The chapters of my book are currently going through the editing process. It is a process that I am learning a lot about as I know/knew nothing. I’m learning terms, language, publishing acronyms, more about the English language and I’m learning that blogging is very fluid but writing a book is much more structured. You see, this is my website I can pretty much write whatever I like, however I like it. I can waffle and jump around from topic to topic because readers forgive the fact that some blogs can be more akin to a stream of consciousness than anything that makes proper sense. People read blogs expecting to hear the writers voice coming through loud and clear. But when you are writing a book that has recipes, craft projects and instructions in it and you expect people to pay for that book, one has to make sure that one is really clear, thoroughly understandable and making sense 100% of the time.
I have two chapters to get to my editor and then the book has been submitted. But that is only the first round. My editor then reads through the copy, checks it, asks for clarification, makes suggestions and does what an editor does. She edits. This process has been a revelation. Suddenly my words are so clear and make total sense. There’s no jarring of the mind or the eye when reading it back and it all flows. Flow is a word that has been bandied about my office a great deal. Flow, does it flow, is it flowing?
The answer is yes, once it’s been edited. Aruna Vasudevan you rock!
I’ve been in very close contact with my computer for several weeks now during this process as it is a large book with lots of different parts to it and lots of details that have to be checked. Having said that it is a highly illustrated book with HUGE amounts of photos. The designer has created my dream book and has paid the book the ultimate compliment by saying to me that it has really just designed itself.
I have a design and lifestyle aesthetic in my head that I love and I try to bring that out in my posts on this website but I don’t always achieve it. Nikki Dupin, the designer, has achieved that aesthetic and she’s done it just by hanging out with me on the shoots. That is why she is good at what she does and that is also why I just need to stick to cooking, making house and crafting.
Going through this process has meant that I have been unable to update my website as much as I would usually like to with all the usual stuff from home. But I’ve now got a long list of crafts that I know you guys want to see and I am DESPERATE to get going with them. I’m not kidding, I’m so excited about the suggestions, and I have them planned for the rest of the year.
I appreciate you hanging in there with me while I type, amend and generally just sit at my desk banging my head against the wall while trying to make a project, that has been so beautifully photographed, make sense in words also.
But one day this journey will be over and I know I’ll be sad. It’ll mean I get to go out and play again but I have very fond memories of this process even though parts of it have been tough.
It has been snowing here so I’m posting pictures that I took this morning. It’s so beautiful and I’m so grateful. Why? Because my book covers the entire year and now I have some snowy shots to add to the pages of an already bursting book. ThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYou!
And thank you so much to my mum-in-law and my mum for having the kids during this time. We are very lucky indeed.
I love you, have a great weekend and I’ll see you next time.
Cherry x
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That sounds so exciting and how fabulous to have your words polished and buffed to a perfect shine. I guess the other thing is that with a blog you have immediate conversation with your readers. If they have a question about your instructions they can just ask it, not so much with a book.
It all sounds so exciting! I wonder if the book will be available in Australia any time. Good luck with the rest of the process. Look forward to the publication, then you can have a rest! I love the red ‘phone box in the snow….beautiful pictures.
thank YOU for all of the time & love you are putting into what i know will be a beautiful book…one that your current & future readers will get as many hours of pleasure out of as you spent creating it.
nanne
Good luck, Cherrie! I’m sure your book will be a hit, how exciting to finally be finished with this lengthy project! It sounds tough, but very fun, too!
Hugs, Cindy
Hi Cherry,
It’s lovely to hear you so excited about the publishing process, I love it too!
Your photos are amazing, how beautiful does the snow look! The phonebox shot is simply stunning and the others just makes me want to go out for a walk in the country.
Good luck with the final stage of the book process, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished book. Lots of love Sian x
Hi Cherry,
I just pre-ordered your book and I can’t believe that, according to Amazon, it will be released on my birthday this year! I am sure it will make a wonderful birthday present to me and I have on e more reason to look forward to my birthday.
Have a fantastic weekend with your beautiful family!
xx
I am personally soooo excited about having your book in my hands. Why? Because I know it will speak to me of all I hold dear, and it will warm my heart just like reading your amazing posts do here. Thank you Cherry, Jo x
I’ve pre-ordered on Amazon so as soon as it’s out it will be sent all the way to me here in Melbourne – SO looking forward to seeing the end result, Cherry.
Cherry,
Congratulations on all your hard work. I’m so looking forward to reading your book. I just know it will be one to treasure. Have a great weekend.
Love Mandy xxx
So looking forward to it!
I preordered from Amazon aaaaaaages ago and really hoped to have it time to give it as a mothers day gift too so was naturally disappointed to get the email from Amazon saying it wouldnt be out until October
BUT I completely trust you Cherry that the delay is to perfect the book so it is *just right* 
Cherry, you are a tease but we still adore you! x
I cannot wait until your book is released!!! I know it’s going to be AMAZING!!!!!
Can’t wait to read it!
I spend my days proofreading other people’s beautiful words. I’ve absolutely no ambition to write but am filled with admiration for those of you who do. It’s tough!
Love the phone box photo. One day, I want to live in a country lane with either a pillar box or a phone box. There’s something about either of them covered in snow that makes me bubble with happiness.
Happy weekend x
Cherry
I hope you’re enjoying the editing process. It’s always great to find an editor you trust and you’re happy with – along with the designer they’re helping you to shape your book, after all. I know your book has to be clear, concise and all the rest but I hope your voice still comes through – I’m sure it will, as your personality is a big part of why people like you so much. Think Nigel Slater’s ‘Appetite’, and how conversational that is. I can’t wait – I know it will be a visual treat. If it is as inspirational as your website, it will sell squillions. I hope the design is similar to your website’s – clear, flirty, classy and colourful.
Cara x
well Cherry, that is just so exciting. I for one can’t wait to get my paws on your book. I know it will be fabulous.
Enjoy your weekend
x
I adore the phone box shot Cherry!!! Very English indeed
Do we know the official release date (UK) for the book yet? I know you’ve mentioned spring but Amazon doesn’t say spring… It’s preordered anyway but I was just wondering.
Much love to you and your family,
Kaye xxxx
It all sounds very exciting! I’d love to write a book one day. That first picture of the phone box in the snow is absolutely beautiful x