practising simplicity – the book
A little while ago I received an email from the team at Blurb asking if I would like to turn my blog into a book. They were working with 10 international bloggers and were keen to have an Australian representative in there. As you can imagine it was a flattering email to receive; I appreciated the recognition and was keen to learn a bit more about the process. Blurb has recently launched a self-publishing platform where anyone can create and publish their own book and then sell through Blurb, their own blog/website or Amazon. Little birdies have hinted that it’s the future of publishing – where the author/photographer has complete creative control and receives 100% of the profit (there’s no publishing middle-man).
My initial reaction to the proposal was overwhelm; quickly followed by excitement. And then, of course, the doubt set in. Is my work worthy? Who would buy the book if they can read part of it online for free? Do I even have time to do this? On I went, mulling and procrastinating for a good while (in retrospect it was unnecessarily dramatic). Thankfully I came to the realisation that this was an opportunity to create a tangible keepsake of my blog –Â Â a selection of posts that I could edit to form a cohesive story about practising simplicity.
So here I am, at the tail end of the editing process, about to hand the text and the photos over to my book designer, Chloe. I’ve opted for a lovely 8x10inch hardcover, thick, matte paper and classic fonts. I hope it’s the kind of book you’ll read on those day where your head is too busy for the online world; one that you can take to a cafe and enjoy whilst sipping coffee; one that you’ll rest on a pillow and flick through while you breastfeed your baby.
A few people have asked me (via facebook and instagram) if there’s any way to preorder. Not just yet! But I’m hoping that I’ll be able to buy in bulk and sell signed copies through here. I’ll keep you posted…
Congratulations darling Jodi! So look forward to seeing it and such a pleasure to have seen this journey unfold. xx m.
Cant wait to buy it! x
What a great idea! Can't wait to see the finished product.
This is wonderful, Jodi – you are completely worthy of such an opportunity. We can't wait to spend leisurely hours pouring over your words and images on physical pages.
Sar xx
I'm definitely keen to have a copy. Your blog is lovely but nothing can replace the tangible feeling of a tactile book.
Congratulations Jodi – Totally perfect. Look forward to seeing it in print đŸ™‚
I would love a signed copy. I cannot wait to have a tangible copy of your blog in my home. X
Oooo congratulations! Wonderful news xx
Looking forward to owning a copy x
That is lovely news. I so enjoy reading your blog. Even though I'm not at the same stage in life as you- my children are 21 and 18 and I will soon have an empty nest ,so much of what you say resonates with me. I have printed out most of your practising simplicity series and have them in a folder so feel I already have a book of sorts! Much love Penny L in Dorset U.Kxx
Oh count me in as someone who would read it. Your blog is like a deep breath. If I'm feeling a bit antsy at night I sometimes lay in bed with my phone and re-read many of your blog posts…very calming.
Congratulations!
Wow, congratulations! Yours has been one of my very most favorite blogs for years now!
Congrats! That's exciting and I look forward to it. As convenient as the online blog world is, I love pages. And I find myself scrolling through old posts of yours looking for simple advice on 'just so' that I read a time ago. I imagine it's those sorts of posts that will make it into your book. I don't comment here often, purely of time restraint, but thank you for continuing to put energy and heart into this space. It's one of the few I maintain reading regularly as I appreciate many small pieces of tips and advice I can practice in my own life. Not to mention my gratitude for the 52 Project inspiration. I cherish the organization of Lucy's photos the project has politely forced upon me đŸ˜‰ And it made creating a 'baby book' of her first year so much easier!
Congratulations Jodi, I just know it will be amazing x
My hand's up, I'll buy a copy…because when you love something you just want more of it!
Also for a while I have been meaning to make a suggestion for the blog – any chance you could work the links so that it opens the page on a new tab….hmm…I don't know the IT language, but basically when I click on a suggested link, including sponsors, I lose contact with your page and so there's a bit of back and forthing, opening and reopening….
Lovely!! Chloe is a dear friend of mine and definitely one of the most talented people around. I'll definitely be wanting a copy when it comes out. I love your writing (and your beautiful photos along with it) and can't wait to see how it all turns out x
Oh, I'm so looking forward to buying your book! Your blog gets me through "those days". And there is nothing better then the smell of a book! Congratulations!
So excited for you darling! What an achievement
I'm so excited for you! Kellie xx
That is so amazing! Can't wait for a copy!
OMG congratulations! Wonderful news. I'd love to buy a copy. Well done you!
it'll be beautiful. xx
Congratulations…I have no doubt it will be beautiful.
Lovely news! Many congratulations!
That's a wonderful offer, and so glad you took them up on it! I made a Blurb book of my travels when I was a uni exchange student, all pulled from my blog I kept while I was away. It's really different reading it on paper, curled up on the couch with someone, sharing your memories. The best souvenir of the whole adventure! Who knows what will happen to blogs and the internet, but a book will always be there. Can't wait to see!
It will be all kinds of wonderful! Congrats to you lovely đŸ™‚ xx
this is so wonderful jodi, congratulations!
Congratulations Jodi, I can't wait to see the finished product!
Congratulations Jodi. So well deserved. I am very excited for you xo
How exciting Jodi, what a wonderful venture! x
How wonderful, looking forward to reading this beauty! x
I truly look forward to reading your book. I can imagine it will be one of those ones you pick up in those times of need, and open up at the page you need to be reading in that moment. And the words you need will be there.
I so look forward to reading it!!! Congratulations!!
Jodi amazing news and such an exciting adventure. Can't wait to see it in print.
It's taken me a while t get t a computer to comment, but wanted to say congratulations Jodi, this is such an amazing achievement. I can't wait to pre order my family's copy, to have a little bit of 'Practicing Simplicity' in our home will be a blessing. xx
Hooray! I am sure it will be so beautiful and can't wait to purchase a special signed copy, Flick x