Subscribequestions/answers
Back to May… In the month of May I also sent off a book proposal (gulp) (!). About a year ago I was approached by a publisher to write a book (do you remember?). You might also remember that I pulled out of the proposal about a week later. Because I didn’t feel ready. Didn’t feel right. I knew what I proposed was not the book I really wanted to write, but it was what I thought the publisher was expecting to see… what I imagined they wanted. So I said, please disregard what I sent … I’m so sorry.
A year past. And this May they contacted me again. And this time I took stock of the current situation: moving cross-country again, Alison’s cancer, working on a baby, teaching and attending workshops this fall, full-time illustrator, gallery shows, AND trying to have a life. And I thought: what the hell. There seems to be no good time that I feel ready. So why not just dive in?
A week later we took a road trip up to Indiana and in the car, the book proposal just came to me. I quickly jotted it down in my notebook and then felt all fizzy inside… was it good? Was it stupid? … Well, all the questions (and answers) you see above was what spilled out. (And are still in there too, going back and forth between fear and excitement.)
The proposal is now with the publisher. Has been for a few weeks now. And I wait for a response. But I haven’t pulled out yet either, which I’m proud of myself for.
If this book is meant to be, then they will say yes. And if not, no big deal. I have enough happening right now anyway. So I sit and wait patiently for the outcome.
Hurrah for fizzyness!
Way to go putting yourself out there like that! Even with all those worries, you still made a beautiful illustration.
penelope, you have no idea how much i needed to see this piece of artwork today. i have been working long hours every day for the past week on a business plan for my master’s degree. it’s due in a few weeks, and i have to pitch it to a faculty panel like i would pitch it to a room full of investors. as much as i believe in the idea and feel passionate about its root causes for change in the lives of women, i. am. scared. even right now, i’ve worked for the past two hours in the wee hours of the morning on some worksheets that will prepare me to write a new section of the plan . . . and here i sit, scared to death to write the actual section now that the worksheets are done.
i’ve been thinking i need to write about this fear. but for now, staring at this piece you’ve created fills my heart and defies those nasty gremlins in there, too. thank you. so much.
ps: great, great luck to you on the book proposal. haven’t read the backstory yet, but definitely look forward to doing so.
good luck to you all with everything … the book, but all the other things too…
Sending good vibes that everything works out for you…and I know it will, no matter what the outcome.
ALSO: I so needed to see that piece of artwork. I have been sick with the stomach flu, depressed, and a bit burnt out on life lately. So, yes, I desperately needed to see that piece of art. It’s wonderful.
oh. i’m proud of you. i know that i, for one, would love to read your book. you have so much going on. i’ve been thinking of you. hope you are enjoying some simple pleasures these days. xox
Hey there Penelope!
Good luck on the book proposal. I’ve been reading your blog forever (since my Queen of Indiana days and that was forever ago!). Over this time, you clearly have developed your signature style in both your writing and your illustration. I can see why a book publisher would want you. A good example of that is while reading the SF Gate this morning online (more interesting the Miami Herald), I right away recognized your work in the “I Gave Birth To Myself” article linked on the front page with a thumbnail. I am so happy for you!
Hey? Are you copying these questions from me? ;) I guess not, I guess we all have the same doubts and questions. Congratulations on being so brave as to dive into the “life-pool” despite of having the questions. I´m looking forward to reading the book as I am about reading your blog. Thank you for being back to posting!
an amazing opportunity! Way to go! awsome!
well, I hope whichever way it lands, you feel really good about it. Best of luck.
I’d pre-order the book without even knowing what the topic was.
I think most of us would :-) Go Penelope!
you are so awesome sweetheart :)
hey! congrats on spilling this out of your head and heart and sending it off! that is awesome. can’t wait to hear more about it.
and, didn’t it really help to get away from it–to leave it be for awhile until it flowed freely? with books, i’m learning this is key.
xoox … wait, does that say ecks-ewks? hee.
THANK YOU for the inspiration! I will keep your hopes for a good outcome in my prayers. I would LOVE it if it worked out for you! You deserve it.
Just happen to stumble uppon your homepage. I like this illustration