Monday, June 16, 2008

I dedicate this book to. . . myself

Be honest. Would you think that was weird? I mean, weird in a bad way, if I were to dedicate Silksinger to myself? I'm sort of feeling like, at the end of all this, I'll deserve it. Writing Blackbringer was hard, but this is hard in a whole different way, to a whole different magnitude. (I hate to tell that to people who think the first book is the hardest and after that you somehow magically know how to do it. Not so much.) But seriously, what would you think if you opened a book and saw this inscription:

I dedicate this book to. . .
myself,
with pride, relief, and love.
I'm so glad you're finally done.


Okay, maybe not that last line! And -- it's not done, not yet. I am anticipating being able to say that one day, though most days I can scarcely believe it to be true.

Sigh.

16 comments:

Alex S said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alex S said...

I like that dedication a lot but here's another one to consider as well. You might like this even better!

I dedicate this book to Alexandra, the lovely and jovial inventor of not only the human foot but of the modern dinosaur as well, whom I have known for the past 17 years, for whom without there would never ever ever have evenbeen a Dreamdark period, because every creative thought I have ever, ever had has been funneled directly into my special tiny pink head through Alexandra's magical Bulgarian sippy straw! So, today, in this golden moment before all of you, my luscious readersip, I dedicate not only Silksinger but the entire world to Alexandra.

p.s. My right ear is still plugged! I checked the altitude of The Fall's Fox Tower theater and did you even know we were at 35,000 feet in there??? I know, wow!!!

Marianne said...

Ha - Alex, you gotta give her points for trying.

I think I would stop in my tracks. Read it over again, and then say "Yes! Why not. To herself. Three cheers".

That's what I think I would think.

But you never can be sure what you'll think until you think it, aye.

Kim G. said...

Why not you? I'd say you deserve the note! Glad to hear that you are working hard on the edits and I'm looking forward to reading whatever you choose for the inscription!

Catalina said...

I would smile :)

Liana said...

I say, go for it! The way you phrased it is sweet and would raise fewer eyebrows than just "I dedicate this book to myself".

And why not, right? You've worked and are working so hard!
I can't wait to read it- it'll be fabulous. :)

Q said...

If it was you, I would probably laugh, but anyone else I would probably think was really conceited.

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

I'd say, "Gee that's quirky. Just like having pink hair, quirky. Oh ya, it's Laini!" [indulge ... deny yourself nothing. Go for it!]

Ha, I want to read the book like ... yesterday.

Stephanie Perkins said...

YES. Do it.

It is so, so deserved.

I wish more readers realized how HARD novel writing is. This is my favorite guilty subject to talk about -- how freaking difficult, emotionally taxing, and mentally exhausting it is. I don't know how often I actually CRY while working, but I'm sure my husband would say it's far too much! I also hyperventilate, yank my hair, and kick walls.

Which makes me sound neurotic, but I swear I'm not. Not really.

In other words, I'd be thrilled to see that as your dedication.

(And I love the last line.)

Anonymous said...

I always think I will dedicate my first book to...myself. Or rather, to the girl and woman who never thought she could do it--here is the applause she always desired. Hers is the victory!

This is a wonderful dedication. I cannot wait to read Silksinger, but you knew that already, right?

Anonymous said...

I always think I will dedicate my first book to...myself. Or rather, to the girl and woman who never thought she could do it--here is the applause she always desired. Hers is the victory!

This is a wonderful dedication. I cannot wait to read Silksinger, but you knew that already, right?

Annie Jeffries said...

Hey! Give yourself props - why not. Now we have a title to look forward to. Loved Blackbringer and will happily wait for this next one.

Sustenance Scout said...

I agree it's a terrific idea, Laini. More people ought to give themselves a pat on the back more often! We'd all be much happier, I think.

Anonymous said...

Yes, for sure! Because at the end of the day, don't we really write for ourselves?

Afton said...

Ed Emberley's dedication in his "Drawing Book of Animals"
is to himself...

"For the boy I was, the book I could not find."

I always loved that one.

blessedmatch said...

Tempting, but don't do it. Most of the people who read your books don't know you and will never meet you. I would have to imagine that more will find it arrogant than whimsical. Expect to get asked about it a thousand times, long after you have moved on to other projects.