More than you ever wanted to hear from Jenny Crusie.

Note to Self . . .

It’s been a little hectic lately. Stuff has happened. But it was okay, I was coping, and then I got an e-mail from my writing partner asking me if I remembered we had a book out. Which I hadn’t. Well, it was a rough week. And a half. Well, actually, the whole month was kind of . . .

I forgot we had a book out.

I am not usually this cavalier. It is the paperback reprint of Don’t Look Down, the hardcover we had out last year–some of you may remember how promoting-the-book-centered we were last year–so there’s a little bit of an anti-climax to it, but still, the paperback is important, there should have been a newsletter, a beating of drums, a hey-you-go-buy-this-book-please, but in the wash of everything else . . .

I’m not as bad as Bob. He has two books out that he forgot. It’s been a rough month.

But here it is, the paperback of Don’t Look Down, which I will go out to stores tomorrow to see if I can find. And possibly move to a better rack position. Because I am not subtle. Forgetful yes, subtle, no.

DLD PB

Note to self: You have another book out June 26. Let’s get in front of that one, shall we?

68 Comments so far

  1. Mary the CB on May 4th, 2007 at 12:07 am

    Don’t like the sound of “stuff happening” — that phrase always bodes. Ominously. Clearly more Krispy Kreme sustenance is called for.

    And of course, a casual visit to my local bookstore tomorrow to make sure THE book is prominently displayed.

  2. CM on May 4th, 2007 at 12:25 am

    Oh, it was right in front in my Borders. I’ve already started reading. :)

  3. Rosie on May 4th, 2007 at 2:34 am

    I haven’t forgotten…the book June 26th and can confirm paperback DON’T LOOK DOWN sighting in prominent display at my local B&N here in sunny So Cal.

  4. downundergal on May 4th, 2007 at 4:50 am

    Reading between the lines I’ll say hugs on the crappy month.
    Hmmm. Paperback may take a while to get to sunny Queensland in Oz. Must get on to Rosemary to get it in -Jenny you HAVE to call in to her store when you’re in Brisbane. She does so much for romance books and her shop is a bit like a boudoir. (?sp. too lazy to go look it up.) I had DLD on the US release date in my hot, little hand - that’s pretty damn good!!!
    Anyway, can I ask - sorry, this may seem dense. What the hell is that thing Moot is about to devour? Is it a harness?

  5. Reb on May 4th, 2007 at 5:45 am

    Jenny, I really hope things have improved and continue to.

    I’ll be out this weekend looking for DLD in my local Borders. I love the cover on this paperback - it’s so cheerful.

    I passed Tell Me Lies on to my mother a few weeks ago. She had surgery this morning and told me she was hunting for another of your books to take to hospital with her. Another fan. :-)

  6. Rox on May 4th, 2007 at 6:44 am

    Uh, don’t *you* have two books out this month? Or do you not count Coffee at Lukes?

  7. Susan D on May 4th, 2007 at 7:03 am

    My impression is that Moot has already devoured something. So the reader now wants to find out what. Or who.

    (Yes, some might insist on ‘whom’ but even a Grammar Geek such as I draws the line sometimes.)

  8. Jennifer Talty on May 4th, 2007 at 7:30 am

    Oh Jenny, You don’t want to know some of the things I have forgotten. Makes this look like, well… just human.

    You are loved!

  9. Lynn on May 4th, 2007 at 7:35 am

    “And possibly move to a better rack position.” Excellent plan.

    Thanks for the reminder about your “other” book due out in late June. I was wondering about the release date.

  10. Melissa on May 4th, 2007 at 8:00 am

    I forgot it was coming out, and I was delighted when I spotted it on the shelf at BN! I already have two copioes of the hardback, but I did convince Mom to buy it for my brother.

  11. Wendy Roberts on May 4th, 2007 at 8:07 am

    I found DLD beautifully displayed at my local Chapters store.

    Hugs on all the “stuff” that happened.

  12. me on May 4th, 2007 at 8:51 am

    Rox said: Uh, don’t *you* have two books out this month? Or do you not count Coffee at Lukes?
    Oh, bad news. I just read they cancelled Gilmore Girls. The series finale is May 15.

  13. colognegrrl on May 4th, 2007 at 8:54 am

    Thanks DUG for asking about the Moot bait. I thought I was the only one who didn’t get it. Now let’s wait for the answer together.

    Or did Moot already bite into it once, and it’s the shredded end of a power cable?

  14. me on May 4th, 2007 at 8:56 am

    DUG and Colognegrrl: it’s the end of the Rope Lucy and JT are swinging on.

  15. colognegrrl on May 4th, 2007 at 8:59 am

    Thanks ME. I looked up the hardcover and recognized it, but there the rope is kind of tan. Guess it’s the black that got us confused.

  16. Deb on May 4th, 2007 at 9:12 am

    It looks like one of those jade…ummm…”art pieces”.

    Am heading to my local bookstores at lunch to face out =)

    Cheers (and ***HUGS*** for the bad month, all I have to say is “word”)

    Deb

  17. BCB on May 4th, 2007 at 9:12 am

    Poor baby. Maybe this month will be better?

    When I went to B&N earlier this week, they couldn’t find DLD. The computer said it was in and shelved, but no sign of it anywhere. By the time they found the unopened box, there must have been four or five employees searching the store for it. I was very nice about it, because I LOVE booksellers, but I did manage to look sad and disappointed and might even have heaved a sigh and murmured something like, “But I told Bob and Jenny I’d buy it this week.”

    The book was prominently displayed by the time I checked out. Of course, I smiled and thanked everyone for their help.

    Um, Jenny? What two books does Bob have out?

    Geez. I suppose I have to go ask him.

  18. Charity on May 4th, 2007 at 10:23 am

    I bought it at Wal-Mart yesterday. Yeah, I have the HC but you know, it’s like getting a whole new Crusie(and Mayer) with the different cover and all. They had it on the bottom shelf. It is now scattered throught the books section because I couldn’t believe their nerve. Probably I was caught on camera and won’t be allowed back in. It was worth it :)

  19. Stressed-Out Cherry on May 4th, 2007 at 10:42 am

    You may have forgotten but that’s okay. I didn’t. I almost jumped my local librarian when I realized they had it. I’m not subtle either. I foamed at the mouth when I realized they hadn’t cleared by $60 fine and couldn’t get it. That fine is the reason i couldn’t buy it hardback. Damn library.
    But I digress. If I had to make a choice between your book and going to see Spiderman 3, it’ll be your book handsdown. Now that’s dedication.

  20. lilyblues on May 4th, 2007 at 10:45 am

    Ha - got it the day it came out. Unlike the hardback edition, which took five extra days to hit the shipping dock of my backwater Borders.

  21. roben on May 4th, 2007 at 11:05 am

    I’m picking up two copies of DLD today for use in our goodie bags at the all day workshop in June. I’m a little short on new book donations so will do some “selective buying.”

  22. Jenny on May 4th, 2007 at 11:08 am

    I love you guys.

    Coffee At Luke’s is out, too? Well, now we know what the next post will be about, don’t we? ARGH.

    I thought Bob’s was Lost Girls, but that’s not out until August. I should have asked him.

    The cord is the rope that JT and Lucy are swinging on. It should have been brown, but we’d gotten so many things changed on there already that we let the rope go.

    Off to find out the pub date on Coffee at Luke’s. I suppose I could check my website.

  23. Cathy on May 4th, 2007 at 11:36 am

    Amazon says May 28th for Coffee at Luke’s. I’m looking forward to it. It’s probably not a good thing that the final episode of the show is 2 weeks before the book comes out, right?

  24. Mary Stella on May 4th, 2007 at 5:08 pm

    Jenny, the pback copy is high on the rack at the Publix Supermarket in the Florida Keys. This is a good sign! It’ll be sold out by Sunday, if not sooner, and the distributor will need to restock.

  25. Mary Stella on May 4th, 2007 at 5:11 pm

    Hmmm. Paperback may take a while to get to sunny Queensland in Oz. Must get on to Rosemary to get it in -Jenny you HAVE to call in to her store when you’re in Brisbane. She does so much for romance books and her shop is a bit like a boudoir. (?sp. too lazy to go look it up.) I had DLD on the US release date in my hot, little hand - that’s pretty damn good!!!

    I just did a Networking panel with Rosemary at the RT Convention. From what she told us about her store and how she orders, she gets the books the same time they’re released in the U.S. so she should have it. Jenny, I’m mega-impressed with Rosemary and agree that you need to include her store on your Australia itinerary. She’s amazing.

  26. Jenny on May 4th, 2007 at 5:25 pm

    Well, since I’m actually going to BE in Brisbane, it might work out. I was only going to be in Sydney and it’s a hike, but since I’m talking to Glen’s classes at QIT, if Rosemary’s isn’t too hell and gone from there, I can probably go see her. She sounds lovely.

    It’s this trying to do Australia and New Zealand in a week that’s killing me here. I’d love to stay longer but I have this book coming out two days before I get back home. It’s about this food writer and this hit man . . .

  27. downundergal on May 4th, 2007 at 5:37 pm

    Rosemary’s is smack bang in the middle of Bris-vegas. Not sure which campus Glen lectures at, there are a few QUT’s.
    But Rosemary does great PR so if she knew you were coming….
    Yeah I know, we’re a big country and you’re going to be totally fried.
    Now I have to get on to her about Coffee at Lukes….

  28. Stressed-Out Cherry on May 4th, 2007 at 6:02 pm

    Today is a good day. I got the book, and I’m going to go see Spiderman 3. Will people look at me sideways if I read during the previews?

  29. roben on May 4th, 2007 at 9:04 pm

    Putting fingers in ears and singing, lalalalalala. Please stop talking about the Aussie National. I so want to go. My mother wants me to go. I’m trying to be practical, which of course does not go with my basic nature.

  30. downundergal on May 4th, 2007 at 11:13 pm

    Not to mention me. I want you to go too, roben. I might actually get to spend some quality time with you this year.
    So if talking about it helps to wear you down….
    Aussie. Aussie. Aussie. Oi. Oi. Oi.
    Or, Australians all let us rejoice.
    Or, I love a sunburnt country….
    Working?

  31. PG on May 5th, 2007 at 1:18 am

    So glad to hear that the paperback is on the way, as well as Coffee at Luke’s — I actually only started watching Gilmore Girls because of its popularity on the Cherry boards (and someday when I have time, will have to watch Buffy for the same reason).

    Was there an opportunity to have DLD re-copyedited? I thought the novel itself was great, but I grabbed the hardcover the day it was released, and it seemed to have a lot of errors in it. These were distracting enough for my older sister that she went a bit “eh” and she’s normally a big fan (though not as much as I ;-). So I hope that all the new readers you’ll pull in with the paperback will get a version without that problem so they’ll just fall in love like the rest of us.

  32. Alice on May 5th, 2007 at 10:20 am

    I saw it out at Walgreens, so it’s definitely out there. Also, beautiful cover. I like the cover much better than the hardcover actually.It’s really eye-catching.

  33. Jill on May 5th, 2007 at 11:24 am

    but I have this book coming out two days before I get back home. It’s about this food writer and this hit man . . .

    You remembered !

    I think you are a bit crazy to be planning just a week in AU/NZ, especially when you factor in the flight times. We will all send good Cherry Travel Vibes to you and Krissie.

    Must go check Bob’s pub schedule. I want Lost Girls-now.

    There is a coupon in RT for $2 off DLD.

  34. Jill on May 5th, 2007 at 11:43 am
  35. Karen Templeton on May 5th, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    Many, many copies of DLD in Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club on Wednesday — and the cover REALLY stands out.

    You wait, yellow will be the new shocking pink before you know it.

  36. Karen Templeton on May 5th, 2007 at 5:57 pm

    And is it weird that I remembered the yellow and not the red?

    In any case, it’s a great, eye-catching cover. So, yay.

  37. McB on May 5th, 2007 at 7:27 pm

    Got my neighborhood bookstore sorted out. DLD front and center. Nice eye-catching colors too.

  38. Louis on May 5th, 2007 at 8:17 pm

    My favorite bookstore had pre-ordered a copy of the PB of DLD. Picked it up today. Nice exerpt of Agnes and the Hit Man in the back.

  39. Mary the CB on May 6th, 2007 at 12:40 am

    WTF? My local drug store has several copies… of Santa Baby. None of the latest works of great authors. Huh.

  40. redzils on May 6th, 2007 at 6:27 pm

    I bought this in an airport and read it last week. What fun - thanks!

  41. June - SheaGal on May 6th, 2007 at 7:23 pm

    I hope May is much, much better. Or at least easier. As for your book, I was doing some shopping yesterday and stopped by to check out the book racks. And there it was! You weren’t the only one who forgot it was out. I’ve been waiting for the paperback and know it’s all mine. I am saving it for a business trip to Australia. I’ll have 21 hours to give it my undivided attention. Thank you both.

  42. Erica - Aussie Cherry Bomb on May 6th, 2007 at 8:57 pm

    LOL DUG

    Come on Roben, you know you wanna come home! *grins*

    I am definitely coming to the RWA in August - I’m all paid up and my flights are booked! I’m incredibly excited about meeting Jenny, and hope that I will get to meet you there, DUG.

  43. downundergal on May 6th, 2007 at 9:12 pm

    Definitely be seeing you there Erica. If it’s anything like last year, I’ll be easy to spot. I’ll be the chick falling off the stage in front of everyone….
    Hopefuly the paperback of DLD will be out here then. Will have to get on to Lucy from Ever After who has the conf bookstall to make sure she has plenty of copies.

  44. Erica - Aussie Cherry Bomb on May 7th, 2007 at 7:24 am

    Bookstall? You mean I won’t even have to leave the hotel in order to buy books?? *bliss*
    lol

    Now I just have to decide what the essential book/clothes ratio is…

    I suppose it’s not necessary to get all my Crusie books signed. Sigh.

    Oh! I got a new convert to the Crusie books this weekend! *adds mark to tally* Are we any closer to world domination yet?
    *grins*

  45. colognegrrl on May 7th, 2007 at 10:42 am

    Whatever happened at the HWSW Online Workshop? Since Thursday, I suspected it was a kind of Senior Skip Day which no one bothered to tell me about, and now it’s closed completely?

    And did Bob get a box of chalk and a big board to write 100 times “I will pay more attention to the syllabus and not do the outlining topic all over again”??

  46. Jenny on May 7th, 2007 at 10:52 am

    CG, I screwed up and closed the comments on the wrong post. THANK YOU for catching that. They’re open again now. And Bob will be reminding me of this for years.

    Both DLD and The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes are supposed to be out in Australia by the time we get there. Key word: “Supposed.”

    And thank you so much to everyone who’s buying DLD. I truly appreciate it.

  47. McB on May 7th, 2007 at 11:03 am

    Jenny said … And thank you so much to everyone who’s buying DLD. I truly appreciate it.

    You’re welcome. And it’s such a hardship on our part, too.

  48. BCB on May 7th, 2007 at 11:34 am

    Well darn. I kind of liked being the only comment over there. Thought maybe I’d rendered everyone else speechless. [sigh]

  49. Katy on May 7th, 2007 at 2:50 pm

    Just a little FYI for you… I went to a big-name bookstore here in Toronto and, guess what books were prominently displayed in the “staff picks” shelf? “Don’t Look Down” aaaaand “Bet Me!” International Crusie Mania!!! I cheered for you.

  50. roben on May 7th, 2007 at 2:59 pm

    Heh. BCB. I thought it was because we’d all misbehaved so Bob had cut us off. “Go to your rooms and stay there for four days, no blog for you!” I’ll go over again in a minute and do some stirring … um … write a really important comment on writing.

    So I did get my two copies of DLD but I can’t read them because they’re gifts, so I very carefully read the exerpt on Agnes and the Hitman that Louis had mentioned was in the back. I never even bent the spine. It was pretty darn cool and I felt all tingly doing that, kind of like reading by flashlight after lights out, but then again, those feelings could have come from the writing.

    Found a great fare to Aust. DUG and Erica. Will talk it over with the kids on Mothers Day.

  51. downundergal on May 7th, 2007 at 4:20 pm

    Oooh Roben, that does sound promising! Fingers crossed.

    The Unforunate Miss Fortunes - Right, got it. Will make sure Lucy has mucho copies of DLD, TUMF and Coffee and Lukes.

  52. Erica - Aussie Cherry Bomb on May 7th, 2007 at 8:36 pm

    Crossing fingers too!

  53. Erica - Aussie Cherry Bomb on May 7th, 2007 at 8:38 pm

    Oh, I almost forgot my important question…

    Jenny, do you like TimTams?

  54. downundergal on May 7th, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    Erica - is there anyone on the planet that doesn’t like Tim Tams?
    They even have those cherry ones now. Very appropriate. But not as nice as the originals.

  55. Mary the CB on May 8th, 2007 at 1:03 am

    Are Tim Tams anything like Jim Jams?
    Please elucidate for the confused non-antipodeans. (I suppose we should just be called podeans?)

  56. downundergal on May 8th, 2007 at 1:16 am

    Not sure what Jim Jams are Mary. We often call pajamas jimjams here or jimmyjams. Or we do in Queensland anyway.
    Tim Tams are a chocolate biscuit to die for. Kind of chocolate on chocolate on chocolate with chocolate in the middle - :-)
    They’ve almost overtaken vegemite and qantas as a nation icon.

  57. Jenny on May 8th, 2007 at 1:57 am

    I have never had Tim Tams. But I willing to take a chance and try them for the good of international relations.

    However if I like them and then can never have them again because you can’t get them in America, i’m going to be bitter. I’m just telling you now.

  58. McB on May 8th, 2007 at 9:54 am

    Jim jams … kind of like heebie jeebies. But is a very old phrase you don’t hear much anymore.

    Tim Tams … well now you’ve done it. We all want some.

  59. Erica - Aussie Cherry Bomb on May 8th, 2007 at 9:55 am

    Well, we Aussie CBs might just have to post some to you if you do like them.
    For the good of international relations, of course.

  60. Chelle on May 8th, 2007 at 11:05 am

    I can attest that TimTams are wuuuuunderful!!! Jan D introduced me to them in Reno and she brought some just for me to Atlanta. Scrumptious chocolatey goodness!!

    Jenny, I don’t think you can get them here. You might try World Market, if you have one of those. Otherwise, I’m betting Jan and the other aussies and kiwi’s are going to hold them ransom until your next trip down under. ;-0

  61. RCanuck on May 8th, 2007 at 11:50 am

    Tim Tams are great and I can get them at the grocery store in Canada on a regular basis.

  62. carol on May 8th, 2007 at 12:44 pm

    Here’s a link to a place in San Antonio that sells them if you become addicted whilst in the Antipodes.
    http://www.about-australia-shop.com/timtams.htm

  63. downundergal on May 8th, 2007 at 9:40 pm

    Ahh, the sacrifices we make for international relations. I could find you an Aussie surf lifeguard too whilst your in QLD to try out….if you like….just to, you know….keep those international relations sweet ;-)
    Heebie jeebies, McB? As in something creepy that gives you the heebie jeebies? Or are we just talking another carb loaded biscuit? Sorry, cookie?

  64. McB on May 9th, 2007 at 9:10 am

    Whew! It’s a good thing we all speak English or we’d have real trouble communicating. Yes, DUG, that creepy crawly feeling . Also sometimes known as the screaming meamies(sp?).

    But I could use a carb loaded biscuit just now.

  65. Mary the CB on May 9th, 2007 at 10:18 am

    So if you get the jim jams whilst in your jimmyjams one night
    A good dose of Tim Tams will make it all right?
    You learn the durndest things on this blog :)

  66. orangehands on May 9th, 2007 at 5:16 pm

    jimmy jam jams where i don’t jam…is it sad i don’t know if i just made that up or heard it somewhere?

  67. downundergal on May 9th, 2007 at 6:38 pm

    LOL Mary - Tim Tams fix everything!

  68. Erica - Aussie Cherry Bomb on May 9th, 2007 at 11:54 pm

    Particularly if they are the double choc coated kind.

    So… Do you think Bob will want some TimTams too? Is Bob still coming? I’m pretty sure there’s a coffee flavour…

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