Hello, remember me?
After the marathon of 60-hour weeks, Ruby Fever has been rewritten. I do not remember when was the last time we worked so hard. Mod R read a little bit of it and she sent me an emoticon of a kitty with hearts in the eyes, so it must not totally suck.
First things first, Amazon Australia is charging $25.99 for the ebook of Ruby Fever. Do not buy this, please. I emailed to complain about it to our publisher. The price should go down, and theoretically, according to Amazon’s policies, when the price is adjusted before the release, you end up charged the latest price, but let’s not take chances. Let me see if the publisher can get it fixed, and then we will let you know when it’s safe.
Ruby Fever is now available at Barnes and Noble in ebook form. This was not a publisher issue. Harper Collins tried to get them to list it for 4 weeks. Many emails were sent. Apparently there was some sort of computer issue. But it is available for preorder.
Now that that’s out of the way, we are so tired.
Look at the beautiful flowers Jeaniene Frost sent us. They smell divine. There was a card that suggested that what was best in life is to crush the edits and see them driven before us. I saved it to show you, but unfortunately, the nice cleaning service came through yesterday because we haven’t properly deep-cleaned the house since the marathon editing session started. They threw it away. But it was glorious.
I am also the worst friend in the world. I badgered Jeaniene into sending me the advanced copy of the Other Half Of The Grave and then the edits ate my brain. But now I shall treat myself to it. Muhahaha!
Working this hard comes at a cost, so I have an awesome plan for this week. I am going to do fun things. Sometime in the haze of the edits, I received an email from Miss Babs, a yarn company, letting me know that an MKAL was happening. MKAL stands for Mystery Knit Along. You buy yarn, join a knitting group or forum online, and then you are given the pattern in small bits. You don’t know exactly what the finished project will look like until you’re done. It is supposed to be social and fun, and I have never done one.
I kind of stopped buying yarn. I was trying to do more writing, and the only craft project I finished since Kid 1’s cross stitch – ended up not outlining it, looked weird – is a little sweater for Charlie the French Bulldog, because we had a cold front come through and I had acrylic yarn I wasn’t sure what to do with. He liked it.
I’ve been trying to make a sweater for humans, but it is one of those knit in the round in one piece, and the shaping was too much for my very tired brain. I am typically good with it but it is all k2, m1L, [k to next m, sm, m1L, k to next m, m1R, sm] x 2, k to last 2 sts, m1R, k2. [k to next m, sm, m1L, k to next m, m1R, sm] x 2, k to end. And at some point I am like, “Wait, did I m1L this row or did I not, and how many stitches am I supposed to have at this time on sleeve caps?” I know this is blasphemy, but I think I like separate pieces sweaters better. Is that wrong?
Anyway, this MKAL is another shawl, which I probably don’t need. But there is one super important factor: it is Princess Bride based. It’s called As You Wish: an Inconceivable MKAL. Here are all of the quarters from Miss Babs.
My favorite Princess Bride character is Inigo Montoya. So this happened.
I broke down and bought it. It was my carrot – finish the edits, look forward to the shawl. The lighting wasn’t the best, but you can see it here on Miss Babs.
The yarn arrived a couple of days ago. I squished it, and oohed and awwed, and then Gordon who was out on an errand came home. He knew I bought yarn, but didn’t know what I bought, what it looked like, or that it was PB based.
He saw an action figure at Target and bought it for me.
It matches.
This is fate. I am so making this shawl. I might even wear it.
My precious.
This sounds so amazing! Once we close in our new house, I shall buy all the yarns. (I’m also with you, I prefer sweaters in pieces. Hats in the round.)
And, hooray for RF being finished! Enjoy your play time!
Looking forward to Ruby Fever, sorry it is making you work so hard.
Flowers are gorgeous, just keep them away from your menagerie, even the pollen is toxic if ingested, especially those creatures that are “kinda” self cleaning
House Andrews kitties have never had an interest in house flowers or plants, or even particularly the Christmas tree. They’re safe! 🙂
A subset of “As You Wish” should be “Prepare to Dye”.
My new life goal: be on the same CAL as Ilona (hope you crochet, knitting is still not my thing)
I said “No yarn until you finish the projects you have going”. I have a few more months to go. But then I had to hit that link to Miss Babs.
Just let you know I can still melt plastic with the best of them.
Clearly, the action figure was a sign! It would be hard to go wrong with anything Princess Bride related though.
Uh oh, pre ordered ( in Australia) but I see that the price is as HA says, still $25.99. Or maybe it went up? Will be chuffed to read it though!
The price is currently $25,99 AUD but Ilona has addressed it with the publishers and hopefully it will be adjusted 🙂
I preordered Ruby Fever on the 16th of Dec on Amazon Australia for AUD$6.35, so not sure what has happened since then.
❤️
That’s so much work! Congratulations on finishing and I’m so excited for your Mystery Knit Along! The theming is incredible! And it looks so very lovely and fun!
Innkeeper colors, too.
I am so happy for you. I can just feel the joy of the beautiful colours. And I love Inigo Montoya too <3.
Well done on the edit of Ruby Fever. It will be fantastic.
Your yarn looks yummy! I’ve been knitting from stash, trying to reach a point where I can (may) buy yarn for a sweater…
Congrats! Hoping for some rest time to come your way for the next few weeks!
Congratulations on finishing the edits! I so look forward to the release date. Winter has gone on forever. Chill out and enjoy your free time. ????????????????????
I love this post for multiple reasons. Not the least of which, I’m a huge Princess Bride fan. Attached is my dish towel – it has pride of place in the kitchen. All the feels.????
This is priceless! I want!!!!!
You killed my father, prepare to die….. can’t wait to see the shawl!!!!
My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
So glad you are done with the rewrite! Relax and enjoy life for awhile! Love that Gordon bought you the Inigo Montoya action figure ????. Too funny that it came when you got your mystery yarn!
Congrats on finishing the Ruby Fever edits! Your yarn is beautiful. I tend to prefer knitting flat and then seaming, maybe because I used to sew? It’s also a lot lighter which is easier on my wrists.
I love counted cross stitch, but knitting is totally beyond me. Have fun.
Awwwww…. I’m so happy you finished the edits and get to take some time to do fun stuff. The yarn us beautiful and I love Inigo too! So sweet that Gordon got him for you!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it brought a smile to my face!
And the colours look gorgeous!
Congratulations on ending the beast. Let the fun and relaxation begin!
Congratulations!
I’m so glad you (and Gordon) finally got through the edits and can now reward yourself by doing something that you’ll enjoy. 🙂
Thank you for fixing the NOOK issue.
I ordered the ebook!!
I guess now is not the time to beg for an Arabella book……
Congrats on the edits / re-write!
As much angst as this book put you two through, I am sure you are doubly glad to see the end of this one.
Since all the signs point to this being a killer book, hopefully you will find at least some of the trauma worth the pain.
Thank you for the book. I am really eagerly anticipating it.
I love your knitting posts. You choose such lovely yarn and make complicated things- that are wearable and useful!
I do not knit or crochet with any skill, so a project takes me approximately forever. (I am almost finished with the lacy shawl I started this past summer. Perhaps it will be useful in a month or two? I am not counting on it at this point.)
Enjoy!
❤️????❤️????❤️????
Nothing at all wrong with preferring pieced sweaters! Knitting is all about finding the best way to do things for you! Enjoy the MKAL, it looks like fun! Lyrical Knits designs are always great.
????
You two are spooky!
I preordered Ruby Fever both from Kindle (USA) and the printed version from the italian amazon (Of course in English).
Jeaniene’s flower are amazing!
The princess bride being your favorite book… we sort of guessed :p but I didn’t know about Montoya.
I trust mod R heart shaped eyes kitty reaction, about the Ruby Fever, (not that I ever had any doubt about it).
And yeah you deserved some good wool!!!
Fear=fever of course
Fixed it for you, Chiara! :* Hope you’re well!
I’m in awe of anyone who can knit or crochet. I’m totally inept. Someone very brave didn’t believe me and decided to teach me. She ended up laughing on the floor and gave up. I did warn her…..
I love the colors and the PB. Maybe you can post a pic of your project when you’re done, if you have time.
I’ve always wondered if Alesandro will say Inigos iconic dialogue before TKO the bad guys…
Have some fun with the shawl or something! Yiu need fun after so much work.
I’m sure the book will be wonderful because you guys are great writers and wouldn’t send it out into the world if you didn’t think it was good enough. But personally at this point in the series I just Need To Know What Happens. So super no pressure here, if it’s going to be published I’m going to be happy!
Also, with all the cool things I could focus on this post, I really can’t see anything but the Inigo figurine. I immediately went to Target’s site to try to get it. Nope, not there. They do have an Inigo adult costume and I contemplated getting it for my husband, but I fear he would look more hobbit than Inigo. And he already has a hobbit costume.
I went to the manufacturer’s website to get it, and ended up with the whole set. Inigo, Fezzik, Buttercup & Westley! Can’t wait until it arrives.
I love finding ways to continue practicing hobbies. I’m doing a weekly drawing challenge that does not give out prompts early, so you don’t know until it publishes each week. It is also social, which helps with feedback and feeling less alone. May your shawl by inconceivably gorgeous.
I thought about doing the MKAL, as a huge Princess Bride fan, but it takes a lot of yarn, which means I would not have enough time and would probably never finish it (I am the queen of WIPs). Also I CAN NOT WAIT until Ruby Fever. So excited!
That’s amazing! How can you not now make it when the universe aligns that way.
Lovely flowers. Sorry they got thrown away and I am not trying to be a downer here, but please keep your fur babies away from flower arrangements like these. Lilies are toxic to cats. I had to find that out the hard way…so I have to pass this info on in case you didn’t know.
Thank you both for writing and publishing.
Thank you for watching out for House Andrews ???? . Their fur babies have never been interested in the flowers or plants around the house, not even the Christmas trees. Everyone is safe 🙂
OMG there’s Princess Bride figures?
*SQUEES*
And yes, do all the fun things, all work and no play crushes the soul!
You always need more shawls. I design shawls. I currently have 24 of them in a basket on the bench where I put on my shoes, probably another dozen in a drawer in the bedroom that are not worn as much, one that needs ends woven in and blocked, another in the process of being crocheted, and dozens of ideas. There are never too many shawls. Enjoy your shawl and your break. You earned both.
Beautiful flowers! It’s nice to have a friend who thinks of you at special times! Congrats on finishing the edits. so excited the book is that much closer. Hope you get some rest and enjoy the knitting project! Thanks so much!!!
and now I’m joining a KAL…
A woman, neither of you have met in person, is hugging your hubby for being so thoughtful!
I love reading your posts Ilona. Thank you for sharing! ????
Ahhhhhhh! I did her Monty Python & the Holy Grail MKAL last year and it was SO. MUCH. FUN. I have successfully avoided being sucked into the PB one (because it’s tax season and I have zero time to knit) but it haunts me and I fear my resolve is crumbling.
Every so often whenever one of our kids are leaving to go somewhere I say “Have fun storming the castle”
Sounds like a really good day. Enjoy the knit along!
My niece and two nephews can quote every line of The Princess Bride. (One girl two boys, sister and brothers). Their parents did this for long car rides and camping trips. At the time they were between the ages of six and thirteen.
They are now 14, 18, and 22; they still quote lines to each other.
Their friends think they are insane. I find it hilarious.
Anybody want a peanut?
In high school, my brother and I used to quote Monty Python routines at each other in the hallways. Also, we sang lyrics from “Ahmal and the Night Visitors” (a Christmas operetta). It was fun to have a “partner in comedy”!
Yay for ruby fever being done!!
That looks and sounds like a really fun event for you to do!
BTW I have listened to Clean Sweep in Graphic Audio 3 times now and absolutely love it my kids really enjoy it also, but from someone who does not really do audio books because my mind goes squirrel on them they did a wonderful job and my mind can stay focused on it. I think having the full cast helps it stay engaged! I have already pre-ordered Sweep in Peace and can’t wait!
Enjoy and have some fun!
Welcome back to the world of the living! You probably feel right now like you never want to see Ruby Fever again. But I’m sure we’ll find it immensely satisfying. So ignore it as much as you can, then enjoy the success when it comes out. Now go play.
Its beautiful and I’m 40 today. Yay
Happy Birthday, Lindsay!
Happy belated birthday, Lindsay!
Love MissBabs yarn. I did a Monty Python mystery knit along “Knights Who Knit” by the same designer as the Princess Bride MKAL with one of her kits. It was a lot of fun.