The Whole Story (or most of it, anyway)

Hello, Hello!! Oh my, there is so much to say. But you've all waited so patiently for my promised 'reveal' and so I'll get right to that, and save the rest for tomorrow. Go ahead and grab yourself some tea/wine (you choose), as this is destined to be a long, rambly, spewy sort of post. My apologies.

This has been a frequent scene in my life in the past six months. I've been spending far less time in my studio, and more time in my local library and favorite coffee shops. I've been spending less time with my Bernina love, and more time with my Mac love. Have you figured it out yet? Yes, my friends, I've been writing a book.

The story begins like this (you did know you were getting the whole story, right?): Last February, Steve and I were having one of those 'where are we going?' kind of life discussions. You know the ones. Dreams. Plans. Goals. And we hatched this idea of a project geared towards families wanting to live a more creative, connected life with their children. Like us, and all of you, and so many more people out there doing the best we can and wanting to do more. We made a plan and set aside some time for me to figure out where to go with this idea - another blog? a zine? newsletter? a book? And then amazingly, as life seems to do, just two days later I received an inquiry from an editor about a book project on creative family living, asking if I had any interest. Um, yes. Yes, yes, yes.

So the spring was spent working on a book proposal, getting an agent, and a contract with Shambhala Publications (a perfect fit for me if there ever was one). Then, the summer was spent writing, creating and photographing projects for the book, and writing some more (all in between many a trip to the beach. But you already knew that part). My deadline for the manuscript was, well, yesterday. Yesterday! This whole experience has been a huge long-time dream come true, and at the same time, surely one of the hardest things I've ever done. I've still got a bit of photography and editing ahead of me, but I'm really really relieved to have this big part done. A lot of things in our lives have had to slide to the back burner to make this happen, and I'm very very happy to return my attention there. And speaking of things that have had to 'slide', I must say now (and I'll say it again and again), as completely dorky as this sounds, this would never have happened without the help of sooo very many people. Helpful Friends. Loving Family. Patient and Forgiving Children. And most of all an amazing husband, partner and friend all rolled into one (seriously. he's kick-ass).

But I'm getting ahead of myself. You want to know about the book! The book! Which has yet to have a confirmed title (you'll be among the first to know), is about creative and inspired family living. It's full of over 50 projects, activities and ideas for leading a more full and creative life with our children. Not just 'another kids craft book', I hope it goes deeper - to emphasize the meaningful connections that happen when we create together as a family; and the importance of nurturing the creative spirits of our children and ourselves. There's a focus on nature and celebrating the seasons, resourceful living, and mindfulness as a parent, as well as creating beyond our homes and into our communities. There will be my full-color photography throughout the book, as well as illustrations by a wonderful Portland (Maine) artist, Betsy Thompson. The book will be published in January '08 (yes, '08, it's really not that far away).

To wrap this up, I want to say Thank You to YOU. This book partly came about because of this little blog, and so I have yet another reason to be grateful for it, and for you, for reading each and every day. I'll be glad to share here some of the more exciting steps towards the publication of the book.  But I also hope you know that nothing will really change around here - this blog isn't going to suddenly be about selling my book. It's just another piece of my life at the moment that I'm honored to now be able to share with you!

Comments

[Katherine]

That is so wonderful! Congratulations on this birthing process! I can't wait to read your book and incorporate your beautiful thoughts into my future family.

[kt]

How terrific!

How marvelous!

How right!

Can't wait--happy to have it to look forward to! And big thanks for sharing the SoulePapa with us'ns. He made us feel right at home--what a nice place to be.

[Phoebe]

I'm so happy that this door has openend to you. You have a way of articulating your happenings so well here (as does Steve, both great writers and people) I can't possible think how we'll wait until 2008! to get this. Well done again!

[Veronica TM]

Congratulations!!!! What a perfect idea! I feel honored to have "met" you through your blog and witnessed how you raise your little ones in such a creative and mindful way.
Put me in the waiting list! It is going to be a success!

[betsy]

Congratulations, dear one!!! You have worked so very hard on this amazing project. (Holy crap! That's a manuscript I see sitting there. A manuscript! YOUR book!!!) I'm so proud of you! And quite honored to be working with you. But even happier to have the Soule family in our lives. xoxo

[betsy]

And would you just look at that gorgeous tea cup sitting next to your manuscript!

[jennifer]

super amazingness, indeed! heartfelt congratulations to you and family Soule - many warm wishes as you celebrate your excitement and continue your fabulousness.
xoxo

[Dee]

Oh wow Amanda, congratulations! I, for one, can't wait to read it! It sounds like a perfect fit!

[Laura]

Wow, a thousand congratulations!! I knew that you were up to something wonderful, and I can't wait to read it! Glad to have you back to your blog, although many thanks to SoulePapa for his enjoyable posts.

[myra]

Excellent! Congratulations!!!

[Leslie]

I'm sold already! Congrats on such a fabulous accomplishment! I can't imagine a better person to write on such an uplifting, inspiring topic! Big CONGRATS!

[wren]

I am delighted for you, pleased that your talent has been recognised, and that you will be able to share your ideas with a wider audience. Well done papa and kids for giving you the support and time to fulfil your dream.

[robin nelson]

Yay for you, Amanda!! I'm so happy for all of you! That's great, and what a blessing to pass on to your whole family and to us! Welcome back!! I missed you (but SoulePapa was FABulous!!) :)

[alyssa]

Wow! Congratulations.That is so wonderful:)

[shelly]

FANTASTIC!!!!!! Really pleased for all of you.

[Katherine]

Wow, amazing news, congratulations!

[Marie]

Wow!!!!!! So cool!!!! So exciting!!! And you're such the perfect person to write a book like that. :) Big congratulations to you!

[sara]

hi amanda!!
is an amzing news this book...do you think taht someone can be send the book in italy??to me??
ok, we can talk about it after the publication...
so best wishes for this book!
a kiss
sara

[Nina]

So great!! I found your blog this spring and since then I am a regular reader.

I love the way you live your life with your kids. (And I love the "Unschooling", in Germany that is not allowed :-(, children have to go to school).

January 2008 is marked in my calender!

Nina

[Nynke]

Wow! That's great news, congratulations and good luck!

[Tania Ho]

oh wow, that is really, really amazing ! Many congratulations and will be looking forward to getting that book :)

[Suzie Vallis]

As a complete addict to your blog I am very excited over this last post and I wish you the best with it. I can not wait to get my crafty little paws on it, it will be available in the UK I hope. I am so very pleased for you, its so funny how I feel part of your life and how similar things are in way of life styles and I yet we have never met and not even talked. Craft and the the written word, how fab are they.
Suzie Sews (UK)

[Claire]

Congratulations on finishing it! Can't wait to have a look. :) xx

[Mirre]

What a fantastic achievement... congratulations!!

[Kristy]

How amazing for you!I love how this little world opens up so many avenues for us.How we can come together and share our common joys no matter what the size.

[The Weekend Warrior]

Sounds wonderful!

[Nicole]

Nice work Amanda! Congrats and boobie hugs ;) (.)(.)

[lottie]

Goodness, I've read for so long and never commented. A huge congratulations to you for accomplishing this and maintaining your wonderful status quo. Can't wait for publication!

[Strikkelise]

Oh, wow! How fantastic. And how right it sounds, for you to write a book about living creatively with one's children. You've already been an inspiration for long time, to a lot of people out here in the blogosphere!
Congratulations! Can't wait to see the result (a whole year from now? Man.)

[Brynne]

Amazing! I enjoy reading your blog so much I'm sure I'll love seeing your work on paper! Congratulations!

[esther]

A little tear in my eye, my girl has wrote a book! I feel so proud of this craft community! And of you ofcourse!

[tuscanycastlegirl]

What a wonderful thing you are doing.......
can't wait to read it......
it's so cool when things just fall into place..... congratulations!

[ana]

Hello Amanda!
I follow your blog very regularly and i am quite inspired everytime i visit you!I am very interested with alternative methods of education, especially neo-humanistic principles - developing criative, ecological and spiritual potencial of children. Now it´s the right time to leave my first comment!!! Congratulations for your first book!!! 2008, is just around the corner!! :)
from Portugal with Love!!!

[Ellie Beck]

Wonderful, exciting news from the whole Soule family. I know that Amanda (seems) to be the driving force and centre of this amazing little family circle, but each of you (Beautiful children and caring Papa) will be contributing to this book that I know will be read, enjoyed, cherised, loved by so many (my family included). And while 2008 is a long way for the book to be in our hands, we will have your spectacular and inspirational blog every day. Thank you for opening your life, hearts, family.

[erin]

Amanda - WOW! how very exciting for you (and for us, your blog readers!) Congrats! I may add that I am not surprised - you have a wonderful way with words and your dedication to your family is without rival. I know it's going to be great!

[earthchick]

OH MY GOD, that is the coolest thing ever. I can't wait till 2008!!!!

Congrats to you on getting it done!

[carol]

perfect!

can't wait to have my copy!

[carol]

but wait a second, you have been spending less time at the sewing machine/studio these past 6 months?...uhhh, I think a few of us would disagree! :)

[Katie]

Congrat sis - can't wait to read it! Perfect timing since all my friends are starting to have babies!!! ;-)

[Anne Margaret]

Congratulations! Love your blog, so can't WAIT to see the book.

[Mama Urchin]

Wow, I've been involved in a book writing before and it's a lot of work and you did it rather quickly. Congrats to you Amanda and also to Steve for surviving it with you.

[sarah]

That is just supreme! Congratulations! I can't wait to purchase your book and I can't imagine all the hard work you've been doing this past year with 3 little one's too! Wonderful news!!

[jote]

Holy Moley...that is SO exciting...but I can't wait I tell ya...I just can't wait. How cruel of you to tease! Seriously though...many congratulations to you and your family.
peace,
jote

[ramona]

how exciting!!!

[blossom]

hi amanda, what a wonderful news! congratulations. i'm sure the book will be just as exciting as this blog which i've enjoy reading so much!

[kirsten]

Holy Cow!
Congrats -that sounds very interesting.

[Sara]

Sounds amazing Amanda, congratulations. I've been lurking here for a while but wanted to de-lurk to say well done. I don't have any children yet but when I do I want to recreate something of what I had with my Mum, as a child I cooked and crafted with her and she taught me to appreciate nature and the seasons. Now I'm supposed (!) to be grown up these things are still the most important aspects of my life. I love that your blog weaves all these strands into one.

[Rhian]

Thats sounds excellent - congratualtions just doesn't seem enough. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

[Nan]

YAHOO!!!! How very very exciting (and inspirational) congrats to you and your family (sounds like a family achievement!) I look forward to the book, the world could always use a bit more kindness and I appreciate the effort you make to this end.

[Liz]

What fabulous news, Amanda... congratulations! I hope it's a best seller. :)