Posts were few and far between on Heavy Petal in 2009, and if you’re still reading, I’m grateful (and a little surprised!).
I was busy writing a book.
There, I said it. I’ve been afraid to mention it here in case I jinxed it, but I’m forcing myself to do it now. Kind of a start-the-new-year-off-with-a-bang thing.
The book is about gardening, of course. About growing organic edibles in small spaces, to be specific. I can’t give you a title, yet, but I can tell you this: the publisher is Timber Press, and it’s coming out in the fall.
Despite the neglected blog (you should see my home! Thank goodness my husband picked up the slack in the child rearing department), the days (and nights) spent hunched over my computer, poring over books, and attending photo shoots were (almost) entirely enjoyable.
I feel so incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to write this book. To write about things I am passionate about. To be able to share, beyond this blog, my experience in growing food in the tiniest of spaces; on balconies, rooftops, and patios; in community garden plots, back alleys, and in all the rented apartments I’ve moved plants in and out of. I feel so lucky that my publisher saw something in this blog and asked me if I’d be into writing a book (my answer? Hell yes). I am grateful that they liked my ideas and believed in my vision for the book.
I’d like to thank all of you, my readers, for helping to make this happen. For the community created here, and for the endless inspiration you all provide. I couldn’t have done it without you. Oh, and, now that the manuscript is in the publisher’s hands, I promise I’ll have more time for Heavy Petal. Stay tuned. And have a fabulous 2010.
Photo credit: Jackie Connelly Photography. I am so fortunate that I was able to work with the fabulous Jackie Connelly on this project. Here’s a sneak peek at just one of the beautiful photographs appearing in the book.
Christine B. says
Congrats! Timber Press has published some of my favorite garden books. I’m looking forward to checking out yours, and your future posts.
Cheers from Alaska,
Christine
Cassandra says
YES!!! I’m so pleased to hear this Andrea, soon as we can preorder I will.
Vonnie says
Excellent news, Andrea! I’ve really enjoyed your blog and I suspect a book by you will be fabulous. Can’t wait to see it in print x
how it grows says
Looks like it will be an interesting book!
Jan says
Congratulations. This is so wonderful and exciting for you.
Jan
Always Growing
Georgia says
Great news – congratulations!
Amanda Fetterly says
Andrea, I am really excited for the book. Your blog has inspired may small but productive herb and flower gardens on my patio, can’t wait for more advice that can hold a physical space on my shelf. Love!
Katie says
Hot darn. Congratulations! We are all excited for when it comes out. Best wishes.
jackie connelly says
woo hoo!
Kevin says
Good for you! However did you find the time? : )
I will ask for it for next Christmas!
Andrea Bellamy says
Christine – thanks! I’m so grateful to have been able to work with Timber… and more than a little humbled to stand alongside the caliber of garden writers they publish.
Cassandra – yay! Thanks. Then you’ll be my second sale, after my parents ;) I’ll let you know via this blog when it’s available for pre-order.
Vonnie – Thank you! I can’t wait to see it in print, either!
How it grows – I hope you think so, too!
Jan – yes, indeed. So exciting. Thanks!
Georgia – thank you!
Amanda – thanks, hon! You are just the person this book is meant for. I’m so happy I could provide inspiration!
Katie – thanks! When can we expect a Garden Punks book? I want to see that next!
Jackie – love you, babe!
Kevin – oh boy. That’s another blog post altogether. Let’s just say that every spare second was spent on it. Oh, and I took two months off work during the final push to finish it. :)
Carrie says
I can’t wait to read it! How exciting for you.
Andrea Bellamy says
Thanks, Carrie! I can’t wait to see it in print, either!
Anarchy in the Garden says
Congratulations!!! I look forward to reading it.
-Adriana
melanie watts says
How exciting, Congratulations
Dee/reddirtramblings says
Andrea, I can’t wait! It’s hard to write a book, have a baby and blog. Really? I’m amazed you got it all done. :)
Do I get to review it when it comes out?~~Dee
Sydelle says
YIPPEE!!! I knew you could do it! I’m sitting here tonight, looking back at your blog and reading everyone’s comments about your upcoming book. It’s amazing how you’ve amassed quite a following of loyal supporters and enthusiasts. You are a wonderful writer with a lot of knowledge to share. Congrats! We’re so proud of you!
Laurel says
Hey Andrea, this is fantastic news! Congrats! :D
Brooke says
thats awesome. congrats. and i’ll be sure to check it out because it’s something that I, too, am very passionate about (edible gardening in small spaces)
Carol Popkin Adams says
Fantastic, Andrea!!! Wahooo.. can’t wait to check it out :)