Saturday, October 04, 2008

Surprise Package

I got a package in the mail from Interweave–via FedEx Overnight, no less.

One

Inside, something wrapped in starry starry paper.

Two

Inside the paper, my dream come true.

Three

This little book is sitting on my drawing table because of you, dear readers. If you hadn't begun showing up and leaving encouraging comments, I'd still be tossing all my idle scribbles into the trash and wondering what life would have been like had I gone to art school.

From the damp foundations beneath the creepy sub-basement of my brimming heart, I thank you.

151 comments:

Puss-in-Boots said...

Oh well done and congratulations, Franklin...how lovely to see someone's dream come true.

Quinn said...

CONGRATULATIONS, FRANKLIN!!!

I'm pretty sure my copy won't arrive wrapped in starry (starry) paper, but I'll be very excited to see it anyway!

Have a splendid weekend :)

quinn

Anonymous said...

Congratulations - keep living your dream!

Lesley

TransplantedOkie said...

So exciting!

I can hardly wait to get my copy!

miastick said...

Hooray for you!
And I can't wait for mine either.

gartlande said...

ooooohhhh! I can't wait until mine gets here! Congrats!

canknitian said...

Congratulations Franklin! Thank you for sharing your dream with all of us!

How lovely of Interweave to send it wrapped in starry paper!

Biggest hug,
j

PS: I'm going to message my local independent bookstore and ask them to bring a copy in for me ASAP.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Will keep an eye out for bookstores in Australia who stock your work.

Kelli said...

Congratulations!

I am excited to read it. I am waiting for my LYS to get their copies in (not yet sure when).

Thank you for consistently putting smiles on the faces and laughs in he bellies of your readers. Can't wait till Rhinebeck to get an autograph. ~ksp

Anonymous said...

Many congratulations!

Jean E. said...

Very cool. I will get one as soon as they show up at my LYS!

Mary said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to get my copy of your book!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Franklin! I cannot wait to get my sticky fingers on my copy. :) I am really happy for you (and for me, because I love your drawerings!) and send best wishes for much success.

shyknitter said...

Very exciting!! Congrats!

Diana said...

I'm so looking forward to my pre-ordered copy. I'm sure I shall have to ration it to myself, or I shall gulp it down greedily in one sitting.

Other than the calendar (and I'd love to be able to pre-order some of them!), what's next, dear man?

Anonymous said...

Hooray! And congratulations!

Norm Deplume said...

I can't wait to get my own copy of your hardcover-bound little scribbles. Congratulations Franklin, Dolores and Harry!

mamagotcha said...

Would that all our babies could be delivered so tidily... although a little star-spangled birthday suit might have been a bit startling...

So glad to see that bliss-following actually works! Can't wait for my copy of the little darling to arrive in my mailbox.

Angie said...

Congratulations, Franklin.

I'm looking forward to seeing my copy. I hope this is the first of many volumes of your art.

A girl can hope, right?

Rooie said...

Congratulations! That has got to be such a thrill... Can't wait to get my copy.

And thank you for sharing your scribbles (and your knitting and your niece and your funny stories) with us.

Laura said...

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your scribbles. They bring us much joy.

Anonymous said...

Lovely. Can't wait. "It itches" is already an oft used phrase in our house (don't ask!)
Naomi

sarah b. said...

yay! congratulations. I'll see you soon at yarn con, i hope. :)

Anne's Blogs said...

I've posted here before, but I love you blog. Congratulations on the book. I'll be ordering it as soon as it's available from Amazon.ca.

Judith said...

I'll get one! I'm new to your blog and I love it already, so it won't take any convincing for me to purchase a copy.

Many congratulations and best wishes for more creative and silly inspirations!

Darci said...

This is a perfect example of the Blog that could. I was heading over to Amazon to place my order when I remembered I had preordered....yes, so excited.

woolyjooly said...

I can't wait to get my very own signed copy. When are you coming back to the Twin Cities? A talented guy with a great sense of humor who also knits spectacularly. The whole package. Dolores and Harry should regard their landlord/co-habit (ha!) with awe

Lynn said...

You're welcome. And without you, dear Franklin, our lives would be bereft - you're really somebody special.

tikru said...

So great! Be proud of yourself and enjoy.

Anonymous said...

We love you darlin', I think you are getting to realize that!!!

shannon said...

it's awful purty...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Hi Franklin!

I don't post often enough but just want to drop by and congratulate you on your soon to be released book...

Wishing you much success and all good things in life's continuing journey...

Debbue

Teyani said...

can't wait to get my own copy!!
Congratulations!

Sean said...

Congratulations, my friend! Can't wait until this book is in the shop. I'll love saying, "I KNOW him!" and being able to brag about my "kniterati" friends!

rho said...

Whoo HOOO!!! Congratulations - and you have to tell us - did you do a happy dance when you opened it -- I know I would have ;)

Anonymous said...

Franklin, congratulations. I could not be happier for you.

Christina said...

Thank YOU, Franklin, for your wonderful writing -- humorous, insightful, touching -- as well as the illustrations you share with all of us. And congratulations on your book! I look forward to getting my copy though I shall hold off purchasing for now (I have a feeling it may be a gift from my 11yo daughter).

Ruth said...

Congratulations, Franklin. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Liz said...

Many congratulations!! Will be haunting I Knit even more frequently than usual to see when they arrive there!

Anonymous said...

That last line? Beautiful. That is only a part of why I shall be buying your little book as soon as I see it in the wild.

dale-harriet said...

I admit it - I bought into the Crass Commercialism and ordered my copy years and YEARS ago {heh} from Amazon and I have just been told it will soon be ON ROOT as we say in Fraaansche. Also - what they all said. Not only are you adorable, knitterly, cartoony and amazing -- you are a Man of Reasonable Height. Means a lot in some circles.

Knitting Linguist said...

Oh, congratulations!! What an amazing achievement (and one that makes a lot of other people very happy, too) :)

WandaWoman said...

Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Franklin! My copy has been on pre-order for ages. I can't wait for it to arrive.

Melissa said...

Yay for you! I can't wait to buy it and I am happy your dream is coming true.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on this major accomplishment! May the rest of your dreams come true. Thank you for inspiring many of our dreams. I have pre-ordered my book and anxiously await its arrival. One of my dreams is getting it signed in your presence. Write on!
--Ramona

Tiny Tyrant said...

WOO HOO! Way to go Franklin.

Cannot wait to get my hands on my own copy.

Anonymous said...

Mazal Tov!!!
Many happy returns :)

Anonymous said...

wonderful!! Congratulations - can't wait to get mine; you deserve this success! (and it will be a smashing one)

Lynn in Tucson said...

Goosebumps! That just gives me goosebumps!

Mazel tov!

Anonymous said...

Unwrapping your beautiful book . . . what a moment that must have been. Congratulations!

Cyd said...

Congrats, Franklin! Here's to dreams that come true! I can't wait to get my own copy.

Christy D. said...

Congratulations and well-done!!! I can't wait to see my own copy, and hopefully make it to a signing sometime.

Susan Lea Howley said...

congratulations! you must be over the moon. I feel privileged to have read your blog for the first time with such amazing news.

FiberQat said...

You deserve all the accolades. Congratulations!

Roggey said...

Congratulations!

So few dreams come true for many reasons, it's nice to see when someone who works so hard gets to realize their dream.

(PS It was beyond delightful to finally meet you!)

CatBookMom said...

Hurray! I pre-ordered my copy, and Amazon says it should ship on Monday. I'm so excited!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you Franklin!

Maybe mine will come with starry paper, too?? lol

Anonymous said...

Yay! Hopefully this means I'll get one soon. Been on pre-order long enough that I got an email the other day asking if I still wanted it whenever they get one.

Marcia said...

It's on my Amazon Wish List - maybe I'll get it for Christmas!

S. said...

Congratulations. It's really cool to hear about someone living their dream.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Franklin!

Margie in Maryland

Kristen said...

Woo-hoo!! {jumping up and down, much to the consternation of downstairs neighbors and my cats} Congratulations, Franklin!

L M said...

Congratulations! That has got to be the most overwhelming feeling, to finally hold the fruit of one's labours in one's hands. (Any more ones in that sentence, anyone?) Hope to meet you at the London signing!

SallyT said...

Oh, good for you! So happy to see your talents recognized.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
I hope to pick up my very own copy tomorrow! Can't wait for it!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! What a great moment this must be for you. Enjoy it to it's fullest (and then go on a signing tour...)

Luneray said...

congrats!

If you have your copy already, then that means my pre-ordered copy should be on its way soon. :)

I'm looking forward to reading it!

Anonymous said...

WOW IMPRESSIVE WOW UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE WOW LOVERLY WOW!

go franklin! go franklin! go franklin!

(no pom poms were harmed during these cheers)

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

GinkgoKnits said...

I see the one of the tags is "book one." Does that mean you have something else in the works or does the mere thought of a "book two" tag make you feel like you need to go lie down for awhile?

PS: Does Dolores have any plans to help celebrate the big release?

Anonymous said...

Franklin, how wonderful!! I'm so glad your dreams (and drawings) didn't end up in the garbage.

I'm going to get a copy of your little book for sure.

Unknown said...

Congrats! This is so exciting!!!

M-H said...

Well done, Franklin. Enjoy all the celebrity - you've earned it.

Jeanne said...

How totally and utterly cool, Franklin! I checked it out on Amazon. Did you read the blurb? They're describing your book using words like "affectionate", "humorous", "witty", "pitch-perfect send up"--and they've proclaimed your cartoons as deftly rendered.

Well done, my Innernets Friend, well done! :-)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Franklin. Dreams do come true. What a happy moment in your life!

Alwen said...

Wow! Congratulations! And cake.

cedar said...

You make us proud!!!!!!!!!!!

Shrinkie said...

no, no, we thank you! Your wit and wisdom are a gift. Can't wait to get my copy!

Anonymous said...

I'm soooo excited for you!!!! I can't wait to get my own copy. You'll have to do book signings. Tons of people would show up!

Anonymous said...

Leaping out from lurkdom to say CONGRATULATIONS, Franklin! I can't wait to get my copy.

Anonymous said...

Long time reader, first time commenting... I am so excited for your book. It's on my next to purchase list. Congrats! :)

inkberryblue said...

How wonderful!
Congratulations!
...and I love the cover ~ it looks really stylish. =]

Donna Lee said...

It is so lovely to see a dream fulfilled. It makes everyone's heart feel happy. Congratulations!

Dana S. Whitney said...

"From the damp foundations beneath the creepy sub-basement of my brimming heart, I thank you. "
I think you can thank everyone from the cockles of your heart. I am certainly grateful for you and Ms. D.

emily said...

Congratulations! You have such an incredible amount of talent, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy! I know I'll laugh out loud and treasure it forever.

Molly Bee said...

CONGRATULATIONS FRANKLIN! I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to see the book! You deserve all the perks ahead after your years of hard work! Way to see it through!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, I can't wait to see it.

Knittingand said...

Congratulations! :)

FuguesStateKnits said...

Congratulations to you - and Dolores (but don't tell her I said that.)
Joan from the Atlantic side of the mainland, but it's a blue state, so that's ok for me...

Aidan said...

I always picture you sitting in the dark, alone, drinking, asking yourself "Oh, what if I had only drawn that art-school cartoon in TV Guide instead of going to HArvard University?"

Or not.

Congratulations, Bubbelah. I knew you could do it.

When they make "Franklin: The Movie" can I be played by Jonah Hill?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and you're welcome. There's been quite a bit in this endeavor for us too, you know. Fun, humor, good knitting tales, we've gotten to meet Dolores and Harry and the gang, and your dear little niece.

A fair trade, really. Can't wait to get a copy of the book!
MaryB

georg said...

love(1)
want(1)
congratulate(1)

Anonymous said...

Oh, Franklin. Thank you for letting us share the moment.

(formerly) no-blog-rachel said...

Awww..congratulations! You deserve every one of the accolades you'll be receiving and I'm sure there will be many.

So...when do we get to get our paws on that calendar of yours? :)

FKV said...

kewl! hopefully our pre-order copies will arrive soon!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you, Franklin. I'm glad your talent was recognized, and hope you'll keep entertaining us for many years. I can't wait to get my copy!

Geek Knitter said...

sniffle
Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Franklin! I know I can't wait, I can only imagine how you feel.

rhea delisle said...

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

I just ordered my copy! I hope to see you in Rhinebeck:-)

Harpa JĂłnsdĂłttir said...

Congratulations! There is nothing quite like the first copy of you very own published work.

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't it be great if all of life's big important happy events arrived wrapped in starry paper?
Congrats!

Stephanie said...

Franklin, let me join the throngs in offering my Congratulations :) I can't wait to see it in person :)

Anonymous said...

Applause!!!!!, Applause!!!!, Hurraaah!!!!, Huraaah!!!!!, and Congratulations with YOUR BOOK. I am sure it will be THE Nr 1 Bestseller of the Years 2008 AND 2009!!!!!
I am sure Dolores will be Super Proud about you

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. Can't wait for my copy to arrive. Now brace yourself for sacks of fan mail :-))

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS FRANKLIN!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynne E. said...

Congratulations! Can't wait for my copy to come from Amazon.

Unknown said...

It's beautiful, Franklin!!!
Now that it's finally ready,I can hardly wait for my copy to arrive!
XOXOX
Maria

Anonymous said...

CongRATS! Just think, if it weren't for you, we'd never have a book of knitting cartoons. You did good, Franklin. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Tell me Franklin, who says you can't go to art school now? Oh and congratulations! I can't wait to get mine!

Anonymous said...

you know, my friend; "It Itches" is as funny as Chico asking for the pass word and myy love Harpo pulling a swordfish out of his pocket.

i'm SO proud of you. since you got yours i should get mine soon , right?

marie in florida

Anonymous said...

Far out!

Anonymous said...

I bet you just keep walking over and staring at it, don't you? It's okay to hug it, too, you know.

K said...

Grats!!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the heck out of the moment. You deserve many moments.

I just love how the blog world is changing publishing. I hope that the guarantee of a good-sized readership also had a positive influence on your contract.

Best of sales to you,
Maureen

kt said...

YAY!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Franklin! I look forward to reading the book - it's a wonderful achievement, enjoy it, and I hope there are many more in the pipeline...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Franklin!
I can't wait for my copy to arrive.

Ellen-Mary said...

Congratulations, Franklin! I'm so happy for you! I can only imagine how exciting this is for you. Wonderful.

I can't wait to read it. :)

CraftyGryphon said...

Congratulations! I look forward to my pre-ordered copy arriving in my mailbox!

Yaaaaay!

Yvonne said...

That made me tear up.

Anonymous said...

Well done, Franklin. I will just stand by my front door, waiting for my pre-ordered copy....or perhaps not a good use of my time. Instead, I'll work on my socks...in your colorway from LL. I'm telling you, it's all Franklin, all the time! You deserve every moment of this joy.
from Montana,
Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, darling!

Nana Sadie said...

Whoohoo! I can't wait!
Congratulations...a hundred times over...
(((hugs)))

knititch said...

congratulations. it is so much fun to see fellow bloggers getting attacks of success. i am very very happy for you and i hope more are to come. and i think that is what success and the counterpart is like. it comes in large quantities. and now it is success that is on your plate.

hooray.

Crafty Coug said...

Awe! Cute! I think the wrapping paper makes it all that much better :) Congratulations and I'm excited to see it in person soon.

-Diana

Anonymous said...

AWESOMELY FANFREEKINGTASTIC! Congrats, Dear Franklin! I can't WAIT for mine :)

And -- it says BOOK ONE -- does that mean there will be a TWO????

SQUEEEEEEEEE~~~

Stacie said...

Congratulations! :-)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Franklin! I'm so looking forward to getting the actual book.

execudiva said...

Congrats!

When you handed it to me on Friday night, I started to read it, then realized I really want to READ MY OWN COPY!

Thanks for indulging my friends and signing my bag on Saturday!

Vorpal Knitter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vorpal Knitter said...

Congratulations, I can't wait to read it myself!

Thea_Midnight said...

Yippee! Mine should be arriving soon sans nifty starry wrapping.

Congrats Sweet Franklin!

Anonymous said...

I cannot WAIT for my copy... although I do fully expect it to be wrapped in starry paper! Now where is that calendar?!! xoxo

Anonymous said...

congratulations! you and your drawings are a delight - so glad the likes of you are getting books out there!

Anonymous said...

Sweet, that's gotta be an awesome feeling. I'm looking forward to my copy:)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful and amazing feeling that must have been, to see the whole thing all tied up and delivered to your doorstep. You must be so proud : )

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. That is fantastic! Mine is on my amazon wishlist awaiting christmas gifting. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Franklin! How wonderful to see your book! Can't wait to get my copy.

Here's hoping your book tour brings you near Portland.

Anonymous said...

You've done knitters a great service, Franklin, and it's cheaper than prozac!

Zenknitter LesleyD said...

Congrats Franklin!!! I'm so happy for you!!! Way to go!!

Knitting Kris said...

Ah, the American Dream! Your posts are hilarious, and I can't wait to read the book! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Hey Franklin - congratulations!!! I am sure this is but the first of your oeuvre . . . and I can't wait to hold your first-born and peek beneath the coverlet. I do hope that Dolores has not scampered off with your copy by now, claiming it belongs solely to her. Fortunately you are the one who gets to draw the line on her behavior.

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Franklin! You'll be pinching yourself (or asking others to do so?) for a while. But as you've just seen, the book really IS real. Let yourself feel every ounce of well-deserved exhilaration.

Patti said...

I'm so happy for you. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Enjoy (or is it over?) your fibery weekend. !

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo! Congrats! I can't wait to get mine.

katerina said...

Wonderful wonderful wonderful!! I am threatening tangled yarn if I don't get a signed copy from your signing at Sister-Arts since I can't be there in person ;) Hope Yarn-Con was fun!

New Jersey Laura said...

Congratulations! And see you Saturday! Here's hoping you have copies your book to sell at Rhinebeck! We pre-ordered it, but it won't be delivered in time. (If you don't have any, we'll vote for Dolores anyway.) Signed, four fans from New Jersey who really, really tried to buy your book before Rhinebeck but will happily buy a copy there

Anonymous said...

Yay Franklin! I can't wait to buy one. :)

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