Real Life Wednesday: On Writing My Cookbook.
The best days start with sprinkles. Always and forever.
Seriously. Will I ever grow out of it?
I hope not.
Um, so I have to tell you. After last week and our talk on books, I ended up reading Fangirl. GAH! Holy cow, I LOVED it. Like read-it-in-two-days loved it. Like stayed-up-past-midnight-on-Sunday-and-slept-through-my-alarm-Monday loved it. That was the worst way possible to start a Monday but it was worth it. Then on Monday night I was up until 2AM finishing it. Need to control myself better. I liked Eleanor and Park but thought Fangirl was better.
It’s the exxxxxact kind of book to real me in. Attachments is next.
Say hello to my favorite juice. It’s not too green but green enough. It doesn’t make me hate life like some other juices. It’s a nice little snack. I wish it could replace broccoli for the rest of my life.
I’ve also been eating some major eggs lately. The ones below are served on top of a dirty beer cooler because I had to empty my fridge to have a new one delivered. Appliances are unlucky in my home.
Know what I’m gonna tell you about today? The cookbook. Yeah. My cookbook.
Lots of you are asking about the cookbook; in fact – it seems to be my most asked question at the moment. Yes, hashtag humble brag. I know.
I’m super excited about the book. It will be out this fall and it has over 150 recipes that are brand new. Well, okay, there might be maybe five recipes inside that are from the blog, but if they come from the blog, I made them even better. I really wanted to produce a book full of new content.
Here’s the thing about the book. I don’t know how to talk about it. I’m a freak. I’m proud of it but I hate to sound like I’m tooting my own horn. I hate to sound like I’m constantly promoting something or I’m all “buy my book, buy my book, get excited for my book, blah blah blah.” It’s something I’ve been struggling with now for over a year, and because of that, I haven’t given you much info.
The thing (the other thing, apparently) is that I like this blog to be about you, my invisible internet friends. Which I know, makes zero sense since I write everyday about myself, but I like to do it FOR you. I adore coming up with new recipes and sharing them with you. My number one goal for, well, ever was to only be myself and NEVER allow this site to turn into a commercial, which is why I rarely work with brands. So talking about my own product even freaks me out a little bit. It’s kinda like this… sometimes I want to do giveaways to show my appreciation to you (because omg, you’ve changed my life and I love your guts) but I never want you to think that I’m trying to buy your love. Can you be bought? I can probably be bought to a point. Especially with this bag. I want you to read because you WANT to read. I want you to be here because you want to be here, all big time kitchen appliances and gift cards and cookbooks aside.
If you’ve been reading since the beginning, you might remember that back in 2009 I would have given my left arm (wait, no… probably both arms) to write a cookbook. As a new blogger, I felt that a book validated my work, validated my content and made me REAL. That maybe it would make other people thing I was legit. I was thisclose to doing a cookbook at that time… and it was centered around something I wasn’t very passionate about. And it was then that I realized that I was already doing what I loved and I didn’t need a book to make it real. (AW!) I seriously LOVED (and obviously still love) sharing and writing and talking about recipes and whatever else with you guys. It is one of my strongest (if not thee strongest) passions and in early 2010, I determined that it was what made me so happy, what made my world go ‘round. It was scary at first to give up the idea of a cookbook, but honestly? It felt so damn right. The lack of interest I felt in doing it was… astonishing. To me. I didn’t want it. I just wanted to come here and write everyday and cook my buns off and do other things relating to that and all that jazz. SO I DID.
But the thing (another thing, ugh) was that the requests for a book did not stop coming. Oh my god, I know how it sounds. To tell you my thoughts in full though, this plays a large part in why I ended up with a cookbook coming out later this year. At first I was like, um hello? I put all my content on the internet for FREE. Why do you people want a book that you need to pay for? (No. Really. I think I responded to multiple emails with that line.)
This is the internet generation people! Live it!
However, that didn’t work, and after two more years and an even stronger relationship with my invisible internet friends (we are tight right? I love you like a drug), here we are. It’s not that I have wanted to keep it a secret, it just comes down to the whole I-don’t-know-how-to-share-big-things-about-myself-with-you-without-feeling-like-I’m-screwing-my-own-content. You know you know? Anyhoo, long story long, I won’t do weird things like that anymore. I’m gonna tell you things about it. Like really delicious things. Probably annoying things. But real things. The new things inside the book taste REALLY GOOD. I can’t wait for you to see.
I’m also going to find a thesaurus and get a new word for “things.” And I’m probably going to eat leftover this for breakfast now because… that’s normal. Short rib omelet? Here I come.
139 Comments on “Real Life Wednesday: On Writing My Cookbook.”
I love your ramblings and who you are and are totally excited to see what recipes you’ve concocted in total secrecy :) Can’t wait for Fall.
I’ve been looking forward to your ‘real life Wednesday’ post since Monday. Crazy, I know, but you’re just so honest here and it’s so refreshing. (not that the rest of your site isn’t honest, you’re talking about new things here).
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your book. Seriously.
But, here’s the thing: We love you SO much that we want a cookbook in our hands to share with friends, put on our coffee table, and display in our kitchen. We want to tell EVERYONE about your recipes. If I send a friend a link to your site, there’s only a 50% chance they’ll click. A book is permanent. And we love you and believe in your work so much that we want something tangible. Am I the only one that thinks China is going to destroy our internet and everything will be lost? Tangible things are good. Put a tangible thing in the world and it proves you existed.
YOU are the sprinkle-topped cupcake in my life. XO
I’m so excited for your cookbook, especially since it is all new content! What makes you so likable (besides your fantastic recipes) is that you aren’t constantly “selling” something. But you should be so proud of yourself, a cookbook is a big deal… brag about it:-)
ARE YOU JOKING?!?! This makes my day! No kidding I was literally just thinking the other day “I wish Jessica had a cookbook.”
Congrats, Jessica! Well-deserved. So looking forward to this.
I’m
It’s all so exciting, Jessica!! We love you!
I, for one, cannot wait for your book. Every day, I get into work, make a cup of coffee, and read your blog first thing. It’s how I start my day! You should be incredibly proud of yourself and the content that you produce daily – I’ve never thought to myself “gosh, I wish she would stop talking about herself so much.” That’s why so many people love your site! Hearing your take on things is great (not to mention the fact that I feel like we share a brain on certain things, hah). Be proud of the book! Brag away! Own it. You deserve it! :)
Honestly, I am very excited for you book. Some of the best cookbooks I own are by my favourite bloggers, because I think sometimes other books written by chefs for example forget that real people are going to make the things in real kitchens; bloggers get that. And also, why do I personally want a physical book I have to pay for when I can get the recipes from your blog online for free? It depends on my mood. Sometimes I want to snuggle up and read a cookbook, or have it open in front of me when I cook, and that is so totally different from the times where I like to flip through my Evernote Food on my iPad and choose what to cook that I’ve clipped from my favourite blogs.
I’ve been looking forward to this all week! And I’m writing a comment–even though it’s most likely making me a leeeetle bit late for work (oh well).
I am so happy you’re going to talk more about the cookbook!!!! I totally get your dilemma (I HATE talking about myself), but I’m pretty sure we ALL want to hear about it. Can’t wait to preorder it!
So delighted for you! Can’t wait to see the book!
Congrats on the book! Yours is one of a few food blogs that I really (like, really) look forward to the content before the recipe. You’re always funny and relatable, and I often find myself reading Feedly while I’m feeding my baby and then I laugh and startle him. I also love when you post a pretty sunrise picture and I think, I thought the sunrise was really pretty this morning too! (I like north of Pittsburgh). So, thanks for all your awesome work. Love, one of your invisible internet friends.
I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished in the blog world. This is going to a BEST SELLER cookbook!
I’ve been a long time reader of your blog, it’s the first blog I started to follow, and I have loved reading every single post. I love how honest you are and I love that you’ve never tried to sale yourself or “buy” your readers. It’s so refreshing! With that said, you said definitely boast about your book, I can’t wait to hold it in my hands!!
I had similar feelings about writing a cookbook. Good for you for going for it, and I KNOW you are totally going to rock it! :) Can’t wait to see the final product!
I know that I never ever want to grow out of sprinkles. I AM excited about your book. Hooray! go you! be proud :)
So happy about the book!! I’ve been reading for a few years now and the fact that I get so much joy from reading and trying your recipes I think I’m more inclined to buy the book – not only to have an awesome cookbook but also as a way to support you/give back for all the free-ness you’ve given to us. Can’t wait!
Loving the new real life Weds, and absolutely can not wait for your book! Your honesty and writing style (let alone the delicious recipes!) are part of the reason why checking your site is the first thing I do every morning.
ps – just started Attachments yesterday based on last week’s posted and will have to pick up Fangirl next.
I cannot WAIT to buy your book – and to buy it for everyone I know! :) I have to tell you I appreciate so much that you’re not one of those bloggers that is all “look at me, look at me!” That’s actually one of the things I admire most about you. Keep up the awesome work!!!!
I think I adore it so much when bloggers write cookbooks because it’s a tangible way of supporting them. Coming to your site every day (and yes, getting your incredible content for free) is great, but it’s hard to see how that actually benefits you. Having a cookbook in my hands is an amazing way to not only share the recipes and stories and voice that I love so much with everyone in my life but also feel like I’m directly supporting all your hard work.
I’m always happy to pay for a cookbook that feels authentic–it’s so so obvious when someone writes a gimmicky, themed cookbook that they aren’t passionate about, just because it was pitched to them and they’re so desperate to be a “published author.” Good for you for holding out and writing a book that you actually care so much about. So many congratulations coming your way, I CANNOT wait to get this book!!!
I just read Fangirl, too! It was my first Rainbow Rowell book, but I read it start-to-finish in a single sitting because I COULD NOT STOP. So great! I’ll have to read more of her stuff!
And I’m really excited about your cookbook! Your blog was the first food blog I read regularly, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the recipes you’re so passionate about! I’ve made a ton of your recipes, and all of them have been fabulous! <3 You're awesome. :)
You rock! So excited for a delicious cookbook! :) congrats!
I love you and I look forward to your daily post. I love your voice and how relatable you are. I also appreciate the fact that you’re not trying to sell me things and make me log on to a promowidget and comment on things/pin things/”like” things just for a miniscule shot to win some “thing”. That being said, I will buy your book the minute it’s released, because I know it will be authentically you and full of delicious things I’ll want to make at home. But for me, reading your posts without giveaways and brand messages is an escape, and it transports me away from my desk so I can dream about what food I’m going to make later when I’m not at work. That’s the really good stuff, and it’s worth so much more to me than brand messages and giveaways.
Thank you for being you!
Your blog is one of the few blogs that has recipes that always turn out on the first try. I CANNOT WAIT for the book!! Maybe I’m old fashioned, but there is something about having a physical book in your hands that makes life more exciting.
I have been following you since the beginning and I’m over the freaking sprinkle topped moon for you!
I will be one of your first buyers and of course if you come back to Austin for a book tour (please say yes) ill be there with sequins on to see you again!
I am beyond excited for your book, despite the fact that you give us so much goodness on the internet for free! You are hands down my favorite food blogger (for years now) and I will happily pay for and devour your book. I make so many of your recipes and tell all of my friends how much I love you and wish you were my real life friend.
So talk about your book all you want, shout it from the rooftops. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and you’re an inspiration for all of us who are just starting out in the food blogging world!
Your blog is my all time favorite! I’ve been aniticipating your cookbook ever since you first mentioned you were working on one… cannot wait for the fall!!!! Please say you’ll do a book signing around Pittsburgh! Pretty please :)
Sayyyyy WHAT!? This made my morning! Congrats!! Thank goodness your real-life-Wednesday goes up in the morning, it’s nice to read as I settle into my desk.Also how do you possibly have time for new content for the site AND the book? Craziness!
The authenticity (and awesome original recipes) is why I (probs most of us) read. You’ve totally nailed it. Keep the awesome content coming! (and I can’t wait for the book–more awesome content!)
I love your site! Everything I’ve made from it has been incredibly delicious. I’ve pinned so many recipes from it that it started getting a bit ridiculous, lol. Really excited for the book & can’t wait to hear more about it!
Jessica-
Not only am I obsessed with you and think we could be BFFL. But my boyfriend also loves your work. I pretty much make something from your blog 5 nights a week and he praises you because he gets to eat delicious food, and I look like a rock star. Thank you for your inspiration to cook. And looking forward to the rest of 2014 and what it has in store for all of us (glitter, make up and food!)
This is awesome! I know your book is going to be fab and I look forward to hearing more about it. Don’t consider it as tooting your own horn, consider it a Public Service Announcement! Seriously! I am going to need to preorder this puppy…. and now I need that omelet.
My name is Nancy and I am a cookbook addict. Seriously, I don’t care if you can get every recipe online, I LOVE LOVE LOVE cookbooks. My husband not so much as they are invading the house. Can’t wait for yours because that will be added to my collection! :-)
So excited for your cookbook! You are truly one of my favorites…I always look forward to your ramblings. I agree with you about Fangirl vs Eleanor & Park…Rainbow Rowell is a terrific writer isn’t she?!
i LOVE your blog! it is my all time fave. i love when i receive an email saying you’ve posted a new recipe. i’ve been so anticipating your cook and i can’t wait until it’s released!
EGGS!!!! Okay…sorry, back to the main theme of the post. Because you keep things so real on this blog when you do have something to promote it feels totally genuine. Ya know? Like you said your blog is not a commercial, so when you have something to talk about other than the recipes we all want to listen and know we can trust you. We know that you must be super passionate about whatever it is since you rarely promote + toot horns. So, toot away girl! SO flippin’ excited for your book! Maybe having it on my bookshelf will make me miss you less….? xoxo
I am so so happy about this post! First of all cookbook..woo hoo!! Second, I love how honest you are and that you are keepin it real yo. You keep doing you, people will want to buy your book because they love you!
I love your blog and am excited for your cookbook. Your recipes are the only blogger recipes I find myself coming back to time an again to cook for my regular family dinners- they are unique, delicious, and totally reasonable to make as a working girl! My fave! Also… I love love love your makeup posts :) Just thought I’d add that.
<3 the girl rocking purple grape flavored maybelline babylips at the office today
You are going to be fabulous. We all know it.
get it gurrrrl.
we are definably tight. Cannot wait for your book. You should brag about it, its a huge accomplishment. GOOD FOR YOU!
Soo in love with this new segment!
Hi Jessica – Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your upcoming book. I read your blog daily – i look forward to it every morning! As a daily reader, I really appreciate that you consciously avoid working with brands. i understand that’s how a lot of bloggers make a living off their blogs, but on the flip side, you’re right – posts start sounding like commercials. So, thank you! That being said, as a fan of yours I cannot WAIT until your book comes out. I will be pre-ordering it as soon as I can! I’d welcome anything you’d like to share with us.
I CAN NOT WAIT. Fall!?!?? I’m not sure I can hold out that long. I may need to speak to someone about an advance copy. ;)
Totally get your feelings on talking about it. It DOES feel weird, but guess what…we WANT to hear about it!!!
Yay, yay! And now I want eggs. :)
I’m so excited for you! I am the worst about talking about myself, and even though I write a lifestyle blog, which, you know, you be primarily about me, I find myself going back and saying, I really need to put more about myself in this intro, this is way too audience focused. I guess I’m a newer reader than I thought, because I had no idea that you had a cookbook coming out! Seriously, congrats, you’re amazing, and if it’s what the people want, don’t be embarrassed about giving it to them!
-Jen
yourstrulyjen.com
This is prob super creepy to say but I have read your blog forever. And probably made 100 of your recipes, no joke. And you’re the best thing I read on the internet. Better than the Vail snow report. That’s major. I’m literally buying at least 5 of your cookbooks to gift to everyone bc duh they need to have them. Also, I’m so making your brussel sprouts pizza tonight bc I eat it once a week in the fall/winter. Also, tomorrow, I’m making the soup you posted last week (in the crazy cheese broth Deb at Smitten Kitchen posted). But I just needed to say one and for all, you’re awesome and I’m stoked about the book. And I may be a stalker. And 90210 for life (obv the old one).
You’re awesome! Plain and simple. Never change. Seriously can’t wait for the book!!!
I am sooo excited for your cookbook!! Also, I love the fact that there will be new recipes in it! Can’t wait to hear more about it. :]]
and this is why your blog will continue to be my favorite..
I am so freaking excited for you and for your book!!!!! I want to eat every single morsel you make. Thank you for being you.
You have to talk about your cookbook- otherwise how will people know to buy it? Some more casual readers would definitely miss it. In fact, I didn’t know for sure you were even doing one till just now. It would be a shame for you to work so hard and then have people not buy it because you don’t want to talk about it. It’s okay! We all know you’re not a sellout!!!!! :) :) :)
PS. I’ve been reading since August 2010. Chocolate cobbler. I made it like 6 times in a row and it’s still one of my most favorite things ever.
Congrats that is SO exciting. Can’t wait to see it hit stores in the fall!