The last few days, I’ve heard loud and clear that it’s time to turn some of my blog essays into a book somehow. I started printing them out so a friend can help edit and sort. WOW!! There are a lot of them! I think almost 500 posts in four years, and it took me a year or so to start publishing regularly. Long ones, too.
I also discovered that my blog at RadioUserland is a little tricky to navigate. For example, if you work backwards from my last post, you get to “Big Head”–and the list stops! In reality, two-thirds of my posts are before that essay. You have to go to the very beginning and work your way forward. Even then, it’s best to click on a post, read it, and go back to the original list to continue, or some posts will be dropped along the way. I’m trying to see if that can be fixed.
So a book makes good sense now, especially with those older, less accessible posts. In fact, it’s dawning on me that my slump for the last few years might well be because I’ve devoted so much energy to writing. I even had several regular paid writing gigs. I think when I get the book out, I will return with renewed energy to the fiber work. The jewelry seems to be plugging along nicely throughout, the fiber work takes more focus and concentration.
Unfortunately, it looks like several books. One about the nuts and bolts of the craft biz and a second about the “life lessons” you find in making art. I could do a whole separate book about what my activities (riding, climbing, martial arts) have taught me about making art and one about what my pets have taught me.
Oh, yeah, and one about how my kids and husband occasionally drive me absolutely nuts. Remember the waffle print in the butter?
I would love to hear your comments and suggestions about this project. Anything! (Except that you hate my writing, in which case, you know what to do. Yeah, that lake over there will do. Why are you reading this, anyway?) Suggestions, feedback, notes about your favorite entries, etc.
It would be funny if the universe was trying to tell me all this time to write a book–and I couldn’t hear it!!
Luann Udell 
FINALLY!!!!!!!!
YES!! YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!
YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!
YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!
YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!YES!!
I is truly about time! Your blog for me is the Holy Grail of my blog stroll. I’ve so wanted for you to write a book from your art business (and now booth) posts! And the others would be icing on the cake! Fun books to read whenever I can sneak and soak in the bath tub. I love your writing and I’m not alone!! There is so much I identify with including the “I divorce thee”. What was funny is that we had that very week driven through Keen coming back from Maine and stopped to eat at the Olive Garden there. Afterwards I dropped my husband at that liquor store and I went to Michaels. I came back to find my husband at the counter and the friendly people there helping he add a couple dollars more to his order to get that coupon. Too funny… And I’m probably in my 80th installment of “I divorce thee”. So, this is a long way to say YES!!! to all your book ideas. And I know you are just looking to find things to fill your day with. LOL You are one of the most PRODUCTIVELY creative people I know and darn generous to boot! About now aren’t you GLAD you didn’t buy a horse? Good luck with EVERYTHING. And when can I buy your first book?!?!?
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yeah!! You know what I think already Luann. I’ve sent so many people to your blog for business basics over the past couple of years – I should get a commission. And I think there’s a need to be filled. People still struggle with finding all the info they need in one place. Something’s gotta make this whole job easier and a concise, organized, humorous book by Luann Udell sounds like the perfect thing.
hugs
Loretta
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I’ve been meaning to email you to suggest just that very thing! Yes, I agree, there is at least one book in this blog.
You could use print on demand; look into Lulu.com, iUniverse.com and Blurb.com.
Elaine Luther
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I want to see a book from you about business. Your tales have just the right combination of sound information and a little bit of snark.
My Dad is putting together a book of his blogs for his daughters. He used a cool downloadable tool from Blurb that he says just sucked up all the posts and can be edited from the tool.
Hard work ahead but we need a guide that is advanced information. Most books start with “Have a business card printed” Puleeeeez!
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Local art legend Emily Carr wrote bags and bags of stuff when she was in a creative slump — and when she wasn’t. 65+ years later her memoirs are still published and popular.
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I think a book is a great idea! I’m 12 and I’m trying to pick up on business basics for my jewelry business. Your blog was recommended highly. I’ll be checking back often. I have had a jewelry business for 2 years and my Mom and Dad have just helped me start an etsy site and a blog. Scary!! I have so much to learn and I’m going to try and read all your blog articles (eventually). It’s hard getting noticed on etsy. There are so many great artists. But I’m so excited to be there. Thanks for the great info. Cambria
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Absolutely! Do the blook, Luann. I’d be happy to serve as a first reader.
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Definitely,
I like the way you write. Whether, it’s about the craft industry/art making life style; or the deep insights found in your daily life.
I live in Switzerland, in a small flat in an urban city with a husband, child and a dog and I am new to the world of art making for a living. Yet for many differences your writing speaks to me.
I think a memoir may be in order. And of course a book about the art of art making (finding your story, getting your story out, finding people who love your story, keeping them and finding more people, creating booths, press kit…the list goes on) is a MUST!
I have always been wowed by your generosity towards readers, in as far as blogging about your experiences in business or in life. I have often wondered, “Why hasn’t she written a book?”
More power to you and get a move on!
Warmest regards
Deborah
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Lulu.com print on demand!
I think that it is a natural!!!!
Good luck..;^)))
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Absolutely Yes, Luann!
I hope you recall some gentle prodding from me about this some months back… I stand by it and prod on!
I like your two book idea best. For a moment I wondered about merging the two, maybe focus on life lessons, and put nuts and bolts info into sidebars or vice versa?
But I think this would water either down. And would be so large and unwieldy… Two would be better… companions, just like you are to so many of us!
I would be psyched to help with any proof-reading you’d need, so don’t hesitate to ask… it would be lovely to give something back!
xo
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Okay, so at least you ten people would buy a book? That’s good enough for me!
I was gone for the afternoon and got back to all your wonderful and supportive comments. THANK YOU!!!
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Oh yes please, Luann! I’ve got your rubber stamp carving book in hand, and remember where you wrote in the introduction that you wish you could sit right down with us but couldn’t, so you wrote the book instead? We need you! Just a small monograph series….
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Yes, the tool meggiecat mentioned (above) on Blurb.com is called a “Blog Slurper,” it automatically changes your blog into a book. I tried it, didn’t work for me.
A cool concept, but for some folks, turning all or part of a blog into a book, might want more control over order of the essays, and pictures should be re-sized for print rather than web.
Blog Slurper could definitely work for some bloggers though, I don’t mean to knock it.
Elaine
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You have the gift of writing, Luann and you need to share it with the world. Your posts have been inspirational, uplifting, informative and encouraging to me. So, you go girl!!! I wish you the best of luck.
Mary
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Oh my! That would be wonderful, then I wouldn’t have to scroll or try to remember which entry I need for inspiration on a particular day, I would have a book, I can take with me and flip through! I am so ready for a book by you! Of course, after you finished writing it we could all preorder it at Amazon.com! WoW! Yeah! I’m doing the “happy” dance!
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Yes!! A series of books!! Yes!!
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Go for it. You’re mostly there already, like you said, and this’d be a way to make all your blogging time pay off for you.
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I didn’t get back here til all these incredible, wonderful and supportive comments had accumulated. All I can say is….
WOW!
I’m determined now to make this happen. And it might not have ever come to this without you, my readers and audience. THANK YOU for all the encouragement and validation. Guess who the book(s) will be dedicated to?? :^)
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YES – you absolutely have to write a book. I just discovered your blog yesterday and I have to tell you, you are fabulous. I am cursing work as all I want to do now is sit and read all of your posts. I am doing my first art festival in two weeks ad already I’ve learned so much from you. Love your writing style, and I have a feeling you are going to be my role model.
Thank you so much, I feel so lucky to have found you!PS and I love your work
Cheers,
Fiona in Arizona
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I am just catching up on blog posts — and I’ve missed so many of yours, but this is such wonderful news. I would not only buy your book for myself, but for all of my artist friends who are finding their way in business and life. I was just going to send this to my friend Debbie and saw that she posted the first — and by far most exhuberant comment on this announcement! I can’t wait!!!
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