So much catch up to do: I ALMOST FORGOT TO SHOW YOU THIS. (Because you know, that's how I am, getting books everyday. OMG! SO NOT THAT WAY!) I have galleys of How to Knit a Heart Back Home!
Isn't it gorgeous? And you know what? Those sweaters up there? They're mine. I made them, with my own two hands. The needles she's using are mine, and the swatch she's "knitting" from his sweater is one I made. That's the original Cade sweater there, on the right (now given away as a prize, must make another one), and that yellow one is my favorite yellow sweater (the pattern comes with the book). I sent the sweaters off to New York, where they played around in a photo shoot and then came home to me. I love it.
(And do you see that line under my name? I'm an "author of." That's thrilling to me.)
Also, I seem to have lost that sweater now. I have no idea where it is, which makes me too sad to think about, so if you see it, send it home?
GIVEAWAY:
And to get myself to the post office (boy, I have a lot of things to mail), I'm going to give two of these away. Yep. I'll give one to a random commenter on this post, and I'll give one to someone randomly drawn from my mailing list (subscribe here).
YAY! Like, super big, hollered from the rooftops, YAY!
OTHER NEWS:
I had a great reading at Llama Llama Knit in Novato, and the women there were awesome. Hi ladies!
And LOOK at their store dog, Maebe. I just died over this gal.
It was a hot night, and you can see how red I get when I'm warm:
Aileen was a doll, and also brought champagne, always a lovely thing to bring. I heart champagne.
Speaking of heat, we've had a mini heat wave in the Bay Area, and I couldn't stay in our hot house yesterday, so I drove to the coast. I went to Duartes and worked for a long time. I was definitely the only person who was working on a computer, so I felt a wee bit funny, but I had olallieberry pie after my oysters:
I also managed to say hello to Lynn, my favorite waitress. I didn't know if she'd remember me from when I worked there in the winter, but she did. "You. You're a writer. You sat at table nine." We'd had a lovely chat then, and I wanted to give her the book, since my ranchers come straight out of conversations I've head in the old restaurant (Duartes = Tillie's!).
Then I went tidepooling for a long while. My phone died, and it was really nice to be completely cut off (until my car started overheating. That was a little worrisome, but it worked out).
It was glorious. This is what came in when I was out there:
And now, the heat wave is broken, and as I sit at my desk, my toes are cold, and I'm glad.
Also: Urban Fauna alerted me that their two year anniversary is this weekend, and they're having a sale! Goodie bags! (My book will be given away at some point, too, and that's cool.)
I feel like I'm going to be playing catch up all day. I stayed up late last night, so I slept till almost eleven this morning, and as soon as I fully woke up, I started running the mental lists of everything I have to do today. Lala's been working a temp job for about a month now, and while it was really difficult financially while she was out of work, it sure was nice to have her doing all the Life Errands. I've put off everything I could possibly put off until this week, and I can't put them off anymore. The animals need food! Lala needs her bass fixed! I HAVE TO GET A SMOG CHECK (also, someone stole my month tag off my car, so it looks like I'm trying to cover up the fact that my registration is overdue. I'm not, Officer, I swear!).
Also, I have a crap-ton of writing to get done. Where does that fit today? I don't know! But it will. I'll get it all done. But it was more important to say hello to you than start on it all, so hi. Leave a comment for a chance to win! Woot! I'll draw winners on Saturday.
READING:
(Oh, I also have a reading/spinning demo at Rabbit Ears in Kensington on Saturday at 2pm (7253 Fairmount). Would love to see you!
J Strizzy says
Damn, I miss the northern California coast, and just driving out there for a day because I felt like it.
And I thought Tillie’s seemed familiar – should have known.
Christy says
That is a gorgeous cover! Really love the sweaters and the knitting action. ๐
Kris says
Great cover! Can’t wait to read it!
thebon says
Yay book!!
We had that same heat wave up here in Eugene, and I’m reveling in the cooler temps today too.
Carrie says
um, how freaking awesome is it that your sweaters are on the cover?!?! that is so amazing, Rachael! I’m so so happy for ya, and I can’t wait to read this one.
Barbara says
wow – what a beautiful book. I miss the bay area – I’d give anything for just a bit of coolness here. You know it’s bad when you celebrate the overnight low dipping into the 80’s.
Stormy says
Awesome cover – congratulations… scream YAY from the roof tops! I do enjoy your blog so much, thank you for sharing your day with us – I love your writing.
Have a beautiful day!
~Stormy
Rhonda from Baddeck says
I’m so excited that your 2nd romance novel (but your 3rd book?) is almost ready. Can’t wait! Love the sweaters – cute cover!
Emily Dee says
What kind of pie is that in the picture? (don’t you like how I only ask the really important questions?)
njstacie says
Hooray Book! And congratulations! Such exciting news, and I can’t wait to read it!
moiraeknittoo says
YAY! And I love the cover. ๐
Rachel T says
How awesome is that, a great cover and they used your sweaters! I hear so much about authors not having control into the presentation of their work. It seems like you’ve had great success in finding a publisher who is totally on your wave length.
I too welcomed the fog back with open arms. I hadn’t slept in three days!
Mia says
Oh if you have the galleys it means that book is not too far from being in our hot little hands!!!!
I can’t wait to read this one. I am just about ready to start spinning the yarn to do the sweater from the first one. I just debating if I dye the top before spinning or dye the finished yarn. A hard decision since I have never dyed top. And deciding on a color!!
Oh lucky you to go tide pooling!! Keep a charger for the phone in the car for those just in case times.
And I will gladly take your heat wave. The mid-Atlantic has been hot all summer. The sheep are not happy. But they want to see you next year at MDS&W.
Anna says
I’d love a copy, I’ve only just managed to get it together and order a copy of your first book even though I’d been meaning to since it came out so winning would mean I’d not do the remembering/forgetting/regretting thing for ages with this one!
Orli says
I love the fact that you gave the waitress a copy of the book ๐ It really sums up your character for me.
I hope you find that sweater! It’s super-cute and super-cute ON you. Come home, little sweater, come back!
Katharine says
Love the cover! I can’t wait for my next trip the coast! I am really hoping I am one of the randomly picked winners this time! Please!!! :)Even we (West Texas) are having a break in the heat…it’s only 91F today.
Linda S. Williams says
Loved the first book and can’t wait to read the second! I’m enjoying all your knitting projects also. I’ve made some and can’t wait to make others! Congrats on seeing the galleys!
Pam says
Ok…the cover of your next book is way beyond cool! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read it. Yah! Yah! Yah for you!!
Helga/Q says
Pick me Pick me pick me
Dude that’s twice now we have forgotten to get a picture of us ;0). . I spoo wanna read this book-took everything I had not to no peek during show and tell! Love the sweater shots! Oh and already a subscriber!
grace says
Tidepooling. I need to go tidepooling!
JP says
random comment. don’t think we’re above coming out to the next RWA convention to fangirl ๐
Rona says
Love, love love the cover and the fact that they used your sweaters. Would love to win, of course.
Laura from beautiful West Michigan says
Yay, I’m so proud of you! Loved your first book and if I don’t win, I will certainly buy this one!
visalisa says
Lovely cover! Will look awesome next to the Lovesong on the shelf! (Maybe you can share a photo of both books’ backs next to each other? I want to imagine my future bookshelf… Oh, and I sooo want to win one! And then you get to write an address in Sweden on the parcel. ๐
Laura from beautiful West Michigan says
PS – I get a little thrill whenever I see the first book in book stores. It’s like “I know her!” even if it’s just digitally!
Meghann says
I am really excited about the new book!! I read your first one incredibly quickly, and I’ve been waiting and waiting ever since.
And someone stole my month sticker once, too. Jerks.
Steph says
Congratulations! Super exciting
Faith says
Congrats on the galley proofs – wow, two books under your belt!
Miranda says
Ooh, Ooh, Oooh…pick me!
Congratulations on gorgeous Book Two!
Diane in Chico says
Oh, Olallieberry pie. Yum. With ice cream. Yummier.
Dani in NC says
I’ve been unemployed off and on over the past six years, so I get your mixed feelings about Lala’s temp job. It took my family and friends at least a month or two after I got this job to get used to the fact that I wasn’t available during the day!
GoodEnoughWoman says
Yay for the new book cover! As for the sweater, you had it on at the reading in SLO. Maybe you left it with family? ๐
Kristin Miller says
Ooooh, I’m so excited to read Book2! And how cool is it that the sweaters are YOURS?!? Might I say the coolest thing ever? Maybe a close second to the “author of” line beneath your name. Yeah, you’ve got a whole lot of goodness going on right about now. Yay, you!
Katherine says
I’m so excited for you next book to come out. Loved the first book. My friend and I met you at stiches west and she’s started the sweater from the book. I’m bummed I couldn’t make it to knit night, but I heard all about it from her. I’d love to be entered into the drawing for this book!
Thanks
Katherine
peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]come
Virna DePaul says
Love that cover and the fact it shows your sweaters. That group of women at your reading look mighty fun! Congrats, Rachael on all the success!
Carol says
Can’t wait to curl up and read it!
caroline says
oooh, pretty book!
Ginger says
Lovely book cover!!!
Julie says
Looks like you know how to enjoy life. Good for you!
carolyn says
mmmmm PIE.
Teri S. says
Your lunch sounds positively divine. Wish I had somewhere like that to go around here. It’s so cool to see your second book almost done!
Carole says
I love galleys – we get them at library conferences. Pick me, pick me!
Donna Wise says
Congratulations on being the “author of”….Love the sweaters! I’m glad you were allowed some input on the cover. I’ve read some books where I was sure the cover designer knew nothing about the book!!!
Joy says
Of course i must comment to increase my chances of a copy so I can drool all over it. AND… I made it to the Bay Area. I’m in Berkeley for the next week!
Bonnie says
Love love love the cover and how personal it is! I really enjoyed How to Knit a Love Song, can’t wait for this next one!!
Susan says
How exciting for you! Can’t wait to read it!
Stephanie says
So excited for your new book!
Megan says
The cover makes me even more excited to read book 2! And the yellow sweater is fantastic ๐
…what is Olallieberry?
--Deb says
Book #2! Rachael, that is so awesome!
Gonzopants says
YAY BOOK! How to Knit a Love Song was my gateway drug into romantic fiction. I have yet to find one that is as well-written and non-cheesetastic as yours. But I keep looking, because well-written, non-rosy-colored-glasses smut (yes, I called it that; it’s a compliment in my world) is a great thing, and so very rare, it seems. Can’t wait for the new one!
Annie says
Read this post and the two thoughts running around in my head are “ooh, book!” And “ooh, pie!”
Little Women Beth (in Ohio) says
Your joy is infectious! I love reading your blog just for the mental endorphins. Also, congrats! Also, Pick me! ๐
PS – coop in progress – chickens should come next week, hopefully. I’ll send you pics of the chics.
Lynn in Tucson says
“Author of!” So awesome! (And to think we knew you when….)
Darlene says
I’ve been dying to read your book, so maybe here’s my chance. I bet you, deservedly, feel good “author of”.
Lucretia says
Yay for the new book! I l.o.v.e. the picture on the cover. I also love the picture of the fog bank…thank gawd for our natural air conditioning system!
Tammy D says
Gorgeous, gorgeous book cover – love it! So looking forward to this one. And how cool that your own sweaters were used in the cover shoot. Your enthusiasm and spirit are so fun, it’s a blast to read your blog!
Sonja says
I loved How to Knit a Love Song, and I’m super excited for the new book. I’ve been reading your blog since before you were published (but never comment, sorry! I’m a terrible lurker) and it’s been so awesome to follow your progress. Congratulations! And thanks for giving your stories to us!
Allison says
That pie looks delish. I’d love to win a copy of the book!
ccr in MA says
Great galley! The only thing cooler is that they used your actual sweaters; how neat is that!
Amanda says
Oh good, a blog post that is very relevant to your writing, so that I can tell you that I read your first book and totally enjoyed it! I meant to just read a little before bed one night, and stayed up waaaaaaay late so that I could read it. ๐
Gwen says
The fog came back!
That’s almost as good as your cover! (with real Rachael-made sweaters!)
!!!
!!
janna says
So cool that YOUR sweaters and YOUR swatch are on the cover of YOUR book! Also – Texas, where I used to live, switched years ago to the registration tag being on the inside of the windshield, not actually on the plate. I still have the 2007 one on my windshield – I can’t quite bring myself to remove it…
Denise says
I can’t wait to read the next book! I just loved the first one.
lyssa says
You are just so adorable! I can’t wait to read this book ๐
Kate says
Ooooh pretty galley!
I hope your sweater finds its way home soon ๐
Cathy Goldman says
I can’t wait for Number TWO on your hit parade!
Ailien says
Loved meeting you and the reading at Llama Llama Knit! I too heart champagne and it seemed the perfect thing to bring! Can’t wait for the new book!
Ailien
Sue says
Oh, oh, oh! Pick me (can you see me hopping up and down and waving my arms?)
Jenni says
Yay for Galleys! I can say that now from experience (not a book, no, but galleys is galleys, ay?). Congrats!
Mitra says
The book looks absoltuely lovely and I can’t wait to read it!
Okay, on to (our previously begun conversation on) spinning. I don’t get it. Why is it so addicting?? I can’t believe, that I’ve actually taken a step ‘backwards’ in terms of actually producing some type of “finished object.” Now I actually have to *make* the yarn??!!! That’s what half of me is saying, probably the brainy/mind/overly enculturated part. The other part, the body/hands/emotional part, is saying, “OMyGosh, this is the coolest, smoothest, loveliest thing. And, oh, look, you just made some yarn; aren’t you talented?” Had to share, since you got me into this. ๐
Erin K says
Beautiful cover! I love that the pattern for the yellow sweater comes with the book!
Annie says
Beautiful cover! I can’t wait for the next book!
Poppy says
The cover is DIVINE and too cool that they are sweaters you made. Your road trip looked like a great time and that pie to die for!
Poppy says
Mitra! Regarding spinning. I love it so much I had to learn to knit to use it all up! Even now I have skeins galore. I just LOVE spinning ๐
Michele Melrose says
Hello, de-lurking to say that I really enjoyed your first book and am looking forward to this one!
Sarah says
Congratulations on the Cover! I cant wait to read your second book.
Jenn says
Yay! I can’t wait to read the next one! And I LOVE that they used your sweaters for the cover – all sorts of awesome!
Nancy Mc says
Would love to read the galley of your next book.
Debbie says
Mmmm, now I want to go get myself some Olallieberry pie! Can’t wait to read your new book.
(formerly) no-blog-rachel says
‘Author of…’ – so cool! XO
Geri says
Please pick me for your draw!
Carrie says
I wish I could go tidepooling here in North Dakota. I shall have to live vicariously through you. ๐
Lola says
Rachael, you know I read all your blogs…..todays blog though has a little more insight than I think you even realize. Red in the face from the heat??…..oh so your Dad!! Ah, but another surprise for me is that not only did you inherit his skin tones….OMG, you also inherited his “procrastination”??? BUT, the big difference……you at least have every intention of getting it all done today!!! He just says, hmm……to much for one day!! LOL Gotta love him. I am so excited about your book coming out….and the cover is so YOU!! That yellow sweater is quickly becoming your trademark! Its not only a great color, its a great color on you!! Glad to hear you are about to go back on day shifts, your Dad worries about you not getting enough good rest. This will make him happy…….and ain’t it what its all about?? Makin’ him happy?? LOL
Heather says
I still haven’t been able to get How to Knit a Love Song through my library in Solano County. Boo them. And the intra-library (is that the right phrase?) with the Santa Rosa library keep deleting my request. JERKS. I even went to Target and it was a no go. I’ll have to widen my net.
Sarah/scienceprincess says
I’d love a copy of the new book. Please please please pick me ๐
Sarah/scienceprincess
Donna says
If it’s wrong to look forward to reading a book this much, I don’t want to be right ๐ I’m lending my copy of Love Song to my MIL shortly, a romance reader who is not a knitter; I’ll let you know how she likes it!
Jackie says
I love the cover of the new book. I’m trying to get a copy of Love Song from the library, but it’s not there yet. Can’t wait to read it.
Joan Brown says
What a wonderful cover! Congratulations!
Margaret in Ontario says
Your joy is so infectious! I’m delighted for you, and have loved reading about your journey, from writing to publishing to Published. “Author of” indeed! Woohoo! Congratulations, and thanks for a great start to my day.
Jody says
Congrats on book two! Love the cover – can’t wait to read it ๐
Janice says
How wonderful to have your hand knit sweaters photographed on a book written by yourself…a double whammie!!
Janice in Southeastern WI
StephCat says
great cover! enjoy your now lovely weather!
dorre says
loved the first book and absolutely cant wait for the second one ๐
Meredith says
I stayed up far too late last night to finish “how to knit a love song”…A perfect ending, but whatever happened to the dog?
Miss Marty says
This book looks wonderful. Great cover.
D'Ann Klaver says
Just hoping and praying someone returns it back to you. It’s gotta be pretty awesome to see your stuff on a book cover!!
Flan says
Looking forward to the second book, I’m absolutely sure I’ll love it as much as the first!
Anna says
Loved the first book!
Krista M says
Random comment! Random comment! Have a great Friday!
Deepa says
Wow, that is beyond cool that you knit the cover sweaters! Congratulations on the new book!
Dara Bell says
me me me pick me! Loved the first book cannot wait for number two!
amber says
Fabulous cover! Congrats and can’t wait to read it!
Jen says
Oh pick me! Pick me! I want to read it.
ELC says
Can’t wait for the new book to come out. It looks great!
Jenny says
Yay galley! And what an amazing “cover” story ๐
Bev says
Love the cover!
Lynn says
I have some photos of you in the yellow sweater — I’ll try to remember to dig them out and see if there’s one that shows the sweater better.
Gina Beirne says
So excited for book #2. I can’t wait to read it. (Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to win the ARC!)
Mary Ann says
Great book cover! You are too cute…author of….! You make me smile!
maggi says
Woot! Going on a knitting vacay tomorrow, bringing HTKALS to pass around! So proud of you ~ Mogs
Sue says
We loved having you at LLK – come back again soon! (Great photo of Maebe!)
Elise says
Congrats! The cover looks really cute.
Kira says
Llama Llama Knit is such a cute little shop. One of the few I’ve been to with a male co-owner, or at least one who works in the shop and is a knitter.
Jen says
Pick me! Pick me! I can’t wait to read it. And the cover is just lovely. I think I might finally be inspired to knit a sweater.
Marcy says
Since How to Knit a Love Song was my favorite book this summer, I would love to win another book, of course! Thanks for sharing your talent with us all. Sounds like your day at the coast was fantastic!
Ellen says
A chance to win a galley? and not wait for the book to come out? how exciting! (and very generous of you!) I hope I win!
Chaitali says
OMG I am so excited for book 2. I love the cover, so cute. The sweaters are great! Congratulations on the new book. Cant wait to read it!
Keisha says
I love that they used your real actual sweaters. ๐ I also finally found a copy of the first book at my B&N last week! (They showed it in stock forever, but I could never find it…odd, I know)
Darci says
So looking forward to this next book…and the yellow sweater will be a lovely plus to a wonderful story.
Allison says
I love both covers! Congratulations ๐ Also, that pie looks delicious.
toni in florida says
Oooh, oooh, oooh! Me, me, me!!
And if you sign it, I’ll turn as red as you with delight!
Liz says
yay new book!
Julie says
Fabulous cover, and wonderful hand-knit sweaters! Congratulations, and thanks for keeping us all so well-informed about the process – it’s always a thrill to read the latest goings-on with you.
Pat L says
Can’t wait to read the second book. Would love to win a galley copy. Keep writing and “we” will keep reading.
Holly says
Love the cover of the new book and can’t wait to read it! I love that the sweaters and knit work are your “originals” as well – makes it that much more special!
Dana says
I just finished your book couldnt stop reading I LOVED IT!!!!! I cant wait to read the next one.