A few weeks ago, someone left a comment for me on my Facebook page.
Dear BW.. You are hilarious and speak for thousands…thanks, but, now are a self-propograted ass, just trying to cash in. Stand up and a book deal, and pandering for sales? Not my co worker anymore.
The first thing I thought was, “what awful grammar and what the fuck does ‘self-propograted’ mean?” The second thing that happened was my feelings were hurt that someone saw me as that person who was “selling out” by writing a book, but then I thought, “Wait one fucking minute.” I have been wanting to write a book ever since I was a kid. I used to write stories on little slips of paper and then tape them altogether and present them to my parents as my latest book. When I started this blog in December of 2008, there was never any intention for it to grow into what it has become today. It was just a simple project that allowed me to vent my frustrations while doing one of my favorite things: writing. Fast forward eight years and the Facebook page has over 330,000 people on it and the blog gets thousands of hits each day.
Three years ago, I bought a book called The Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published because I wanted to see if I could figure out how to write a book. That’s right, three years ago. I read that book cover to cover, taking every word of advice it had to give me. I wrote a 25-page proposal and sent it to anyone who would read it. After over a year, I found an agent who liked the idea enough to try to sell it. He spent six months sending it to publishers and then one day, while I was at the restaurant, I got a phone call. (My phone was in my apron when it was supposed to be downstairs in my locker.) My agent found a publisher who liked the proposal and wanted to turn it into a book! That was on September 25, 2014. Eighteen months ago. Finally, the book is coming out. For the last year and a half, I have worked on the book, all the while working two or three jobs, running the Facebook page, writing for other websites and writing for my blog. It has not been easy, but the thing is, I love it. I never dreamed that when I started this blog I might be creating a whole new chapter of my life. (Nevermind the irony of starting a blog about the annoyances of waiting tables and now I have to keep waiting tables if I want this new career to continue.)
Now, with the book only weeks away from its release date, am I going to ask people to buy it? Damn right I am. Sorry, Bridgid, but I am. I don’t see it as “trying to cash in.” I see it as an opportunity that the universe provided to me to do something that I love and maybe, just maybe, get paid for it. Isn’t that what everyone dreams of doing? Discovering that one thing that gives them joy and then figuring out a way to make it what you do for a living? I have worked my ass off for eight years being the Bitchy Waiter. No, literally, I no longer have an ass. This is what I do and I am proud of this book. It’s easy to say “I want to write a book” but following through on it is the hard part. I’m proud of this accomplishment and I hope people will buy it. But if they don’t I’m okay with it. Worst case scenario is that I will be able to say, “Oh, yeah in 2016 I had a book published.” That’s still pretty good to me.
You can click here to buy it and I hope you will because this book means the world to me. It’s not even that expensive. In fact it’s less than a martini here in New York City. Thanks, everyone.
Miranda
Can’t wait to read your book. I love your blog and admire you.
Much love
Mandy
Debbie
I admire you BW, hard work pays off! Can’t wait to get my book! ?
Alyssa
BW your true fans are so so proud of you! Never let someone like this asshat get you down! I’ve been reading your blog now for years and always look forward to every new post. You’ve worked your ass off and deserve every good thing that comes your way. Everyone has haters, yours are only big and brave behind a keyboard in their mothers basement. Promote your book as much as you can! Even though your fans on here will get it regardless of any promoting. We’ve learned through the years on this blog that we’ll never change the minds of asshole customers, but at least you can try to profit off of it!
SLEDFORD05
Haters gonna hate, huh? Tell Brigid thanks for a blog topic that very likely lead to selling more books – So HAHA . I love your blog, have been reading it for at least a few years now. You speak your mind honestly, you are very witty – just the right amount of smart-ass. I can’t wait for your book to be released. I will share a post as well. You don’t seem to let the negative get to. Now go self-propogate for that book you worked your ass off writing. Congratulations for achieving a dream!
Jen H
I discovered your blog about 2 years ago, and checked then to see if you’d written a book! Pre-ordered as soon as the announcement was made. Your take on life in service is hilarious and honest, and I am looking forward to your book *finally* coming out. Rock on with your bitchy self, BW! I hope it’s a bestseller:)
FrenchMell
How is publishing a book based on your experiences and blog entries “cashing in”? It doesn’t make your opinions as a waiter any less valid, it just means you’ve got the initiative to make the best use of your talents. Bridgid’s comment was insipid and thoughtless, and perhaps a bit jealous. Congratulations on the upcoming book and keep moving forward!
Mandybeth
I have been reading this Facebook page from the beginning. I adore it. This is the first time I have ever made a comment because normally I just giggle and “like” it. This, however, made me need to post. I am so happy for you and this opportunity. I am proud of you for putting in the work and the time, and making me giggle alone the way. Keep it up, my love, keep it up!
Lucy
They talk in about the autor as a HE.. you cam fix that in the amazon author central
Sharon-Not the same Sharon who posted 3-13-16 @ 1:17 p.m.
Wha?????????????
Kelly
One of the most baffling (and frustrating) things about being a writer is that other people constantly presume to tell you that you’re not one for one dumb reason or another. If you write, you’re a writer. Period. Even the most Serious Writers, people who’ve published in every major lit journal and won prestigious awards, have detractors. Keep writing your titties off!
Not the same Sharon who posted 3-13-16 @ 1:17 p.m.
I can’t wait to get my hands on your book. I pre-ordered, so I know I will be getting it soon.
All I can say about Bridgid is, nice people are happy when another human being achieves something that comes about by blood, sweat, and tears. Nasty people send mean, spite filled little messages saying, “I reject you, your happiness, and your success.”
What are you supposed to do, BW, hide under a rock and not promote your book??
Why write a book and not tell anyone???
Lord have mercy! If I ever achieve anything that amazing I would be walking on air and telling EVERYONE about it in everyway possible!
Christine W Chandler
I’ll buy it if I see it at Goodwill. If it’s paperback, because they’re just 50 cents. I won’t go a buck for hardcover.
LaFawne
Happy for you! If you hit it rich with your book, you are still going to need to keep waiting tables though. How else will you get the material for your second book?? Proud for you and congrats!
miss kitty
We are so proud of you, and so happy that your hard work is paying off! We love you at my work, and you get us through some tough shifts with smiles on our faces! Thank you for all that you do, and best luck with your book. It will be a part of my collection for sure!
Jubel
Bridged I don’t get you.
John Behiri
Why BW, I’m shocked that an experienced waiter like yourself failed to recommend a good cheese to go with Bridgid’s w(h)ine! Blah! Blah! Blah! She’s so full of sour grapes. Haters are going to hate- don’t let them bring you down.
Just want to say props to you on the blog- keep up the good work. Really looking forward to the book
As a small diner owner who’s worked all facets of a restaurant- front, back, middle of the house- I always enjoy reading your posts- especially skewering someone who wrote an inappropriate review.
All the best!
Johnny B. (Johnny B’s Glenmont Diner)
Christine W Chandler
Are you kidding? He admits he knows nothing about recommending wine, yet will recommend something for $28 that’s on the shelf at Walmart for $3.99–then laugh at you for drinking it, and complain if you don’t leave a $7 tip on JUST the bottle! So yes, I’m eager to know what someone like that thinks about cheese! Are you kidding?
Sharon-Not the same Sharon who posted 3-13-16 @ 1:17 p.m.
You just flat out read what John posted and took it literally and missed the whole point entirely.
Is your other name Bridgid, by any chance??????
Sharon
I’m coming out of the shadows to post a first time ever comment. I have been reading your blog for years. I even read posts aloud to my Internet challenged coworker who dies laughing. You have given a beautiful bitchy voice to all of us servers who can’t talk back, take abuse with a smile and deal with rude, ignorant morons on the daily. Having your book published is a victory for all of us and anyone who feels differently is a hater, plain and simple. Big huge congratulations from a hardworking server who has dreams of her own. I’ll be buying your book for myself and for the birthdays of friends and family this year. ?
Mary
Bitchy Waiter, you’re my hero!
Diana
I live in Ireland. I have followed your blog for years and have had your book on my Amazon wishlist since you announced it. I will be buying two copies, one for me (good customer) and one for my elderly mother (absolute nightmare). You have provided so much thought provoking entertainment for so long that you more than deserve your success. Don’t let posts like this get you down. Hope that the book release goes well!
Monica R
Diana, I found your descriptions of you and your Mom hilarious! Maybe you should blog about your nightmares of eating out with your Mom? Lol.