January 4, 2013

My Big Announcement - Oh Boy!

For those of you following my blog, you know from my Year of Amazing post that I set several goals for myself last year (if you missed it, check it out here). All were important to me, but the most challenging goal I set was to “pitch a Life of Dad book to agents and put myself out there.” It’s something I always claimed I would do, but made excuses as to why I couldn’t. Top excuses included “I’m too tired from taking care of the kids” to “There’s yard work to be done” to “Who’s Harry Crumb? is on TV? My wife would be crushed if I didn’t watch it—after all, she’s a big fan of viewing movies with me while I simultaneously recite each line of hilarious dialogue. (I think this may be a huge turn on for her.)”

After facing a challenging year of losing my Dad and losing my sister-in-law, I decided my excuses had to go. I ignored yard work (which my wife loved) and packed my Who’s Harry Crumb DVD away (which she actually loved). I stayed up late at night. I wrote. I worked. I (occasionally) slept. I put my heart and soul into developing an idea, which developed into a pitch, which developed into a full-out proposal, which developed into landing a literary agent, which developed into getting offered a book deal, which developed into writing a full-out manuscript—and working through the entire creative publishing process—which developed into this moment.

I am so humbled and excited to officially announce that in April 2013 one of my biggest dreams will come true, as Adams Media releases my first book OH BOY, YOU'RE HAVING A GIRL: A DAD'S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO RAISING DAUGHTERS.


The book has already received praise from my all-time writing idol, Dave Barry ("As the father of a daughter, I wish I'd read this very funny book sooner, if only to know that it's OK for a grown man to wear a tutu.")—which I still can’t believe—as well as several other humor writers whom I deeply admire. The shock of this all coming together and the sense of accomplishment still hasn’t worn off—and may never wear off. Hell, I’ll consider myself lucky if it doesn’t.

So if you’ve ever enjoyed this blog or have a daughter or are having a daughter or know someone who is having a daughter or are married to a guy who can’t believe he has a daughter or just want a reason to smile, I ask that you consider purchasing this book (you can preorder it now through Amazon or Barnes & Noble, which is my favorite store of all time!). It's written for both Dads and Moms to enjoy. You'll notice there's a new "PREORDER BRIAN'S BOOK" tab at the top of the blog. I’ll be spending a lot of time over the next year marketing the hell out of the book (I apologize up front for that), but I just want the thing to sell well enough so they continue to let me write more books.

Finally, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to every one of you who has ever laid eyeballs on this blog and supported my writing. If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have had the faith and courage to put myself out there and reach for my dream. I am, and always will be, forever grateful to you for that.

I’d like to leave you with this extremely profound quote from an incredibly wise gentleman, which sums up not only this past year, but the coming year as well:
You know Nikki, you and I are a lot alike. We're both traveling through life... [He presses the brake pedal and nothing happens] ... IN A CAR WITH NO BRAKES!” Harry Crumb
Happy New Year everyone.


****** 
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20 comments:

Jason (Dad/Hubby/Geek) said...

As the father of a 15 month old little lady... looking very much forward to getting a copy of your book. Congrats! Any chance of a Kindle version? (Will post similar question on Amazon)

Juliann | Browsing the Atlas said...

Congratulations! How exciting! I look forward to sharing similar news of my own someday.

ommy123 said...

Get 'er done! (I'm pretty sure that's an appropriate response, right?) and now I can order that bunion sock I've been eyeing and get free shipping! :)

Brian K said...

Jason: I believe the book will eventually be available for the Kindle (and other mobile devices) but I'm trying to get confirmation on that now. Will let you guys know!

Katie Marx Stender said...

Wow - Total AWESOME-SAUCE! I've caught glimpses of your blog over the past year from facebook posts and have always thought it was hilarious! I will most definitely be passing this info along to other folks. I wish you all the best. If there's anything we readers-of-yours can do to help please let us know.

Maria's Meandering Mind said...

Dear Dad,

As a daughter who NEVER wore tutus I am compelled to tell you that reciting lines from every movie ever seen is not a turn-on. It is simply a skill inherent to all males.

WriterSideUp said...

OH, MY GOD!!!!! Brian, years ago, when I first became aware of you (through Writer's Digest), then started following your wonderful blog when you only had ONE baby daughter, I remember telling---maybe even begging!---you to turn this into a book! I also compared you to Dave Barry, so the fact that he not only knows of your book, but said THAT!!! WOWOWOWOWOW!!!! I'm SO happy for you, and I will DEFINITELY be buying your book and spreading the word. I, however, will be buying it off the store shelf. My last two experiences with pre-orders irritated me. They actually got delivered DAYS after the book's release date. For those who don't mind waiting, it's a great way to order, but I'm impatient! lol I DON'T WANT TO WAIT! :D Besides, Barnes is literally a second home to me (every year I buy large amounts of cookies as a "thank you" to all my friends in the cafe and on the book floor), and the thrill I feel every time I buy a book is an addiction. I've had the pleasure of purchasing books personal friends have had published (Ame Dyckman is one), and will feel the same when I buy yours, though we only "know" each other here.

A VERY sincere Congratulations, filled with happiness and excitement for you. I hope it's a hit and the beginning of a truly successful book career!

WriterSideUp said...

Oh, and by the way, I'm assuming you will be notifying us of a more specific release date once April is upon us? I'm setting myself a reminder, but it doesn't mean I'll remember! lol

WriterSideUp said...

OK, that was weird! My original post didn't appear when I typed in the shorter one a minute later. Since I try to copy my messages before I click on "publish," I actually have it! lol Here was my original post, Brian:

OH, MY GOD!!!!! Brian, years ago, when I first became aware of you (through Writer's Digest), then started following your wonderful blog when you only had ONE baby daughter, I remember telling---maybe even begging!---you to turn this into a book! I also compared you to Dave Barry, so the fact that he not only knows of your book, but said THAT!!! WOWOWOWOWOW!!!! I'm SO happy for you, and I will DEFINITELY be buying your book and spreading the word. I, however, will be buying it off the store shelf. My last two experiences with pre-orders irritated me. They actually got delivered DAYS after the book's release date. For those who don't mind waiting, it's a great way to order, but I'm impatient! lol I DON'T WANT TO WAIT! :D Besides, Barnes is literally a second home to me (every year I buy large amounts of cookies as a "thank you" to all my friends in the cafe and on the book floor), and the thrill I feel every time I buy a book is an addiction. I've had the pleasure of purchasing books personal friends have had published (Ame Dyckman is one), and will feel the same when I buy yours, though we only "know" each other here.

A VERY sincere Congratulations, filled with happiness and excitement for you. I hope it's a hit and the beginning of a truly successful book career!

WriterSideUp said...

Also, Brian, I just have to know...can you say why YOUR lovely head isn't on the cover? :) I can't believe your truly camera shy, but maybe you are! Unless it was a publisher's decision. I just wish it was you :)

Sharon, your old BNP colleague said...

There was never a doubt in my mind, Brian, that you would have your insightful works published! (We both know our countless trade works don't count--not really...not like this!!) I am so happy for you and your family!! I expect my copy to be personally signed, so you better be at a book signing back here in the Chicago area! Nope, never a doubt, Brian. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Brian K said...

@Donna: LOL. Thanks. I love getting books from the bookstore too. Thanks for your support.

Amanda Hoving said...

Congratulations, Brian! Very exciting news. Though I'm but a (mostly) silent reader, I always enjoy your blog posts, and love your sense of humor. Can't wait to read the book, and already can think of many for whom it will make a great gift. Wishing you all the best.

Angela Ackerman said...

Congrats Brian--that is wonderful news!! Wishing you tons of success!

Angela Ackerman

Janice Gable Bashman said...

Huge congrats on losing the excuses and making the time to write. Hope the book is a great success.

Kate said...

I've never commented on your blog before, and I've never had any children. But I love reading your posts, because they remind me so much of my Dad and the stories he tells of my growing up years. Just wanted to say congrats, and keep it up. Can't wait for the book to be published :-)

John Getzendanner said...

Brian,

Got this from Sandy Petrou Sager whom I also grew up with..your mom too obviously. As a father and now grandfather I have to stand in for Roger (whom I worked and played ball with for many years at Central Trust) and say how proud I feel for you and the rest of the family. This is a wonderful accomplishment!! I can't wait to get your book for my son who just had a little girl. All my best,

John S. Getzendanner, II

Amy Owen said...

Brian, this is so wonderful -- and well-deserved. We will definitely be pre-ordering a copy. Congratulations!

Stephanie Palmer said...

Congratulations! This is a major accomplishment and I look forward to reading it!

Joe P. said...

Brian,

Congratulations on your book! My kids are in their late teens now, but your posts bring back many good memories.

I also want to thank you. I always wanted to write about growing up in a family of nine but never had the courage to do so until I found your blog a few years ago. I saw that writing about family could be fun and entertaining.

Keep up the good work.