Hello peoples!
Sorry it's been awhile, but there's a lot going on: in a little while I'll be going on my first non-Harry-related trip in oh, five years. Just me and some dolphins and unfinished books and fresh notebooks, four days of bliss. NO COMPUTER. I completely refuse to take it. I'll have my phone, of course. I haven't gone insane in the interim.
Things are starting to happen book-wise, as we're very close to a finished cover and that excites me more than I can say. Actually the cover is for all intents and purposes finished, but little things have to be rearranged and clarified, I believe, before it can be posted on Amazon or the like. My chest did that wonderful lift when I saw it: It's elegant, and striking, and respectful, and true to the spirit and feel of the book, and all the wonderful things. My mother has had a full-on attack about it. I told her I didn't want the unfinished proof spread around in e-mail, so she printed it out and has been driving it around to people's houses to show them. Seriously, I walked into a funeral home two weeks ago and the funeral director walked up and congratulated me on my book. Our dry cleaners have offered congratulations. The little printout she carries around is so beaten and torn that I've promised to make her a shiny new one. I don't think there's a person she has ever met, yet, that she has not shown this cover to. It's the cutest, most wonderful thing, and for all we tease her about it, all authors should be this lucky to have such support. All of them.
Anyway, I can't wait to share it. Other things are moving along too: Frak is going to help me design a Web site for it, and it will be a frequently updated blog with extra materials (the name for the section of which comes via my brilliant Sue), pictures, news updates, and more. I can't wait to get that going. We'll link to it from Leaky (and obviously here). There's going to be a lot of fun extra bits.
I feel like for all I've said about this book, I've said very little. I have a few announcements, which will probably be coming simultaneously. I haven't even ever formally announced this book on Leaky, only ever talked about it on PotterCast; I want to wait to do that so that there's not a multitude of postings where one will suffice. Lord knows I'll make enough noise when there's news. :) My staff have been so incredibly supportive of it. I'm very fortunate.
Other than that, there's not much more to tell: I'm in this strange put-my-life-together-again pattern. I really look forward to, one day, achieving the work-life balance. I can't let things get this topsy turvy every time I finish a work. It's just not productive when this is to be my life from now on. I guess it's what everyone looks for: The ability to live the separate parts of your life fully, with health and balance. Working on it!
Quick random story: Yesterday my sister got stopped on the street in NJ by John Travolta, who wanted to know if there was a car wash nearby. She has been hilariously gushy since. I would be, too; I'm a big fan. I think her version of the story should include him whistling at her, but hey, what do I know. ;)
LOST finale tonight, SATC with my sister after. Is there ANYTHING better?
ZOMGSOEXCITEDFORLOSTITHINKIMIGHTEXPLODE!!!!!
that said: I'm also very excited to see this book cover! Sounds awesome and great and I can't wait for all the announcements to come so we can all go proper crazy for this book :) Amazon.co.uk link still doesn't like pre-orders for it but as soon as it does they'll be another sale down :)
Whee! I'm so happy for you, and I hope you have a thoroughly delightful and relaxing holiday. I can't wait to see your Exciting Yet Tasteful book cover!
The book. Gah! I am VERY excited for you. Missed you this weekend. Thank you so much for mentioning LOST. In all the craziness from trying to recovering from wrock, I'd totally forgotten today was Thursday. I would have been kicking myself all day tomorrow.
Congratulations, Melissa!!
I can't wait to read your book.
Have a fabulous trip!
Speaking of Lost - my husband and I just started watching a few weeks ago. My brother loaned us the DVDs for seasons 1 - 3. We're in the middle of season 2. I remember you were doing a Lost podcast for a while. I went to download and there are only 6 episodes. What happened? Will you guys start it up again? As a PotterCast listener since the very first episdoe, I know I'll enjoy these six, even if that's all we get. :)
Looking forward to your book, Melissa! (Already preordered.)
Hey Melis,
Thanks for this wonderful update, and I know you'll tell us when you're ready, but do you have a time frame for a release date set??? Thanks!
Much Love and Support!
Derek Salzburg
I'm very happy for you and I can't wait to buy it. You maybe be slightly used to people feeling like they know you due to listen to you podcast for what 2 years? 3 years? Sheesh has it been that long. When it comes out, it will be like my friend got a book published. All my Harry Potter Friends will get a copy.
Congrats
Congratulations, Melissa!
Even though I only have ever met you at the PotterCast tour last summer, I'm so incredibly happy for you and it feels like I know you more than I actually do. You deserve this book so much! I can't wait to read it!
Love,
Meghan
Golly, I can't WAIT! Melissa Anelli-author! That is going to be SUCH an awesome phrase in print. You MUSt be proud.
Have a great trip!
Wow, so close! I too am planning to give copies of the book to my fellow Potter-fan friends, including my almost-8-yr old, who is rereading the series for the 2nd time. Don't sweat about balancing the life/work thing. It's the trying that's important. Remember: *journey* not destination, as my husband tries to remind me.
Have a wonderful trip! Try and sleep. We just got back from our first real vacation w/out the kiddies. I slept 8 consecutive hours for 6 nights in a row. I was a new person. Enough sleep is the key to happiness and weight-loss, I am now convinced (that is MY next book.)
"Yes, John, time-travelling bunnies." Best Ben line EVER.
What do you think happened to Faraday and the red-shirts in the raft???
All the best,
jan
Hey Melissa,
I was just wondering if the book will be available for purchase in Europe, specifically Ireland and the UK (as they share book, movie and music releases). I live in Ireland and would love to order the book but it's unavailable on Amazon.co.uk, any word on a UK publisher or is there a way to order it from the States?
Cian.
Congrats on the Book! I am eagerly awaiting for it!
Have an awesome trip! Dolphins are really cool!
and JOHN TRAVOLTA IS SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME.
Hey hun! Glad things are going well for you. Wnjoy your trip!
Also, you're mom and sister crack me up. Hugs to them!
Also, there'd better be another something when something gets published. Total eclipse, baby.
Once upon a time, there was light in my life.....