Here Is The News

Remember last year I had a wee existential crisis and asked you guys, What Do You Do For A Living? You kindly responded with 117 comments of pure inspiration. It proved a virtual kick up the arse and made me think hard about where I was going and what I was doing with my time.

I realised I'd been waiting for a Writing Epiphany, just as I'd waited for a Lard Busting Epiphany many years earlier. And like the lard busting, I realised there wouldn't be an epiphany, but just a moment; when I made a plan, picked up the tools and took the first step.

Well I'm happy to report that eighteen months later, after supersized amounts of shoddy drafts and labour and luck and wheeling and dealing and tea and tears and editing and mighty good times, I've finally finished the bloody book. WOOHOO.

And now it shall be unleashed onto bookshelves by Transworld on 1 January 2008!

You can even pre-order it from Amazon UK!

I also heard from Random House Australia last week that it shall be coming out Down Under in February. Double WOOHOO!

You may be thinking, I've read the blog, why would I want a book? Well, the book is the blog turned up to eleven! It's the complete story, without annoying archive gaps. It has three dimensions and contains much more fibre!

You could also put it in your handbag. You could put it on your head and walk across the room to practice good posture. Or you could stroke the cover, because the title is embossed! Recently I went to London to visit my rockin' publisher and they gave me a cover, and I just can't stop stroking the puffy letters.

Alternatively, you might even want to read it! I poured heart and soul and guts into each of the 90,000 words. There's just so many stupid diet books out there written by smug, bossy celebrities, so I tried to write an antidote to all that. Sure it contains weight loss, but it's also about love and life and travel and chocolate and feeling good in your own skin.

I have been pissfarting around for so long now, waiting for a good moment, not wanting to be a showoff, and worrying a piano would drop on my head if I dared say it out loud. I practiced telling people at BlogHer and on Facebook and now I'm finally officially yabbering about it here. The book is done and it's just starting to hit me that it's actually real and happening! I'm really proud and bewildered and bloody excited :)

And now here's a few words from the poor souls who read the book multiple times throughout the long and winding writing process. I asked them for a one-line review, and some grasped the concept better than others...

"Not bad! I get all the best lines!"
-- DOCTOR G, MASTER OF UNDERSTATEMENT

"Bloody brilliant - but I get all the best lines!"
-- SISTER RHIANNON

"Shauna's book is not simply a succesful weight loss adventure. It is a journey back to her centre. Through rise and fall, and fall and fall and rise - till she finally flies - she gives the essence of the true companionship with ourselves. She elaborates on the necessity of accepting, admitting, embracing and supporting who we really are. And she does it with hard proof, humbleness, pride, sincerity and vigour that is really pouring out of each word.

I learned so much from reading her book. I really found answers. I read and re-read several parts till they really sunk in my heart. It is so different from reading a blog. Instead of several tubes of different shades and colours, I was in front of a finished canvas this time."
-- THE GREEK GODDESS ARGY!

"Shauna's book ran me through the whole gamut of emotions...from belly laughter, to moments of intense sadness and empathy for Shauna at the beginning of her adventure, to awe for the changes she made - one step at a time, falling down at times, picking herself up, going so far out of her comfort zone; to eventually emerge triumphant - stronger in mind and body, yet still growing.

I wanted to start reading it again when I finished - it's a book that you keep dipping into - when you are climbing that tricky mountain, when the scales don't show a result or when you think you can't make through the day without a chocolate bar."
-- THE MOTHERSHIP

So here endeth the sales pitch! Or shall I sneak in that pre-order link one more time? Also, if you're into Facebook you can join the group Go Dietgirl Go! to get all the latest news. I'm down with the technology!

And thank you all, for everything.

Comments

[1 · Posted by kathryn · Oct 10, 2007 11:19:11 PM]

Oh Shauna, WELL DONE girl. That's such wonderful news. I'm looking forward to seeing the real thing, out on the shelves here in Australia.

[2 · Posted by Julia · Oct 10, 2007 11:27:47 PM]

Weeeee!!! I just pre-ordered my copy!
I'm so happy for you Shauna :-) - can't wait to read it.

[3 · Posted by Anna · Oct 10, 2007 11:53:48 PM]

At the risk of sounding like an 90's talkshow audience member: You go girl!

Looking forward to seeing (and buying) your book in Aus. Your blog is an absolute joy to read but carting a computer around isn't quite as convenient as a book!

[4 · Posted by Tracey from Melbourne · Oct 10, 2007 11:54:28 PM]

FANTASTIC NEWS!! I am so pleased for you and can't wait to read it.

[5 · Posted by Tracey from Melbourne · Oct 10, 2007 11:55:54 PM]

Hey,has the pic on the front cover turned you into a blonde instead of a fabulous red head??

[6 · Posted by Jessica · Oct 11, 2007 12:08:06 AM]

Congratulations on your book! I have just discovered your blog(s) recently and have already made it through most of the archives this past week (it's been really slow at work lately!). I have to say you are amazing and inspirational and absolutely hilarious- I hope that's not too sappy or weird creepy internet stalker like. I've been telling hubby little anecdotes from the blog all week. I think he may be getting tired of it but he laughs all the same. I wish you well with this book and all your other endeavors. Can americans order from amazon uk? I've never tried.

[7 · Posted by Louise · Oct 11, 2007 12:20:18 AM]

Congratulations you gorgeous, fabulous, inspirational girl...
You should feel very proud young lady!

[8 · Posted by Loretta · Oct 11, 2007 12:21:58 AM]

I said it over on WNP, but COOL BEANS again!

[9 · Posted by LisaC · Oct 11, 2007 12:30:20 AM]

Wow- that is fantastic. I have been reading your blog since way back in 2003- the only one from those days that I still read! I was just thinking the other day- why hasn't she written a book : ) (seriously).

Congratulations- love the cartoon cover especially the six pack! : )

[10 · Posted by lizz · Oct 11, 2007 12:34:43 AM]

Bloody finally - you've been hinting at this thing for ages now, I've been waiting for it!

I'm putting it on my list for Santa :)

[11 · Posted by LBTEPA · Oct 11, 2007 12:41:05 AM]

Woot! In Oz in time for my birthday!!!
HUGE CONGRATS!!!

[12 · Posted by Yummy Mummy Kirsty · Oct 11, 2007 12:44:42 AM]

What a story it will be!!!! Congratulations... amazing!!!

[13 · Posted by abby · Oct 11, 2007 12:47:04 AM]

shauna, i can't WAIT to read it!

[14 · Posted by Susannah · Oct 11, 2007 12:49:36 AM]

Shauna, congratulations!! I am de-lurking to tell you how very excited I am for you. Your writing is so funny, warm and personal - I love how you let us in on all your ups and downs and adventures. I always feel inspired to take some chances and try new things. All the while being a bit whiney about it :) Hope we can get the book soon in the US. I am intrigued with "filling in the blanks".

[15 · Posted by Susannah · Oct 11, 2007 12:49:47 AM]

Shauna, congratulations!! I am de-lurking to tell you how very excited I am for you. Your writing is so funny, warm and personal - I love how you let us in on all your ups and downs and adventures. I always feel inspired to take some chances and try new things. All the while being a bit whiney about it :) Hope we can get the book soon in the US. I am intrigued with "filling in the blanks".

[16 · Posted by Lynda · Oct 11, 2007 12:51:39 AM]

Oh Shauna... we can all say (when you get interviewed my Oprah) that we knew her way back when... Well done to you.

[17 · Posted by Julie · Oct 11, 2007 1:17:24 AM]

Have written a reminder to buy in February in my memory book (how old am I!). Congratulations, what an incredible achievement. I am sure it will be a best seller.

[18 · Posted by Shelladawn · Oct 11, 2007 1:22:33 AM]

Fab-oh-roony. Congratulations. I am finally delurking. I find your writing truly inspirational and I love that you include all your highs and lows. I can't wait till it is released in Australia. Go dietgirl, go dietgirl....

[19 · Posted by Mary · Oct 11, 2007 1:25:10 AM]

It's on my *things I MUST buy* list. I am so proud of your hon and excited! :-) x

[20 · Posted by Debbi · Oct 11, 2007 1:27:28 AM]

Congratulations, Shauna! I love, love, love the cover. Makes me want to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Or something. What wonderful news!

[21 · Posted by Zanna · Oct 11, 2007 1:48:25 AM]

Oh Shaune, I'm so excited for you - and I've never known an author before (well blogknown an author) and I just feel so proud of you and for you. And I so loved the Mothership's comment - as a Mum I can relate and I can hear how busting with pride she is. I'm off to place an order now
Z xx

[22 · Posted by Suzy · Oct 11, 2007 1:51:34 AM]

Fantastic news Shauna. Congratulations on publishing your book. I can't wait to buy it. :-)

[23 · Posted by Jacki · Oct 11, 2007 2:19:53 AM]

Congratulations. Well deserved!!! Will be looking out for it in an Aussie bookstore near me!

[24 · Posted by alyndabear · Oct 11, 2007 2:26:31 AM]

You know I'll be buying a copy. You're wonderful, and this would be the first diet book I'll ever have bought. Cheers!

[25 · Posted by Vita · Oct 11, 2007 2:39:14 AM]

How amazing. I will be sure to buy a copy. You must be busting at the seams with excitement!

[26 · Posted by PastaQueen · Oct 11, 2007 2:52:59 AM]

FINALLY, she announces it! I was wondering when you'd finally tell the world. I'll definitely be importing a copy to the Americas!

[27 · Posted by LaLa · Oct 11, 2007 3:01:47 AM]

Can you be proud of a person you have never met.

You have made my heart swell with pride!

[28 · Posted by lauren plouffe · Oct 11, 2007 3:03:49 AM]

any chance you know when it's coming out in the US?

Lauren

[29 · Posted by lauren plouffe · Oct 11, 2007 3:05:10 AM]

because to preorder from the uk, it will cost me like 30 us dollars, or 13.5 pounds. maybe my currency conversion is off. If its not being released int he us, I'll still order it, because i'm excited, but yeah.

[30 · Posted by Sara · Oct 11, 2007 3:14:29 AM]

Eeeee... so exciting! I'm goint to unfreeze* my credit card for this (and that's only allowed for very important stuff).

*My credit card is in my freezer, in a block of ice. This is Keks idea. It curbs impulse spending when I have to think for half an hour while my credit card defrosts before just nonchalantly spending, like it wasn't real money or something....

[31 · Posted by Chris H · Oct 11, 2007 3:37:21 AM]

CONGRATULATIONS Shauna, you should be very very proud of yourself. I for 1 will be buying your book!

[32 · Posted by Lily · Oct 11, 2007 3:48:08 AM]

That is so outrageously fantastic!!!! But I wonder if I would be able to order one, being American with only American dollars.

[33 · Posted by MB · Oct 11, 2007 3:54:38 AM]

WOW! Congrats! I'm sure it will be a huge success. How exciting - Shauna the author!

You'll have to let us know when we can get it in the US.

This must be the week for the amazing weight loss bloggers to show their stuff. PQ just did the same. You are two of the first blogs I ever read and have been a loyal reader ever since.

I can't wait to read it (and maybe work on my posture).

WooHoo!!!

[34 · Posted by mia · Oct 11, 2007 4:03:48 AM]

Yay! I am SO not surprised by this news...such a story is worth telling. Can't wait, can't wait!

[35 · Posted by Laura · Oct 11, 2007 4:18:00 AM]

Cool! Great cover, too.

Yes yes yes--it must come to the U.S.!

[36 · Posted by HotThickChick · Oct 11, 2007 4:41:37 AM]

Shauna,

Your blog is amazing and I've thought over and over again: when is this girl going to write a freakin' book already! She's incredible!

Your blog is the first diet/exercise blog I'd ever read. And I was hooked from day one and immediately had to go back and read ALL archives - laughed out loud many times, and even found myself getting misty-eyed when you and Gareth tied the 'ole knot.

In any case... a long winded congratulations to you, very well deserved!

[37 · Posted by Laura · Oct 11, 2007 4:57:55 AM]

Shauna, that's fantastic! The cover is perfect. I'll buy it.

[38 · Posted by Glam · Oct 11, 2007 4:59:32 AM]

SWEET! Amazon pre-orders, here I come! I'm so glad you finally finished, but purely for selfish reasons - I can't wait to read it!

Wait, wait, hold the phone. I just realized it says Amazon UK, as it should. You're over there, I'm over here. Gulp. Is it coming over here (US)???!!

Although, I am due for a European vacation...

Congrats, Shauna, you really are a superhero. Ugh, that was major cheese. I'm done now. ;)

[39 · Posted by PurpleGirl · Oct 11, 2007 5:02:09 AM]

AHHHH!!! YAY!!!!!! Dietgirl, you're absolutely oarsome! :D Way to go!

[40 · Posted by Sarah · Oct 11, 2007 6:27:59 AM]

I am so happy for you and really looking forward to getting my hands on a copy! You rock :)

[41 · Posted by Margaret · Oct 11, 2007 6:39:07 AM]

Congratulations Shauna. What a wonderful next step. And once it becomes an international best seller, and movies are being made about it, you won't have to worry about eating quiet fruit anymore as you will have people working for you and then you can do whatever the hell you like :)

Well done. You deserve all the good fortune in the world. x

[42 · Posted by linda · Oct 11, 2007 6:42:11 AM]

Congratulations Shauna - I'm so happy for you. How cool would a book signing tour be?

[43 · Posted by Briony · Oct 11, 2007 7:32:49 AM]

Congratulations lassie, I will definitely be purchasing a copy!

[44 · Posted by Daniel Hatadi · Oct 11, 2007 8:14:30 AM]

I haven't dropped by before, but you probably know who I am. I'm just here to say congratulations on the whole book schmozzle! That's really excellent news, and it sounds like you've got a great book with your name attached to it.

[45 · Posted by dg · Oct 11, 2007 8:17:02 AM]

Cheers everyone! You're very kind, woohoo!

As I said in the entry, all I know is it's coming out in the UK on 1 Jan and in Australia in February. I'm pretty sure you can get it shipped overseas from Amazon. Whether it comes out in the world anywhere else depends on whether any other countries want to buy the rights to the book. If I'm lucky enough for that to happen I'll let you know :)

CHEERS AGAIN! How excitement. Woohoooooooo! :)

[46 · Posted by yublocka · Oct 11, 2007 8:38:40 AM]

Congratulations Shauna. Can't wait to read it!!

p.s. just how does one go about getting a book published anyway? (not that I've written one of course!)

[47 · Posted by The Lard Arms · Oct 11, 2007 8:57:37 AM]

Way to go, DG.

Absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cover.

What an achievement and what an inspiration! You so deserve this and global domination in the book market!!

Big kiss.

Mrs Lard xxxxxxx

[48 · Posted by Joc · Oct 11, 2007 9:02:17 AM]

Shauna I am so thrilled for you. I will be lining up for my copy when it hits the shelves down under.

You are an awesome woman! and the embossed cover sounds oh so sexy ;-)

[49 · Posted by Cat(NL) · Oct 11, 2007 9:41:18 AM]

can't wait to read it, it's on my reading list at amazon!!! so inspirational pretty lady xo

[50 · Posted by airlie · Oct 11, 2007 9:54:04 AM]

woohoo! seriously woohoo babe - i am so proud of you!