It’s been quite the whirlwind since my debut book Never, Never, Hardly Ever (NNHE) was published on March 20th.
But first, a warm welcome to the new followers who’ve joined up thanks to my recent interview with Katie of Preppy Empty Nester. Isn’t Katie great? She’s even funnier in person. I spent a few days with her and our mutual pal Mo at a blogging conference in Utah 2016. We giggled our way through it.
So, what have I been up to since the book came out?
Yep, I don’t just write.
My daughter needed to create a backsplash and she took me on as her assistant tiler.
I come with credentials.
Back in the early 80’s, while staying with my aunt and uncle in Ottawa over New Year’s, I was appalled by the condition of their fireplace hearth. It was a crumbly mess. Imagine dropping a bag of crackers from a great height and you’re in the ballpark. Fortified by two stiff gin and tonics, I breezily offered to repair it, despite knowing zilch about tiling. My cousins, equally uninformed, agreed to help. I’m pleased to report we ended up doing quite a good job – all thanks to the knowledgeable folks at the retail giant Canadian Tire.
By the way – do any of you know the best method to remove fused grout from fingernails? Asking for a friend.
But back to the book.
It’s Been Quite The Whirlwind Since My Book Was Published
Do any of you also find it difficult to sleep on full moon nights?
I was lying there, trying to ignore the annoying glow from my alarm clock, when it occurred to me that NNHE’s subtitle – “A Mother-Daughter Story of Antiques and Antics” is rather on point. To qualify as an antique something must be over 100 years old. Well, guess what? My mom, our Francine, is 101. Yes. She’s an antique.
But I digress.
Before giving the final okay to the book, I acquired two proofs. One with a matte cover and one with a glossy cover
Katie got the matte.
Francine got the glossy.
You’re probably wondering if it was a rather magical experience.
Yes, it felt rather momentous as I pulled it out of the bag and handed it over. After all, there’d be no book without Francine.
I held my breath as my dear mother ran her hands slowly over the shiny surface. My pulse quickened as she suddenly cocked her head and pursed her lips.
Now, how about you? Yet to acquire your copy(ies)? Well, what are you waiting for?
10 Responses
How brave to take on the back splash tiling, and hope it went well !
I just finished your book this afternoon , and have to say how thoroughly I enjoyed it !! It was so refreshing, funny, sentimental and quirky, all in one glorious package !!
Well done Kelly ! I am happy to leave a review!
Thank you so very much, Jane. I am delighted you enjoyed it. The backsplash effort went well, once we got the grouting down. Ha – we had some interesting language going there for a while …
Loved the Preppy Empty Nester interview – so fun!
Yes! I’m so glad you loved it. She’s a hoot.
Hi Kelly,
It seems like yesterday that we had a great reading from the first book at our book club on our favorite island. My copy of your new book arrived on the weekend and I keep putting down the novel I am reading to sneak a peak at your new book. It is so much more fun when you can put faces to the people you are reading about. Continued success and please keep writing!
Hi Patty,
Great to hear from you and yes, I agree, it seems just like yesterday! That was so much fun. Thank you for ordering NNHE. I do hope you find it a worthy read!
I finished reading your beautiful book and have posted my review! I loved reading about your adventures; tales that truly needed to be transformed from Francine’s journals to a book for all of us to enjoy! So, so well done my friend!!
Thank you for posting such a thoughtful review, Mo. Means the world to me.
You are just like your mum, a woman of many talents and formidable strengths!
I need my undercabinet lights in the kitchen replaced. What are you doing next week?
Just booked my ticket. Arriving Friday.