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What's a Wreck?

A Cake Wreck is any cake that is unintentionally sad, silly, creepy, inappropriate - you name it. A Wreck is not necessarily a poorly-made cake; it's simply one I find funny, for any of a number of reasons. Anyone who has ever smeared frosting on a baked good has made a Wreck at one time or another, so I'm not here to vilify decorators: Cake Wrecks is just about finding the funny in unexpected, sugar-filled places.

Now, don't you have a photo you want to send me? ;)

- Jen
Friday
Jul312009

Come Meet Jen, Who Often Refers To Herself in the Third Person

I've been hinting around about this on both Facebook and Twitter, and now I'm pleased to say I can finally share with you the details of the coming U.S. Cake Wrecks Book Tour!!

Exactly, Jae K.

Uh, you DID know there's a book, right? Because you've already pre-ordered your copy like a good Wrecky henchperson, right?

Well, even if you haven't purchased a copy I hope you'll come say hello (and then purchase a copy). It's not that I'd mind eating all the cake myself (did I mention there'll be cake?) and doing the Q&A with just John (and that John's coming?), but frankly, Andrews McMeel might. So please, block out these dates on your calenders now, and then buy any necessary plane tickets to get you there, because with today's plethora of transportation options I am NOT accepting "it was too far away" as an excuse. (Hey, if I have to get on a plane...)

Ok, ok, just to sweeten the deal further: How about a contest? And even better, one in which no talent is required and you get to eat the results?

Yes, exactly like this, Christine D. Thanks.
(The original is here.)

Yep, in a nutshell: just make a Wreckplica of your choice...but the catch is, it has to be on a cupcake. This is both to keep the entries a manageable size, and (bonus!) just to screw with you. The crowd favorites will win fabulous prizes, which admittedly I haven't decided on yet, but believe me, they're going to be fabulous.

There will also be cake for everyone (bakers, if you'd like to volunteer your services in your city, let me know), so rest assured you will be leaving with a sugar buzz even if you don't bring an entry - but you still should anyway, so that those of us with icing in our hair don't mock you.

Yeah. Like that.

Ok, now that I have you positively salivating with anticipation, here's the schedule:

Orlando, FL
Borders (Winter Park)
Tuesday, September 22, 5PM
(NOTE: This will be my first public appearance EVER. So let me apologize in advance for doing the entire Q&A with a barf bag strategically placed on my lap.)

Portland, OR
Powell’s Books
Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm

Seattle, WA
Third Place Books
Saturday, September 26 6:30 pm

San Francisco, CA
Copperfield's Books (Petaluma)
Sunday, September 27 2:00 pm

Denver, CO
Tattered Cover Bookstore (Historic LoDo)
Tuesday, September 29 7:30 pm

Chicago, IL
Barnes & Noble (Old Orchard)
Thursday, October 1, 7:30 pm

Dallas, TX
Legacy Books
Saturday, October 3, 2:00 pm

Austin, TX
BookPeople
Sunday, October 4, 3:00 pm

Kansas City, MO
Barnes & Noble (Oak Park)
Monday, October 5, 6:00 pm
(NOTE: Yes, technically this is not in Missouri; it's in Kansas. I think these are listed by the closest major city, if that helps explain it any.)

Bethesda, MD
Barnes & Noble
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm

New York, NY
Barnes & Noble (Greenwich Village)
Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 pm


I should mention that this tour started out with only 5 stops, and has grown to what it is now partly due to your exuberant responses on Facebook. So if you feel that some crime of omission has been committed here, by all means, tell me in the comments.

I'd also like to apologize to my international readers, since as you can see this tour is limited to the U.S. Given my dislike of flying in general - and long flights in particular - I have a hard time feeling TOO bad about this, but I am sorry I won't be able to meet all you lovelies in Australia, the UK, Japan, etc. We may try to stream one of the Q&A sessions online for you, so stay tuned.

And finally, if you think you might join us at one of the venues above, please RSVP - even if it's with a "maybe" - by clicking on the city name. This will help us figure out how much cake, prizes, chairs, etc. to have on hand.

Thanks, guys! I look forward to meeting many of you soon!

UPDATE: WOW. Thanks for the frenzied amount of feedback - I knew I could count on you Wreckies to speak your mind! Just remember that *I* am not the one booking this tour, so no accusing me of hatin' on the southeast/northeast, Ok? And rest assured, the powers-that-be are reading your comments here, so I for one have faith that - no matter what happens - I can always blame the outcome on them. :D

« "I'd Like a 3D Ocean Cake, Please." | Main | Who Cut the Cheese? »

Reader Comments (830)

One tiny request: For those of us who are allergic to chocolate could you ensure that at least one of the cakes is chocolate free? Pretty please with sprinkles on top?

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterArcher

Tennessee please??

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJaemi

Aw, we'll miss you in Canada. You could just rent a car and hop up across the border. If not we'll just find ways to get to you. Good luck with the tour. You'll do great.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterTricia

Where's the east coast love? Charlotte, NC wants to meet you too!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle my Belle

Where's the love for the Southeast? How about a stop in Atlanta or Charlotte? Pretty please?

Oh how I wish you were coming to Canada! If I could afford to make it to the states I would be at one in a heart beat :)
Thanks for always giving me a smile everyday

Your Canuck Friend

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterBrae

Portland!!! So there!!!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth R.

There is NOTHING in New England! Why the Boston hate?! I can't take my cupcakewreck on the plane all the way to the west coast!

What do we have to do to make this happen? E-mail me and I'll see what I can do to help. I can certainly pack seats wherever it happens.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAmy

This entry is one of the funniest I've read here. I hee-hawed from start to finish.

Yay for the book tour! Can't wait to see the book.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnonymous

Booo!!!

You should come to Ohio, or Kentucky, or somewhere over here so the rest of us can get a chance to get our awesome books signed!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLindsay B

I see one glaring omission - there are no real southern cities on your tour! Where is Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, something?

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnonymous

May I request, Phoenix! In October, Arizona's heat is not nearly as oppressively skin searing as it is right now!!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterThe Warden

Aaiieee! No Cincinnati?? (One local bookstore that does great signings is Joseph-Beth, 513-396-8960.)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDandi

ohh the humanity! I used to live literally across the street from that barnes and noble in Bethesda. And now I live in Cleveland. Where you are not coming. No cake for the mistake on the lake. :(

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnne

Chicago & Kansas City but not Minneapolis? WHATEVER.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterEricka Bailie-Byrne

I can understand not stopping in Tokyo, but ... not even Toronto?

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMarc

PS: I'll sooooooo be seeing you in Winter Park on September 22nd!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAlix

You don't have to fly to come to CANADA!!!!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterWild Cakes

Awww, man! I would come in a heartbeat if you were coming to anyplace within a reasonable driving distance from me. Sadly, the closest to me (I'm in Columbus, OH) is Chicago to the West or NYC to the East. And both would require loading three kids (all under the age of 5!) into a car and driving all day. As much as I love you and the blog, there's just no way I can pull that off. :o( Will you maybe have an online cupcake contest, too? I would enter that in a heartbeaT! I was already planning my cupcake as soon as you announced it!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDana King

You're not coming to Ohio... [cry]

Well, my husband should be arriving home from Iraq sometime in September (yes, that's the exact wording his squadron gave me) and we are planning a roadtrip to Texas a few weeks after he comes home. So maybe I can sneakily coincide our roadtrip dates with your Book Tour dates! We probably won't be able to bake a cupcake on the road...but I was planning on buying your book for my husband for his birthday (which is mid-October) so this would be the icing on the cake! (Pun intended :P sorry!)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterqueen of entropy

This is very cool!! I wish I could go!! Yes, I can use the "it's too far away excuse" because I'm on another continent (yep I looked it up in the dictonary to make sure I spelled it right!) right now.
*sigh* Oh well maybe next time....there will be a next time right??? I hope so!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterGI Smith's

Come to Tulsa, OK too!

-Megan R.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnonymous

Where's Salt Lake City?? :( Oh the unfairness of it all.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAudrey

No Michigan? If any state truly deserves a sugar rush it is poor economy battered Michigan!
Flint and Detroit may seem the worst off, but Lansing is the capitol and is nice and centrally located!
Hope to see you in Michigan!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnonymous

You need to come visit us in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area! I'll wear my CW apron... :)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMandaK

Everything good happens at Powell's Books..*sigh*. I'll just have to make one of my friends in Oregon go for me...this is what I get for moving away!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMelissa

Hey Jen,
Since you are going to be in Chicago, why not hope on over to St Louis? I would be there, cupcakes in hand! I'll bring all my friends and we'll ask tons of questions. Promise!
Love the site!!
Clair

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterClair Jordan

We'd love to see you in Minneapolis!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterKallie Christine

Hey! Yay for a Kansas City stop, but just a quick clarification. Oak Park is in Kansas, not Missouri. Marking my calendar now!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterStacy

WHAT??? NO TOUR ON ITALY??? too bad ;(

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAntaress

We'd love to see you in Minneapolis!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterKallie Christine

Are you going to drive from Bethesda to New York?

You SHOULD drive, so that you can stop and show your Philadelphia wreckies some love!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterBrilliantpants

Ohhh!! You should have come to Philadelphia!! I know New York is close but I wouldn't be able to get there due to work. Someone could make some wrecktastic cheesesteak cake :-(

No Boston? You're breaking my heart! My fragile, fragile heart!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterRenee

Yay, so you're coming to Seattle, an easy drive from my neck of the woods!

Now I want cake for breakfast.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDraftCrossFool

YES! Kansas City made your list. I'm sooooo there!!!! Can't wait!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterKristy Edmondson

I'm a loyal follower (pre-ordered the book as a birthday gift!) but have never commented...until now. "Boom boom sexy time" is too good to pass up, and will now be my go-to phrase whenever I find myself having difficulty making small talk. I'll be the most popular girl on the block.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterIlana

Why not Toronto? It's not a long flight... just a short jaunt north! :)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterFaith

What - New Englanders don't like cake? An entire region of the country does not deserve your presence? Sniff. I understand. Boston is a really long way away from NY, so I can see how you couldn't possibly consider it... Sniff. We'll survive. I suppose.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterRebecca

If you will be in Kansas City, come on up to Des Moines. Such a short trip, you can rent a car and bring the Wreckfest up here then go west two hours to Omaha, then down to Topeka then over to KCMO again to hop back on a plane. It's a wrecktrip!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterdsmcaron

See you in Bethesda, MD Jen! Can't wait!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnonymous

I might come see you if you come to Atlanta. :)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterCarrie

I understand that you're probably focusing on major cities at this point. However, if you are ever inclined to stop in Kentucky, please know that there would be at least one very dedicated fan to meet you here in Lexington! We have a Barnes & Noble, as well as a great (and huge) local bookstore called Joseph-Beth's. Either one of those stores would be a really good venue for your signing and/or Q&A session.

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterabsepa

noooo, you HAVE to come to NC! i work in book publishing and know that no tour could be complete without a stop at one of the Triangle's fine bookstores. please please have your publicists reconsider! might i suggest Quail Ridge in Raleigh or Regulator in Durham!! -christina

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered Commenter'stina

I was hoping you wouldn't leave Kansas City off... in light of Andrews McMeel HQ'ing here and all. LOL! Friends working there have been all abuzz about your book. Moreso than any other book coming out right now. What does that tell ya? LOL!!! CONGRATS sista! Good times ahead!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAlexis Ceule

hi, the southeast is feeling intensely neglected right now. come to south carolina! :)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMeg Linberg

Utah would love a stop on your tour!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnonymous

Wow, I am so excited for you (and John)! It seems like just yesterday you had your training wheels on your first wreck and now this?!

Bethesda, MD is the closest to me. Can you come somewhere further south, like the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area? Or even Richmond, VA. I don't know if you have many fans in these locations, but I do know I would be there (with a bib on).

=)

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterfoobella

This just shows that I really need to move to Denver. No one ever comes to where I live and I can't afford to travel anywhere.

sigh

I'll have to catch that stream if you do it for your international readers.

Novice Writer Anonymous
http://novicewriterchronicles.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Chronicles of a Novice Writer

Um, so Canada isn't exactly a whole lot further to travel. Please bless us with the wreck-tastic book tour too!

July 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommentertheRachel

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