Holding Something Real
Chris, Hugh and I were at Book Expo America over the weekend. While we were there, we saw the first copies of our book in actual real life. It was pretty awesome.
There’s something incredible about working really hard for a really long time on a project, with little or no reward, and then finally seeing something real show up, that was made and that you can hold. Of course, we had a nice turnout, so all that lasted only a short time before it was time to sign them all away.
That’s something that’s amazing about what we do, all of us, here on the web. We try to work hard, we have faith that it will have an impact, but we largely never hold something real in our hands. So it’s incredible to see something that people will not only see in bookstores, but hold in their bags and keep on their bookshelves.
I remember one rainy morning a while ago I was giving a girlfriend a few presents for her birthday. I woke up early and painted little cartoons on the wrapping paper. She liked the presents, sure, but somehow the wrapping paper made a huge difference.
It really is about the details, about things you will remember later because they’re real. Simple emotional stuff blurs over time, but actual objects, they can really bring you back.
Also of interest: Keep It Real released
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Congrats! Those glasses totally work for a book signing ;)
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 am
Congrats dude! It’s really awesome! I know how long you guys worked on the book. I can’t wait to read it and can’t wait to see it at the top of the charts :)
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Congratulations to you and Chris Brogan. I was glad to have played a small part, and cant wait to get my hands on *my* copy.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Bravo, Justin. A book in your hand is worth two in the bush? Just pre-ordered my copy from Amazon.com. Looking forward to reading it.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Ooops! Of course, I meant Julien, not Justin. Mea culpa. SCM.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Congrats to you! It must be such a great feeling…all the hard work paid off. I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
Amy
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Kudos, Jules. I wonder if it will outsell your first book: http://www.amazon.com/Remedies-Adultery-Julien-Smith/dp/B000KS6TFW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244044392&sr=1-2
;)
June 5th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
So cool – I dunno .. but I imagine that holding your own book is like being one step closer to God or something. All that wonder you must feel holding your creation in your hands.
Or maybe I’m just too much of a romantic.
Either way, congrats to you and Brogan – well deserved. Can’t wait to get my copy.
June 6th, 2009 at 5:03 am
Julien – congrats!
When can I get my hands on it?
June 6th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
So are you going to start podcasting again? J/K
June 15th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Julien: I know we’ve never met. I met Chris Brogan at Blogworld Expo 2008 and I know that you two have been working very hard to put this together. I trust that it will be great and I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS for working hard, seeing it through and putting something awesome together…