Spring 2011: The Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May, 2nd Edition

That's right folks, the book is getting a makeover.

I'm writing a new version of The Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May. I say new rather than updated version because the new book will be very different from what you can buy today.

First, it'll be in full color. Second, it'll be more a "best of the best" than listing as many restaurants and hotels and shops as possible. I've covered the area for three years now, and the second edition will reflect all that research - done not just for a book but also all the work I've done on the dozens of articles I've written since, and for this blog.

I'm excited, and I'm nervous. I made my first official "book research visit" on March 20, and I felt sick that entire day. Writing the first edition of the book was the most difficult thing I've ever done professional, and personally? My life was a mess. My grandfather had just died died. I was wrenched out of a horrible relationship, and I'd just bought my first home. Throw writing a meticulously detailed and researched book on top of that? Well, it wasn't the brightest four months of my life.

But this time will be different. I know what lies ahead. I know who to call for what information. I'm not starting from scratch. In a way, I've been researching this book for three years. That's where the excited part comes in.

I printed out the first draft of the Atlantic City chapter yesterday. It clocks in at 7,777 words. Thank you, Lady Luck, for the send off.

If that's not enough shore for you, you can become a fan of this whole crazy "Down the Shore with Jen" thing on facebook. When I started writing the book in May 2007, I never imagined it would become what it is today. So thanks for everyone who has supported me along the way.

Also - I have a piece in today's New York Times about Tampa's vintage fashion scene. Not shore related, but I'm proud of the piece, so go read it!