So how’s it going? Thanksgiving preparations in full swing now? I know you’re probably racing around getting the house ready for family and cooking up a storm.
Wonky Stuff:
Just a little update, if you’ve noticed some wonky stuff going on with zay blog the last two days, it’s because my hosting company is testing some things out. I’m a bit late in posting since I needed to stay out of the blog today while much of that was going on. But I’m here now…loaded for bear! 
Bloggers Writing Books
Bloggers are some super talented folks. Not only do they write posts for their blogs but many are writing books these days. I thought it would be fun to put together a post sharing some of the Bloggers I know who have written books in the last year or so. I bet you’ll recognized some of these Bloggers, too.
Know a Blogger Who Has Written a Book in the Last Year?
If you know a Blogger who started out first as a blogger and then wrote a book, share it in your comment. We’d love to know. A lot of authors start a blog to promote books after they have written them and there’s nothing wrong with that. But today we’re just focusing on those who started blogging first, then got a book deal later.
Here are a few I’m familiar with and whose blogs I enjoying reading when I get a chance to visit. You’ll find a link to their blogs below where you’ll most likely find a link to their books, as well. Or, just search for their name or book on Amazon to snag your own copy. (All images below are from Amazon)
The Handbuilt Home by Ana White who blogs at Ana White: Ana creates fabulous furniture plans and shares them for free on her blog.
Patina Style by Brooke Giannetti who blogs at Velvet & Linen: I have a copy of Patina Style, bought mine on Amazon and it’s beautiful! Definitely one of my favorite design books!
Inspired You by Marian Parsons who blogs at, Miss Mustard Seed: I also have a copy of Inspired You, again from Amazon. Marian shares lots of tutorials in this inspirational book. Reading it is just like visiting with a good friend.
A Teeny Bit of Trouble by Michael Lee West who blogs at Rattlebridge Farm: Michael started a blog after she had written several books but she didn’t start it to promote her books. In fact, she never breathed a word about being an author until long after her blog was a hit! Then someone recognized her and the secret was out. So I’m including her in today’s line-up. Curl up with any of her wonderful novels this winter…Teeny is a hoot!
The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin who blogs at The Reluctant Entertainer: You’ll find lots of great recipes and wonderful advice in Sandy’s book. She takes all the fear out of entertaining.
Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik who blog at Young House Love: Sherry and John are in full book tour mode right now, so check to see if their coming your way and you can meet them in person. You’ll find lots of fun DIY projects in their book.
Trader Joe’s Simply Indian by Komali Nunna who blogs at Entertaining from an Ethnic Indian Kitchen: Komali sent me a copy of her latest book and I can’t wait to dig in and check it. Love that the recipes in this book can be made with items you’ll find while shopping one of my fave stores, Trader Joe’s.
Mark Ballard has a new book out called, Delicious. I don’t think it’s on Amazon, yet but you’ll find it at his online site here: Mark Ballard. It’s a collection of recipes from family, friends, fans and even some or Mark’s “celebrity friends and chefs.” Is there anything better than tried and true recipes? Mark asked for a few of my faves and you’ll find those on pages 32-35. My sister, Glenda, also contributed a yummy barbecue recipe…you’ll find it on page 36.
So, who am I leaving out. I’m sure I’ve overlooked some great blogs/bloggers. Leave a comment if you have any of the books above and tell us what your favorite project or recipe was from the book. Or, know a Blogger who recently wrote a book? Share so we can check ‘em out!
I’ve got 2 of those books and I absolutely LOVE them! Both Ana White and YHL’s books are absolutely amazing and full of inspiration!
Susan, I bet you have a book in your future. I love a success story. Congrats to all the new authors.
Now that’s a scary thought.
I have 3 of those wonderful books you listed…yes, bloggers are so very talented…I think that the wonderful “invention” of the powerful internet has allowed so many people that have incredible talents be able to showcase those talents which leads to other opportunities …. Looking forward to your series!!…
It is amazing how the internet has opened the doors for so many creative folks. I love it..so inspiring to see it all unfold. Thanks, Shirley…would be fun…and scary.
Bakerella, the inventor of cake pops, has released one book, and has another one coming out. She lives in GA.
Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats
By Bakerella, Angie Dudley and http://www.bakerella.com/cake-pops-holidays-book-signing-dates/
I think I’ve seen her pictures on Pinterest. Thanks for the heads up. Will have to check her book out.
She also has a toy line that will (may have all ready) be released at Toys R Us for making cake pops.
http://www.bakerella.com/play-time/
An author that I found a few months ago is Courtney Walsh and her blog is http://www.courtneywalsh.typepad.com.
Her books are about women reconnecting and I read them as fast as I could. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Courtney-Walsh?store=allproducts&keyword=Courtney+Walsh
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks, Terry…same to you and your family! Thanks for the book/author alert, too!
Some of those are my faves too! Matt Logelin wrote a great book. 2 kisses for Maddy. It’s a must read and has NOTHING to do with decorating or eating! Pioneer Woman another easy quick fun read. And a new fave (who I saw at the YHL book signing here in Richmond) is Amateur Gormet, Adam Roberts. Can’t wait to read more of everyones faves!
Thanks, Jennifer for the book suggestion!
Hi Susan –
Tina Woltman wrote a wonderful antiques/primitive/colonial Christmas decorating book called An Early Christmas. It is completely sold out but there are copies going on ebay for really elevated prices. It is a wonderful book and she is writing another one now. Here is the link to her blog.
http://www.earlyamerica1815shoppe.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
Lynn
Don’t forget Ree Drummond (aka “Pioneer Woman”) who, to date, has written 2 cookbooks, 2 children’s books about their basset hound, Charlie, and a book about how she met her husband (Black Heels to Tractor Wheels-a Love Story)…plus she has her own cooking show!
All the talent in Blogland seriously boggles my mind!
Yes, how could we forget The Pioneer Woman?!!
Awesome post Susan! Holly Becker of course is another blogger who has gone on to write two books, the first being a best seller and the second will no doubt follow suit. Holly’s story consists of a quote ‘if you’re not on the Internet, you don’t exist’. That pretty much sums it up, don’t you think, and explains why there is so much talent in blog land. And I agree…a book that includes Max’s story would be a hit.
One of my “very favorites” is “The Collected Tabletop” by Kathryn Greeley…my
Thanks”giving menu is coming right out of this book. Delectable! franki
I forgot to mention Bridget from http://bakeat350.blogspot.com – She makes the cutest cookies ever and some great tutorials. I think she originates from Georgia. Also from my neighborhood, WhiteOnRiceCouple.com – They cook and give photography tutorials and classes. I think they also have done a lot of photography for the new blogger books. I know they did the book from Christina Ferrare, Big Bowl of Love. There is also SmittenKitchen and http://georgiapellegrini.com – she is a hunter and a chef.
Thanks, friend. Great list of authors and books! Happy TG!
Thanks for all the great info, [as usual!!]…I have only been blogging for 4 months and it has already opened me up to so many new things. Yours is one of the first blogs I ever read and I appreciate how you have shared your experiences and tales about your blogging life. I look forward to checking these authors and books out, I have already downloaded a sample of “A Teeny Bit of Trouble” to my iPad. Hope I can sneak a peek over the weekend. Happy Thanksgiving,
Jenna
Marisa Lynch – New Dress a Day
http://www.newdressaday.com/
Her book was released earlier this month.
Jenny Flake of Picky Palet blog, just had her own cookbook published. Congrats to all these talented ladies.
Sorry for my typo, it’s Picky Palate blog.
One Thousand Gifts…. Ann Voskamp’s. one of the books that changed my life…and continues to do so.
And I have wished upon a star for Between Naps on the Porch….. A coffee table book of fabulous tables, holidays… And more….
Awww, thanks Gayla…you’re a love! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
My good friend, Pam Penick, of Penick Landscape Design here in Austin, started a beautiful blog as part of our local Garden Bloggers Group http://www.penick.net. She did so well that she landed a book deal about grassless lawns, entitled “Lawn Gone!”. We’re all proud of her! http://www.penick.net/digging/?page_id=17902
Enjoyed your post; your blog is lovely and yes, there are some great new home books out by bloggers! My personal blog-to-book story: I attended a book writing conference and a book publisher at the conference liked my blog I had been writing for several years and offered me a book contract. My book, Small Space Organizing, has become an international bestseller on Amazon, has been featured in many national media outlets, is available now in libraries all over the world, and was purchased by the National Association of Realtors for their Realtor University. Released to bookstores and online worldwide, January, 2012. (Prior to setting up and writing my blog though, I had been hired to write for magazines and newspapers for years, had a B.A. in English, and had taught writing as a teacher and tutor–so blogging was just a small step in leading to my book contract.)
Kathryn, thanks for sharing your story. It was truly meant for you and the publisher to meet…the stars aligned! Everything you had worked on before prepared you well for that moment. All your hard work paid off. I know your story of how you became an author will inspire others. Definitely inspired me.
Why thank you, Susan for your sweet comment! Your blog has inspired many as well, I am sure. I love it! Kathryn
Tsh Oxenrider wrote Organized Simplicity and blogs at SimpleMom.net.
I LOVE the Reluctant Entertainer book! Beautifully written as well as gorgeous photos!
Caryl Moll of Living Life to the Max (and three other blogs as well) at http://africanwhitechild.blogspot.com wrote Maxdog, about her heart dog.
You can read about Max at http://www.goldenmax.pets-memories.com/index.php?co=lifestory, or check out his blog at http://theadventuresofmaxdog.blogspot.com/
Don’t forget Deb Perelman, who has written the wonderful ‘Smitten Kitchen’. She has been so generously sharing terrific recipes over her blog…and now this book!!
From The House of Edward – Pamela Terry. Wonderful book that is beautiful written and designed. Her blogsite is of course, The House of Edward (which now has an Apple). MMR
I love how Lisa Fain of The Homesick Texan blog includes stories of her family. She has one cookbook out and is working on another. Lisa lives and works in New York City.
Cowgirl Chef blogger, Ellise Pierce, also has a cookbook. She is a native Texan who lives in Paris.
It was very kind of Robin to mention my garden blog, Digging, and the book deal that I got thanks in part to it (“Lawn Gone!”). There are many other garden bloggers who have similarly landed book deals: Gayla Trail, who wrote “You Grow, Girl!”; Susan Morrison and Rebecca Sweet, who wrote “Garden Up!”; Ivette Soler, who wrote “The Edible Front Yard”; Jenny Peterson and Kylee Baumle, who are writing “Indoor Plant Decor”; Billy Goodnick, who is writing “Yards”; Christina Salwitz, who is co-authoring “Fine Foliage”; and Andrew Keys, who wrote “Why Grow That When You Can Grow This?” Garden blogging is apparently very conducive to book deals!
Thank you for the shout out about Indoor Plant Decor, Pam, which is now out! Very kind of you!