I want to apologize. I’m very sorry. The problem is due to my uncertainty about the process.However, now that everything’s out in the open, I’m preparing for the August 1st release of Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families (available for pre-order! Click on the book cover at the left for the Amazon.com link).You can visit the simple WordPress blog I’ve created to serve as a companion site.There, you’ll find Speed Bumps.
These are pages with lists of basic ways you can start slowing down in real-life, everyday ways. I grouped them into Mini, Medium, and Mega categories. Some speed bumps are simple as eating with a smaller fork to slow down meals; others are as demanding as planning and planting a garden.You’ll also find links to all kinds of slow-down resources I’ve found online.
It’s a place where I’m putting all kinds of links and information about slowing down, simplifying, the “Slow Movement,” downsizing, “Slow Food,” and related topics. If you know of an article, blog, or website that fits in some way, be sure to let me know.There’s also a section called “Supplemental,” where I’m including material and ideas that might have been nice to include in the book, but didn’t fit. 
Another fun feature is that you can get a sneak peek, a preview of the book, by reading an excerpt that my publisher uploaded to a website called “Scribd.” There, you can read a draft of the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Chapter One (the Foreword wasn’t finished at the time it was loaded).If you’re interested, you can visit NotSoFastBook.com and click on “Sample,” which provides you with the Scribd link. Eagle-eye editors may spot some errors (they’re being fixed before it goes to press), but it’s a way to get a little taste.(If you don’t want to poke around the website, you can save a step and go straight to the sample by clicking here.)Every chapter closes with a story from someone I’ve interviewed or a post from a blogger who composed something that I thought fit well with the subject matter. I call these sections “Live from the Slow Zone.” The story uploaded in the sample is from Ann Voskamp’s Holy Experience. It’s an honor to have her words grace the pages of my book; and pretty humbling, too, as hers flow like poetry, making mine seem clunky and awkward.Some of the other “Live from the Slow Zone” contributors are bloggers like Sara at Walk Slowly, Live Wildly, Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary, Andrea at Flourishing Mother, and Aimee at Living, Learning and Loving Simply.In addition to the “Live from the Slow Zone” stories and interviews, I’ve also included some practical ideas geared toward families that are in a state of frenzy, rushing around, wondering if the high-speed lifestyle is wise, or worried that it’s impossible to sustain. That section is called “Slow Notes.”If your family is already living more slowly than the rest of the world around you, some of the Slow Notes suggestions may be old news. But for those just starting to experiment with some changes, the ideas are meant to be encouraging and do-able, hopefully with immediate slow-down results.So that’s an overview and sneak peek of Not So Fast!It’s fun to finally be able to share this leg of the journey with you.I’d like to savor it . . . and share it with friends.
Ann, I can’t WAIT to read this book. It speaks to me so clearly at this point in my life….it’s an ongoing journey I suppose. I can’t wait to check out your links on your book blog. I loved your “Contemplative Mom” book, so I know I will love this one!!! =) I am so honored to be included in it.
Congratulations! I’m going to look forward to poking around the new site. (Hopefully there will be opportunities to review the new book – if so, sign me up!) 🙂
I just found your blog and love your ideas! Can’t wait for your book to come out! I look forward to getting some new insight into how to slow down.
Ann,
I cannot wait to read this book!! What great timing. I was just talking to a mom who was freaking out because they can’t afford fifteen summer camps this year…I’m excited to see my neighborhood going back to a simpler time! (Which means my kids will have more neighbors to play with this year!)
Congratulations, Ann! 🙂
I came across your blog today, not quite sure how I got here, but I am glad I did. We have lived on the fringes like this for years, its a great place to be, together as a family! I am looking forward to reading your book and hopefully sharing it with others as encouragement. So glad someone is writing about this subject.
I am really excited about your new book, Ann! I just popped over to the new blog and will be poking around more. It looks great. I am certain this will be a book to savor. Blessings as you push forward!
I can see that a lot of people really need your book. Thank you for putting such time and effort into giving the world your voice. Congratulations. Congratulations!
So exciting! Congrats, Ann. It must be so thrilling to see your idea come to fruition.
Yes, congratulations!!!!
I am looking forward to grabbing a cup of coffee later today and checking out the sneak peak. My last couple of weeks were insanely busy. I am ready to get back to a slower pace. Congratulations on the book!
Slowing down seems like a mantra for me and my family…I often feel like I’m on roller skates that keep slipping out from under me! I’m on my way now to check out the companion site and can’t wait to read more. Congratulations on the book!
Again, so many congrats on the book. Thanks for sharing this today – what a WEALTH of resources!
That’s pretty awesome! I love the “Speed Bumps” idea! We’ve been talking about doing some dramatic changes around here, like moving out into the country just to get away from the busy-ness. And I’m practicing saying more “no”s to other and more “yes”s to the kids!
Sounds great Ann! Looking forward to snooping around on the links you listed. My family definitely doesn’t live slow enough…I am currently working on some areas in my life to help us slow down a little bit….it’s a hard process really.
Congratulations on your book…needless to say our children are being driven all over the place to lessons, extra curriculars, and play groups all in the name of sacrificing for the children.
We need to get back to basics where children have time to play outside and parents are not worried about their child being in the gifted class.
From a teacher with over 25+ years of experience, Nancy
Soooo, I didn’t get a chance to finish the preview of chapter one, because reading the Josh Bell story made me cry. Then I cried again when telling it to my husband. I’d heard about the subway experiment when it happened, but didn’t know the part about the children. What an amazing privelege to have children, who are amazed and enchanted by our world, and to be able to experience a little of their awe vicariously. This topic really fits with other things I’ve been wrestling with as a stay at home mom- thanks for the challenge and reminder. Can’t wait to read the whole book!
Can I dance in this place with you?!
Years of labor culminating in this! This grand moment of unveiling, of sharing, of gathering…
A soiree — of us all slowing down and celebrating with you. Celebrating all God has wrought in you, in this work.
Simply, I can’t wait for your book … oh, but isn’t that the point? That I will slow down and bask in the now, and the waiting.
Yes, I shall wait… and when I hold your book, I shall relish the moment.
Ann?
Well DONE, good and faithful servant….
All’s grace,
Ann