For months I've been struggling with a central theme to wrap around the fourth book. I've known the stories I've wanted to tell, but I've had such a hard time coming up with proper context. Whereas I should be well into the manuscript at this point, I've pissed away a lot of precious time second-guessing myself rather than putting words on a page.
Plus, because Such A Pretty Fat has already enjoyed more success than I'd ever even hoped for (ZOMG, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!) the bar has been raised and I've been putting a ton of pressure on myself, meaning, um... I've been freaking the fuck out.
Fortunately, my editor helped me have my "A-ha!" moment today (THANK GOD) and I finally have the right context. Suddenly everything for Pretty In Plaid has gelled and now all I want to do is work. So, posting's going to be pretty light around here, and thus I propose that you all entertain each other. Use the comments section to tell readers about your blog. If you don't have one, then suggest a favorite.
Now go pimp yourself.
P.S. Don't forget about Printer's Row here in Chicago! On Saturday, Stacey Ballis is moderating a panel between Stephanie Klein (author of Moose, which is fabulous) and me and our topic is, "Through Thick and Thin." The panel takes place at 1:30 and is located in University Center Park/Fountain Room at 525 South State Street. See you there!
Trying to get my blog up and running after a hiatus. I would love new readers!
Captain Smart Ass
http://captainsmartass.blogspot.com
Posted by: Girl Friday | June 09, 2008 at 01:51 AM
Great! I finally get the nerve to post a comment and I make a freaking typo!
Posted by: Leslie | June 08, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Hey, Jen!
I love your books and blog. I am not a natural pimper, but since you asked, my blog address is http://www.talesofwildboomba.blogspot.com.
I am so exdcited to know that you're writing another book.
Posted by: Leslie | June 08, 2008 at 10:32 PM
www.herdailyrant.com
one thoroughly irritated lady says what everyone else is thinking, or, if they're not, they should be.
I LOVE YOU JEN! YOUR HILARITY BRINGS FRESH JOY TO MY LIFE EACH TIME I OPEN YOUR BOOK!
Posted by: V | June 08, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Can I pimp two?
My regular musings: http://the-domestic-goddess.blogspot.com/
My road trip with five kids from RI to OK:
http://www.kerrfamilytrip08.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Dawn K. | June 08, 2008 at 08:00 PM
LOVED Such a Pretty Fat. My family is so grateful I am done because now I will stop peeing on the couch from all the laughing.
My blog: http://www.cologal.blogspot.com/
Some days I am more interesting than most
Posted by: Cologal | June 08, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I'm brand new tothe blog world. Give it a read.
http://saraland.wordpress.com/
Posted by: sara | June 08, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Great seeing you Saturday Jen. Sorry to bust in line after the panel, but we had a Driving Sideways Roadtrip we had to take!!
I'll pimp myself because I love doing so, and because I will have photos and details from Printer's Row event and the panel from Saturday on it later this week, along with crazy Swishy stories and how in between Printer's Row, we drove to the land of Cheese, Porn and Fireworks through three tornados to see Jess Riley for her debut book, Driving Sideways, launch party, and then back to Chicago--and played road trip games ... Swishy almost killed me, but unlike Jess's characters in her book, there was no loaded gun in the car, thank God!
http://www.manicmommy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Manic Mommy | June 08, 2008 at 04:37 PM
While Jenn is off writing PIP, come check out my site www.beauty411.net for beauty news and product reviews. Thanks, Jenn!
Posted by: Beauty411 | June 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM
www.myspace/meliss2008
I know the name's not that original, but I write about my life as a southerner now living in Pittsburgh with a yankee for husband and a 2 year old son. Hope you enjoy!
Posted by: Melissa Stewart | June 07, 2008 at 03:13 PM
http://www.bartrides.blogspot.com/
I've been told by my mother that I didn't leave my blog URL, even though I know my name links to it, which I told her, and she said I had to do it again.
So here I go, pimping again.
Posted by: Janine | June 07, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Pimp my blog!
www.amuse-biatch.blogspot.com
We love Jen!
Posted by: XaXa (cha-cha) | June 07, 2008 at 10:50 AM
www.eatingthepaste.com
Who knew teaching Special Education could be so humorous. Seriously people, I couldn't make this crap up if I tried!
Posted by: Kate | June 07, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Damn. I have a LOT more reading to do now. The laundry may very well reach the roof if I read all those blogs.
But I'm a good sport, here's mine:
www.kwr221.blogspot.com
:-)
Posted by: kristin | June 07, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Finally got the time to start reading SAPF, and as has happened with the first two books have begun getting odd and at times nasty looks from other commuters when I bust out in giggles on the train.
Reason's why I heart you Jen.
1) freakin' the fuck out when on the scale at the docs office
2) ass-teau -- I've got one too!
3) putting makeup on before hitting the gym? I'm feeling that one sister, big time! If I'm going to be fed to the lions let me look good for at least a moment in full face.
4) the twink-wich? Sweet jeeez, I started howling! I thought I was smart when I created the chocolate covered pringle...I am merely am ameteur, it seems.
5) attempting yoga with a loose shirt, and eating cotton, while getting goosed by the animals.....so. there.
6) the event known as 'take your top off day' at the Doctors office. Been there! If I need to show my boobs this many times at the Doc's office the least she could do is toss me some beads off the float, ya know?
Keep up the awesome work, whatever you write, we'll read!
Posted by: Karina in T.O | June 06, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Love reading your blog, Jen.
Thanks for the pimping opportunity... I'm hoping to increase my readership since I'm fairly new at this. But I've been told I'm LOL, so I'm getting through to a few.
The Blog is MyInnerTeen and it's at
http://myinnerteen.blogspot.com
Posted by: Toasty | June 06, 2008 at 09:41 PM
So many blogs to check out. My husband will be so annoyed that I'll be on the computer even longer now.
Check me out at Short and Sweet.
http://www.natalieandnoah.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Natalie | June 06, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Liz here from www.mysterymommy.blogspot.com,
I write mostly about mom stuff, and school stuff (I just got my BS in Psych) and book stuff. I used to run a mystery bookstore in NYC.
Come by and visit!
Posted by: Liz | June 06, 2008 at 05:18 PM
You should totally check out this awesome blog...she is out of control, bitter to the max and cracks me up!!!
www.peachesandcheese.blogspot.com
Posted by: tumache | June 06, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I'm reading "Such a Pretty Fat" right now and love it, I have never laughed so hard that I cried with a book ever. Can't wait to get the um, first two books that I somehow overlooked!
I welcome any and all visitors, just don't leave a comment if you disagree with me....disagree'rs must keep comments to themselves! Ha!
Leave it to Lisa is at http://lisadelagarza.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lisa D | June 06, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Getting the girls all lined up to catch you in the MN! Can't wait!
I be pimpin
www.karmental.wordpress.com
Posted by: Karmen | June 06, 2008 at 04:48 PM
OK - I only got into blogging because of YOU, Jen Lancaster.
Yes, you!
www.jenniturnaround.blogspot.com
Come drop by sometime! I promise to do the same! :)
Posted by: Jenni | June 06, 2008 at 03:30 PM
My Blog:
Fermented Fur
http://www.fermentedfur.com
Dogs, alcoholism, work, life, family, idiots (sometimes same as "family"), books, peeves, etc., and other than a recent post about a former dog (sad), usually pretty funny even if I do say so myself!
Posted by: Lori | June 06, 2008 at 12:59 PM
My Blog:
Fermented Fur
http://www.fermentedfur.com
Dogs, alcoholism, work, life, family, idiots (sometimes same as "family"), books, peeves, etc., and other than a recent post about a former dog (sad), usually pretty funny even if I do say so myself!
Posted by: Lori | June 06, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Well, if you're gonna make me :)
Y'ALL COME VISIT ME AT:
http://lifeasiknowitbymel.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Melissa | June 06, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I'm pimping. A bit late in the game, but pimping nonetheless.
While I am probably sorta considered a "mommy blogger," I'm more of a "jack of all trades, works fulltime plus is mommy and wife and cat mom to two whacked out kitties blogger."
I like to write posts about how blonde my husband is and how stupid things always seem to happen to me.
Enjoy! (please?)
Posted by: Janine | June 06, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Oh duh . . . .I forgot the pimp -
http://stopscreamingindriving.com
Posted by: Carrie | June 06, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Thank GOD you're getting to work on that - I really didn't want to finish SAPF at all . . . it was soooo good.
Tell me the 4th one is about leaving the city?
Posted by: Carrie | June 06, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Of course, I will pimp myself. Who doesn't want to pimp a pregnant woman?
http://diaryofamadmama.blogspot.com/
http://oldeggsnewbaby.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Christie | June 06, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Hey!
Have fun tomorrow and don't throw down on Klein (I've read her blog - so yeah). I really enjoyed the third book and I have repurchased the first book (I think I either sold it or it was given away). So keep churning out the goods!
Posted by: Kristen | June 06, 2008 at 08:47 AM
While I don't have a blog I can pimp THE blog that got me reading this one. I think she is the next Jen Lancaster - I don't know her - she doesn't know me but her blog rocks!
www.fermentedfur.com
Posted by: Molly | June 06, 2008 at 08:46 AM
When is your book tour going international? That's what I want to know!
Krista
http://www.londonelicious.com
Posted by: Krista | June 06, 2008 at 01:00 AM
A little politics, a few scary stories, some cool science stuff, and a healthy dose of my witticisms - what more can someone ask for in a blog?
Posted by: Amanda | June 05, 2008 at 11:13 PM
jen, you are the sister of my soul w/ your snark and love of carbs.....
my blog is like deep thoughts...but w/ tea and a side of neuroses.....
http://victorianteaparty.blogspot.com/
Posted by: flapperdork | June 05, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Woo hoo for a 4th book! Hope Dallas will be on the book tour!
Here's my blog:
www.20somethinginbigd.blogspot.com
Posted by: Suz | June 05, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Sex and the Suburbs! Like Sex and the City minus the fabulously torturous shoes and $50 cab rides.
Or...one twenty-something's quest to chronicle single life in the 'burbs.
www.sexandburbs.blogspot.com
Posted by: Robyn | June 05, 2008 at 04:40 PM
thedatingmachine.wordpress.com
I just began this blog about my dating adventures past and present. Please read!!
Posted by: S | June 05, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I'm a newbie!
www.live-a-happy-life.blogspot.com
Good Luck with the next book.
Posted by: Lindsey | June 05, 2008 at 04:03 PM
http://theblondemule.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Blonde Mule | June 05, 2008 at 03:50 PM
http://theblondemule.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Blonde Mule | June 05, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Hey Jen--
Saw you read in Portland and was too shy to wait in line, although Sarah Grace told me to. Hopefully I'll meet you at some point. I am currently lamenting the fucked up state of publishing with your friend Jolene, as we both continue to get rejections (some glowing) for our memoirs. Your success gives me some faith, but it's growing thin! Good luck with your #4. And those collectors who really need your $13.
Best,
Abby
As for pimping, anyone who wants to read about my life as a waitress/writer/dater/celeb watcher/:
www.abbymims.blogspot.com
Posted by: Abby | June 05, 2008 at 03:23 PM
http://www.specialagentm.com
Undercover and under-dressed - the daily (or as close to daily as I can manage/remember) ramblings of a special agent and her party girl/office assistant secret identity.
Oh, come look at it! I've been working on it (a-hem, I mean doing my real job) for the past month.
Posted by: Emily | June 05, 2008 at 02:56 PM
http://www.specialagentm.com
Undercover and under-dressed - the daily (or as close to daily as I can manage/remember) ramblings of a special agent and her party girl/office assistant secret identity.
Oh, come look at it! I've been working on it (a-hem, I mean doing my real job) for the past month.
Posted by: Emily | June 05, 2008 at 02:56 PM
http://rapturousverbatim.blogspot.com
It's pretty much me bitching about daily events, discussing books, music, and classes, or musing about whatever comes to mind. I'm on a minor hiatus right now, but there's plenty of back posts to read!
Posted by: Dave | June 05, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Thanks for the opportunity, Jen! I can't wait to see what these other gals have to say, too! Here's mine:
http://viewfromtheshortbus.blogspot.com
Posted by: HeatherPride | June 05, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Well, I guess I'll pimp myself out.
http://readsalot1.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sheenah | June 05, 2008 at 02:47 PM
http://www.evedroppedherbasket.blogspot.com
Posted by: Erin | June 05, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Hell, I'll jump on the self-pimping wagon (heh, dirty) and invite you all to take a gander over at my blog. I just re-launched it!
http://www.snarke.net
Come on over! :)
Posted by: Erin | June 05, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I don't have a blog, but I can pimp my friends new one.
www.thetwentysomethingreality.com
Posted by: Jenny | June 05, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I'll pimp up! I just started it, but what the hell? http://kathymiller.wordpress.com
I am loving the other ones!
Posted by: Kathy | June 05, 2008 at 12:04 PM