I have to say, announcing that I am giving up regular posts on this blog has been more emotional than I expected. Ten years (and one month, as of today) is a LOT of entries! It got me thinking about all the moments this blog has captured for me, big and small. Like, for instance, here’s my very first entry, over on Livejournal, all those years ago, on August 16, 2001:
When I sold my first book I was working at a restaurant called the Flying Burrito. When the novel was published I felt like I’d been split into versions of myself: burritogrl and writergrl. Burritogrl slung salsa and came home from bad Friday night shifts with beans in her hair. Writergrl did hometown newspaper interviews and appearances at bookstores. It was really weird.
About a year after that first book came out I got an academic job and left behind my waitressing career. I am still nostalgic for it, sometimes. So Burritogrl is gone, for most intents and purposes. But Writergrl remains, the persona I have to take on when I’m doing promotional stuff. Writergrl is much more cheerful and easygoing than I am in real life. She has better clothes, too. But no beans in the hair. That I don’t miss at all.
And then there was when I went to Toronto the first time, to watch some filming of How to Deal, the movie that was made of my first two books. This was July, 2002:
Okay, so…I’m in Toronto, visiting the set of How to Deal.
(I know, I know, I didn’t tell you before….but it was all kind of last minute. I actually didn’t believe I was coming until I was actually here.)
I’ve been here a few days but everything’s been so busy I haven’t had five seconds to sit down and write anything. And I’m running out the door now, but here are a few highlights:
First of all, Mandy Moore is really, really good as Halley. I met her the first day and she was totally nice: she spent time every day going across the street to sign autographs and pose for pictures with these devoted fans who stood out in ninety-degree weather for hours just to get a glimpse of her.
I wasn’t sure what to expect coming up here. I mean, everyone who reads this regularly knows I’m a total movie nerd, but I’d never actually been on a set before. Here’s the truth: these people work HARD. I’m just sitting watching and I get exhausted.
Yesterday I met Allison Janney and congratulated her on her Emmy nomination. I have been really proud of the fact that I am managing to stay somewhat cool and collected when inside I am thinking OH MY GOD IT’S ALLISON FREAKING JANNEY! (At least I think I am staying cool and collected. God, I hope so.)
The chocolate chip walnut cookies on the craft services table are quite possibly the best I have ever had.
Trent Ford, who is playing Macon, is going to be have girls across the world swooning. Plus he’s wicked smart: he uses SAT verbal words the way I use “ummm” and “like.”
Alex Holden (who plays Scarlett) was not even slightly bothered when I asked her what it was like to be on Friends. (And you know I had to ask!) Ditto for Mackenzie Astin, (who plays Lewis Warsher) who smiled nicely when I told him I used to watch him on The Facts of Life (one of my favorite shows ever).
Basically, I’m just having the best time ever. That’s about it. And I’ll write all about it later. For now, though, I’m off to check out the shopping here in Toronto. I hear it’s good. We shall see…….
Another favorite was the How to Deal premiere in NYC, which you can read (and see pictures!) here. (No judging my clothes or haircut, please: it was 2003!)
This one, though, was one of my all time faves. Mostly because I am terrible at keeping secrets. It’s from April 9, 2007:
Okay, so…it SNOWED here on Friday night. In April. In North Carolina. When I woke up, not only were there flakes stuck to our deck, but the blanket I had put over my barely-blooming perennials was frozen in place. I mean, come on! As my friend Linda said when we were discussing it, “I just think this recent weather is really uncalled for.” As if Mother Nature was out of line, and should be punished, or at least held accountable. All I have to say is I felt sorry for all those folks who were outside yesterday for sunrise services. Hope you had your parka!
I spent Easter Sunday running errands, then having dinner with my husband’s family. I know I’ve probably written about this here before, but as a non-Native southerner (i.e. my parents are not from here, even if I am) I have always been really confused about the whole difference between dinner and supper. In my family, these are the same thing: a meal you eat around 6 or thereabouts, the last of the day. On Sundays, though, in the South—and especially on Easter—dinner is the meal you eat after church, around 1pm or so. So whenever we’re invited for Sunday dinner I think it’s much later than it actually is. I mean, why not just call it at late lunch, and cut out the confusion altogether? But I guess this is just part of it: you either know the difference between dinner and supper, or you don’t. It’s kind of like the distinction between country and city ham, another thing that took me awhile to figure out. Suffice to say if you want one on your sandwich, and order the other, you are in for a surprise. I’ll just leave it at that.
Meanwhile, some news. My book is done, and tentatively scheduled to be published around this time next year, Spring 08. I’m not going to divulge the title yet, as we still have editing ahead, and things are still liable to change, but when it is set, or I know anything else fun I can share, you’ll read it here first. I’ve had a couple of weeks off to rest up and deal with all the stuff that always falls by the wayside when you’re finishing a book (i.e. laundry, housecleaning, seeing my friends, sleeping, etc), which has been very nice. Now, it’s back to work with revisions, which is a part of the process I personally love, so I can’t wait. I know, I know, next spring is a ways off, but something tells me it’ll be here sooner than we think. After all, it’s almost summer now, right? Or, at least, it’s SUPPOSED to be. Hopefully Mother Nature will get the memo as well. Maybe she was just confused, like me with dinner, or ham? We can only hope.
Let’s see. There was something else I was going to tell, what was it? Hmmm. Oh, yeah…
I’m pregnant. Due in the fall. Have a good day, everyone!
And finally—cue the big waterworks—this one. September, 2007:
We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of Sasha Clementine, born September 2nd at around 3 in the afternoon. (Labor Day weekend, indeed!) She was 6 lbs, 15 oz, and we’re all doing really well. More details and pictures to follow!
have a GREAT day, everyone!
SIGH! Goodness, all we needed was a Goo Goo Dolls or Ingrid Michaelson song playing in the background for this entry to make it a total nostalgia fest. *sob*
To clarify, I’m not abandoning this blog altogether. How could I ever do that? I’m just giving up regular entries and will pop up when inspiration strikes or I have something super fun to share. I can’t promise any of it will be as big as all these things were. But you never know what’s ahead in the NEXT ten years.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Goodbye Sarah, I’ll miss your entertaining blogs about everyday life, but I look forward to hearing about it all through twitter, and I’ll keep a lookout on here for updates every once in a while.
Way to make me tear up!
I remember when you posted you were pregnant! Now Sasha’s a major force to be reckoned with. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
I, for one, will miss your blog posts so much. I’m glad you’re not abandoning altogether. I understand… sometimes you just need to take a hiatus. And if/when you’re inspired to blog again, you will and it’ll be fun again.
Oh Sarah, I will miss the regular blogging!! I’ve been a reader for a LONG time, maybe even the entire ten years (I can’t remember when I first read one of your books..probably when How to Deal came out in ’03 since I was/am such a fan of Mandy Moore!) All I can say is thank you! Thank you for the escape on a bad day, a chance to relive high school over several times, and encouragement when I needed it. It’s been a honor to watch you parent Sasha (my sister has a 1 1/2 year old niece) and I consider you a friend!
Sarah,
I’ve been reading your books since Someone Like You, and following your blog since I was 16 (22 now!). I have SO enjoyed reading your blog entries, and now follow you on twitter (since I finally joined the 21st century and set one up for myself last year, you were one of the first people I followed). I haven’t read a few of your most recent books, but when I was younger, I devoured them all (This Lullaby is my favorite!). I remember reading the post about you being pregnant, and it doesn’t seem THAT long ago, but geez, your kid is FOUR.
I will continue reading your daily tweets, and checking out any interesting interviews with you. You really meant a lot to me in my angsty teenage years, and I haven’t felt closer to any other author in my life. Decisions about things that take up a lot of your time are hard, but we understand, and it’s been so much fun. Look forward to anything else you’ll throw at us in the future. Keep on doing what you do, girl.
I think I started reading around 2002, not long after my gig as a teen librarian. Thanks for one of my favorite blogs. I had my 2 sons before and after your daughter so my connection to your blog was beyond that of following a favorite writer. I will look forward to seeing a surprise post from here in my reader (much like Libba Bray). Enjoy your book tours! See you on Twitter.
I got goosebumps! Glad you’re not leaving entirely!
Sarah, I’ve been reading your blog since 2004 and I am definitely going to miss your updates. Your books just about got me through my high school years. Reading your blog showed me that authors are really just ordinary people and so if they could do it so I can I. Except instead of starting out writing in between shifts at a burrito joint, I am writing away while working a day job at a pizza shop.
Thanks for everything,
Rosalee
I’ve been reading since before your daughter was born, (and I didn’t even realize it until reading this entry how long I’ve been following your blog!) and I have to say, I have loved reading as often as you’ve wanted to post. I’m hoping that you’ll come back more often than you think, because you are so much fun to read. Your books, your blog, everything. I don’t usually comment, but I just had to thank you!
I just want to say thank you for all those years and blogs that you wrote to let all your fans into your life. I’ve loved reading every one, and will definitely miss them on a regular basis. Here’s wishing all the best to you and your writing, and I hope to hear from you soon.
I have been reading your blog since 2005 and you have inspired me over the years in so many ways. I remember reading your pregnancy announcement and literally squealing out loud – at work
Thanks for the insight on your life for the past 10 years! Now I’ll just have to follow you on Twitter
Hi Sarah! I’ve been a reader of your blog for years now and have always loved your entries. I will miss the regular posts BUT I wouldn’t want you to come to resent having to blog on a schedule so I’m glad you’ll just be posting when you feel the inspiration to! We’ll be here when you do!
I’m definitely going to miss the regular blogging! I started reading it a couple of years ago and then went back and looked at a lot of the archived entries as well. It’s always fun seeing a post of twitter or facebook saying that there’s a new entry. Don’t be too much of a stranger around here!
Really?! I’ve only been reading for about… 5 months now, but everyday, I check on here just in case you post something.
I can’t believe this. May I just ask, WHY?!?! And please answer. I’ll miss your funny stories, and news. Lots of love to you. 
I even have your website on my phone home screen…
Awwww!
Although I am sad you won’t be posting regularly, I am glad you are not leaving the blog all together. Your blogs definitely give me something to smileabout each time I read them! I haven’t been following you on here for the past ten years, but I do enjoy reading what you have had to say – from the funny stories to the obsessions, I can definitely relate (even if I am only 17)!
Not only have you captured me through your blog, but your books as well. You truely have inspired me to pursue my own writing and I hope maybe one day I can write novels as amazing as yours. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to your books that have captured readers all over the country.
I wish you and your family all the best and will be looking forward to hearing about the release of your next book!
It is sad that you won’t post regularly. But I will check your Twitter for any updates.
I’ll miss your regular updates, but I’m so glad that you’ll no longer feel burdened by blogging because I know none of your fans want that. I’ll just have to pay more attention to your Twitter feed!
Congrats on the ten years! And on the coming baby.
But no more often blogs well that makes me sad. Oh well.
Hey Mrs. Sarah,
This is so sad to read! I love reading your blogs! The “writer” has always been in me but you certainly brought out the “reader” in me! I was 11 years old when I picked up your “Someone Like You” book off of the small bookshelf in my English teachers classroom. After reading the story of Halley and Scarlett, I fell in love with reading and especially your writing. I love to write but it’s just for fun for me. The reason to my rambling is just to let you know that you made a difference in my life and your writing has impacted me during the last eight years. So-THANK YOU.
Can’t wait to read your next book. Hope you’re having a good weekend!
-Emily Reaux
Okaaay.. So uhmmm.. I’m from South Africa and like your books are freaking amazing.. You’re one of my favourite authors and I adore your work. I have read every single book you’ve written so far and I have been following your since like last year (that’s when I first discovered you) I love your work and its sad you won’t be blogging often anymore…
By the way.. Your baby is waaaay cute!!*
You are one of the best writers ever. I am the pickiest person ever about what books I read, and I have read, and loved every single one of yours. I’m gonna miss you posting so regularly, your blog makes me laugh so much, and I always look to see if you posted a new entry so I can read it. Also, your book Keeping the Moon, relates to my life in so many ways, and it has given me hope that their is light at the end of the tunnel for my life. I wish I could have met you on your past book tour, I would have been the one with a huge card, and a gift card to whole foods
. Anyways, I’m gonna miss you posting so often, and I will be really excited when you start posting again (:
Your jusst …. Lovely. Its a dream of mine if you could tweet something about me.
-Manvi B From Canada <3
AVID READAHOLICC
Congrats Sarah:)
I Love your Books
&& Are very happy to see your lovely child^.^
I have read lots of your books and fell in love with them… your a brilliant writer. I am delighted to see you have a child. I hope to see more of your books. Cant wait to read them . xx
I love, love, love your books you are my favourite writer in the world. I started reading your books in 2011. I have read 5 of your books…more to read. I am at the moment reading Along for the Ride. Please write more books.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ADORABLE lol