The Daily News

LFCA Latest Issue: Friday, September 25, 2009.

Latest Post on BlogHer: Parenting after Infertility.

My Status: Fed Josh's almonds to the squirrels. They needed them very badly.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Finally

I'd like to preface this post by telling you that I'm not pregnant since I know that's where your mind will go. As well it should. You know I'm trying and I know that you're trying and we're both going to hopefully have that kind of announcement to make one day. But this isn't that announcement.

I am really good at telling people other people's good news. For instance, if you happen to be related to me and you happen to be getting married, I may have gleefully shared that with the hairdresser this weekend when she asked me what was happening in my life. I love writing the Lost and Found every day, not just for the knowledge that it helps people get the support they need but because I love sharing the happy stories. I am a glutton for a good story.

But my own news? I sort of did okay with the engagement announcement but I sucked at telling people I was pregnant when I was carrying the twins. Most of the time, I didn't tell people at all. I did actually try to keep the pregnancy hidden until I was five months along, and even then, I never made a formal announcement. I just stopped wearing my winter coat and everyone said, "oh..." and that was that.

It's not that I wasn't happy; but I think when happiness comes at the end of a dark path where you've been dodging and weaving for so long that you walk tentatively. I really couldn't shout about it because I was too busy holding my breath and beyond that, I knew how it felt to be on the receiving end of a crowing session. When you're not in a good space yourself, they suck. I mean, you're happy for the other person, but you're sad for yourself and even though most people can grasp that intellectually, when they are in a moment of bliss, they seem to forget this life lesson, this strange dichotomy where you can be simultaneously as happy as can be and as sad as can be at the same time.

I'm just really no good at telling news. As a case in point, I've started this post three times and now I am filling it with a long explanation instead of actually getting to the point.

I sold the book*. It will be on bookshelves in Spring 2009 (so a little more than a year from now).

I got the call during Chanukkah and I've been sitting on it a bit until details were worked out, but it feels safe to tell you. As safe as it ever can. Because, like pregnancy, publishing has not been an easy road for me and you always walk tentatively.

Can I just have a waaah waaah waaah part to this story? While my MFA classmates were publishing, I was trying. They were at conferences; I was at the clinic. I don't regret my choice for a minute--if I had never published, but I had given trying to get to motherhood my all, I would have still felt like I had fought the good fight and put my hat in the correct ring. It doesn't mean that I wish I hadn't had to make a choice. I wish I hadn't sunk into a two year depression where I didn't type a single word. That sort of sucked.

Starting this blog was my concession to Josh to try to stave off that depression again this go-around. I love my therapist and I would return to her in a heart beat. But blogging is like self-guided therapy with questions or statements coming in the comments that can be done without the hour-long drive in traffic to the therapist's office. That doesn't need to be scheduled. I didn't always have something to say when I showed up at my appointment, but here I can sit down at the computer precisely when I have something to say. I think even if no one read the words, it would still be helpful to get them out, see them in print, consider them from different angles.

Free therapy is just one of the many reasons I blog.

And, for me, it has worked. I may be bobbing in infertility, but I'm not drowning in infertility. Some of that is probably also the ChickieNob and Wolvog--secondary IF, for me, is different from primary (though, to quote Smarshy, just a different bag of ass). But I think that if I hadn't started writing the blog, I would have stopped writing the book. That is what happened last time. Life simply stopped. I stopped writing, and, for me, when I stopped writing, I stopped thinking. My thoughts for two years became an endless loop about parenthood.

I know I'm lucky--you don't have to tell me. I am well aware of all the things that aligned to bring me here. I'd like to think that it wasn't just dumb luck--that I put in the work and then luck carried me through the rest of the way. But I'm also aware that the way you look at things also depends on where you stand. So...I understand other responses too.

Unlike graduate school and marriage (which for me were straight-forward and semi-easy in comparison to others), publishing a book has followed a path similar to conception where my classmates got to do the 100-yard dash and I was assigned the marathon. Actually, it was more like I was assigned a marathon where observers kept throwing cats at me. I was going to say crickets, but it wasn't scary. It was just annoying and frustrating and confusing--as I'm sure it would be to have cats thrown at you as you're running a race. I've published articles and online pieces, but this is my first book. Not the first one I've written, but the first one that will be sold at a bookstore.

I didn't conceive and carry a child alone, so it seems fitting that several hundred people also helped out with the conception of an infertility book. Without you, I wouldn't be writing because I'd be on the kitchen floor crying. Without you, the book would have a single point-of-view. Thank you.

I wrote these next two paragraphs a few weeks ago--on the night when I received the phone call from my agent--and though they are maudlin beyond words, I wanted to include something I was feeling that night. Because I didn't cry until I started writing about it on my blog--which is a case in point about how powerful blogging can be, emotion-wise, and how important you all are to me.
This book is ours. There. Finally. The tears. I knew they were in there. I didn't cry when I got the call and I didn't cry when I told Josh or my parents or my siblings--all people who sat with me through so many years of plugging away at publishing. But I cried when I just wrote that sentence. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of chapters to write. We have a chance to get our voice out there--not only to each other, but to the non-IF world too. To REs who may read it or mothers who may pick up a copy to understand.

I may not be pregnant, I may not be ovulating anymore, I may be going back to the clinic in a few days, I may be doing the exact same thing I was doing four years ago. But this time, I'm in a better place. And I'm about to have a book published. And that is sort of blowing my mind at this moment. So thank you. For letting me get out all of the words that have been inside of me for the last year and a half. And please don't leave me now because I now need to collected interviews for at least 8 other chapters.
Let me repeat that last part again in case you missed that because it was indented. This blog has been around for a year and a half, but it sort of feels like it's just getting started. There are many more emotions that need to come out on my end and there are many more connections that need to be made and there are interviews to collect and voices to be heard. And though I may be shitty with email for a bit, I promise not to leave you if you won't leave me since we're both still running the race. With cats thrown at our heads for good measure.

*For those who are saying to themselves, "what book?" since they started reading this blog after my last call for interviews, I've been writing an infertility and pregnancy loss book. Every so often, when I start a new chapter, I do a call for interviews on the blog. And I hope you'll add your voice to the book if you fit the chapter. I cannot even tell you how cool it is to read through a chapter and think "oh, so-and-so said that!" or "this is a quote from this blogger." Though most are posting anonymously within the text. So...that's the book.

P.S. (can you have a P.S. to a blog post?): send any questions my way; I'll answer them in a post because I also have some good stories to already share about the process.

120 comments:

Io said...

You sold the book! Woohoo! Congratulations, that is incredible. Hopefully no more cats will be thrown in your path this year.

Mindy said...

Hooray! Congrats Mel, you've done so much for me and many others by pulling this community together, I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. I certainly won't be leaving and I'd be willing to bet that there are many, many, many others who will be sticking around for a long time - no matter where their IF path leads. I'd come across and read a few other IF blogs before I found yours, but it was yours that made me realize that this wonderful, accepting, and supportive community existed. Also, my first ever IF blog comment was posted to the lushary, and shortly thereafter I was inspired to actually start my own blog. So thanks for all you've done and CHEERS!

Shauna said...

This is so exciting! I can hardly wait to get my hands on it!

Most hearty congratulations to you. What an accomplishment.

Caro said...

Yay!! Congrats what great news.

Anonymous said...

How wonderfully exciting!! I look forward to following along with its development and eventually reading it.

Kathy V said...

That book thing is so exciting. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy when it is all finished. Atleast we know your perspective will be in the right place. Thanks. That is just so cool. Will you be able to sell it on the Mom and Pop shop also or just in the bookstore?

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Not an easy to sell a book. Can't wait to see it at my local bookstore. : )

Ms Heathen said...

Congratulations on the book!

And the bit where you wrote that, while your classmates were publishing and going to conferences, you were at the clinic? I relate to this 100%, as I've made a similar choice. Maybe it'll take me a while longer to finish my dissertation, but at least I know that I'll have given TTC my best shot.

I wish you all the very best both with the book, and the next trip to the clinic.

loribeth said...

Congratulations!! I am soooo looking forward to reading it!

And thanks for the story about how your blog got started. Writing really is therapeutic, isn't it?

IdleMindOfBeth said...

Congrats sweetie! Such exciting news! Can NOT WAIT to get a copy!

Jendeis said...

Oh my goodness! Congratulations! Thank you so much for being the mama hen on our journeys. You are an excellent writer and I'm always comforted by reading your words.

I wonder what the pay is like for cat-throwers? Do you think they have dental? :)

Mrs. Shoes said...

That is such awesome news! I can't wait to read it.

stacyb said...

how exciting to be able to not just sell a book but one that is so personal and will speak to so many women as your blog already does.

i too relate to the bit about when your classmates were doing the dash you were at the fertility clinic. all the more reason to celebrate the imminent arrival of your book in bookstores next year!

Tammy said...

This is so exciting for you, for all of us with infertility. I didn't find you til midyear last year but I can say that I've been blessed to be here, wishing that while I was fighting the good fight to get pregnant (no longer fighting, but still wishing and hoping) I just wish I would have had a circle of friends like this. What a great thing you've been blessed to do!!! I look forward to hearing more.

Searching said...

Oooo, CONGRATS!!!

Lori Lavender Luz said...

I'm all tingly!

So happy to have you gather the voices of IF and make us sound interesting and informative.

Awesome, Mel, just awesome.

Katarina Jelly Beana said...

You are my hero and I am totally ovewhelmed by your greatness.

Congratulations!

Shelby said...

Congratulations!! This is such fantastic news!!

SMiLeD said...

I don't know why, but I am sitting here crying. Happy tears, vindicated tears, I don't know. I am so happy for you that you are publishing the book, in fact I am so happy for all of us to have someone like you who can tell our stories and speak for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being OUR VOICE!! And don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.

Yoka said...

Congratulations on the book deal. I can't wait to read it!!!

You find the right words for all the women that are speechless in the infertility world. You lobby for us out there. You help us if we have suffered another loss on this journey. We are so proud of you, Mel.

Thank you!!!

Anonymous said...

That's fantastic news!! Congratulations and may the words flow effortlessly. I can't wait to see it in print.

Barb said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! That's WONDERFUL news!!!! I'll be first in line. :) (or ONline as the case may be. ;-) )

I agree about the blogging catharsis. It's helped me immeasurably.

Leah said...

Woot! Congratulations and I can't wait to read it. We will celebrate appropriately when we get together in a couple of weeks.

Amen on all the other stuff in your post. I just wrote a post myself about how I've been basically hiding my pregnancy for those same reasons. Afraid I would jinx it, but also afraid that my happiness would inadvertently hurt someone else who is struggling.

Amen on how blogging is self-guided therapy. Amen on how secondary IF is different from primary but still a giant bag of ass.

Lastly, you know darn good and well that I will provide interview material whenever and wherever you need it. It's no secret that I have lots to say, and unfortunately my laundry list of available topics (primary IF, secondary IF, ART, IUI, IVF, RPL, etc.) is extensive. I'd feel better putting that all to good use.

Congratulations!! :-)

megan said...

congratulations, Mel!

MoMo said...

Wow..this is so exciting!! Congratulations..I can't wait to get a copy of the book!

Anonymous said...

Wooooooooooooo yay for you!

Lyrehca said...

Mazel tov! Will you do a national book tour for publicity?

Julia said...

Mazel Tov!
I promise to answer a call for an interview if there is one I feel I could help with.
And Mazel Tov, again.

Heather said...

Congratulations!!

merseydotes said...

Congrautlations, Mel! That is great news. I can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! What wonderfully exciting news. I'm so happy to hear it.

JJ said...

Oh what fantastic news! Awesome--such a BIG smile on my face for you!

Jess said...

CONGRATULATIONS MEL AND JOSH!

That is wonderful news. Really, really, truly wonderful. :)

Rian said...

Mel, this is such wonderful news. I am so excited for you and excited for us IF'ers!! I can't wait until next spring. It seems so far away!

MrsSpock said...

WHOO HOO! I can't wait to read it and think...I know who that blogger is...

Waiting Amy said...

Oh Mel, that is so WONDERFUL! I am so proud of you (although not surprised).

I too relate about having my peers pass me. By not practicing the last 5 years I may have in fact given up my career entirely. But like you said, it was worth it.

I'll be around for quite awhile, and I'm here for anything you need. If I fit a category you need, just let me know!

SO GREAT!

ultimatejourney said...

MEL!!! Congratulations! What fantastic news!

And I just wanted to say that I totally related to this sentence:

It's not that I wasn't happy; but I think when happiness comes at the end of a dark path where you've been dodging and weaving for so long that you walk tentatively.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Meg said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

K said...

Wonderful news, Mel! Congrats & you certainly deserve it!

Good luck!

TroxelTribe said...

Congratulations! Very exciting! I know it will be wonderful as your blog already is. One of the things that I love the most about your blog is that you make me laugh... when things or situations or tests or ttc in general just isn't funny anymore, you manage to make to smile and give a hearty chortle :)

Soupy said...

I'm sitting here in tears of utter JOY for you, Mel! YAY! I'm so proud of you - proud of all your hard work and dedication and look forward to soon spreading the word that "I know this author!" YAY
huge hugs and congrats!

GLouise said...

Congratulations my friend!!!!!

Natalie said...

Mel, that is awesome, just absolutely awesome! You got here not just by luck, by tons of hard work. The amount of work you do with this blog and Lost & Found and everything else - that's work!! You deserve this:-)

ms. c said...

Mazel Tov, Mel!
I'm crying tears of joy for you- the best type of tears, that's for sure!
I can't wait to get my hands on my very own copies (and to buy one for those who may need it.)
Your voice on infertility is amazing. Thank you for sharing with the world.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Congratulations! That's wonderful news!!!

Anonymous said...

KICKASS.

The world needs your book. Thank you for putting it all out there for us.

SarahSews said...

Congrats Mel! That is great news!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!

Zomg I am so buying this when it comes out.

:D

Anonymous said...

I'm doing a happy dance for you, even if it's hard to tell it apart from my trying to dodge the tabbycats that keep appearing under my feet! How exciting!!!

I can't wait to read it and hear you interviewed on NPR and see you on your promotional tour. You WILL be doing those things, right?

AwkwardMoments said...

Oh Mel- Excellent News!! Congrat's to you

Anonymous said...

Oh Mel! This is wonderful news. Just wonderful. Believe me... I can certainly appreciate it. I never was able to get there and I'm jealous as all hell, but also standing in complete and utter appreciation for the work you've put into this. This isn't just a bunch of pages. It's your heart and your soul. I'm blessed to *know* you.

Congrats my dear.

BigP's Heather said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can't wait to read it, Mel! YOU ROCK!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!! You rock, you're so awesome. I just wanted to tell you that your website has helped me tremendously in the past few months. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

ColourYourWorld said...

That is fantastic news ! Congratulations.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! While I didn't know a book was in the works, ever since I've been reading SQ&SPJ I've looked forward to reading more. Really, I refresh a few too many times a day waiting for your newest post.

Love it.

Stacie said...

A heartfelt congratulations! I am so happy for you. I can't wait to read it!

Somewhat Ordinary said...

YES!! That is fantastic! I've been wondering what was going on with the book. You have been such an enormous source of support and knowledge for me since I started reading your blog last year. This really is wonderful news!

I can't wait until it publishes and I can get my hands on it.

Summer said...

Congratulations! How exciting this must be. Do you have a name for your book?

Anonymous said...

Congrats! I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Serenity said...

Oh Mel - SO FANTASTIC!!! I'm really really really thrilled for you.

I cannot WAIT until I can order it on amazon.

WOOO HOO!!!

N7 said...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH CONGRATULATIONS!!! THAT IS AMAZING, WONDERFUL NEWS! What an insane accomplishment and you should be shouting from the rooftops- You are a source of so much inspiration to so many and any reward you can get for all you have done is not enough.
I cannot wait to cuddle up and read this book!!!!!

m said...

AWE-SOME!!!

Great news indeed! Congrats to you!!!

LJ said...

HOLY CRAP!!! How did I miss this? You are a good secret keeper missy, and are going to get an earful of awesome when I see you tonight!!!!

Ann said...

THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS!!! Congrats, Mel! You're a wonderful writer, and I'm so glad you're going to have your "baby."

soul-quest said...

Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

Lianne, Israel

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

astral said...

Congratulations Mel!!! I'm so happy for you. That is wonderful news!!! I look forward to getting your book. If I send it to you can I have it autographed?

katd said...

Oh, Mel, congratulations! I have tears in my eyes. You write so beautifully and you are so often the champion for so many of us. You deserve this! I can't wait to read it:)

In and Out of Luck said...

Yay!!! I'm so excited for you and for us, because this community and the general public could definitely use that book.

jenn said...

Congrats!!! I can't wait to read it!

Sunny said...

OH MY GOSH I am so excited for you! SO EXCITED! You amaze me more and more.

I am with you. Blogging is my free therapy. It feels so good to get it off my chest sometimes. The connection with others is amazing.

Okay YAHOOOOOOOOO for YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!! I am going to be a 2nd grade teacher here and tell you to "kiss your brain"! And I will give you a fire cracker!

Joy said...

Rock the fuck on!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Mel!! That is huge! I am so proud of you; I can't wait to read the finished product. And don't worry, I'll still be around, even if I don't comment on every single post. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Anonymous said...

Yay you!!!!!!!!! And thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the voice for those of us who can't speak. I know that your book will comfort many and help others understand what life is like in the land of IF. Well done!!!!

Deathstar said...

Congratulations Mel! Mazel Tov!

Anonymous said...

many huge congratulations on the book!! that is such wonderful news. I couldn't think of a better person to help pull together the story and voices of IF/loss than you who sit at hub central drawing us in and making such important connections.

I can't wait to hear more about it. and would be happy to participate if at all appropriate (I straddle so many categories too).

oh, and about that feeling of being happy for someone else but sad for yourself, my therapist calls it "duality" (it has a name!). I'm writing a post about it now...
~luna

Anonymous said...

It's only my first couple of days finding this incredible blog (really, the work you've done on it is astonishing), but I wanted to add my congrats! I can tell you as an author and former acquiring editor that your time spent *not publishing* will only help fuel the industry's excitement over your book and your emergence as an author. I will look forward to buying the book because I can already tell it will be terrific and valuable. Enjoy your news. You have earned it!

Pamela T. said...

I had a feeling this was coming!! Woo hoo! You go, girl. And yes, you are so very right to say that writing is essential for getting to the heart of the matter on an emotional subject as complex and confusing as this one. It has certainly played a part in saving my sanity. And, yes again on the talk therapy perspective. It has its place, but writing in this type of forum provides so much more in the way of meaningful, rich feedback and reassurance. As soon as I'm officially off my respiratory meds, I am drinking a big glass of wine in your honor. Congratulations to one who has dedicated her heart and soul to this success!

Vanessa said...

Thats amazing, congratulations :) I just started reading your blog the other day and will be so interested to know how everything goes.

Bea said...

Congratulations on the book!

Yay!

Well done!

Bea

deanna said...

That is so WONDERFUL!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Fill in the details, woman! When can we get it? What's it going to be called? Where will it be available?

Can hardly wait to snatch it up!

Stacie said...

Congratulations!!!!!

I suck because I never answered any questions. But I can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

Yippee! Fabulous! Of all the people who could represent our collective voice,you are the trusted source.

Unknown said...

Fantastic news! Congratulations Mel!! Please keep us updated on your progress--I'd love to hear how the process goes of putting everything together and actually getting the book out. Can't wait to read it!
Carla

beagle said...

Wow! Fantastic, exciting . . . amazing . . . just WOW!

Congratulations!

Peeveme said...

You have my most sincere and excited congratulations. Yes, good news can be uneasy if you have had losses. Enjoy it. You more than deserve it.

Frenchie said...

What an accomplishment! Mazel Tov. That is amazing. You are amazing.

Courtney said...

Just stopping by to say a HUGE congratulations to you for the book deal! You are helping to knit and bind this community and for that we are all forever thankful. This book is just another example of how much you care, and how lucky we are to have you as one of 'us'.

Meghan said...

What great news! Congrats! And this reminded me that I never got back to you with those interview questions. Hope it isn't too late. I'll do it this week though

(and I promise to tell my hairdresser and dentist about my super cool liminal friend who is publishing a kick-ass book)

Sherry said...

ohmigosh - you have no idea just how excited I am for you! What great news for you - and for us in the blogosphere as well. So thrilled to have you writing a book that's reflective of our collective experience...

Dr. Grumbles said...

Congrats!!!

Woo hoo!!!

This is fantastic news!

I am proud of you, Mel.

Unknown said...

Way to go, woman! Can't wait to read it!

Sara said...

Holy cow, Mel, that's fantastic! I'm so proud and happy for you, and can't wait to see the finished product.

Crickets scarier than flying cats? Hmmm. Not sure I agree. Creepy-crawlier perhaps, but they're not equipped with claws.

Caba said...

I'm so late to the party! Congrats a million times! It's wonderful that you will be able to bring your story, and our story, to a bigger audience. You've already help connect so many women in the blogging world, how awesome to be able to be able to broaden the scope, and fulfill your life dream! Yeah for you!

B said...

Hoorah! Congratulations! The birth of a book.

I can think of no-one better to write such a book.

You are one talented woman.

Bravo Bravissimo.

Samantha said...

I am so thrilled for you to have a publisher and have a book! That is a dream that many writers never achieve! Sometimes you may think of yourself as weak (we all do that of ourselves whenever we find ourselves less than perfect), but you are incredible and strong, and I love your sense of community, your honesty, and your love and support.

I won't be leaving you!

~r said...

I can't say that I'm surprised you will be published. You have such a way with words that just reading this I felt like I was transported back through your history, with all the highs and lows, the uncertainty and excitement.. and when I got to the part where you sold the book, I cried too.

I am so very, very excited for you! Congratulations - you deserve it!!

Tina / Anxious Changer said...

Gosh, I thought I responded to this... *Blush*

Congrats to you! Very exciting to finally be in print...even if it is a little later than some of your classmates. Sometimes, quality and honesty takes time - time that your classmates didn't have. ;)

Aurelia said...

Congratulations!!!!!

This is wonderful I look forward to buying it. Weeeeee

Jenny said...

Congratulations, Mel! I'm so excited for you!

Esperanza said...

I have tears in my eyes. I am so proud of you and wishing you many CONGRATULATIONS!

Kath said...

Congratulations, Mel! That's wonderful news, and I couldn't be happier to hear it! I look forward so much to reading your book.

Anonymous said...

That is the most wonderful news I've heard this week. Thank you for doing what you do and now you're reaching an even larger audience!

Two Shorten the Road said...

Belated congrats on the book sale!

I am the same way as you with other people's good news. I tell the world. But not with mine -- I had a terribly hard time announcing my own engagement. Felt totally weird about it. And I don't like people knowing my birthday cuz I feel uncomfortable with the attention. I also didn't announce my two (failed) PGs, but in retrospect it was for the best. If I get PG and stay PG, I have NO idea when I'll finally tell people. (There's never a safe time with an MA.) Maybe I'll do what you did, and just never really mention it. :)

C said...

Just read this and wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm so hapy for you, Mel!

Coffeegrljapan said...

Congratulations! How exciting!

Rachael said...

Congratulations Mel!!

Your classmates may have beat you to the starting line but have they got the same stamina as a marathon runner who can avoid flying cats?! ;)

Best wishes for the launch!

Melissa Griffin said...

YEAH!!! Thst is soo awesome! I didnt know that you were writing a book...but I am so happy that I now know cause the minute I can I am going to buy it!!!!
Very exciting for you!!

Lilysmom said...

Mel, I am so happy I found your blog and can't wait to pick up your book. I have quit the race right in the middle. I had trouble dodging the cats wasn't nimble enough for the race but did get a chance at motherhood anyways even if my womb didn't have a chance to grow. So thank you for the therapy!

Lori Lavender Luz said...

I'm happy for you all over again.

May you have more "Finally" announcements in 2009.

annacyclopedia said...

A few things struck me while reading this post. One was just how completely "you" it is, which is so fitting for it being your Creme choice - it's just got so much of the you that I've come to know in it. And the other thing, sort of connected, is how interesting it is to me to read this post that was written probably a couple weeks before I found your blog, and therefore didn't read the first time around. And I think there is something so much more delicious about reading it now that I know you and your journey to some extent. It's sweeter, somehow, to know about the marathon when I know that in a few months I'll be holding a copy of your book in my hands and sharing it with people I love. I don't mean that in sort of a "schadenfreude" kind of way - more that it is the best kind of hope that you're sharing with this post. The hope that comes from looking back on the cats you've had hurled your way, and seeing that you've come so far anyway.

Thank you, as always, for your wisdom, your voice, and for all you do for the community. You are a treasure.

Smiling said...

What a great selection Mel for the Creme (and wow much thanks for doing such a cool project!!!).

I love good endings and love hearing about when people receive good news themselves. I also really love a good flashback like this.

Its early days, but I have been wanting to write a book as well, but on living with disability. The stories I hear through my job are so incredible and so often unheard - your post has inspired me.

Anonymous said...

What you said about "when I'm not writing, I'm not thinking" really resonated with me. I'm going to use that line the next time my mom insults my blogging as a worthless waste of time and energy.

GLouise said...

THRILLED for you!!!

I forgot to ask- is there an adoption chapter?

Again, congrats!

Emily (Apron Strings) said...

Congrats Mel ... I like the bit about having to do the marathon when others got to do the 100-yd sprint. Absolutely perfect ....

And I've officially became a fan of your facebook page! :-)

Jamie said...

Blogging ~is~ self-guided therapy. I looked at the date on this post and it was about one month before I started my blog. That was such a dark time for me - no one understood what I was going through, I didn't understand what I was going through. And this ALI community saved me.

Congrats, Mel. I can't wait to read your book!

Lisa said...

Congrats on the selling of the book. I can't wait to read it!
I love how you compared blogging to self-guided therapy. So so true.
Thanks for all that you do for the ALI community.

Kristin said...

This post is all the sweeter to read now that there is a release date. I still can't believe you've only been around 2 years. You have become the center and anchor to this community and I'm proud to know you. Perfect selection for the Creme de la Creme.

JuliaS said...

You are the first stop on my 2009 resolution to read every submission on the Creme de la Creme. :0)

How fitting and appropriate it be you of course!

I am tickled pink and blue and purple and kinds of shades of sparkly colors for you and your book! I can't wait to actually be able to hold it in my hot little hands and turn the pages . . . .

As for the cats - well, all I can say is be sure to try and avoid the claws!