Post Traumatic Book Disorder

It took me about 12 hours to get used to this.

Yesterday, the UPS man drove up the street. I had the TV blaring in at least two rooms (Beverly Hills 90210 on the DVR...ABC killed all my favorite soaps) but I knew he was on his way up the hill because all three dogs started barking and ran to the door anticipating dog treats from Kyle, our UPS guy.

Anyway, this is what he left me.

I had no idea.

The book is due out in May but I got an advance copy already. I was in such shock that I set it aside and made dinner. Then I took a bath. After a little while, I broke down in tears.

I can't say what exactly my feelings are. Maybe disbelief, relief, joy, dread? I have no idea. I've been on a wild ride. Three books since 2008. And the past few weeks I have been sitting up here working on a fourth. It's due in October and I don't even know how I will do it. Wait: I take that back: I will do it. I can crank out stuff like it's no body's  business.

I can crank out stuff like it is no body's business because, see? See that title up there in the picture? It is backwards. A mirror image. Sure, I could go in Photoshop and flip it but I won't. The backwards title just doesn't matter that much to me. There are bigger fish to fry, in my mind. Kind of like knitting: You want to stress out about an urgent need for a special cast on? Ask the lady who wrote that 700-plus page knitting techniques book, instead. She'll have plenty of answers for you. But, if you ask me, I'm likely going to say: "Heh, whatever works for you."

And if you ask me how long I cook my pot roast, I will say: "Until it is done."

I had my hair done today (see how nice and straight it is?), the assistant told me, after I told her about a panic attack I had on a ride at Disneyland that landed me in the Disneyland Hospital for five hours, that she counts things: "Speaking of that ride? Did you know that there are exactly six right turns and only one left one on that particular ride? And that there are 22 stairs leading to my alma mater's library but only 21 if you go out the back exit!?"

Then I said: "The only things I count in my house are the stairs, but only when I go downstairs . . . in the dark. Otherwise, I never count."

But now, I'm stiting here thinking. There are a few other things I do count:

• How many minutes there are until I absolutely have to turn the lights out and go to sleep
• How many years it has been since I last heard my mother's voice
• The number of yards I used to knit a project that will be published
• The number of seconds between lightning and thunder so I know how far away or close a storm is
• How old Chuck is

Other than that, I don't count too much.

BTW: We are launching a KAL for Custom Knits 2 in the Ravelry Knit and Tonic Knitters Group. It will go through May and as a kick-off, I am giving away a signed copy of the book (If you are interested, leave a quick comment here by Monday morning). Along the way, there will be yarn prizes, and in May, when the KAL ends, for those who have posted a finished item from the book, I will do a giveaway of three copies of this latest book, Custom Knits Accessories.

If you're not a Ravelry user, never worry. I'll have giveaways on the blog, too.

(And if you're wondering, this newest book, by far, is my favorite. It just is.)

Comments

[Karin Wilmoth]

You're a dynamo, Wendy! Congrats!

[mary]

Yay for another book! I'm really looking forward to the CK2 kal. Sounds very sci fi, doesn't it?

[emi love]

Congrats on the new book! Excited to page through it so very soon.

[Leah]

Congratulations! It's strange what things we must count.... And what we don't (I can never remember my age...)

[Karen V]

What a great suprise! I'dlove to join the KAL and have a signed copy in my library.

[Paula]

Congratulations! I'm looking forward to the third installment in the Custom Knits series.

[Princess Di]

Congrats! Can't wait to see the new book!

[Katie]

Wow congrats! That must be an amazing feeling. Looking forward to checking it out.

[Chantal boucher]

Congratulation! You are a big worker!

[Cambria Washington]

congratulations!! I'm so proud of you (if it helps, lol). I've been reading your blog since before you had *a* book, and now you have *three* books (and going for four)! You're amazing :)

[Teri]

Congratulations from another counter - of beans and other nonsense. Love your books and the blog. I'm working on the cape from the first book, but I may find something in the second book to KAL with.

[Roxanne]

Congrats on another book! I can't wait to see it!

[Robin F.]

I'm looking forward to the new book. Love your patterns. Thanks for sharing your gift.

[Eweeweyarns]

Congrats, Wendy!! I can't wait to see it! Great job!

[Ann moore]

Congrats! Hope my LYS gets it soon!

[Gina in the SF East Bay]

Wendy,congrats on your new book. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

P.S. Mirror reading is the best!

[Savannagal]

It must be exciting to write a book. It's pretty exciting on my end too, reading a new book that is. Congratulations!

[Francesca]

Awesome!! Knit on!

[June]

You're awesome, Wendy! I'm so proud of you. :D

[Deb]

I really need to get to know you better! I'm currently working on a sweater for my granddaughter and I think my brain is about to explode.

[Brenda Jones]

Can we pre-order?

[Susanne]

It is fantastic to hear that two books will come out this year. I have Custom Knits 1+2 and I love all the info you are sharing plus all the wonderful patterns. Be sure, your books are on my future must-buy list.

[Wendy]

Yes, I think you can preorder...

[Ellen]

Hooray! I use Custom Knits 1 as a reference all the time. Love your 'do what works for you' approach.

[villalena]

congrats wendy. i'm really happy for you and also very impressed. i commented over there but just wanted to say i love how proud and happy you look of with new book.