Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
It’s here! Today is the day that Confessions of a Scary Mommy finally goes on sale. Thank God.
But, I’m not asking you to buy the book today. I’m not asking that you “like” this post or tweet it or Pin it or share it in any way. You’ve done that already, more than I ever could have expected.
Today, I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. because without you, this book would never exist.
I never wanted to be a writer. It was never my life’s goal to publish a book or go on tour promoting it. The fact that my little online baby book has led here still has me pinching myself and shaking my head. I’m not entirely sure it’s all real.
My very first blog post was almost an apology. An apology for asking my friends and family to follow along, once again, while I embarked on my next big thing.
Up until my blog, I was known for starting projects with a bang and then allowing them to fizzle out once I tired of them after a few short months, when I got bored and moved onto the next big thing.
That’s never happened with Scary Mommy, though, and it’s entirely thanks to you. Your comments, your confessions, your guest posts in the Society and your presence on my boards have me more in love with this site than ever. Starting a blog was the single best decision I’ve made in my life.
I began the blog for my children. To give them something to look back on when they discovered their baby books blank and the photo albums with gaping holes. I want them to one day see me as the imperfect, mistake-making but ever-loving mom I am. Though it might embarrass them at times and we may hit bumps over it in the future, I’ve always considered the blog a gift to them. At the end of the day, a love letter, really.
But, this book? This book, I wrote for you. It’s my story, but it’s also your’s. With your confessions interspersed through the pages and your presence always a part of my writing, the book represents our shared view of motherhood–the good, the bad and the ugly. The truth.
Thank you for giving me the inspiration, the material and the support. We certainly have a story to share.
{ 76 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations on the book launch Jill!
Next up – movie based on book? :)
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Rocking This Motherhood Gig
Jill, I want to thank YOU for writing your book! When I read it, I felt an overwhelming surge of relief…I’m not the only Scary Mommy who let her toddler eat a slug by mistake. And it’s okay to laugh about it! Wishing you much success!!!
remember those slugs are a delicacy in some parts of the world. you were really just letting her experience fine dining in another culture.
Congrats Jill! So excited for you!!
I hope today and tomorrow are as magical as you’ve dreamt!
Can’t wait to see your interview!
liz recently posted..Part of her army
Congratulations on the release of your VERY FIRST BOOK! I will see you in RI to have you sign mine! WOOT WOOT!
Jill, congratulations on making this dream become a reality! You absolutely deserve all of the good stuff coming your way.
Lindsay recently posted..LiftMaster MyQ Garage Door Opener Review & Giveaway
CONGRATS girl! I’m so stinkin’ excited for you. Love when good things happen to good people!
Melissa {momcomm} recently posted..I’m Speaking at Type A Parent Conference!
Congrats Jill :) VERY well done!
I am so excited! I preordered and I got my message last night saying it was on the way. I can’t wait. Thrilled for you and all you have accomplished.
Life with kaishon recently posted..Happiness + A Blue Rose
Congrats! What a relief this must be!
Motherhood on the Rocks recently posted..YOU DID WHAT?! SHARE YOUR MOTHERHOOD MISHAPS
So should I buy it now, or wait until I go to the signing in Exton on April 14th? Whatever is best for you, I’ll do. And BTW? I can’t wait!
Lauren recently posted..The Hunger Games: I DON’T GET IT!
So happy for you! You’ve worked so hard now enjoy the ride :) We love you and all of your wonderful stories and all you have done for all Scary Mommies. Thanks for always letting us know that we are all “normal” and we are all just doing the best we can. Best wishes for your books huge success!
Congratulations Jill! As we speak at least one little copy is heading to Belgium…
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently posted..Life didn’t hand me lemons but asparagus
Congratulations. I can’t wait to read the book. I mean, I need to buy it first, but it’s on my list!!
Kmama recently posted..Thank You Very Much: Spring Break Edition
Everything you are experiencing is so well deserved. Congratulations. Thank YOU for constantly reminding us that this shit is hard, there is no one correct way, (or hell, even 12!), and it’s not always pretty, but damn if it ain’t fun.
Arnebya recently posted..Mirror Mirror. I’m Looking, But I Don’t Know Who I See.
Cant wait to read it!!!!
kerry recently posted..My Vagina hates Santorum…
The only “scary” thing is wondering what might have been for the chances you didn’t take, so big congrats to you for all your hard work and well-deserved success. I know there’s nothing like holding your own book in your hands (well, maybe your own kids, but I don’t have those. I have plants. Not the same thing.) Anyway, congrats!
Abby recently posted..Jose Can You See
Yeehaw!! The day is freakin’ HERE!! So excited for this next chapter (yuk, yuk) in your life!! Congrats on all your success SO FAR and all of the great things that are coming your way! Good luck on your book tour (and next time, come thru Pensacola..that’s an order.)!!
So excited for you. Isn’t it cool where life takes you when you just let it? You have a talent for being approachable and refreshingly normal and people, including me, enjoy that. There is enough fake parenting crap out there. Go kick some book tour a$$!
Dani recently posted..On Marriage
Congratulations, Jill! You absolutely deserve this! Enjoy it!
Susan @ Mommy Mind Trip recently posted..The Most Interesting Dad in the World
Congratulations Jill!!
Amanda recently posted..A Look At The Thoughts Running Through A Boy’s Head While Playing Sports
I was excited yesterday to receive an email from Amazon telling me that my book had shipped—I just tracked it, it’s “Out for Deliver”! Yay! I also wanted to thank you for inspiring me, for making me laugh, for (many times) reminding me that I’m not alone in being a loving—but imperfect—mother. You are truly remarkable! Congratulations!
a Book for My Daughter recently posted..Update: In Defense of My Children
Show me that loving perfect mother, and I’ll show you a liar! We are all imperfect, living in fear of emotionally maiming our children irrevocably for life, and yet somehow they survive us and turn out great in spite of our best and worst efforts. At least that was my experience.
Congratulations on the book, Jill!
Congrats!! Amazon told me yesterday that your book was on the way!
Emma recently posted..b is for buster
Well, it’s really more like thank YOU for making so many see that so much can be done when so many come together.
You’re a huge inspiration. Huge. Big. Giant.
And because you’re real and down to earth…that makes you that much more loved.
So…thank you. Over and over again.
Carrie recently posted..Boobs and hair ain’t the only things big in Texas.
huge congrats, and love the book!
Anna recently posted..Coins, More Coins and Thanks to Coinstar… a Gap Gift Card
This gives me the warm fuzzies. I’m so happy for you, Jill! xo
Shell recently posted..Monsters and Bedtime Battles
Congrats. So deserving my friend. I cannot WAIT until the movie comes out. xoxo (Also, add Minnesota to your book tour)
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..Project 365 Week 13
Congratulations of realizing your dream. This book is on my list for sure. Much love and luck, Deborah (the dramafreemama)
Deborah recently posted..When your little baby is not so little anymore…
Good luck with the Book. A friend with a preview copy said it was hilarious. I look forward to it.
Congratulations!! Loved the last 3 paragraphs of this post. You summed it up wonderfully.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..What’s in a Name?
You’re an inspiration, Jill, and I’m not just talking about how you speak the truth to the suckiness of parenting a youth athlete. So proud of you and looking forward to seeing all the accolades roll in!
Nancy Davis Kho recently posted..Realistic Post Apocolyptic Survival Strategies
Congrats Jill! This is wonderful. I hope my copies come in from Amazon before your signings around here (MA/RI) so I can get mine signed!
Congratulations Jill! I am so happy for you and for the whole Scary Mommy community too. Thanks so much for your consistent reminders that we are all doing pretty much just fine, and that anyone who cares about being a mom at all is alright. Much love to you and your family as you celebrate this amazing milestone. Muah!
Rebeccah recently posted..Cookies In Lieu Of Creativity
So happy for you, Jill!
OHmommy recently posted..Feenie-isms
Thank you for taking the time to write this book Jill. It’s going to be great! I read the first Chapter and loved it. Thank you for telling the REAL story of motherhood. I hope new moms find your site and your book, and ease up and feel better about themselves.
I can only imagine that this feels surreal.
Much love, congratulations, and best wishes. This book is an amazing read, and I do plan on giving it as shower gifts. Because the myth and the impossibleness of the NEW MOM PERFECT has got to be thrown out the window.
I went through your book and thought of how many women will cry tears of no longer feeling alone.
This is more than a book, Jill, it’s a revolution.
So proud of you.
Alexandra recently posted..So Raise Your Glass…
I speak to New Mom Groups at area schools, churches, MOM clubs. I’m going to bring a few of your books along and pass it around.
Just thought of that idea.
I’m so brilliant.
Alexandra recently posted..So Raise Your Glass…
I can see how it must seem all so surreal at this point. I’m beaming over here for you and for how you represent our community. Enjoy the ride, Jill and many Congrats again!! :D xoxo
Elaine recently posted..One Part Glitter, Two Parts Dirt
so proud of you <3
and jeff better be proud or I'll kick his ass! ;-)
xoxo!
vanillasugarblog recently posted..deep dish chocolate chip cookie pie
Congratulations on the book coming out! You’re such an inspiration to me. Now to grab my kindle and a few quiet hours and read that bad boy!
MomEinstein recently posted..My Week in iPhone Photos March 25-31, 2012
Congrats Jill!!!
Jen recently posted..Through the Lens – Family Field Trip to the White House
Congrats!! and thank you for creating this site.
Congrats! the book is wonderful. I devored it on my kindle today while suffering thru my 3 hour glucose test.
Thank you for writing the book and for having this blog.I am so glad I found it because you help me realize that motherhood is not always a perfect ride.
Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo recently posted..Kids Nighttime Routine
Congrats to you! Your site is an inspiration to many bloggers and a hoot to boot! I’m sure your book will be a big success.
-Jennifer
Jennifer Rustgi recently posted..Kids Fail Less When They Know Failure Is Part of Learning, Study Finds
Congrats Jill! Look forward to celebrating with you!
Glamamom recently posted..Mode Monday: Spring Bag
Congratulations Jill! it’s a great book and I’m looking forward to seeing you in Montclair!
Georgette Gilmore recently posted..First SOMbike Family Ride of the Season & More
Congratulations on the book launch! I know you’re going to sell millions :)
Lin recently posted..Ten On Tuesday
So very thrilled for you my Sweet, ScaryMommy Friend! Wishing you abundant, continued success….hope to see you soon!
I must admit I teared up at this. Jeez I’m getting sentimental in my old(ish) age. Congrats! You deserve it. So much.
Marta recently posted..Notes Between the Paper Sheets
I am so excited for you!
Jen recently posted..We are All a Little Bit Scary
I am so over the moon excited for you. I have a day “off” this week (from the kids) and I’m going to my favorite local book store to see you on the shelves.
anymommy recently posted..Only a year
I can’t way to read it! Finally able to spend a little more time reading these days :).
Congratulations, and good luck tomorrow!
Magpie recently posted..Designing
I had been looking forward to the book release (since I discovered it last week), and downloaded the Kindle version as soon as I got home from work. My Mommy Time Out tonight was spent drinking beer and reading the ENTIRE book. :) Kudos for giving us “real” moms something to relate to, versus the perfection we’re all pressured by.
I’m just so happy for you Jill. I always was but now that I’ve started to read the book I’ve realized that you have really given new moms a gift. And not just new moms – us moms who always wondered if maybe we somehow didn’t get it quite right. I still don’t know whether I did or not ;) but at least I am once again reassured that I’m not alone. And that, truly, is a gift.
I hope it’s successful beyond even your wildest, peanut-butter smeared dreams.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Mom, we need to have a talk
I can’t wait to start reading! Congratulations!
Angela recently posted..How to Bake Sugar Cookies Worth Crashing Your Car For
Congrats, Jill! You made it. Yes, there is still much to be done…but you can finally soak it all in and enjoy the ride. You worked hard and surpassed your goals…what a feeling! xo
Congratulations on the book launch. It has been a long time in the making. My daughter wants to get pregnant. I’ll get her a copy, which will be more meaningful once the baby gets here.
Jill, I am so excited for you! I know it’s going to do well. I can’t believe I missed you on the TODAY show! I wonder if I can find it online yet?
tracey recently posted..Things overheard at a boy sleepover should remain unheard by a mother’s ears…
I never heard of you until this morning on the today show as I was putting pics from 2007 in a photo album in hopes that one day I will catch up to the current year. But as you spoke you said everything that I say throughout my week. I have four children who I constantly say are sucking the life out of me, and when they ask me who my favorite is I tell them whoever is on my nerves the least that day. And after 9pm I punch out, I don’t want to see a kid, hear a kid or look at a kid. It sounds so mean when I say it, but another person says it also, so I can’t be wrong, can I. Thank you for validating my feelings and I will be visiting your site often. I’m sure I will buy the book, but who knows if I will have time to read it!
You’re truly an inspiration. Like you, I began blogging, in part, to chronicle my memories of my daughter (and also as an outlet for my mouthy, obnoxious, thoroughly self-centered inner monologue who will just not.shut.up.). Like you, I’ve never been one to stick with projects for the long-term. Like you, I’ve found an amazing sense of purpose and direction though blogging. And someday, like you, I would love to write a book that encompasses everything yours does – original essays interspersed with the stories of other women. Because, to me, that’s what blogging is all about.
You’re living my dream, lady. Enjoy every minute of it. :)
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..The Road to One and Done
Congratulations! This is such an exciting time! I remember that feeling that I had the day my book first came out. It’s so surreal. I’m living vicariously through you right now since it’s been a few years since I experienced it. Enjoy your day!
The Mommy Psychologist recently posted..Stop Pointing Your Finger at Me
Yayy! So happy the book is out, and so happy to have evidence that someone who used to be a “project fizzler” could start and keep up something as great as ScaryMommy. Nice job, Jill–here’s to many more books, too. But not yet. :)
humanmama recently posted..balancing act
Congratulations on the book!! I can’t wait to get my copy; according to Amazon, it should be here by Friday and I’m certain I’ll have it read by Saturday!! Thank you!!!!!
Rachel recently posted..Day 2 – What am I getting myself into?!?!???
Loved the book! Couldn’t put it down yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Big Fan ..saw u on Today show w/ K.L & BRC. thought it was pretty funny your segment followed KL rant about child abuse in the US. Ha! Felt that she acted stuck up & never stoops to our level when being a parent, & B R C didn’t even get it ! I felt bad for u , but u ROCKED it anyway !! congrats & continued success
Started reading your book today Jill, I’ve only started following your blog in the last few weeks, and had to buy the book immediately! I so enjoyed reading the first few pages and can’t wait to find a spare moment (yeah right) to read the rest. My kids are hanging on me now, cause I’m on the Internet writing to you and not paying attention to them, so perhaps an early bed time tonight! :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the world, and thanks for making me feel normal! I’m a better mom because of you!
Lindsay recently posted..It’s quite funny, having an out of body experience…….
Congratulations to you Jill! Writing a book is a huge accomplishment (one that I too hope to reach), but the fact that your blog has touched and helped so many mommies is what truly makes the book an accomplishment. Without your funny stories, many moms would be depressed and sulking, but with them, we feel as though we are not in this alone! Thank you for all that you do to support the rest of us!!
Cassie recently posted..Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It’s off my rocker I go….
halfway through the book on my Kindle and I am in love! THANK YOU THANK YOU for writing this. So far, I’ve laughed until I peed a little and cried after that (not about peeing, at something in the book). Thank you for making me feel normal!
And PS, if you ever showed up at my door and called your kid an asshole, I would hug you and cry out of sheer joy that I had found SOMEONE who understands!! I wish you were around when I was alone with my new baby in a new city too!
Man, I’m always the last person to the party here! But congrats – it must be such a relief for you and SO exciting! Here’s to selling the hell out it. Loved the book – it really stayed true to your voice and that of your site.
xo
If I commented earlier, sorry for the repeat…but just have to say that I am so proud of you!
The book is fan-freaking-tastic! Your voice was there with every page and I laughed out loud at a few of those confessions…and I liked how when reading the essays…I remember the posts that you wrote that went along with it…new puppy…Forgotten Bday party…etc. Nice to remember those writings! :)
So, so happy for you Jill. Enjoy every single moment! :)
Kelly recently posted..Needing Downtime
So over-the-moon happy for you!
(Also? Eek! It’s here!!)
xo
Galit Breen recently posted..Aware Love
Finally someone who understands! I also did the fertility thing and was blessed with twins at age 42. My oldest son is eight. be careful what you wish for. I would think those crazy thoughts throughout the day. Motherhood is not what its all cracked up to be. I turned to drugs and alcohol for my serenity and it got to a point where there was no peace. My husband finally picked up on my bad habits and i am clean now but what a road to recovery. I would love top talk with you. I was thinking about writing a book about my experience so other people would know that its ok to feel your true feelings!