Sometimes the things we most desperately want to figure out are the things that need to percolate slow. There is no hurrying a crock-pot meal. There is no rushing a sunset. Coming up with a title for the book I finished this summer has been like that for me. You would think it would come in an outline, matter-of-fact way. In a way that is logical and sensical and clear. If you count the book proposal, I’ve been working on this book for the past two years. And in all that time, I could never find the one phrase that said the thing it took me 60,000 words to say. It kept me up at night. It made me crabby. It also brought out my perfectionist issues because, you know, it has to be the perfect title. Which is kind of exactly one of the problems with my good girl life; the obsession with exactly right, the desire for just-so, the need for you to like me and everything I do.
And so I need grace, heaven-helpings of it. Grace to release myself from the invisible standard, grace to trust that even if there is no perfect title, it doesn’t mean the book will fail. And I need grace to trust as we come to a final decision, because a decision means this thing is really happening, women really will read my book, and failure is a sure possibility. I so need grace.
Did you hear it? Is it as painfully obvious to you as it now is to me? It didn’t come quick and it didn’t come easy, almost like I had to live it out and then name the living. And so we did. I hope it will mean something to you as it has meant to me.
Now that’s a rockin-awesome title!!!
Amy Sorrells´s last [type] ..Of stars and scales
Oh Emily, I LOVE it! Perfect!
can I say it’s perfect ?!
deb @ talk at the table´s last [type] ..in praise of wonder
Can’t wait to read it, Emily!
Misty´s last [type] ..Stop
Oh yes…I would definitely read that!
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard´s last [type] ..It’s Shoe Box Time!
Um, I will be buying this book. The title alone says it all for me… it’s just right!
Annie´s last [type] ..happy birthday- brother
Ooooh…I likey. A lot.
Erin´s last [type] ..the gift of a shoebox
I must say that I LOVE IT!!!! Its exactly right and one we can all relate to! Wow! Can’t wait to read the book! The title alone speaks to my life!
Blessings to you and congratulations on finding a great title!
Mary Joy
Mary Joy @Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace´s last [type] ..Celebrating Living Thanksgiving- 100 Reasons I am thankful – Week 3
I love it. Could’ve used that a long time ago(but still can, of course!)…it’s hard for us ‘good girls’ to really get the grace sometimes. I really enjoyed your series on grace last month.
Congratulations Emily.
love it…tag line and all.
perfect title.
can’t wait to get my copy….
The title is so fitting. Can’t wait to get my hands on that book! So thankful for you and your willingness to answer to His calling! I know you will be (slash already have been!) so blessed by sharing your book with others. Thank you.
and that title speaks straight to my heart. bravo!
Perfection! Can’t wait to read it!!! Blessings!
Terri´s last [type] ..Great Fall Season of Sports!
Well done! And needed by this good girl!
Missy K´s last [type] ..Sack of Happy
You are all so encouraging. Thank you! The panic subsides a bit with your words…
GREAT title! Can’t wait to read the book! ; )
Heidi…´s last [type] ..carmex!
I love it. Very catchy.
Dayle´s last [type] ..Monday Musings On the importance of thank-you notes
Great title. When will it be available?
Sherri-Dawn´s last [type] ..swelling with thanks
Thanks! It will be available September 2011. I know, feels like forever!
Emily´s last [type] ..we have a title now
and it is… perfect. so let the perfectionist in you shine for just a moment
and then… bathe in His grace!
Dawn´s last [type] ..i cant get over it
love it emily. just love it!
Oh MAN I am so excited to get my hands on that bad boy!
..you mean ‘on that good girl’
That is a title I would grab to look at. : ) Congratulations and anticipations.
misha leigh´s last [type] ..Of Cloudless Climes And Starry Skies-Meet In Her Aspect And Her Eyes
nice. very.
kendal´s last [type] ..balking
I love it!!! I hope you had good girlfriend time this weekend. Still praying for you.
…by the way… can you get that book out any sooner? My girl isn’t going to be with me much longer. 1 and 1/2 more years of HS.
oh my how time flies.
Angela´s last [type] ..Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
I LOVE it. I want to buy that book, and then give one to all my friends for Christmas. Your title will captivate the heart of the woman who keeps falling into the “try-harder” lie, and promise her something much, much better. I love how God made you wait for it too. He knew all along, but took the opportunity to stretch you and root the message further. Not comfy, I know. But good parenting is never about what’s comfortable, right?
Oh, Leslie! Don’t I wish you could buy it right now! I’m so glad you like the title – here’s to hoping you’ll like the book as much!
Emily´s last [type] ..we have a title now
That is one good title. Makes me want to read the book… you know, having struggled for so long to be a good girl, thinking that that was what Jesus wanted me to be, and that if I really appreciated what Jesus had done for me, I would try my very hardest to be good. I think grace is difficult for perfectionists like me to take hold of. It is difficult to accept it for others – for people who may be “good-girls” or “good-boys” but whose flaws I can see so clearly. That is a great title you chose. God bless you.
Thank you Alexandra! It took an incredible team at Revell to help me come up with the very best title that we all felt fit. And I can so relate to what you say here!
Emily´s last [type] ..we have a title now
it brought tears…caused me to breath in and I identify with the title and would buy it:)
That is a book I would pick up and read. That title scream my name and says “You! You there, you need this”. I need to learn to accept grace and stop trying so hard to be perfect in life. Can’t wait to read this!… This speaks to me in the same way the book “Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not-So-Fairy Tale World” did. Well done!
Sounds wonderful….
I’m STILL taking away from your 31 days series on grace. Thank you for being such a blessing and an encourager. God is good.
Bevy´s last [type] ..Brokenness
Love. It.
Kelly Sauer´s last [type] ..“invitation to go nowhere”
it’s perfect!
Smiling…
Perfect! The “try-hard life” is so easy to identify with. I. LOVE. IT.
dawn´s last [type] ..Whoa
Love the way it sounds…nice job!
YAY or YOU!!! Smiling for YOU!!
You Go!, “Good” Girl ,you!!
Awesome..Praise the Lord!
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..Harvest Season
This is an awesome title! I cannot wait to read it! I feel as if I can identify with it already.
Livi´s last [type] ..Saying youre Sorry
This mega crockpot fan says well done, girl. Love, love, love the title!
I’m so impressed by your honesty. I have been reading your blog for a while, and it’s funny how you seem to be able to put words to the thoughts that often run through my mind. Great title choice!
Wonderful! The perfect name just settles into your heart and feels so right and good. Such satisfaction, yes?
I’m looking forward to the book release to read more of your journey, because I’m sure it’s one I’ll relate to and learn from. Thank you for your words. Here. There. And the Word that is your life. You bless.
Kristina Joy´s last [type] ..The SoSartina winner is-
Emily,
I would buy that title! And it is SO me I have tried so hard to live right, to do a good job, only to fall on my face. I can’t wait until it comes out!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..What are you focusing on
Perfect! You would have me at the title even if I didn’t know who you were.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..Multitude Monday
Perfect.
Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home´s last [type] ..Celebrating 13 Wonderful Years…
I’ve wanted to read your book all along, but now, I NEED to read it.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..Six On Sunday – Sneak Peeks
And now, may it leap off the shelf into the hands and hearts of try hard girls everywhere and invite them to the grace table!
Blessings Emily!
stacey´s last [type] ..Multitude Monday
…those words bring stinging nose and watery eyes. thank you for them.
emily freeman´s last [type] ..we have a title now
It’s beautiful..and profound! Thanking God for the way He has answered our prayers for you!
Shilo´s last [type] ..Our Peaceful Place
me too, me too! Thank you so much, Shilo!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..we have a title now
wonderful choice! congratulations!
~h
heidi @ wonder woman wannabe´s last [type] ..grateful
Perfect choice! I love it!
love it! can’t wait to read it.
Esther´s last [type] ..Faith on the Rocks
Can I just be honest? Does the title exclude some ? I need to learn more about grace and have loved your 31 days on grace but am no perfectionist so would the book be for me too?
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Tea For Two
Good question, Carol. I think every book will exclude some people – no book can be for everyone. I will say because my story is laced with this ‘good girl’ syndrome of feeling like I have to measure up to an invisible perfect standard, then it is somewhat heavy with that topic, especially the first half. However, I will say I think there is still much to learn and relate with on the topic of grace for any girl – I would hope the book would be for you, too, in that case. And if you related to the 31 Days of Grace, then I would say you would relate to the book. But I cannot guarantee it. Does that help?
Emily´s last [type] ..we have a title now
You are so wise to realize that no book can be for everyone. Don’t forget that if/when the naysayers come.
Marla Taviano´s last [type] ..radical response final chapter!
Yes. I can certainly relate to the issue of trying to work for favour from God and not being able to just accept it for free from Him. Until recently I certainly felt condemnation when I didn’t feel as though I had been ‘good enough’. All the best with the book and thank you for taking the time to reply.
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Tea For Two
Girl, I have read a lot of books on how to and how not to. The quest to get this thing or that thing just right and well-ordered and well-executed has a been a constant in my life. But of all the book titles I have ever seen, all the titles of books I have actually read, the title of your book is the one that encapsulates the truth I need just, well, perfectly. {I know, I just used the “P” word.} I can’t wait to read it and I know others have said that but really, it is hard to wait!
One of the greatest struggles in my life is the one of everyday grace. I have even looked to see if there is a book with that title because it sounds like a book I could use. I have written a couple of posts about this everyday grace thing yet never felt compelled to hit “publish.” Maybe because it’s so much in formation and not so much understood and lived out. But you, my friend, have written the book. {And speaking of posts, that’s what this comment is turning into!} All of this to say: I love the title and I’m so happy you’re sharing it with us.
Scooper´s last [type] ..Remember Me
Perfect – really Emily!! If I didn’t know you and what a wonderful writer you are, I would want to buy it anyway. It is something I so need to read.
Linda´s last [type] ..Jesus- Savior- Pilot Me
I have a sudden urge to sing the Hallelujah Chorus! It’s perfect!
Bonita´s last [type] ..Celebrate Writing!
As the only non “good girl” in the room. Because all of you just radiate grace. And because I’m not a girl. I want to know where we can pre-oder (anywhere except the company that shall not be named – at least for a while). I want it now.
And Emily, I wrote my first blog post today, it’s actually, right in line with yours – It’s about love taking risks. I’m just a reader of yours – but from all I’ve read I know that jumping out into the traffic on a busy street is not really in your nature (forgive me if I’m wrong). But love risks. I have never met you – only your words – but I’m proud of YOU.
And I’d be honored if one of the women who inspired me, taught me how to write from the heart, would go peek at my page – actually pages – twin blogs – ugh!!!!!! Even if you’re too busy, even if you don’t, I will continue to run to this stream of yours every day – because the water is so sweet.
From “the publisher”: actually just the marketing manager for the book …
You will be able to preorder “Grace for the Good Girl” in the spring (March-ish) from ChristianBook.com. Cheers and Thanks!
I love it. I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations. xoxo
Catchy title. I like it.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..A Good Attitude is a Terrible Thing To Waste
Beautiful, beautiful name! I love it & know that your readers will be blessed!
Melanie H.´s last [type] ..Beauty
I can’t wait to read it………..everyday on your blog, you say with just the right words, what my heart is feeling and my mind is trying to figure out!!
Is it targeted to ‘girls”? Because I am 56 and still struggle with perfectionism in myself and in others. And the worst part is I am just figuring it out.
You’re a girl, right
? It is for women of all ages!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..we have a title now
Oh I love this title and I can’t wait to read the book. I already feel like you are speaking directly to me most days!! You are a blessing to this “good girl”!
That is a wonderful title for your book!
Rachel´s last [type] ..Momentary Troubles- Eternal Reward
What a perfect title! I might be judging the book by its cover, but I can’t wait to read it!
Jen´s last [type] ..Busy-ness- Sickness- and the Trouble with Being an Introverted Teacher
Oh, Emily! I LOVE it!!!! Can’t wait to OWN it!
Can’t wait to OWN it and read it! You have a way with words…. not that you haven’t heard that before.
Your transparency speaks volumes Chick!!!
Megan´s last [type] ..Thankful – Friends
Yes! this is it! haven’t been here long…but i hear you and you hear me and this fits us!!
Abby´s last [type] ..where parable meets Gospel psalm
Love the name. The things that don’t come easy are usually the best. I think it fits perfectly.
Pattyann´s last [type] ..Two Horses
To live it out and then name the living. . . I think maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Congratulations!!
Loved it! From one perfectionist to another. It really stinks, doesn’t it?! And it takes 10 times as long to do anything because I’m so afraid I will mess it up!
Blessings,
Janis
Janis´s last [type] ..Leaning on the Rock-A Contingency Plan
How is it that surrendering can be so hard? I completely understand your frustrations and how issues of perfectionism could come up. I think we really do know what to do, or how to title something, we just need to listen and allow ourselves to hear the answer without any judgement.
I think you have picked a great title, it sings from your heart and it makes sense to the customer. I would definitely be curious toy read it too =)
Wow. The title really makes me eager to read it. I think it was worth the wait for the perfect title! Congratulations.
Jimi Ann @ Path of Life´s last [type] ..Monday Meditation- Acceptance
I think it is a perfect title – a full of grace title!
bluecottonmemory´s last [type] ..Believing Impossible Things
i know how it feels to have that burning desire to put a name/title/brand on something and not be able to grasp it. i’m so glad it came to you. it’s perfect!
melissa~afamiliarpath´s last [type] ..Family
YAY!!! I love it, friend. I love your heart. This book is His and it is going to spur so many on towards freedom. Blessings.
I love the title!!
I’m buying many copies…for me and my Good Girl friends!!
We all need it!
yay!!!! that’s awesome, girl!!
Super clever!
Awesome Emily! so glad you found “the one.” And it’s perfect. Can’t wait to read it!
Nicole Unice´s last [type] ..Honesty- Part Two
Congrats! Love the title. I have been waiting and wanting to get this book since I found and read about it on your site. My daughter is one and I want this book for her!
Adrianne´s last [type] ..Remembering 31 Days
Fantastic title! I can’t wait to read it since I grew up hearing those words “be good” every time I left the house…
Jane´s last [type] ..Garbage Day
Just reading the title makes me get teary. : )
God is good, isn’t He?
Melissa May´s last [type] ..The Path that Changes
Fantastic! So worth the effort! Absolutely love the alliteration!
imoomie´s last [type] ..The Caribbean Sea…
You made it about me?!? I’m so flattered!!! LOL
Totally excellent title. Can’t wait to read it. <3
Joy´s last [type] ..morning breath
Happy tears brimming here.
Because it really is perfect, Emily.
That title encapsulates everything.
Slow sunsets are the best… and what you do, it blazes too.
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience´s last [type] ..Links for 2010-11-15 delicious
It’s practically perfect in every way.
Marla Taviano´s last [type] ..radical response final chapter!
Congrats on the name!
Kari´s last [type] ..Dear Atticus- some things I think you should know
This sounds great! I’ve always been a perfectionist, and God is doing a lot to set me free of that. But I know it’s something I’ll have to recognize about myself and grow in for the rest of my life. And your book comes out just in time to be on next years birthday wishlist!
Wishing the best for it and can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Kim Trick´s last [type] ..My Fave Things Today- Gluten Free for Under 200
That’s exactly the kind of book I would pick up! It’s something that the Lord has been working on in my heart. The only thing that makes me significant is what He’s done for me…not how good I am, not how I keep my house, not how good my family looks, not what I can do….just Him!
Great title!
From one good girl to another.
Elizabeth´s last [type] ..Candlelight Walk 2010
Oh my goodness – I LOVE THE TITLE AND the SUBTITLE!!!!!!!! I knew the title but boy does the subtitle just give her life. I am praying for the cover. I know how important that is. Mine didn’t come easy but it was so worth what it took to get her here. I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to read “Grace for the Good Girl”. And I want to do a promo and give away on my blog when she’s ready to make her debut!
Grace for the good girl – sounds amazing! Congratulations Emily
Jeri´s last [type] ..My Healing Began with a Stranger