Penultimate is one of my favorite words, mostly because the only reason it exists is because someone like me said, "You know what I love? Not just the thing itself, but I love the thing right before that last part."
I love the wedding rehearsal. That's when I cry. I love dress rehearsal, too, for the insane jitters and excitement. I loved my practice marathon even more than the real thing, even though both were 26.2 miles.
And I love getting the advanced readers copies of my new books in the mail. It's even more exciting that the actual real copies themselves. (If you have any interest in watching how freaking crazy I freaked right the freak out when I saw my first ARCs, you can click here.)
ARCs are Not For Sale. They are often not pretty, being wrapped in plain paper. They have typos, sometimes brand new ones! But they are you, when you wake up in the morning, unshowered, no makeup, really YOU, so incredibly gorgeous with those flaws in that fragile human body.
I feel so tenderly toward my ARCs, especially this one, the book of my heart. I'm sending Kate, such a flawed mother, out into the world. Nolan, sweet, broken Nolan, will be seen by the public. And their daughter Pree . . . *falls to the ground wailing* My babies! *clutches books to breast*
I'm giving my last five away, randomly drawn in seven days on Tuesday the 21st. Two will go to people who comment on this post and three will go to people drawn from my mailing list. Take care of them if you get them, would you? For me?
I would love an ARC! I used to get them all the time when I worked at an indie bookstore and I always thought they were kind of special – unpretentious and vulnerable in some strange way.
It would be sooo cool to read one of these…. My Nook is on the fritz, I have not taken it in to be looked at, been knitting like crazy so my reading has been seriously neglected.
I would love that ARC as if it were my own, handling it gently and reverently, cooing sweet and comforting words to it.
Seriously, congratulations, Rachael. You are an inspiration.
I’m dying to read this book. I had your last one sent to me from Australia because I couldn’t wait for the US release. Getting this ARC would be just like that. Congrats on another new book making its way into the world!
Heather
PS Your post reminds me of the Anne Bradstreet poem “An Author to her Book,” only sweeter.
Oh, Christ @ 8:57, I would DIE if my Kindle went dark (although I am reading a paper book right now, retro, right?) but maybe then I’d get more knitting done too.
I would keep an ARC warm in the frozen tundra that is Green Bay, WI. It’d be so cool to get one. You’re funny.
You inspired me to combine my knitting/sewing blog with my writing/daily blather blog to save time and the shreds of my sanity. Thanks. You’re so smart.
I love your books, and would obviously love an ARC. If I don’t win, you know I’ve got it in my queue to read anyway! Life can be a win/win if you make it so. Congrats!
ARC! ARC! You can’t win, if you don’t play. 🙂 Can’t wait to read this book…. I’ll devour it like I have the others!
I always treasure your babies Rachael because they bring me so much pleasure. I laugh with them, cry with them, and just love to a while with them. Please feel free and secure sending one of them my way. 🙂
OMG an ARC! I would treasure it!
I would love an ARC of this! I’ve pre-ordered it for my Kindle but a hardcopy would be spectacular!
If you were a musician, the equivalent would be that you live for the rehearsal, and not for the performance, because your life is what happens in rehearsal. Love your blog, as always.
I promise to hold it and pet it and call it George. (And I’d get to read it even before my ordered copy comes in! Bonus!)
Oh my … and ARC would be lovely and I would find a way (aka baby naps) to read it in 3d vs on my kindle (how 95% of my current reading happens). I love having new books to look forward to and am happily anticipating reading this in whatever format comes my way!
I would love it, pet it and call it George! (reference Bugs Bunny)
I’d love to win. Thanks for such a generous giveaway!
I would love for it to grace the signed author shelf with my sandman series, song of ice and fire and all of my yarn harlot books. They’re well cared for after 1 gentle reading
Wow, what a treasure you are sharing with us!
I would love to win–your books are so beautiful that I can’t help but reread them several times! You have a gift!
I would love one of those so much, the real thing doesn’t come out until March over here and I’m getting impatient! Congrats on the new babies!
Send one this way up north is I’m the right kind of random!
Such a fun giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity to win an awesome ARC!
Even if I don’t win, I have preordered the kindle file! I cannot *wait* to read this!! 😀
I always love getting my hands on advanced copies!
Must have, must have, must have, PLEASE! it’s been a sucky week (even suckier for some friends of mine) and a little light shining in would be just great.
Ooooh, so exciting! I would love an ARC to read now but I am so buying the book regardless. Carol and I are two big fans 🙂
I’m crossing my fingers!! I will love them forever and a day! (^_^)v
I would be so honored to be trusted with one of your babies. And it would be so fitting because I am a grandmother, and I do love you, so it stands to reason that I would love your baby, too.
I thought the new typo comment was hilarious! Congratulations!
I’m an ARC lover too. I don’t mind the imperfections and lack of shiny label.
ARCs are kind of my favourite. It’s like the author trusting you to hold their baby before they even leave the hospital.
Altho I do believe in recycling/sharing books (mainly so there is more room for new books! LOL) there are always books I will never give away…..and this would be among that shelf of books!
Pick me! Pick me!
Thanks for giving a few copies away!
I’ve never seen an ARC. Very cool!
I would love to win a Rachael Herron book. ARC or anything. I’m excited to purchase the book when it comes out. I also (as you know) have a lot of reading time on my hands. I could use some RAH love these days!! 😉 Love you, Miss you!
Oh, how my friend and I would care for you words and work; we share and covet books like comfort. Thank you for your trust and generosity.
Hi Rachael, I would truly love an ARC. I would take good care of it and it would become a treasured part of my book library! Can’t wait for Pack Up the Moon! Take care,
Me! Me! I would love it!!! Fingers crossed I’m a winner 🙂
You can guarantee I’ll cherish the ARC should I win. I love your writing and feel connected to you as I too am a knitter and lost my mother. Congratulations on the release!
I have a friend’s copy of her ARC on my bookshelf. It’s a treasured thing. I would love one of these…you inspired me to do NaNo, I’ve been thinking about it since I followed you when writing your first book…and I finished my first novel this November. Woo hoo! 🙂
I would be completely thrilled to have one of your ARC. I would keep it forever, and love your forever.
I would take such delightful care of the ARC, knowing that it is your heart and soul, and honor it as such. 🙂
Have any pen companies used “penultimate” in their advertising? The Pen… Ultimate? If not, they should.
Me, me, me! I’m the one! I would love and treasure an ARC!
My husband had an ex-girlfriend who thought penultimate was a synonym of awesome, and she would use it frequently. It still makes me smile whenever I see or hear the word.
Congrats on your advance copies!
I would love to read an ARC of your new book!! What a neat thing!!
I’d love to win one. How exciting!
I would be so grateful for a copy of your new book!
I love the video of the first ARCs, it’s clearly a very special moment 🙂
Needless to say, I’d love to win one of these babies, and I promise to take very good care of it.
Even though I’ll buy the book if I don’t win the giveaway …. it’s always fun to win!
Win? Possibly? Really? Cool!
I never knew about an ARC (not a surprise.) I love what you said about how they are us in the morning without a shower, without make-up. So exciting, Rachael!
A book in its nakedness. I wonder what books I would be drawn to if there was no cover art. Would my reading tastes be different?
I love the idea of being one of the first readers not affiliated with the books birthing.
One of the first ‘outsiders’ to meet your book family and get to know them-hear their story.
As if I meet Nolan at the salvage yard while he tries to find the RIGHT door to lock in his emotional investment into creating a home.
Or maybe overhear Pree at the coffee shop while she talks out her feelings with her friends about meeting the woman that gave her life.
Such a privilege.
You know how much I would LOVE to have one of your “babes” to cherish & protect. <3 Christine Gentry
Oooh! Oooh! Would love one. And you know I’ll take very good care of it; I’ll even let it snuggle up to my cashmere stash. 🙂
Congratulations! I will give it a good home and also share it with my friends.
Love your books and would be honored to receive it
I would love one! I also love the word penultimate. I taught it to my kids and always feel proud when I hear them use it.
That Octopus sweater you knit for Lala is amazing.
Thank you and congrats!!!
Thank you for teaching me about ARCs. I would take very good care of one… 🙂
I love your writing and have all your books to date. Please add me to the list of those who would love an ARC of your new book. Thank you.
Oh please pick me – I love your books and would love to read an ARC, glitches and all!
I’d love to see an ARC and I always enjoy your books. I’ll take the best care of it. Books are to be respected, always, even if not in final form.
Ooo…Oooo…pick me! In fact, to be fair I’ll even share with you my favourite word: bucolic. A far underused word I think and deserving of more esteem. Oh, and my second favourite word is: anthropomorphize – something which you as an animal-lover can relate to, I’m sure 🙂
Just reading A life in stitches and would love to read more of your work.
Posting an ARC to N.Z would be neat seeing your ½ kiwi.
Oh, I would love an advanced copy of your book! I’ve already put it on order for the library I work for but getting to read it first-that would be pure joy!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
Beautiful! Would love an ARC!
OOO Pick me! don’t know if I can wait till the actual release!!!
Thanks for offering to share your ARCs. If I’m lucky enough to be picked I will treasure it.
Please send an ARC my way. I’ve read all of your books and we met in Rhinebeck after your first book came out. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Your books are the only books I want hard copies of. Can’t wait to read this new story.
Hi Rachel, you know I’m a huge fan of your writing. I fall in love with your characters and their lives. If I could win one of your very special ARC copies I would treasure it. One day I will let my three daughters read your books too. I truly wish you every success and happy ness.
Elly (Elspeth81 on everywhere)
Putting my name in the hat… I have some ARCs from my newspaper days (nabbed off the review desk). Obv those never had the sentimental value of an ARC of one’s very own book (!!!) but they are special.
Please please please please please please. So interested in this story since you know how close to home it hits.
What a special treasure to share! I can’t wait to read it when it’s available
I only want to win if you promise to sign it! No, seriously! And I will hug it and pet it and call it George…
Oh I would so so so love one, and I promise that I will take very good care of it, and read it, and read it, and read it!
I am a huge fan and would absolutely be over the moon if I won one. Thank you for the opportunity to win one 🙂
I would love to win a copy! I would read it very gently, as if it were my own.
So happy you are coming to Madison! We live 40 miles away and only have one bathroom but you are more than welcome to stay.
Incentive?
Alpacas, spinning wheels, yarn. Love dogs.
Jean
A joyful moment in the creative process and one you deserve. I loved living vicariously through your creative writing journey. I won’t say keep going because I know you will, it’s addictive.
This would be wonderful to win,like a peek behind the scenes!
Happy New Year & Congratulations on ARC of your new book. Does this mean the next step is publication? Wishing you all successes.
Love your books – congratulations on a new one coming out. I would love an ARC and get a peek before everyone else!
You are an inspiration! Congrats on yet another book to be published.
Would love to read your new book. I promise to take good care of your baby.
I would love an ARC. I’ve ordered the hard copy, but one from you would be special.
Thanks for sharing your ARCs — what a kindness to us!
ARC!! Yay!! Would love one!! You have been such an inspiration to me, Rachael, and am now a month off finishing the first draft of my first novel. Clutching a soft little RH ARC to my bosom would be the inspiration I need to get on with the edits and run with it… ARC! ARC! YAY!!!!!!!
I’m not a writer, but when I saw my first copy of my dissertation (warts and all) it was the best feeling in the world.
I would love a copy of the book. I read on my Kindle a lot–but if I “know” the author, if it is a knitting book, or by a certain author, I NEED a real copy. I just love the feel of a book in my hand. It would be so much easier not to have to find room for another book, but I realllly love the feel of a book in my hand. Weird I know, but there it is.
Would love to win your book as I will get to meet you at the VSG meeting on 3/3. Plan to load A life in Stitches on my Kindle for my Palm Springs trip this week. Can’t wait to hear more when you speak.
I would love to have one! I will take very good care of it & give it a good home on my special bookshelf.
This would be amazing! Congrats on the new book. I can’t wait to read it in one sitting the way I have with all of your others. I figured out that I can rss and knit at the same time while reading Cora’s Heart 🙂
I would love to be the lucky recipient, but in any event, the new book will make it onto my shelf!
I would to win one of your ARCs! I love how you write and I love how your books make me feel.
I would love an ARC! It would be a great addition to my Cypress Hollow series! I would treasure it as something truly unique and special.
Thank you!
I would love an ARC. . . I am addicted to your books.
What a special gift, giving away the ARCs like this. You know you’re awesome right? Xox
Thank you for doing this and giving me a chance to win.
I would love to read your book. Your heart is quite compelling…what you write can only be a reflection.
I promise to take excellent care of a copy, were you to send one to me.
I have never seen an ARC in person, but am interested. Also, you’ve been talking up this book for so long that the anticipation is about killing me! 🙂 Thank you for letting some of us read it early!
Love your books and blog. Thank you for offering the giveaway.
I have a signed copy of How to Knit A Love Song. You signed it for me at Stitches South. I would love to have a signed copy of Pack Up The Moon.
ARC! ARC! ARC!
I would take REAL good care of the yarn…! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love an ARC! Congratulations on the release of your new book!
What a sweet thing to do! Me pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease! Shamelessly begging.
I will protect your ARC with my life, should I be so lucky and privileged to be awarded one. It’s been wonderful watching you develop as a writer. I hope you feel better soon!
Ahh I can’t wait for this book!!!
Oo la la! (I guess ooo Lala! also applies?) ARCs are fun. I would get them sometimes when I worked at a Big Chain Bookstore. Wow, that was a while ago now…when I first moved to the area. Good times! I’d love to give yours a home with me. So I can love it and squeeze it and call it Awesome.
I would totally take good care of an ARC.
You’re so sweet, always running ARC giveaways!
I share you love of ARCs. They just feel special. I also entered on Goodreads so my fingers are crossing in lots of directions.
I LOVE the video. I think I’ve read all your books. Just started Cora’s Heart last night and wondered if you have a spinning wheel. And now I know you do! Saw it in the video. Plus, LOVE your shirt. I did the Women’s Nike Marathon and didn’t get such a nice shirt. Did get a Tiffany necklace from a studly young man in a tuxedo. Woo-hoO! Such a fun video. Love your enthusiasm and quirkiness!