You know how sometimes I don't post for a few weeks and when I finally do come back online, it's either a grainy dog picture or some lame excuse about being busy and you'd bet the farm that not only was I NOT busy, but in fact had been been parked in front of the big TV in the basement watching the entire first season of Burn Notice again and again?
Usually you'd win that bet... but not today.
From the February 16th issue of Publishers Weekly:
Jen Lancaster has signed a major deal for two more books with Kara Cesareat NAL via Kate Garrickat DeFiore & Co. In the first book, tentatively titled My Fair Lazy, Lancaster gives herself the Pygmalion treatment, researching literature and studying etiquette; pub date will be May 2010. A year later, the tentatively titled Involuntary: My Year of Giving Dangerouslywill detail Lancaster's work with various charitable organizations. Since 2006, Lancaster has published one book a year with NAL, and the first three each have more than 100,000 copies in print. NAL will pub Lancaster's fourth memoir, Pretty in Plaid, in May.
I'll explain more details as the projects unfold and will probably seek some assistance for those who are experts in various disciplines. But for the moment, if you like me and if you're given to squealing, now would be an excellent time to do so.
"Yes, yes, we're all terribly impressed. Now serve me breakfast or something very bad is going to happen."
Great news! Now I know my Jen fix will keep coming. Please let us know if the rain in Chicago is most(ly) on the Gold Coast :).
Posted by: Faye | February 18, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Sometimes I wait until just before bed to check your blog. If you haven't posted lately, I dig for something older and re-read it, just so I can feel that little twitter in my tummy that you make happen with your clever, clever words...and sometimes I laugh and snort so loud I wake up my kids...and sometimes...I lose control, both things happen...and I pee my pants. Good times.
Posted by: Jami | February 18, 2009 at 02:49 AM
This is TERRIFIC news! I'm anxiously awaiting Pretty in Plaid and now can't wait for these two new books. You have to be one of the hardest working writers out there. Good for you!
Posted by: Bella | February 18, 2009 at 01:21 AM
Jen-
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so excited for you, and for me 'cause I get to read more of you!!
YOU ROCK, SISTA!!
Posted by: Shelly | February 18, 2009 at 01:15 AM
Jen, I am so excited for your 4th book! I came accross "such A Pretty Fat" as I was working to lose weight with Weight Watchers. I can truely say it worked for me... but I was at a plateau point and about to throw in the towel when I saw it there on the library shelf... It was like it called out to me. It's simply amazing how laughter really is the best medicine, and in my case, motivator! I've now lost 65 pounds and have read all 3 of your memoirs. Thank you for all you do... even if it just seems you're stating everyday facts about your life... It's amazing how many you can touch with just a keyboard an some thoughts! Thanks again.-Jess in ND
Posted by: Jess Stastny | February 18, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Yay!!! More Jen to read!
I <3 Such A Pretty Fat teh mostest.
RE: Previous Posts
A) Yes, that is why you are not president, but yes, that would totally rock!
B)Peanut butter bomb cupcakes are, in fact, the bomb. My coworkers were very much appreciative. Jen+Martha=Genius!!!
Posted by: Queen of the Cupcakes | February 17, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Congrats on your latest accomplishments! Of course we all win in this situation. Keep em' coming!!
Posted by: Heather | February 17, 2009 at 09:57 PM
I am super psyched there will be good books to read in the future.
Posted by: Kelly | February 17, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Wow, what a major deal! How exciting that you'll get to learn all of that stuff as part of your book deal. You'll have a blast.
I wonder what charities you'll choose to help out with. Something to do with animals, perhaps?
Posted by: Parsing Nonsense | February 17, 2009 at 02:39 PM
How exciting! Congratulations!
Posted by: Heather, Queen of Shake Shake | February 17, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Congratulations! and here's my SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! But, it's a hushed squeeeeeeeeeeeeee - as I'm in the Library right now - but I'll be squee squeeing all the way home!! Three new books for me!! Yay!!!
Posted by: Jill | February 17, 2009 at 02:30 PM
Excellent! Can't wait for the latest book to be out!
Posted by: Lori Cav | February 17, 2009 at 02:01 PM
YAYYYYYYYYY! I am so happy for you!!!!!!!! And for me... to have more Jen-ness promised!!! :)
Posted by: Kylie | February 17, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Hooray! More Jen Lancaster books! I am single-handedly trying to double your number of books sold. :) Congratulations. I look forward to reading them all! (please excuse my excessive use of exclamation points)
Posted by: Julie K. | February 17, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Sweet! For you and for us! I knew it would be coming, didn't you? I can't wait for the new book to come out. Once again I'm re-reading your books, and once again I've gotten evicted from my own damn bedroom due to unsuccessfully stifled laughter.
Posted by: Beth | February 17, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Yay! The next few years of my life are complete! Congrats!
Posted by: Lisa | February 17, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Jen!!
I KNEW "bringing sexy back & returning it for store credit" was yours! I knew it!!
I knew it b/c no one else I read is that funny.
http://www.jennsylvania.com/jennsylvania/2007/10/bringing-sexy-b.html
Posted by: kalisah | February 17, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Congrats! That's awesome. Will definitely stay tuned for more details.
Posted by: LJ | February 17, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Woooohooooo!!!!!! I'm so happy... I promise to buy your books from now until forever... keep writing!!! I have passed them on to so many friends (well, bought them, gotta keep you in business!), and I haven't met a hater yet. :)
Please, please come to Toronto, Ontario, Canada for a book signing in May! Trust me, it would be jammed!!!
Posted by: Sara | February 17, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Okay, that made my day.
More Jen Lancaster snarkiness to look forward to! Congrats on the book deals.
Now step away from the cupcakes and start writing!
Posted by: Jodie | February 17, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Yeah, baby! More for me to celebrate!..."Pour me another glass, honey"....heh heh...Seriously? That's effing BOSS!
Posted by: Sarah | February 17, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Double SQUEAL!!! I am so excited-I love your books and warm weather isn't the only reason I can't wait for May to get here! Thanks for the recent posts-I've missed them, but am not one to complain! Come to St. Louis sometime, please!
Posted by: Shelley | February 17, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Congrats Jen! I look forward to more books to read while I procrastinate work or studying for my part time grad classes!
Posted by: Jen | February 17, 2009 at 10:04 AM
You are made of WIN, but not quite as much as the dog. Her face in made for kissing.
Posted by: Kelly | February 17, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Woot! That is awesome! More for my Jen Lancaster collection. Which incidently makes a great gift!
Posted by: Erin | February 17, 2009 at 07:21 AM
yeah, congrats too you! I just finished bright lights and have not laughed that hard in years! Looking forward to starting pretty and your new releases!
Posted by: monica in raleigh | February 17, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! And let me just share with you that I'm not the kind of girl who ever squee's :) Great news!!!!!
Posted by: Dominique | February 17, 2009 at 06:55 AM
Awesome! I would scream but I don't want to wake the kids up.
Posted by: Heather | February 17, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Awesome! I'm thrilled to read anything/everything you write! I've finished all three of your books and Such a Pretty Fat was my favorite. In fact, it inspired me to finally do something about this weight gain! Yea!!!! Anyway, congrats on your book deal(s)!!
Posted by: Chrissy | February 17, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Congratulations! I am so happy for you! I have read Bitter and Pretty in the last 2 weeks and am picking up Big tomorrow at Target while picking up HSM 3...for my daughter. Ha! (Never mind my huge crush on Zach Efron) You are the girlfriend that says what we are all thinking and my friend and I are reading your books and texting after every chapter while we crack up!
You totally deserve this. And just so you know, I have been quoting you to my hubby, "Jen says..." "You wouldn't believe what happened to Jen..." So you have officially replaced Oprah as my go to gal for advice or funny anecdotes.
Keep it going! Would love a funny one about moving to the burbs and all the funny stories that you would have for that too!
We can officially say, on today, President's Day....Jen Rocks!
Posted by: GOP Mommy | February 17, 2009 at 01:09 AM
OMG - I cannot wait. I can safely say we would not get along because we are too much alike but I am still a huge f'n fan. You are the best (but maybe less footnotes - they are so hard to follow sometimes!)!!!
Posted by: Bitta N Single | February 17, 2009 at 12:50 AM
Oh, and I am soo very happy that I don't have to fight snarky @#$tches with kooba bags over the last copy of "Bitter" -
I have a love-hate relationship with my local Barnes & Noble over the paucity of Lancaster offerings.
Ilana
Posted by: Ilana Houten | February 16, 2009 at 11:32 PM
SSSSSSSQQQQQQQQQQUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the bookstore.....
Well, now I can give your first 3 books a rest. And stop behaving like a crazed Jehovah's Witness every time I p/u the phone- "READ THE JEN LANCASTER BOOKS ",
HAVE YOU READ JENNSYLVANIA, etc.
This is the best news I've had all week - and it's only Monday!
On behalf of the human race, thank you,
Ilana S. Houten
Posted by: Ilana Houten | February 16, 2009 at 11:29 PM
YAAAAAYYYY!!!!!! Congrats, Jen! That's wonderful news!! Glad to hear you'll be keeping us entertained for years to come!
Posted by: Alli | February 16, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Come volunteer at the healthcare foundation I work for. We can show you all the top secret prospect research tools to look up old boyfriends and former high school friends.
I've learned more about people's personal lives than I ever wanted to...nevermind. I SO DID want to know.
Posted by: Maureen Lipinski | February 16, 2009 at 09:01 PM
SQEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(and now I have to go calm my dogs down, they think they have the market cornered on funny noises and dancing around!)
Promise, oh please for the love of all things baked and alcoholic, please promise that you will come to Toronto on one of these many and successful book tours?
Couldn't be happier for you and I hope you make a bucket load of money and can buy the house you are renting (or another better one!)
Posted by: Soren | February 16, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Woo hoo Woo HOOOOO!!!!!!! Congrats! Yay for you and for us!
Posted by: Cathy | February 16, 2009 at 08:36 PM
I have just finished what I think is your first novel,"Bitter is the New Black" (sorry but I don't usually read what are now refered to as chicklit) YOU have opened my eyes to the "prep world" I am soooooo not preppy, but work for a woman who is,and so is her cliental. You have opened my eyes to the tastes and preferences that I had a hard time understanding. I mean, really, what is so fucking special about your initials that you feel the need to display them EVERYWHERE...shirts, bathrobes, luggage, totes, towels, soaps even their fricking sandels and socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you please explain this business of having everything monogrammed? I don't want anyone to stop, because it provides my paycheck, I just want to know WHY!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks,MPC(ha ha)Oh by the way I loved the book and am planning on reading more of you. Sorry, but I will probably take them out from the library.I read too much to purchase books. If that makes ANY sense.
Posted by: mcp | February 16, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Congratulations!!! I am way happy for you, but more happy for ME because now I'll have more of your books to read--hurray!
I had to not read your current books all at once because I was talking way more like you than like me ... kinda scared my husband. I'm just saying.
Keep it up!!! We love your stuff!!!
Posted by: Mary Lou | February 16, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Ok, for research for your upcoming book, join our Susan Koman breast cancer walk team. It's 60 miles in 3 days in Chicago in early August. Our team is "Carbie Girls" because when we hit the finish line, there better be someone standing there with cookies. In any event, it will be an altruistic, think more about myself than others, charitable event that looks to be much fun with much fun pink wear and snarky t-shirts proclaiming all things boobies.
Posted by: Rebecca Miller | February 16, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Alright! Congrats! I can't wait!
Posted by: Kristen | February 16, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Squealing for you... for both books and Burn Notice on demand!
Posted by: Domestic Goddess (In Training) | February 16, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Yay, Jen!!!!!!!!! I'm gonna have a new book from you for the next three years. I'm beside myself!!!!!!
Posted by: Kathy | February 16, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Squeeeeel, jumping, trying not to pee. But? Researching? Studying? Working? You will be sure to leave time for napping, swilling, and snacking though, right?? Because that was my weekend. Possibly tomorrow, too. Which is shooting my manuscript all to hell. PLEASE stop by the blog (today's post) because I know you'll get it. Jenny The Bloggess visits and I love it, but if YOU do, I'll know I've arrived, dahlink! :-)))
Posted by: Lori | February 16, 2009 at 06:56 PM
that photo of Maisy just makes you want to grab those jowls and give her a big ole kiss in the smackeroo! Muah baby!
Posted by: Julie | February 16, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Awesome news!!!! Congrats!!!
Posted by: Bonnie | February 16, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Congratulations!
I wish you had a Facebook share button, so I could post this great news to my profile.
Posted by: Traci | February 16, 2009 at 06:15 PM
WOW. I'm so thrilled for you. I just finished reading "Bitter is the New Black" and I know from whence you came. You deserve it. Many blessings. :-)
Posted by: Angela | February 16, 2009 at 06:06 PM
squeeeeeeeeeel!
Posted by: Kelly | February 16, 2009 at 05:44 PM
WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!
OK. First time commenter. I just finished your second book. OK WHERE THE F was I when these first started coming out and WHY am I JUST finding out about it now?!?!? Anyway I LOVE it. So funny. And real. Feel like I'm talking to my BFF.
And I second someone else's comment that we want a reality show. Or sitcom.
Total Jen all the time!! HAHA
PS: Remember that movie with hottie lottie Matthew Mc Conaughey where they did nothing but film him all day? You know what I'm talking about right? That could SO be you!
LUV
Jen (or I will accept Jennifer - BUT NOT JENNY!!!)
Posted by: Jennifer St john | February 16, 2009 at 05:24 PM