Magpies, I can hardly believe I’m writing these words:
I signed a book deal!
Coming May 2026: a collection of musings, poems, lists, and moments noticing the small everyday things that bring joy and meaning to our lives, published by Quarto, authored by me.
May 2026 feels far away right now but, as we say: it takes a long time to become. And I am learning about the long, recursive, and beautiful process of making a book, and seeing it through edits, and having a real, live editor (and copy-editor!) to collaborate with, and talking about design and layout. In truth, the book began a long, long time ago, when I was six years old and first stapling together stories written on construction paper for my mother, and feeling that strange, never-ending compulsion to translate my observations into letters. That’s probably the truest origin story I can find in myself; the bulk of the intervening 34 years has been a blur of revision.
The entire thing feels like a woozy dreamwalk; maybe this is what I was grappling with when I asked whether you believe in fate, or magic, or what have you. All I can say is that I wrote in my New Year’s Bingo Card that I wanted to query agents for a manuscript I was working on, and here I am in April with a book deal. Through some combination of mystery, grace, and hard work, here we are.
But let me get to my point, which is to thank you for making this possible. Every time you have visited my blog, or shared an essay, or left a comment, or liked a post on Instagram, you have paved a little bit more of this path for me. In many ways, this book is a product of our little community of noticers, and I am so proud of us for it.
Onward, Magpies!
Post-Scripts.
+On shaking hands with the blank page each and every day.
+Are you a hummingbird or jackhammer? Turns out I’m a jackhammer in a hummingbird’s jacket.
+A luminary. (On making it through a hard time!)
+And in case you need it: the reassurance library.
Shopping Break.
+Have you seen Banana Republic’s new April arrivals? Absolutely gorgeous dresses for special occasions. I love this robin’s egg blue fit and flare, this patterned midi (Alemais vibes), this khaki utility style (Ulla Johnson, is that you?!), and this breathtaking poplin midi.
+And over at Old Navy: the most adorable eyelet midi set!
+Speaking of sets: I just ordered this white linen two-piece set from Few Moda. It’s made by the same manufacturer that produces Jenni Kayne, but $89 if you’re a member at Few Moda, which — just through 4/21, is free for the first quarter if you buy any item there.
+A seriously fun sneaker. Do I need these?!
+Still my favorite athletic dress. So flattering and comes in great colors. I’ve had the same pale pink one for several summers and love it. I did notice they released a cami style top, too!
+As you know, I love a pouch. I am the pouch queen! I have one of these Minnow ones in a different pattern, but love this one too! The ones from Pehr are also excellent, whether using for baby/children or just yourself! I love to give those as baby gifts. They’re a great, roomy size — I use now for packing undergarments while traveling — but excellent for holding diapers, pacifiers, little sets of clothing, etc.
+Speaking of Pehr, I just saw they released sleep sacks! Their swaddles are so incredibly soft and charmingly printed; I know these will be the same. Our favorites when my babies were little were by Kyte. (Quince has a good look for less.)
+More seriously sweet baby gifts. This brand makes the most darling patterns!
+As if Jo Malone cleaned your kitchen.
+Love this CIAO tote.
+Wow – this Loretta Caponi.
+Fun, inexpensive top — reminds me of Hunter Bell?
+These Dries sneakers caught my attention.
+Not a glamorous topic, but if you are prone to body breakouts from exercise, I swear by this body wash and this treatment oil.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
Oh this is the best news!!! Congratulations!!! Counting the days alongside you- I often save your words in my phone in a folder for my daughter, life lessons I want to share with her. To think I’ll have them in a book is just thrilling!! Hip, Hip, Hooray!! Cheers to you!!!
This is so lovely – thank you so much. Your encouragement means more to me than you know! Thank you Brittney! xx
JENNNN!! Oh my gosh, this is so amazing and exciting. I simply cannot wait to read it! Biggest congratulations!! XOXO
Thank you so much, friend!!! xx
YAY i cant wait to read it!!! The first of many, I’ll wager 🙂 the world will be gladder for having more jen shoop writing in their lives
!!!!! This is so sweet — thank you so much, Jessica!!!
Ahh so happy to hear this news, Jen–it is so well-deserved! Can’t wait to read your book. Congrats!!
Thank you, Courtney! xx
Amazing news Jen! I’m a little behind on posts as I’m travelling (currently on the train from Osaka to Tokyo) and my jaw just dropped reading this!
!!! Thank you!!! And safe travels, friend!
Congratulations! A huge accomplishment.
Thank you, Marty!
congratulations, so proud! You deserve this opportunity. 🙂
Thank you so much, Colleen!!! xx
How wonderful! Congratulations on this big milestone. Sending support from afar for all the fun and challenging work ahead.
Thank you, Meg!
So happy for you, Jen!
Thank you, Emily – over the moon!!!
YAY! This is the announcement I have been waiting YEARS for! You’re such a phenomenal writer, and this is beyond well deserved. I can’t wait to read it! Congratulations!!
Thank you so much, Kristen!!!
Congratulations!! Can’t wait to read it :)))))
Yay!! Me too!!!
Biggest congratulations to you, Jen! I’m so looking forward to reading your book!
Thank you so much!!!
Congratulations! So deserving and so happy for you. Your grace and compassion shine through your work and it is truly one of my favorite things to read. Can’t wait to see your work in print!
You are so generous – thank you!!!
Yay!!! Congratulations, Jen! Such wonderful news 🙂
Thank you dear friend!
Congratulations! Amazing news, I can’t wait to read it.
Eee blushing / pinching myself at the comment “can’t wait to read it” — thanks, Emmy!
Congrats and well done!! I’m super thrilled for you. Looking forward to the gift of reading it.
Gosh, thank you so much Michele!
Congratulations!!! You have a way with words. Always wondered if writing a book was on your radar (and hoped it was)!
Thank you, Toska!!
Congratulations!!!!
Thank you, Shannon!!! xx
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Molly!!!
Congratulations! I can think of nobody who deserves this more. You clearly put so much in, and we appreciate it and you!
Thank you, Hayley 🙂
Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it. Please let us know when we can preorder!
Yay! Thank you!!! I am feeling so lifted! xx
Congrats Jen! Your writing is such that I can’t help but be drawn in, every time. Looking forward to supporting your newest venture.
Gosh thank you, Sham!!
Congratulations on your book coming out! Well deserved! Looking forward to it!
Thank you, Claire!! xx
Congratulations, Jen! You have created such a beautiful, welcoming space here in your corner of the internet, and I look forward to carrying your words with me in book form!
Grinning from ear to ear – thank you Denise!! xx
Many congratulations! You are a beautiful writer and I am looking forward to it.
Thank you so, so much 🙂
SO excited for you and I can’t wait to read it!! Congratulations!
Thank you, Kelly!!!
Congratulations on becoming a signed author! Now the real work begins on putting it together and turning over your baby to others to mold and shape it for publication. I worked in publishing in sales and my dad has been a bookseller and publisher for years so I know what goes on to getting to this stage. A couple of words of advice find a great book designer who shares your vision of how you want the book to turn out and don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like how your “baby: i.e. your book is being treated or edited. The next year will go by fast and before you know it your creation will be a tangible entity!
Thank you, Jenifer! Great advice! xx
Congrats and cheers to you for a huge accomplishment!! Will be waiting for you to sign my copy on tour in LA 🙂
Meep! Iris!!! That would be the dream. Love this energy. If it happens, you will be the first to know! xx
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and cannot wait to read your writing on a physical page! Checking this space each morning is a favorite part of my day. Thank you for sharing your writing.
Thank you for being a part of the daily Magpie community!! And for the kind words. Riding high today!!
xx
Huge congratulations! You’ve put so much care into cultivating your voice and building this community through your writing– this news feels so well-deserved. Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Gina 🙂 I so appreciate this coming from a longtime reader!!!
Congratulations!!!! I check your website every morning and always look forward to reading your musings. Please let us know when your book is available to pre-order/buy!
You are so thoughtful – will do. Thank you so much for celebrating this moment with me, and for being a daily part of the blog!! xx
Oh my gosh, Jen!!! I am so, so excited for you!! Huge congratulations, and I cannot wait for the release of your book!
Thank you, Mia!!! xx
OMG! Jen, congratulations!! What an accomplishment, though no surprise to anyone here that you would achieve this goal. Cheering you on and cannot wait to dive into your book when it’s published.
Thank you, Sofia. Your encouragement means so much to me!!! xx
Such lovely news! I love keeping up with your musings on your blog and instagram (I screenshot many of your instagram musings for quick pick me ups when browsing my phone photos!) so I am excited for this next medium. Congrats!!!
Ahh! You are the best. Thank you!!!
Wow!!! A huge congrats to you and I hope celebrations abound. Of course, I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you, Katherine!!! We are toasting left and right! Thanks for being a longtime part of this blog!! xx
Such exciting news! Congratulations, Jen!
Thank you, Paige! xx
Congratulations! There are so many of us cheering you on!
Congratulations! What a fantastic accomplishment, can not wait to pre-order your book!!
Wow! What an accomplishment, congratulations! Crossing my fingers that your book tour stops in Ann Arbor 😉
Congratulations!!! So well deserved; I cannot wait to purchase and read!!
Congratulations, Jen! What a major life and career milestone. You deserve to celebrate!
Thank you, Erica!!! We popped a bottle of champagne the night I signed the contract, and I actually have a charm necklace to commemorate the achievement, too 🙂 Pinching myself!!!
xx
Congratulations Jen! I look forward to reading your blog every day. Can’t wait to pre-order YOUR book!
Michelle! Thank you so much for this lovely note and for your loyal readership. I’m SO excited :). Thank you for reading along!! xx
CONGRATULATIONS! Can’t wait to read! Soak up this moment!
Thank you, Whitney!! LOVE the reminder to soak up this moment 🙂 xx
I’m so happy for you! And I’m looking forward to reading!
Thanks, Caroline! Feeling the love today!!!
Way to go!! Cheering you on and can’t wait to hold your book in my hands next year!
Thank you so much, Mary – your encouragement means the world to me! 🙂
So excited for you, Jen! Incredibly well-deserved. Congratulations!!
Thank you, Monica!!! Means a lot coming from one of my longtime readers!!!
Congratulations! Your daily posts (especially on observations) are one of my favorite parts of my morning. I can’t wait for the book!
Gosh, thanks so much, Anne. I’m so lucky to have this wonderful community of women reading and commenting along. Thank you!! xx
So thrilled for you, Jen! Huge congrats!! xx
Thank you, Jaclyn!!! Means so much to hear from you, a published author!! xx
Wow! Huge congratulations, Jen! What an accomplishment! So happy for you!
Thank you so much, Danielle!! For the note and for your loyal readership and commenting. So lucky to have you here. Onward!!