1/11/15

The Book Trailer!

Teddy is turning one this week. And while I’ve learned countless things this year about motherhood, babies, childcare, and myself, there is one accrued piece of knowledge that looms largest: writing is a complete and total luxury.

I don’t remember when exactly, but at some point while I was getting my MFA in creative writing, one of my professors—who incidentally also has a book coming out any day now—gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me. She told me to try and establish my writing career before I had kids. I’m not sure how this came up in conversation, though perhaps it was because Matt and I had recently gotten married. It seemed like good enough advice at the time, but now I feel like I really get it. I mean, if you are a regular reader of the blog, you’ve probably noticed that a majority of posts this past year are essentially about, or rather, asking, the same thing: will I ever be able to have the time and emotional space to write another book?

While I know that the answer to this question is yes, I’m keenly aware that I still don’t know when.

That being said, I’m writing this to you from my old spot on the couch—where I used to write pre-Teddy. I’m able to do this now because he’s at daycare, which he started on Monday.

Last Sunday, before his first day, I felt this disorienting mixture of anxiety and melancholy. And when I called my mom to talk about it, and she told me that I’d given him “a great first year,” tears started streaming down my face.

When I hung up with her, I began a version of sobbing that included loud gasps for breath.

Fast forward to now, three days later: I just got a picture text of Teddy intently observing two other boys building some sort of fort, and I’m sitting here thinking, I love daycare! Three cheers for daycare!

I’m mentioning all of this now I guess as a sort of preamble to what I’m about to say/ask of you: In the six years of Bon Appétempt’s existence, I’ve worked to keep the site as much of a pure, creative project and space as possible. I’ve shied away from advertising, from giveaways, from endorsing products (or from even mentioning a product I don’t wholeheartedly believe in).

But the thing is, after six years, I now have a product to sell. And I know that, simply put, the better my book does sales-wise, the better my chance is of being able to do this all over again, which, is of course all a writer wants.

So, over the years if you’ve ever enjoyed something from Bon Appétempt—if you’ve ever cooked from one of the recipes or appreciated reading about one of my non-recipe-based struggles or wondered how Matt can take such lovely photos and always be the first commenter; if you’ve ever laughed at one of the instances I’ve recreated a music video or felt very confused when I shouted at you from the depths of the Tip Pit, here’s what I’m asking of you:

Please support Bon Appétempt by pre-ordering my book (release date is Feb. 3rd). Here is the link to Amazon, but you can also call and order a signed copy from my local bookstore, Skylight Books, where I’ll be discussing the book on Feb. 3rd at 7:30pm—please come to this!

If you’ve already ordered it, thank you so incredibly much.

But perhaps you’re holding out for the audio version (which becomes available to download on the release date) or perhaps you’ve ordered the book already but would like to do more? In that case, please help us spread the word about the book. For example, if you like the above trailer, please send it to some of your friends. Maybe say something like this in the body of your email: “I didn’t realize book trailers were even a thing, but this one makes me totally want to read the book!”

(Just an idea.)

OK, that’s enough salesmanship for one day. Tune in over the next couple of weeks for a number of videos and posts we’ve been working on to help raise awareness about the book: from a parody infomercial to a video on how to make Korean-style shrimp and scallion pancakes (an original recipe from the book).

Until then and with a million thank-yous,
Amelia

40 comments:

Matthew said...

Mavis, Teddy, and I are so proud of you! xoxo

Booby and the Beast said...

The first week at daycare kind of rips you apart as a mom. It gets easier, really. I don't know, however, if finding time for writing ever gets easier. An older friend of mine tells me it's when they start kindergarten. I'll let you know ;) Somehow, it's easier to find time to read, and I can't WAIT to read your book. XOXO

Holly said...

I have read your blog for four years now (crazy!) and have loved every post. I pre-ordered your book on Saturday. I'm so looking forward to reading--keep writing! :)

mliss said...

Done. It's a pleasure to help support such a talent.

Sylvie Morgan Brown said...

Amelia, I am such a fan of your blog and cannot WAIT to read your book. Ordering today!

Unknown said...

<3 You are brilliant and I can't believe he's one already and, duh, of *course* this will get shared.

Andrea said...

Ordered multiple copies last week. Love you!

The Kale Project said...

Book ordered! I will be reading it as I begin my journey into motherhood (and also when 2/3 of my manuscript still needs to be completed - I am nervous about the time aspect). The trailer is great!

Kasey said...

This is so awesome and makes me want to read your book EVEN MORE.

Sarah said...

I'm calling Skylight tomorrow for my copy!

This video and post reminds me of all the reasons why I came to love your blog in the first place, and why I read yours now regularly, whereas all the others have fallen to the wayside. The way you enjoy food but don't worship it--that's refreshing. And the way you share with humor but also sincerity is what keeps me an everlasting admirer. I feel so fortunate to have participated in the writing workshop with you!

x Sarah

Alice said...

I preordered your book from our small-town local bookstore months ago. Can't wait to get it!

Mary Anne said...

Book ordered, trailer shared, lemme know if there's anything else I can do! so excited!

Unknown said...

The trailer is wonderfully shot and edited, Matt, and hypes the book big time! (I particularly like the shot of you and Amelia at age 15, playing it cool by looking at anything but each other). I'm planning on buying copies of the book to give as birthday gifts!

As an aside, I've also found it difficult to write (music) since becoming a most-time caregiver to my son, but I just had to get a lot more serious about strictly scheduling time to do it. Its the networking/sales part that intimidates me now. You've already established yourself well, Amelia, and opened up doors that will most definitely lead to great things. Or at least to more doors. Or tip pits. well, you know what I mean.

trish said...

I have lurked for several years, and I'm not sure why I failed to comment before. I have enjoyed your writing and your husband's videos on this website so much. Pre-ordered your book and wishing you and your family all the best from Richmond, VA!

Caitlin said...

I have read (and watched) Bon Appetempt for a long time, and I'm so excited for your book! I preordered mine and can't wait to get it. Congratulations!

Amelia Morris said...

Ahh, thank you, Jen! It's really comforting to hear other moms daycare-drop-off stories. Also, I would take time for reading OR time for writing. Here's to maybe a bit of both? :)

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you thank you thank you, Holly!

Amelia Morris said...

ahhh, thank you so much!!

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you, Sylvie!!!

Amelia Morris said...

You're the best, Rebecca! Thank you!

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you, Ang!! Marrying a Bookman comes with SO many perks.

Amelia Morris said...

Ahh, thank you so much! And congratulations!! when are you due?!

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you, Kasey!!

Amelia Morris said...

This means a lot, Sarah. Thank you!

Amelia Morris said...

Yes! Love this. Thank you!

Amelia Morris said...

Thanks, Mare!! Maybe next you can find me a job at your school? Thanks in advance?

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you so much, Rick! And this trailer would be nada without the beautiful music accompanying it. Let's hope that 2015 brings us a sustainable balance of parenting and work! xox

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you so so much, trish! We so appreciate the kind words and support!

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you, Caitlin! Your support means so much!

Virginia Majerus-Mosley said...

Thank you for being you and giving so much of yourself to your readers. Your blog has made think, cry and LOL. I've pre-ordered your book and look forward to devouring it whole! You Rule!

Katherine {eggton} said...

I'd never pre-ordered a book until now! Whoot! I'm so excited.

Mary Jo said...

love this! can Not wait for the book :)

Dani Elis said...

Just pre-ordered my copy and I'm really excited to read it. I am hoping reading this will inspire me again :)

Amelia Morris said...

ahhhhh thank you soooooo much, Virginia! So kind of you to say.

Amelia Morris said...

Thank you, Kat!!

Amelia Morris said...

Thanks, Mary Jo!!

Amelia Morris said...

I hope so too, Dani. Thanks so much for the pre-order!!

Nuala said...

Well, ya sold me!

Amelia Morris said...

hahahaa yes!! And thank you!

Sara said...

You are the best, Amelia!