In recent weeks, several people have asked if I had always wanted to be a writer. My first thought is, "I'm a writer?" I sort of laugh and muddle my way through a somewhat articulate answer. I started writing a blog, not because I think I'm a good writer or have an insatiable need to write, but out of a love for design and a desire to share my work with others. I had no idea how may people would end up reading what I wrote. I had no idea I would start receiving freelance writing offers. And I had no idea I would try my hand at writing a book.
Yes, this non-writer is writing a book. Crazy, huh? This isn't just a bunch of posts smushed together in a PDF and sold to make some extra cash. I am playing author, photographer, layout designer, editor and all of the rest to put together a book that is like a real, honest-to-goodness home decor book.
It is an ultimate guide to my style, including before and after pictures of my home, things I love, my favorite decorating tricks, and tutorials on slipcovers, painting techniques and more. I've been working on it for several months and I probably have a few more months to go until it's ready to hit the sale page. It's something I'm really excited about, so I just had to share it with you.
To tell you the truth, I think I am writing this book more for myself. I've always loved decorating books and to see my home, ideas and pictures in book format (and hopefully on a glossy page someday) is just thrilling.
So, here's a peek at the introduction...
"I loved playing with my doll house as a child, but, most of the time, the dolls sat lifeless as I decorated and redecorated the interior. While other kids played tic-tac-toe when bored in church, I would sketch pictures of homes with porches and symmetrical windows...always perfectly situated under a rainbow. When I was in middle school, I would stretch out on the floor in my room and draw house plans on graph paper and loved walking through model homes. In high school, I wanted to be involved in choosing the finishes for the house we were having built. I remember trying to sway my mom towards a cranberry swirl bath tub. (She ignored me and went with cream, which was a good thing, because I would now tell her to get rid of the cranberry swirl bathtub and she would probably make me pay for the replacement!) All of this to say that I have loved homes, decorating and design since I was a little girl.
My decorating taste has grown and evolved, but several things have remained constant. Blue & white, antiques, custom pieces, and making do with what I had. I hope this book is inspirational, encouraging, and informative for you in the journey of making your home all you want it to be. As you look at my finished spaces and projects, keep in mind that there are messy and unfinished spaces as well and that I made a lot of ugly things before I produced furniture, curtains, pillows, and painted pieces I was proud of. I live in a real home on a thrift store budget and have never taken a design class in my life. My look is affordable and attainable to anyone who’s willing to roll up their sleeves and dive in.
So, throw out the notion that good design is expensive, must be carried out by a professional and can only be bought in a fancy store. Get ready to go junking, tune up the sewing machine, and buy a good paint brush. Your home’s potential is waiting to be realized and you’re the one who’s going to discover it."
Maybe when this book is finished, I'll finally consider myself a for real writer!
PS - By the comments, I realize this post may have given people the impression that I have a publisher and this book is going to be at Borders in a few months. Well, that may be (Any publishers out there reading this?), but for now, it's just me working on an e-Book that I'm trying to make look like an honest-to-goodness decorating book. Just want to be clear. :)