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19 September 2006

A Life Beyond Wonder Bread


Gluten-Free Girl, originally uploaded by shaunaforce.

As soon as I learned to read, I wanted to write. As soon as I knew that a book was created by a mere human being, I wanted to write one. Over the past thirty-plus years, I have read thousands upon thousands of books. I have filled countless journals, from childish ones with beige paper and teddy bears in the corners, to expensive ones lined with quotes about writing, to thick black artist sketchooks with plain paper. Personal essays, short stories, bad poems, dense analysis of the Baudrillard’s take on Disneyland — I have written them all. When asked why I write, I have no other answer than, “Because I have to breathe.”

One of my dear friends dubbed me Seymour, years ago, because of a quote from J.D. Salinger’s book, Seymour: An Introduction. When asked to respond to his brother Buddy’s short stories, Seymour responds with the following response: “Were most of your stars out? Were you writing your heart out?”

For the past year and more, I have been writing my heart out, here on this website. I have been writing about my joys, my favorite tastes, my discoveries, and — lately — my love, the Chef. When I started this blog, I honestly thought I was only keeping it for my friends in far places. When people I had never met began leaving me comments, I clicked on their names to find out who they were. Thus began my grateful connection with the food blogging community. I am moved, all the time, by the people who have entered my life through my website, and through my love of food. The thousands of readers I have met through my blog - the ones who write to thank me, ask me questions, and share their own stories - inspire me to cook more and more.

You have become an integral part of my life.

I have kept this blog for the joy of it, and because I have felt I am helping other people, directly. I never, in my life, imagined that it would lead to what has been handed to me. After such a year and a half of gifts, what more could I expect?

How about fulfilling a lifelong dream?

I am pleased and humbled to announce that I recently signed a book deal with Wiley and Sons publishers, in New York. They have signed me to complete a book for publication next fall, a book entitled Gluten-Free Girl: A Life Beyond Wonder Bread. Yesterday, Publishers Weekly announced the deal in its pages, so it’s time for me to share my secret with you.

Filled with funny essays, tempting photographs, and readable, easy-to-follow recipes, A Life Beyond Wonder Bread will break down the mysteries of the kitchen and teach its readers to find themselves, laughing, in the process.

Of course, I intend this book to help everyone who cannot eat gluten. I hope that you all will find it essential. But it is also a book for anyone with food allergies, anyone who wants to become more comfortable in the kitchen, and anyone who loves food. (Hopefully, that’s a lot of people!)

Since I’m in the midst of writing this book — more on this in a moment — I find it a bit hard to epxlain exactly what it is. And so, I’d like to quote from the book proposal I spent months writing and honing, a brief description of what I envision:

“If you want to set a room full of people of the Brady Bunch generation talking, ask them about the cereal they ate as kids. ‘Count Chocula!’ someone shouted once, after a twenty-minute, heated discussion of Honey Bunches of O's, Lucky Charms, and Cocoa Pebbles. At the sound of the name, this group of lawyers, engineers, and teachers turned ten years old again. “Oh, my God, Count Chocula!” We each had our favorite brands, and the daring among us would mix: a bit of Trix, some Life, and mostly Alpha Bits. Sugar and more sugar. We just craved that sugary milk and enriched white flour. My friend Paul says that his most vivid food memory as a kid was going to a friend's house, where he discovered that they ate Raisin Bran for breakfast. Pouting, he put three spoonfuls of sugar in his bowl before he could even stomach the taste. We were raised on the sugary stuff, almost all of us. And my friends with the mothers who insisted on hot cereal and grainy flakes without sugar still talk about feeling deprived, because they couldn't eat what everyone else in America ate.

An entire generation was raised to believe that cooking meant opening a box, ripping off plastic wrap, or adding water. Television commercials informed us of what food we should put in our mouths, and we paid attention. But after a lifetime of grabbing burgers from fast-food joints and eating in the back seat of our cars, we are a cooking-illiterate generation. We're fascinated by food, and we know we should be more healthy, but we don't know how. A Life Beyond Wonder Bread is a narrative cookbook for every one of the 54 million members of Generation X, raised on sugary cereals and microwaved snacks, who long to eat well and be confident in the kitchen.

Almost all of the tastes of my childhood were cloying, even suffocating. With everything packaged for convenience, that food fooled me into thinking that everything should taste sickly sweet or overly salty. I was completely out of touch with the way food was actually made. Everything arrived in such a state that the manufacturers might have already chewed it for me. Polystyrene, plastic, cardboard - those were the substances I knew. If Mom let me make the pudding from a Jell-o box by stirring milk into the bowl with the powder, then I felt like I was really cooking. I never knew that I could enjoy eating food in its whole state. For years, I did not know what food truly tasted like.

After my junk-food childhood, I slowly, over time, began to love real food. But it was not until I was told that I had to eat gluten-free that I became a gourmet.

I have to read every box, decipher every ingredient, and ponder every bite I eat. Some people with celiac disease subsist on foods in boxes stamped gluten-free, switching the pre-packeged allegiances of their youth to different packages. However, with the suffocating tastes of my childhood still on my tongue, I knew that I could not live my food life longing for what I once had. I started saying yes to foods I had never eaten before, as long as they did not contain gluten.

Suddenly buoyant with energy after years of being flattened with exhaustion, I spent more and more time in the kitchen, teaching myself to cook with whole foods instead of pre-packaged foodstuffs. Soon, I started making my own corn tortillas - much more satisfying than anything I had ever bought in a store - and topping them with chunks of creamy avocado, grated artisanal cheese with spices from Madagascar, and small cherry tomatoes at the height of their season. That led to making my own salsa, explosive with peppers and rich with tomato flavor. Polenta appeared on my table at least once a week, and then more often. Like the northern Italians, I far prefer it to gluten-packed pasta, especially an organic polenta from Argentina, which cooks up sunny yellow in just one minute. I let it rest overnight, then grilled thick wedges of it in a fruity olive oil from Spain, and ladled over it slow-simmered pasta sauce with ten cloves of garlic, a few shavings of nutmeg, and a touch of ginger.

I did not miss gluten.

With all these tastes dancing on my tongue, I wanted more. I bought my food locally, directly from the farmers at Seattle's seasonal markets. I learned how to make jam from the wild blackberries growing by the side of the road in summer. Stocks from scratch, flourless chocolate tortes, homemade potato chips - nothing daunted me anymore. I connected with the community of food bloggers, making friends, and being inspired by other people’s food passions. Night after night, I made three-course meals for friends, or for myself, never making the same dish twice.

The more I connected with the foodies I met, throughout the world, the more I knew: I had found my home.

There is much more to life than Wonder Bread.”


What does all that mean? There will be horrifying, funny stories of junk food we all remember eating, even if we don’t want to admit to it now. There will be stories of living with the Crazy Famous People, and how I learned to eat great food with them while I lived in Sting’s house, in London. There will be guidelines on how to set up a kitchen after finding out one has to be gluten-free, how to cook with the best ingredients, how to eat local and seasonal and organic, how to truly enjoy one’s food. It will, in essence, be my life story, told through food.

Along with this, there will be dozens and dozens of recipes. Some will be updated recipes from this website — I would love to hear which ones you would like to see in the book — but many will be new to the book. I want the book to be far more than a mere transcription of this website. Those of you who are faithful readers of this blog might recognize some stories and passages, but the book really will be its own entity. And the same will be true for the recipes. Every single recipe will be safe for people who cannot eat gluten, but the recipes will be — first and foremost — meant to produce simply great food. They also will, every one of them, be tested and tweaked so they are fool-proof. The Chef is making sure of that.

When I began writing the proposal for this book, back in December, I had no idea that it would end up as a love story. Of all the gifts that have arrived in my life — even more than this wonderful book deal — the Chef has been the best so far. We are deeply in love, wonderfully committed to each other, playful, alive, and aware that we’re blessed. Perhaps some of this — if not much of it — is because we both live and think and work with food, all day long. We live in our bodies and dwell in our senses. We are blissfully happy. And we want to turn that goofy bliss into something good for everyone else.

And so, after we wake up in the mornings, drink a pot of strong coffee and read the newspaper, we start working on recipes. (We are playing with gluten-free olive bread, at the moment.) We talk about food. He teaches me little tricks I have never known, about how to bring out the flavors of food and season meals. We drive to his cozy restaurant, on the edge of Lake Washington, together in the early afternoon — hours before customers will arrive— and start to work. He goes into the kitchen and starts simmering veal stock and putting together mustard sauces and braising baby ribs. I sit at the bar, by the window, look out at the lake, and write for three or four hours. Yes, we both stop frequently to kiss and talk and tease each other. But really, we are made more productive by being in that quiet space together, with the smells of the food he is making inspiring me to sentences I never dreamed would spill out of me. And then I stop to ask him about a butternut squash recipe, and he makes one up on the spot. Before dinner service starts, I drive home, or to one of my favorite coffee shops, and write all night, until the Chef is done at the restaurant. Late at night, we eat an incredible dinner, drink some wine, and watch a movie before we go to bed at one.

I am in heaven.

Those of you who have been reading for awhile may be asking, “What about your teaching job, Shauna?” Well, as much as I adore teaching students how to write well, I am happy to be focusing on my own writing, at the moment. The book advance, while modest, gives me enough money to make writing the book my full-time job. And it has to be. In order for the book to be published next fall, I need to complete the manuscript by January 2nd. Yes, that is just over three months from now. Can I do it? You bet. I have never wanted anything more in my life.

What will I do for a living after January? I don't know yet. My school decided to not grant me a leave of absence, and instead find a full-time teacher for this year, so I will not be going back. I miss the students — and I always will — but it seems clear that I am on the right path. I will pursue my writing, doing as much as I can to help those of us who must live gluten-free.

True creativity and happiness require taking a great leap. Whee!

And so, there you go. A book. Next fall. Stories and recipes. More writing from me. I cannot put into words how thrilled I am.

I want to formally thank you, all of you who have been reading and commenting, coming to this site, and making all this possible. I am writing this book for you.

And I hope that everyone buys it!

59 Comments:

At 9:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a wonderful leap!!

 
At 10:36 PM, Blogger Molly said...

Whooo hooo! I could not be more excited for you, my friend. Here's to more champagne, and to many more books and celebratory meals ahead! I'm so happy to be in your life for this incredible journey. xoxox

 
At 11:21 PM, Blogger MizD said...

Hoooooraaaaaahhh!! Shauna, what fabulous news! Big congratulatory hugs from both of us! --robin & dave :-)

 
At 11:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

How thrilling! I don't have to eat gluten-free, but I've read your blog for the stories and all the great recipes you've shared. I know your book will be wonderful, and a copy will definitely be gracing my bookshelf next year.

Congratulations... on everything!

 
At 1:21 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

That is just wonderful, Shauna! Many congratulations for fulfilling your lifelong dream. Well done.

This is my first time here; i followed your link from FBS.

 
At 1:57 AM, Blogger thewalker said...

wow,

it sure sounds like you do live in heaven, congrats.....enjoy.


and damn. you write like an angel.

 
At 4:09 AM, Blogger Peggy said...

Congratulations! Isn't it thrilling when life finally "fits"? You're doing what you're meant to do and you're with the person you're meant to be with. I'm so happy for you.

 
At 4:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Looking forward to seeing the book being sold in London...

I have to eat gluten-free too, but have not found a single appealing recipe book yet. But since I'm a regular on your blog, I can't imagine that your book could be anything less than fantastic!

 
At 4:54 AM, Blogger kitchenmage said...

How wonderful to hear this! Congratulations!

my advice:
If you use a Windows machine, buy Naturally Speaking and dictate the book, faster, easier on the hands, and you can talk to a digital recorder and have the application transribe

Ask your DE about process, turnarounds, expectations, reviews, etc. If there's something you love/hate in books, tell them NOW (we fought about hyphenations the night before a book went to press once, it sucked!)

Can you pick your editors? A good editor is a thing of beauty, find one or two and treat them well... i recommend Godiva chocolate...

Make sure that you hit the last few weeks a little ahead of schedule; AR (author review) means a round of editing the entire thing right when you're exhausted and trying desperately to finish up on time...

Drop me private mail if you have questions about the book writing process; i've got answers... and a deadline in *six weeks*... LOL

enjoy it! oh, get a bottle of good wine so that when the first book arrives and you see your name on it you can drink and celebrate!

 
At 5:45 AM, Blogger s'kat said...

like calli says, I'm gluten-unfree, but was sucked into your world nonetheless. Congrats, once again!

 
At 5:50 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are our Heroine!

 
At 5:50 AM, Blogger Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Congratulations!!!! What a wonderful recognition of your talent and passion!

 
At 7:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Big Congratulations Shauna!
Life sounds full, fun and purely magical for you and the Chef right now!
I look forward to reading your book since your writings here are inspirational. I can only imagine that a book, written by you, would be beyond delightful.
And thank you for sharing a part of your life with us here. While I do not have to eat gluten free, I do find your blog a joy. I love the recipes, the stories, the honesty and the real feelings you put into your writing.
I hope your life continues to be blessed.

 
At 7:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

CONGRATS! That is truly inspiring!

 
At 7:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations Shauna! I've been following your blog for a long time now, and it is obvious how much writing shapes your life. To have the privilege of combining two passions - food & writing - into one: I can think of no one more deserving.

 
At 8:17 AM, Blogger Helen said...

Dear Shauna,

What a journey! Congratulations and best of luck with your book :) You are such an inspiration.

Cheers,
-Helen

 
At 8:47 AM, Blogger Nat said...

Congratulations! A truly deserved recognition.
This is also fantastic news for those of us always on the lookout for the next Gluten-Free cookbook! (I can't wait to buy it).

 
At 8:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Shauna! This is fantastic, and I can't wait to pick up a copy!

 
At 9:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I read the announcement the other day and smiled to myself. I can't wait to see the book on a shelf somewhere. What a trip! You deserve it. xxoo

 
At 10:37 AM, Blogger GrewUpRural said...

Congratulations Shauna! I can't wait to buy your book from my local bookstore. I enjoy reading your blog, especially the entries about the chef and your cooking experiences. Being in love is a great feeling.

 
At 10:41 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We will definitely read your book. I can't wait until it comes out! This book sounds like it is exactly what I need right now. Living gluten free in Minneapolis,MN gets difficult at times and sometimes I feel like there is no one to talk to about what this lifetyle is like.
Thank you for always inspiring me!

 
At 10:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I never knew that I could enjoy eating food in its whole state. For years, I did not know what food truly tasted like.
Contrasting generations, my five-year-old son has Down Syndrome and Celiac Disease. He gets very excited whenever we go to the local farm stand (Ward's Berry Farm). He can eat almost everything there! He runs around to almost every bin, pointing at each one and shouting "Eat!"

 
At 11:15 AM, Blogger Angela said...

Wow! Congratulations Shauna... it couldn't have happened to a nicer person (would it be bad to say, I'm jealous?!)! I look forward to reading your book - I know it will be wonderful!

Angela

 
At 11:54 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have to join in on the chorus and say "Congratulations!!"
I too can't wait to purchase the book and I know it will have some dog-eared pages pretty darn quick!!
Sometimes those 'leaps' can take you to place you've never dreamed of (or maybe have) and our 'leap' is coming true right now!! I'm happy to join you on your 'leap' and hope it takes you above and beyond your wildest dreams!!

 
At 12:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awesome awesome awesome! There are not words to describe how thrilled I am for you, for following your heart into so many beautiful things; for taking this leap knowing full well this is where you need to go; and for knowing, truly deep within yourself, that this will happen, it will work, and it will be a success. Not a doubt in your mind, or in ours. I can't wait to read your book!

 
At 12:45 PM, Blogger Tea said...

Whee! Here's to leaps of faith and following your dreams. I am so delighted for you!

 
At 12:57 PM, Blogger Lynn Barry said...

I am new to blogspot and one of the pluses has been reading your blog. I do not have celicas but I do have numerous food intolerances so finding others who know what it is like and share makes the road newly being traveled on less lonely.
CONGRATULATIONS on the book deal. I will definitely be buying one when it is released.
All my best,
Lynn Barry
freetoeat

 
At 1:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shauna, 2006 has brought so much, hasn't it?! I just wanted to thank you for publishing your explorations, ideas and stories. I stumbled onto your website in the first few months of it's existance, and follow it like a 'page-a-day' calendar. I look forward to what you will discover next, and when I've forgotten to look I instantly crave opening my web browser to see if a new picture will appear dragging with it an amazing story and recipe to try. I was a Raisin Bran kid, and honestly didn't even understand that people would ever put sugar on their cereal until I was a teenager! I've enjoyed creating gluten free recipes from your blog... and maybe one day I'll put some of my culinary adventures down in cyber-space. I cannot wait to crack into that amazing book of yours.....and add it to my collection. Just be sure to keep us informed when you have a book signing! Thank you again for following your passions..... Rachel, London

 
At 1:31 PM, Blogger Bengali Chick said...

You're a delightful inspiration. You inspire me to take leaps I only dreamt of taking. Wishing you all the happiness in writing this book and knowing that success will surely follow.

 
At 2:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow!! That is soo wonderful!! You are such an inspiration! I had a similar story-- grew up on complete junk food. Do you remember those microwavable smores? My ma would just guve me the credit card-- and i would stock the pantry with chocolate and chips!! Then I got sick in Turkey and had to turn to a vegan diet--which lead me to Bastyr-- and viola!--A foodie was born!!

I really hope you master the gluten free olive bread-- that is the one thing I miss! Oh and to dip it in some balsamic and olive oil...

 
At 2:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations, on the book deal, on the love, on everything. I'm not gluten-free and don't have food allergies, but I love this website, and I can't wait to buy your book.

 
At 2:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I hope you appear on Oprah and all the major talks shows to spread the word.

 
At 9:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can not wait for your book! So excited for you! Congratulations on a beautiful year. :)

 
At 5:47 AM, Blogger Freckle Face Girl said...

Congrats! You are a wonderful writer & it will be fabulous!

 
At 10:35 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOO HOO!!! Sounds like an adventure. As soon as you get published I'll let my friends know and also get the library to order a copy to put in its collection :)

 
At 11:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

great news-we will let our customers know about your book-everyone is looking for tips and great recipes!

 
At 6:36 PM, Blogger Cate said...

Congratulations on all your good fortune - you've had an amazing year-and-a-half -- and this is just the beginning. Enjoy every minute of it.

 
At 6:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm glad the cat is finally out of the bag! I like the title, too.

 
At 8:37 AM, Blogger Jamie said...

Congratulations! I simply cannot WAIT for your book to hit the shelves. Hopefully it'll be available in Canada, too :)

Thanks for blogging about Celiac Disease and how it's really not such a bad thing. Your recipes usually have me drooling at the mouth as I read them - who needs gluten, anyways???

I would love to see your Flourless Chocolate Torte in your book - it's my absolute favourite recipe.

Also, my 2 year old was recently diagnosed with CD as well (thanks to the wonderful genes her mother passed on to her). Any suggestions on making child-friendly gluten free food? In particular, the kid misses chicken nuggets. I haven't tried making my own yet, but would love to hear how YOU would do it (hint, hint).

Take care, and again, congratulations on the book!

 
At 8:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Shauna !!!

Same birthday year, same profession, same date of celiac diagnosis... I don´t miss gluten too.


Ángela

(from Mallorca, Spain)

 
At 9:41 AM, Blogger Unionpearl said...

Please allow us to shout " B R A V O ! " in an exceedingly loud voice. We have joined your leagues of admiring fans and can't wait to read the book.

All the best to you, Shauna,
Chris & Susette

 
At 4:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

! Shauna, that's fantastic!! I LOVE this blog - I came across it after realizing that my now-14 month old son is gluten-intolerant (we're waiting on a celiac gene test). I love your writing, your affair with food, your passion for life and your willingness to share with your readers your what sounds like THE most they-were-meant-for-each-other romance I've ever heard of or read about. If I saw you in person I'd hug you! I can't wait for your cookbok to come out!

Love,
E

 
At 4:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

so inspiring....congratulations.
watching you learn to fly, it encourages me and fills my heart.

-- Molly Oliver

 
At 6:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess this is repetitious, but you are so inspiring. So inspiring. Oops--I meant repetitious because others had said it, not because I intended to write it twice. I have that feeling in my chest--I am breathing shallow breathes as I think about how amazing it is to read of your adventures. I look forward to reading more and more.

 
At 7:48 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I stumbled on a description of Celiac disease on the internet and pieces of the mysterious puzzle for me and my 17 year old daughter began to fall in place.
The realization that there was practically NOTHING in the grocery store that was safe to eat put me in a bit of a depression, then I found your blog. All I can say is Thank-you, from the bottom of my heart, for not just giving me hope, but excitement at the possibilities.
Congratulations on the book!
Crystal

 
At 9:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats on the book deal. Loved your post on meeting Dan. I'm sure you'll be really happy together.

 
At 11:19 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did I ever tell you John made rice crispy treats with fruty pebbles? mmmmm....

Sorry, I was distracted by the breakfast cereals...

:)

(I'll congratulate you again....CONGRATS!!!)

QT

 
At 3:06 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats Shauna! I do hope we get to see your book in India. Am certainly going to spread the word. :) U've inspired me in so many ways.. to cook well, eat healthy, live fullest and yes even those lil tips on writing. Do blog more often.. at least about the book's progress if nothing else.

 
At 5:12 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is such wonderful news, Shauna! I can't wait to read it. Will they be publishing it in Europe too? :)

 
At 11:46 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

As one who is currently going through food allergy/intolerance testing, your blog is an inspiration and a treat! I too have noticed how much more creative I have become in the kitchen...if only from necessity. I look forward to reading more here and to your book. Congrats!

 
At 6:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well! Congratulations!

I'm newly wheat-free and enjoy yr blog immensely. Can't wait for the book.

 
At 8:46 PM, Blogger Deaf258 said...

Where can we pre-order your book, GFG? ;)

 
At 1:43 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shauna!!!! I'm so excited for you! I'm so gonna drive up to Wasilla and buy that bad boy when it comes out in bookstores. :P You sound just as exhilarated with every solitary moment as I've ever known you, which is fabulous. Good luck with writing as a full time job(i can't imagine how exhausting that is...), and don't lose sight of what really matters!

 
At 5:28 PM, Blogger Parisbreakfasts said...

I read your book tale at Food S'cool and came over. I wish I'd come sooner, but it's not to late to catch up. Wonderful captivating writing Shauna, wonderful stories plus a terrific guy. What a good recipe you've cooked up and so satisfying. I wish you well with your new book and I'll check in to read everything I've missed till I'm caught up. So much to savor here. I'm looking forward to it
Thank you :)

 
At 7:12 PM, Blogger Tanya Nichols said...

Do you mind me asking if you have had a relapse? Or cross contamination issues? I am new to this and my son is SOO sensitive that I am cleaning out cupboards for bread crumbs that maybe I didnt see...throwing out spices...if you have time, how long did it take to get rid of everything? Thank you Tanya Nichols

 
At 12:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I cannot express how pleased I am that you are taking the big leap to becoming a full-time writer. What more can one ask than to pursue what you truly love? Or to be blessed with the compelling knowledge of what you were created to become. I am so happy for you and I look forward to many more updates on your site about your progress and the final launch date of your book! I so thoroughly enjoy your writings on this blog, and the treat of having a book written by you is wonderful. CONGRATULATIONS!

 
At 9:15 AM, Blogger Traca Savadogo said...

Shauna-

I was out of the country when you wrote this post and I'm slowly catching up on my reading. I am so happy for you! As one who met you through the blog, I couldn't be more grateful. You inspire me in so many ways....

xoxo-
Traca

 
At 11:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations, your book is going to fly off the shelves. I'll be buying it for my daughter. Thank you and wishing you continued happiness.

 
At 10:32 AM, Blogger Kyra said...

I can't wait to buy your book!


You are the kind of writer I always wanted to be: each post makes me laugh or cry or salivate (and sometimes all three).

Thank you for sharing yourself with the online world.

You inspire me!

 

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