I almost don't even know what to say. Some of you have been reading this blog since day one. Some of you are family (hi Tante Lousie & Noni!), some of you are friends..... and then there are several of you from the blog who *feel* like friends to me. Perhaps that's silly and lame and sounds like bullshit, but it's true.
It's true.
I started the blog with no real intentions of anything - I just thought it would be a good way for me (and El Capitan) to make sure that the information out there about our sign and us was accurate information. Then *you* responded with so much.... and so I kept writing.
As I wrote, the blog became more and more personal, raw and open. I share everything here, but for people who *know* me - that's not a surprise. I'm an open if you meet me in person... why should the internet be any different?
So, I wrote a book. It's the one that's pictured right there.
The book is VERY different from the blog... until the last chapter which is written a little more how I write for the blog. The blog is personal - it's what I do before I finally go to bed. Sometimes it's a little more raw and unedited that it should be, the book, however, is different.
It's not perfect, I'm sure there will be a few editing flaws, a few things that could have been written smoother, but it's me. It's all me.
I'm raw.
I'm flawed.
I'm real.
I have made, and in spite of my best efforts will continue, to make mistakes.
I wanted the book to be like me: raw, emotional and perhaps a little rough around the edges.
I wanted to write a book that my children will read in 20 years time and hear my voice in their head as they read it - not some super fancied up version of their Mom that didn't make sense.
I don't think it's going to be some huge best seller. I don't think it's going to take the world by storm... but I think for the people in my life who want to read, and the people on this blog and elsewhere, it's a I'm proud to say I wrote and one I think they will like.
So, YOU, wonderful blog readers with whom I have shared so much of the last five months of my life, YOU are the first to find out that you can purchase my book RIGHT NOW on Kindle (if you have one). We are only waiting on Amazon to update their files to be selling the book in PRINT - THAT IS COMING in a few days. So hang in there.... but for those of you with a Kindle, you can buy it now by clicking HERE.
ALSO, I wanted to include the first review for my book:
Andrea's review Dec 08, 12 (She gave it FIVE STARS!!!!)
Read in December, 2012
The Scorned Wife: Slightly Bitter Never Broken by Elle Zober is, quite simply, a modern masterpiece.
I love books. I've read books that I love, and books that I hate; books that make me care about the characters and books that leave me apathetic. This story really made me feel something.
It begins with a young and almost penniless Elle casting out from her American home and finding herself in the UK. The reader watches her flourish and grow alongside her career as a Rock Photographer, in what quickly becomes a who's who of name-dropping that gives the reader little fizzles of electric recognition and delight.
Back to America after a marriage, divorce, ups, downs and a near-death experience, we see our protagonist, this wonderful writer, find her future husband who she weds after only three weeks. Elle had her prince, gave birth to her children and found her happy ever after... for a while.
Whilst not the most polished piece of writing I have ever written, this novel is most definitely in my top ten books that evoke deep, heartfelt emotion within you as you are reading. The larger than life character and strength of Elle shouts out from the pages, and truly astonishes you with her attitude to all that happens to her.
This book made me laugh. It made me cry. For a period of quite a few pages, I thought I was going to vomit, the sense of impending doom was conveyed so well. It was absolutely magical. All that I can say, now that I have finished it, is that I am in awe of Elle Zober; of her strength and tenacity, of her love and compassion, of her courage. To go through all the things in life that are detailed in this memoir and come out the other side takes a strong woman. To be able to write about them, and share them with the world - no matter what it may think of you - that takes an amazing woman.
Elle, I salute you. Thank you for writing such a wonderful memoir, and for having the courage to share the ins and outs of your life with us all. You are truly amazing. And to everyone else out there - READ THIS BOOK. Find out for yourself just what an inspiration this lady is. You certainly won't regret it.
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So that's the first review for the book.
I hope you'll like it. Again - PRINT VERSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON! But, for those of you wanting it for your KINDLE - you can click on the photo above or follow the link.
Most of all.... I just want to say thank you. Thank you for giving me a space to air my thoughts, thanks for your advice and your feedback..... and.... a few of you appear in the book in the final chapter, I hope that's ok.
Mixed feelings tonight.
Oh.... AND BTW - El Capitan gave his *permission* for me to write the book, he knows what went INTO the book, he knows there are pictures and pictures of the kids and everything. So... yeah.
I'm off to download my book onto my Kindle now!
Night!