June 2, 2006
Book Update, Part V: Done!
I am very pleased to announce that as of yesterday, 9:07 pm, the manuscript of my book has officially left my hands, landing just a few seconds later on my editor's desk, 3,635 miles away. The moment I hit "send", my heart thumping audibly, I drew a deep breath, climbed down from the bar stool on which I was sitting, and walked to the fridge to retrieve the bottle of pink champagne that had been chilled for the occasion. A pop, a toast, a sip, a kiss -- I believe there may have been a few giggles on my part, too, and perhaps a little happy dance.
Once enough champagne had been consumed to duly mark the event and the hunger pangs became more and more difficult to ignore, we walked out into the pouring rain to have dinner at Casa Olympe, which, in passing, I warmly recommend. What better way to celebrate than with a scampi broth followed by crispy veal sweetbreads, especially when Jean-Paul Gaultier happens to be sitting across the tiny room from you?
Of course, I am now anxiously awaiting the comments and edits on the manuscript, but today is a beautiful day, I feel like I'm on vacation, and I intend to spend the afternoon -- the next week even -- basking in the sunlight of the terrace across the street.
And for those of you who may be wondering, the book is scheduled for US publication on May 1, 2007.
(Casa Olympe - 48 rue Saint-Georges - 75009 Paris - 01 42 85 26 01)
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Comments (107)
Permalink | Posted by clotilde in Bookwriting - Paris City Guide
Congratulations !
Posted by Pesql on June 2, 2006 4:30 PMAh yes, the supreme pleasure ... and relief ... of a milestone. Bravo!
Posted by Alanna on June 2, 2006 4:36 PMMany congrats! I've been following your progress keenly and you must be so pleased - such a lovely achievement. I look forward to publication day.
Posted by lottie on June 2, 2006 4:39 PMMy heart is thumping too---I'm so happy for you! Congrats on getting it done. I can't wait to read it. XO, Adam
Posted by Adam on June 2, 2006 4:46 PMcongratulations on the completion of many hard hours (days, weeks, months!) of effort!
now i know what i will be asking for my next birthday (which falls on the second of may, how convenient!). i cannot wait to see your beautiful book. :)
Posted by iamchanelle on June 2, 2006 4:54 PMBravissima !!! Congratulations !!! The best is to come...
Posted by Ester on June 2, 2006 4:57 PMCongratulations!
Posted by Frankenstein on June 2, 2006 4:57 PMCongratulations!
Posted by Alison on June 2, 2006 5:15 PMhooray! how wonderful!
Posted by Krysten on June 2, 2006 5:16 PMCongratulations, Clotilde! Can hardly wait to read your book. What an amazing accomplishment!
Posted by Brett on June 2, 2006 5:24 PMthat's great news! what would your book be called? =D
Posted by kayenne on June 2, 2006 5:26 PMClotilde
Congratulations on finishing your manuscript.
I have my own fiction book project (takes place in the restaurant world) gathering dust right now.
Have a good day
Looking forward to meet you when book is published.
Serge
Posted by Serge Lescouarnec on June 2, 2006 5:32 PMBiz:
http://www.njconcierges.com
Blog:
http://www.sergetheconcierge.com
Congratulations! Can't wait to have C and Z on my bookshelf.
Posted by mary g on June 2, 2006 5:36 PMF E L I C I T A T I O N S ! ! !
J'attends votre livre avec impatience...
Bravo !
Posted by Deanna on June 2, 2006 5:55 PMI am so happy for you, Clotilde. You have worked very hard to make this dream come true. I know you will enjoy having a little more of your life to enjoy. Scampi brother and sweetbreads - indeed. An excellent way to celebrate.
Posted by Neil on June 2, 2006 5:59 PMCongrats!
Posted by jenny on June 2, 2006 5:59 PMCongratulations on all your hard work! Looking forward to the book!
http://www.analisfirstamendment.blogspot.com/
Posted by Anali on June 2, 2006 6:12 PMCongratulations Clotilde!!! I've gotten a lot of inspiration from your story of quitting your day job to pursue food writing. I can't wait for your book to come out! Yay!
Posted by Geneve on June 2, 2006 6:20 PMwoohoo!!! Congratulations. Cannot wait to add this to my collection.
Posted by Janice on June 2, 2006 6:20 PMbravissimo!
Posted by sharon on June 2, 2006 6:24 PMHow wonderful! I can feel the happy dance vibrations all the way across the world! Can't wait to check it out.
Posted by Ani on June 2, 2006 6:25 PMCongrats ! You must be so happy. can't wait to see it. Enjoy your vacations.
Posted by pascale on June 2, 2006 6:37 PMFelicitations! Can't wait to read it :).
Posted by shelly on June 2, 2006 7:05 PMCongratulations are indeed at hand! Finished just in time for the Summer to really start! Enjoy your holiday!!!
Posted by Bonnie Anderson on June 2, 2006 7:15 PMWell judging from the slew of congratulatory remarks here your book should be an unparalled success! I too, add my congratulations. Celebrations are so much better in large groups so I will be sure to pop open some champagne when I return home tonight to join you. Well... err... okay, maybe I just want an excuse to drink champagne. Cheers!
Posted by Kevin on June 2, 2006 7:16 PMCongratulations!
Posted by Erin on June 2, 2006 7:18 PMThe combination of your eloquent writing and impeccable taste in food I am sure you are about to be a wild sucess!
Wow! That's fantastic! Cheers!
I can't wait till it's available here!
Posted by L on June 2, 2006 7:20 PMCongratulations!
I don't envy you the year waiting for the first real copy in your hands.
I already have more than a few friends interested in the book.
Heather
Posted by Heather on June 2, 2006 7:47 PMClotilde, congratulations on finishing your book. What a huge accomplishment! I can only imagine how relieved you are to have finally reached this point. I wish you all the best with whatever comes your way next my friend--you deserve it!
Posted by Michele on June 2, 2006 7:50 PMI'm so happy for you! I've followed your website for years now and I can't wait for the book. It will be the gift I give to many friends and family:)
Posted by laurie on June 2, 2006 8:12 PMCongratulations! I know I'm not alone in saying I can't wait to read it.
Posted by Trish on June 2, 2006 8:16 PMFelicitations! Now I know what everyone will be getting for birthdays and Christmas in 2007! What a marvelous accomplishment in your new career!
Posted by Donna on June 2, 2006 8:25 PMHow wonderful!!!! While I completely understand that you worked long & hard before you were offered a book contract, still, you deserve special kudos for completing your ms. this swiftly. Impressive, indeed. Now, you have a full year to find the right shoes, clothes, etc. for the book tour! Cheers!
Posted by Elizabeth on June 2, 2006 8:44 PMCongratulations, Clotilde. We all know how hard you worked on this and we all eagerly await the book's release!
You've already made the blogger community proud!
Posted by Lenn on June 2, 2006 9:04 PMJust giving a cheer and adding my name to the list of future new cookbook owners! How can we wait that long? You sure must be proud of a huge accomplishment!
Posted by Cookinator on June 2, 2006 9:10 PMAuguri, Clothilde!
Posted by Ivonne on June 2, 2006 9:25 PMBravo ! J'ai hâte de l'avoir entre les mains !
Posted by Marmitedecathy on June 2, 2006 9:42 PMWell done Clotilde. What an exciting moment.
Posted by barbara on June 2, 2006 10:01 PMBrava Clotilde, may the Fork be with you!
Posted by Emanuele on June 2, 2006 10:04 PMFélicitations Clotilde!!
Posted by Ariana on June 2, 2006 10:31 PMA thousand congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Derrick and I look forward to buying copies next May for ourselves and for gifts. Hooray! :-)
Posted by Melissa on June 2, 2006 11:24 PMFélicitations!!
Posted by Maddy on June 2, 2006 11:24 PMBravo Clotilde !
Funny. I had this post waiting on my computer screen and at the very same time, we were dining at the Homme Tranquille, and Antoine - who was rightly proud also, but for a very different reason - also told us that your book was almost over !
Posted by Ol on June 2, 2006 11:30 PMCongratulations, indeed, Clotilde! Here's looking forward to a grand literary success.
Years from now, when you're in the culinary pantheon, those of us who have followed your blog ("bloglings," maybe?) will be able to say "We knew you when..."
Posted by J. Bo on June 3, 2006 12:15 AMOh, congratulations! I can't wait until it's published.
xo from Urbana, Illinois
Posted by Lisa B-K on June 3, 2006 12:31 AMYeah! Party time, whoo-hoo, cheers, rah! You did it - congratulations!
Posted by Aminda on June 3, 2006 12:38 AMThere are so many of us who will have a hard time waiting to put you on the NYTimes best seller list.
Posted by Lianne on June 3, 2006 12:39 AMHow are we going to be able to wait until May 2007?
Congratulations!
there is a space on my bookshelf for you already: thank goodness i'll still have to blog to read while i wait! well done.
Posted by Shira on June 3, 2006 12:58 AMHurrah! I'm crossing my fingers that the Australian release date won't be too long after the American one... oh, what am I saying, I know I'll just order it from overseas anyway.
Cangratulations, and thanks for giving me something to look forward to throughout the next year of exams and essays!
Posted by Hannah on June 3, 2006 1:22 AMDo you plan a french release?
Posted by Dan Dx on June 3, 2006 2:40 AMIf you need, I know a great translator, Patrick Dusoulier. His work on Jack Vance and Ursula L Guin is impressive.
:))
That's so exciting! Me & my tastebuds can't wait.
Posted by Franca on June 3, 2006 4:52 AMCongratulations, Clotilde, that's fantastic news. Enjoy your free time, you have well and truly earned it!
Best wishes from Down Under. You could pay us a visit for the book launch here. ;))
Posted by Judy on June 3, 2006 5:25 AMYes! But when does the book tour begin? I can hardy wait to see you at a signing in Los Angeles!
Posted by rainey on June 3, 2006 5:29 AMWell done clotilde!!! I can't wait to see your book and try the recipes!!!
Posted by marie on June 3, 2006 8:30 AMbravo
marie
Toutes mes félicitations Clotilde !
Posted by Clea on June 3, 2006 8:31 AMCongratulations! What a happy day for you :)
Wishing you much success.
I know I will be buying your book, as I have enjoyed your site immensly and your receipes are fantastic!
Louisa
Posted by Louisa on June 3, 2006 9:00 AMYEY!!
Well done Clotilde! Looks like the first edition has to be a large amount, or maybe you'll need a reprint right away? For me it'll be my gift to 'everyone'who gets a gift in 2007 :-)
Congratulations!
Posted by Swan on June 3, 2006 9:04 AMCongradulations/Felicitations!...I hope spring gets here soon...so you can enjoy your new-found freedom (unless you're already hard at work on the next one.)
Posted by David L. on June 3, 2006 9:17 AMLooking forward to toasting your success.
Congratulations, Clotilde! With the huge fan club you have, the book is bound to be a great success!
Posted by Pille on June 3, 2006 10:20 AMDear all,
Posted by clotilde on June 3, 2006 10:45 AMThank you so much for your kind words, they are truly heartwarming!
Clotilde.
Many many congratulations Clotilde! Your hard work and perseverance is so inspiring. I am looking forward to the release of your book!
Posted by frenchpage on June 3, 2006 11:47 AMHello Clotilde,
Posted by jenjen on June 3, 2006 12:44 PMCongratulations on finishing your book!!!
I was just at the markets here in Sydney, Aus and struck up a conversation with a woman who asked me about my food blog, as I had just started one. She then proceeded speaking glowingly about a certain Parisian blog, which she admits is the only one she has ever read. I told her about your book and she is happilly anticipating its release!!
So thanks to you I got some free apple and cinnamon madeleines!!!
Congratulations, Clotilde! There's nothing like the satisfaction of putting your all into a project and seeing it through to its completion! Now enjoy your "vacation" - you deserve it!
Posted by Susan Jones on June 3, 2006 1:52 PMWell done!!! Congratulations!!
Posted by Pamela on June 3, 2006 2:28 PMJust adding congrats...such a well earned bottle of champagne. Maybe Gauletier will give you a blurb!
Posted by Cara on June 3, 2006 5:01 PMWhat an exciting moment! What wonderful closure, and opening at once to have the manuscript leave your hands.
Posted by Pearl on June 3, 2006 6:37 PMCongratulations! It is most definitely on my purchase list. I love your site.
Posted by Lisa on June 3, 2006 7:35 PMMazeltov! Your fans online will be on line! We have to wait HOW long?? (It will be called "Chocolate & Zucchini" ?)
gingerpale
Posted by gingerpale on June 3, 2006 11:05 PMForgot to ask how long it will be before you get to see a galley proof? When you do, I hope it surprises and delights you!
Posted by rainey on June 3, 2006 11:14 PMSo happy for you . . . now I know what I am getting everyone for Christmas next year! We'll celebrate for you.
Posted by agua fria on June 4, 2006 12:40 AMAn interesting coincidence ? -- June 3 is St. Clotilde's Day (Queen of France & a saint too!)
Posted by gingerpale on June 4, 2006 12:59 AMMany congratulations, Clotilde! I cannot wait for publication.
Posted by Maisie100 on June 4, 2006 5:05 AMI can't wait for the book! Congrats!
Posted by Catherine on June 4, 2006 5:06 AMFélicitations Clotilde! Maintenant nous comptons les jours jusqu'à mai prochain et à la naissance de votre livre.
Posted by Peter on June 4, 2006 6:18 AMBravo Clothilde, we can't wait to get the book in Amsterdam.
Cuno
Posted by Cuno on June 4, 2006 1:13 PMhttp://www.wijnsuggestie.nl
Clotilde, Congratulations!! I am looking forward to purchasing your book. You have been a wonderful source of inspiration. ; o)
Posted by valentina jacome on June 4, 2006 1:21 PMFélicitations! Quel soulagement et plaisir du travail accompli ce doit être!
Posted by flo on June 4, 2006 1:37 PMChere Clotilde, I happened to peek into your blog today, just to see if you were indeed done with your manuscriptmy instincts were right! Savor this moment, as there is nothing like the experience of a first book, with all its soaring highs (and occasional lows). I know you'll do many others!
Posted by Nava Atlas on June 4, 2006 3:32 PMWhat a fete! Congratulations on your tenacity & your accomplishment. How wonderful. Looking forward to acquiring a signed copy!
Posted by Fran on June 4, 2006 4:47 PMHow wonderful! Congradulations. I hope this will bring you back to NYC in the near future.
Posted by Andrea on June 4, 2006 5:44 PMCongratulations! I will look forward to picking up a copy on my birthday next year! :-) (May 1) I just discovered your blog recently and look forward to reading many more delicious posts!
Posted by Alice Q on June 4, 2006 8:13 PMFélicitations Clotilde ! J"attends votre livre avec impatience and can"t wait for your stop in Canada on the book tour. :)
Posted by Maria on June 4, 2006 9:53 PMCongratulations. I cannot wait get my own copy of your cook book.
Posted by Milinda on June 5, 2006 3:33 AMcongratulations! can't wait to purchase a copy!
Posted by Abi on June 5, 2006 4:15 AMCongratulations!!! What an accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself.
Posted by drh on June 5, 2006 4:36 AMClothilde, I know you have 84 warm congratulations already, but here's one more: HOORAY!
Posted by tejal on June 5, 2006 6:06 AMA salute to you, Clotilde! That's some accomplishment - all the best for a smooth delivery!
Theresa
Posted by Theresa on June 5, 2006 7:12 AMCONGRATULATIONS CLOTILDE!!!
I can't wait to get a copy!
Posted by Gisele on June 5, 2006 8:51 AMFelicitations! And I thought I was a champagne-o-holic... What a wonderful journey you are on, and than you for taking us along for the inspiring ride.
Posted by ASMO on June 5, 2006 12:01 PMHeartfelt congratulations to you. I've marked my 2007 calendar already.
Posted by Adele on June 5, 2006 1:56 PMJ'ajoute mes Félicitations à cette longue liste!
Fingers crossed!
Posted by julie on June 5, 2006 8:52 PMWow, Clotilde. Congratulations. This is such a big moment for you. And an equally big inspiration for us! Thanks for sharing along the way. All my best.
Posted by Marina on June 5, 2006 10:43 PMCongratulations ! That's so great ! Now would you please get away from that laptop and enjoy your vacation ? We don't need no petit beurre recipe right now ! We can wait one more week ! The local terrace, a nice mojito and a pair of really cool sunglasses sounds like a better plan to me :)
Posted by French Toast on June 6, 2006 12:01 AMProfites-en bien
Congratulations! i guess we Ozzie's will have to order it via Amazon.com .. but it'll be worth it!
Posted by MISS LISA on June 6, 2006 7:56 AMHIGH 5 Clotilde! Very happy for you. I'm looking forward to something I can hold in my hands :)
Posted by Carolg@PB on June 6, 2006 10:49 AMCarolg
Congratulations! you must be so glad to have it done and send off...I hope everything goes to plan from now, you can do lots of nice other cooking/bloggin projects and then we can see the book next year :-) Best wishes
Posted by eva on June 6, 2006 2:20 PMEva
That's wonderful news, Clotilde. My heartfelt congratulations on this amazing achievement!!!
Posted by sailaja on June 6, 2006 6:28 PMThat's a long wait till May, 2007, but worth waiting for ...:):)
Like so many others, I'm creating a special place on my bookshelf for this one, chére Clotilde. Somewhere between the Laurie Colwin books and the Ruth Reichl and the MFK Fisher. I know I'm impatient, but it just seems as if almost a year is so long to have to wait...
Posted by Julie on June 6, 2006 7:28 PMI for one shall definitely buy it once it's finally available. And I'm sure many others commenting here will too. Congratulations, and here's looking forward to it's publications and well-deserved success.
Posted by Ant on June 6, 2006 8:42 PMCongratulations Clotilde! I can't wait to pre-order it from Amazon
Posted by Gerald on June 6, 2006 8:51 PMCongratulations mille fois, Clotilde! What an enormous accomplishment! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy...
Posted by Molly on June 6, 2006 9:35 PMCongratulations and keep poping champagne bottles!
Posted by Francesco on June 7, 2006 4:02 PMBRAVO! Je tiens à te redire à quel point c'est merveilleux de pouvoir suivre ton cheminement vers la publication de ce premier livre de recettes, sur lequel je compte d'ailleurs mettre la main dès qu'il paraîtra! Au plaisir de lire la suite...
Posted by Martine la banlieusarde on June 12, 2006 2:26 PMHello Clotilde, and a big congratulations to you! I've been reading your blog from time to time (when I began I nearly named my blog by the same two ingredients!), and it really is lovely to follow. Thanks for all the eye candy. Looking forward to the US release of your book!
Posted by Catherine on June 13, 2006 4:24 AMBravo Clotilde :) Je pensais à toi justement ces derniers temps : j'ai hâte de tenir un exemplaire entre mes mains !
Posted by Delphine on June 13, 2006 4:47 PMWow, many congratulations Clotilde!! What an amazing fea(s)t!! And Casa Olympe, one of my favorites. I had a duck with spices there a few year ago which was possibly the best duck I have ever had. Hope to see you in Paris in Sept/Oct?? Best, Owen
Posted by owen on June 19, 2006 10:45 PMHaven't got a chance to read the book, but I guess it should selling very well. May be till next release...
http://chocorecipes.blogspot.com
Posted by Eric on October 3, 2006 7:12 AM