Warning: Here Be Gushing

_{oh my god; getting there; almost; first draft; suggestions; finally; this picture makes me happy; unbridled nerd glee; galleys!; best feeling ever; back cover (for josh)}

Look! If you scroll quickly, you can see the past 21 months of my life flash before your eyes!

If you will humor me for a moment, I would like to talk about the Cringe book. Yet again. Without sarcasm this time! I realize a lot of people probably groan and stop reading when they see that word here, and that’s okay, because I’ve spent a lot of time sick of talking about it too, but today, I want to talk about it, because today, I got to hold the actual finished book in my hands, and that was the best feeling I have ever felt in my life. It was a little overwhelming, and I won’t say I didn’t cry some tears of joy. I wanted to have everyone I loved in the room with me right then, to hug them and somehow have them feel this way too.

I remember when I first got the book deal, I remarked on how excited I was, and Ariel said wouldn’t it be great if you could bottle that feeling and dab a little behind the ears sometimes. But this feeling is beyond dabbing. I would tie off and shoot this feeling into my arm every morning if possible, like some kind of heroin that makes you feel proud of yourself afterwards. I had no idea there could be a natural high this intense.

I can’t even imagine how much more powerful this feeling would be if I’d written the whole book myself, cover to cover, but I think that might make me pass out, so I’m going to build to that. I can’t really call the Cringe book my book, since it’s made up of contributions from so many funny people, but it’s definitely my baby, the thing that’s been at the front of my mind for the past 21 months, and I’m so proud of how it turned out. I am so proud to have worked with a collection of such talented, hilarious people. Wait until you see this list. They are so funny.

Having spent so much time so close to this, I became oblivious to the humor after awhile. When I turned it in, my editor said, “Is it funny?” and I said, “Uh, I hope so? To be honest, I have no idea anymore.” Then she started reading and belly laughing and I decided I would live another day after all. I’ve loved watching various people read it for the first time and seeing their reactions. I wish I could show it to you all, right now. I promise I won’t stare while you read.

I have so much more to say and share, but I’ll wait until closer to its release—two months and one week! There are so many exciting things planned! But right now I want to sincerely thank you all for being so supportive and kind and encouraging throughout this process, and for being a part of it. That really meant more to me that you know.