new book hits city (and demon cat jack hits sack)
MY UPCOMING ‘DROPOUT MEMOIR’ is no longer a private matter—not some secret document whose life plays out on my dining table and my editor’s desk. Recently it pulled itself together into what’s called an Advance Reading Copy, resembling a paperback version of the book-to-be, and showed off at BookExpo America, a trade fair at the Javits Center in New York City. Yup, that’s the cover in grande size, above, adorning the Grand Central Publishing booth…and a few of the remaining pretend books standing in front of David Baldacci’s next real blockbuster. Besides the jpg, GCP sent me an actual copy of the book lookalike (bookalike?) too, which I immediately showed to Jack the Demon Cat.
Big mistake.
“Pretty exciting, huh?” I said eagerly, hoping for someone to celebrate with here in Nowheresville, where he and I are sometime roommates (if and when he comes home from hunting, that is). And so he had a quick look, and then…
Apparently the early feline reviews for “And I Shall Have Some Peace There” are that it’s a total snooze… maybe I should have called it “And I Will Have Some Mice There” or something, to keep this audience segment alert?
Oh, dear. Not even published yet, and already putting people, er, cats into comas. At least he took it with him to bed later (below).
I can always get a job weeding, I suppose. Maybe David Baldacci or Steve Martin needs a gardener?
I’ve been following your blog for some time and REALLY enjoy this window into your lovely lifestyle. Just pre-ordered your book – looks like being what I enjoy most. I read a lot of biography and memoir, usually written by someone long dead and gone; it will be fun to read a memoir by a contemporary. Best to you and thanks for sharing the various aspects of your multi-faceted life so beautifully in words and pix. Your site is a great resource.
Welcome, Burndett — and you made me laugh. Yes, still alive here. :) I am glad for your kind words of encouragement — I am so blessed to have such supportive readers helping me along the way. See you soon again, yes?
I have forwarded your blog to several gardening friends and am looking forward to buying your book.
I feel a kinship with you because we have a similar story. I was VP of engineering for a silicon valley internet company, making gobs of money and flying around the world. (a “success”) After the dot com crash, I traded it all in. Left the valley and moved back home to a small rural western NY town. Had 2 babies and a humongous garden. My friends back in CA think I’ve “dropped out”. I know I’ve found peace and tranquility and a very satisfying life. So, I can relate . . .
Congratulations! Maybe Jack’s worn out from celebrating your success with all the neighboring cats and dogs. After he has a power nap or two or three, I’m sure he’ll be suitably impressed.
Jack is sleeping on an article of your clothing, no? Our kitties love to lay down on what we were wearing so that when we pick it up to put it on, we are then wearing them too.
Congrats on the book. It looks lovely, just like you.
A belated happy birthday to you. I’m behind on my reading, because I’ve been researching backyard chickens. I now have four pullets in a chicken tractor.
Jack obviously took the peace part of the title very seriously. He looks very peaceful.
I am looking forward to the book, since I love your blog so much. Congratulations to you for all your hard work and energy paying off in having a published book as proof of completion.
Happy belated birthday, Margaret. I too, can’t wait for the book. Perhaps Jack has already been reading over your shoulder while you were writing and already knows the ending.
Margaret, I stumbled upon your website after doing research on Hydrangeas for a Wedding I did in April. What a GREAT Surprise!!!!! Happy Belated Birthday and just wanted you to know how endearing all your photos of Jack are and how inspiring your garden is! Wow, I’m just an amateur but I keep trying. Can’t wait to read your book.
Happy Planting,
Sharon
Welcome, Sharon…how nice to have a new voice join us here in our attempts to rouse dear Jack from his comatose state. :) He sleeps beside me as I type this… See you soon again, I hope.
To all: I love the ways you are all coming up with to explain why he’s passed out. Of course I took it to be the worst reason — boredom — but you all have much nicer storylines. Thanks!
Just rub some of that catnip Jack was rolling in on the day of your Open Garden and Jack will defend it with his life I bet! Happy Birthday!
Jack’s just lovin’ it up to show how much he appreciates you.
Margaret, What can I say, I am a dog person. My sweet pal also has issues with reading, but I think it has to do with the not haveing opposable thumbs and page turning. I however, can’t wait to get your book. Thanks as always for the inspiring words on gardening and life.
@Julia: As I say in the book (which I swear will be out someday) I am not a cat person. :)
I think it is very exciting and can’t wait to read it. Happy Birthday to you!
I hear Joan Didion plans to call her next novel “And I Will Have Some Mice There” so you better grab it for your sequel, fast!
Happy Birthday, and bouquets more. Jack has obviously found some peace in his person’s book, and absorbs it right through the cover. Now, that’s a heck of a review and birthday present.
I think he loves it so much he doesn’t want anyone else to have it while he is napping (sound good?)
OMG and look at those peonies that Jack isn’t interested in, too!
I am so happy for and proud of you, Margaret!
Best,
Charlotte
Maybe Jack just prefers the audio book version? Or a copy he can download on his iPad?