To all the thrifts I've loved before
Introducing...BIG THRIFT ENERGY
A few years ago, I had an idea to write a book about thrifting. I would frequently get DMs on Instagram asking how I found things, or how I knew they were special, or what I planned to do with them when I brought them home. And at some point along the way, I just thought, Gosh, someone should just write a book about this.
So, I did. Of course, it didn’t happen that quickly. I spent maybe six months crafting my pitch (which entailed everything from sample chapters and a table of contents to market research and an SEO plan) and submitting it to publishing houses.
I got a lot of positive feedback — almost every response included some variation of “We love the title” — and occasionally some negative — i.e. “I just don’t think anyone wants a new book about old things.” And then, I had meetings, which were a lot like job interviews. And finally, a year and a half ago, I was offered a book contract.
Now, many months and shopping trips and photo shoots and thousands of words later …. this project has taken shape, and it’s heading to a bookstore near you this July. My book is called BIG THRIFT ENERGY and it’s just what it sounds like — so much fun! — and full of gorgeous photos and lots of resourceful info on shopping for fabulous vintage things, styling them, and selling them if you so desire.
This book has been the absolute highlight of my adult life and career and it’s not even out yet so, in my mind, it’s already a success. Of course, if other people actually read and enjoy it, that will be the icing on the proverbial cake. It thrills me to type that BIG THRIFT ENERGY is available for pre-order now on Amazon, Target, Books-a-Million, Barnes-and-Noble, Powell’s, Hudson’s … pretty much anywhere books are sold (I have always wanted to say that). And hundreds of retailers, all across the country, will be stocking the book once it’s out!
The book is a love letter — in part to thrift stores, those isles of misfit toys in which I’ve found some of my most beloved (and valuable) pieces of art, decor and furnishings. But also to my grandmother, the real love of my life, who taught me the magic of shopping vintage.
And… it’s already been reviewed. Publisher’s Weekly called it “jaunty,” which I loved! I think you can trust their word for it.
In short: Please pre-order BIG THRIFT ENERGY or ask your local retailer or library if they plan to stock it (pre-orders from both retailers and consumers are crucial for a first-time author, as it signals overall demand for the book). And write a review when you get it (which is also very very important for a first-time author)! And tell all your friends to do the same!
I’ll leave you with this…