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 don’t end up buying most cookbooks I read about online. I might throw them on a wish list or something, but I’m planning to buy yours. I love your voice, and your personality shows in your writing. You make me laugh every time I read your blog, and I feel like we’re old friends or something, which is really weird, because I don’t even read your blog all the time. Does that make sense? So thanks for sharing more!!
I literally just finished Eleanor and Park! So good! I will have to read Fangirl next!
You are the best and so humble…and I love that,
Adding Fangirls to read ASAP. You’ll love Attachments!
you’re kind of a big deal. :) i’m excited to see the book!
Every time you mention your book I have to suppress crazy wild screams from my mouth… jdnfjkdfnskj… can’t. contain. the. excitement. I think I will go broke buying copies for everyone I know. WORTH IT.
I’m really glad you are going to start talking about the book, since, obviously, everyone here loves you and wants to hear about it as much as possible. Can’t wait.
Hey I haven’t ever commented before, but I just wanted to say that I LOVE your site. I’ve been reading for several years now, and it is definitely my favorite of all the food blogs I read. We have made lots of your recipes that are great and we make regularly. I love that you actually make things up, often with crazy funky combinations that totally work. Seriously, so many winners. I don’t really buy cookbooks because like you were saying, on the internet it’s FREE, but I’d buy yours. Keep it coming!
I am so excited to hear about your cook book! I am one of those people who still prefers the feel of a book and not a tablet when curled up on the couch, and I can’t wait to hear that I can buy yours for those Sunday nights when I’m searching for weekday inspiration. I hope it is as fun as your blog posts – your emails always give me a big smile and I love them!
I am SO excited about the book! Love the blog and cant tell you how many of the recipes i have made, and talked about and how many of the emails i forward when i think “you just HAVE to make this!”
But, but, but – there is nothing like a cookbook. Perusing the pages on the couch in front of the TV – making the list, checking it twice!
I have sent so many of the recipes to my son in socal that i promis you – I will buy at least TWO books!
Cograts and good luck!
You have the right to be happy about your book. You should be proud of all the work you’ve put into it. Share your happiness, and let others share in that happiness right along with you!
I just LOVE reading everything that you post. And it really does feel like we are old friends when you talk about your life, which is a great thing. There are other blogs that I skim through to see what is new for recipes and that’s about it. Yours- I read every word to be sure I don’t miss something that is going to make me laugh at 530am when I am reading it or food I am absolutely going to want to eat or a picture of sprinkles or what amazing “supplies” I may need for me this week. I am totally pumped about your cookbook. I agree with many other posts that I love the feel of the real cookbook in my hands. And you of course will be prominently displayed in my kitchen with the other select few that are always on the self as my go to’s. So excited!!!
Lol! You are so stinkin funny! I love reading your blog and making your recipes! Congrats on your cookbook!
Love this post, love that you want to remain down to earth, but also glad for you that you wrote a cookbook. I love blogs and reading them everyday, but I still love to buy books and have them in my hand and flip the pages and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or even cook with them on the counter and get flour or grease on them because that means I used the book and enjoyed it. Is that weird that I want my books to look used?
Gonna have to check out this supergreen drink and the FanGirl book too. I have a huge list of books, I just don’t know what to read next.
I don’ t buy cookbooks anymore because I can find everything online, BUT I am totally buying yours!! I’ve tried a lot of your recipes and my family and I have loved every single one! CONGRATS!
Another word for thing. Stuff? Devarim – things in Hebrew.
Item?
Do people really spend $2,000 on s bag? Except for Oprah. She does.
Where do I sign up? Pre-order link please!!!
I have yet to buy a cook book from a blog that I read, but I think I will buy yours and Iowa Girl Eats if she ever makes one. You guys are my favorite blogs for recipes! You seem so real, keep up the great content :)
Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!
The end.
Actually, one more thing: Please do tell us when you’re going to be book touring! I’m out in southern California and I’d love to meet you!
Did I just see the Scarpetta Cookbook in that wonderful pile of books? Wow, have you read the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell? Best series I’ve ever read (well, up until about the last 4-5?) when she unforgivingly changed writing styles. Her fans are still spittin’ angry.
And, there is absolutely no shame in plugging your book. Talk about it like you talk to us about everything else. We totally get it. :)
I think I already created your cookbook… have printed out tons of your recipes and put them in a binder! However, I’m sure yours will be much prettier, with glossy pages, awesome pictures, and no greasy gooey splatters on most pages. Can’t wait!
I have to say- of ALL the food bloggers I follow, (and I follow a lawwt because I’m obsessed with food) you might just be the most authentic, honest, and relatable one of all. Your love of what you do shines through on every post, and you always take the time to kindly answer questions and offer suggestions. Plus? You’re hysterical. I, for one, really appreciate all of that. You deserve massive success with your cookbook, and I know you’ll have it. Best of luck. :)
Cannot wait for your cookbook. Will it come with a gym membership? That might be necessary…
It must be something about the weather, because I’ve been up since Sunday morning reading my buns off. I overslept my alarm twice (which is why I set it super early so that I’m never late for work) because I was up until 3am Sunday and Monday. I just read the Elizabeth Smart story, What I Wish I Knew When I was Twenty (mouthful), and The Fault in Our Stars.
I recently read a post of yours that said you had to go through the rotting produce in your fridge ASAP despite having a cold. You had to so that you could do your food therapy shopping. I do the same thing every weekend!!
I just love your blog…I feel like I’m sitting at the table having a snack with you, chit-chat-in it up. I love the idea of you making a cook book. I have all sorts of recipes pinned… But there is something to be said for a book, and that crack noise the binding makes when you open it! Like its saying, start the oven! Can’t wait to see it!
I’ll buy your book even with all your free recipes for the simple reason that BOOKS ARE AWESOME. And so are you. Congrats.
I’m the same way when it comes to talking about myself or my accomplishments. Maybe it has to do with being an introvert, IDK. As long as you let us know when the book is actually out so we can buy it, I’m good. You’re the only recipe blog I am subscribed to anymore, and I still make and love the recipes that originally hooked me way back when: Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles and Buffalo Chicken Dip. <3
You go girl! Write the book! We will be here to support you (and, let’s be real, buy your book) no matter what!!
You are adorable!! I love reading your blog and love that you write it for us! CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. YOUR. COOKBOOK. !!
I have thought about writing a cookbook as a way to validate my blog, just as you did at one point, but writing a cookbook doesn’t need to validate me, it needs to come from passion! Just like you said! I like to think I have the passion, but the focus, no way, need to work on that!
I love this post and I’m excited for your book! I’m not good at tooting my own horn – I can absolutely empathize with all of your concerns. You’re just the cutest!!
There you go! Sooo happy that you will finally write a book! OK, a cookbook, but you can do more, I am sure about that. Yano, like writing a real book, a fiction, a romance, a story book, a children book, a 50 Shades turned 100, a B.O.O.K. to make us smile. To me, you are the new Nora Ephron. You could write a new version of I Feel Bad About My Neck (And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman) (great book by the way)
But OK, you start with the cookbook.
And we have this blog to enjoy (or enyoy as the Mexican waiters are saying) your daily knack…
Even though I’ll never be good enough to write a book, and my blog is not remotely successful, I related to so many things you said in this post. Thanks for maintaining your integrity and being an inspiration. I’m excited to hear more about your book.
I am sooo excited for your cookbook, I know I can come here everyday and get free recipes (and I do!), but I love books I can actually hold. Also, my friends are not big on food blogs, but I talk about yours a lot and now I can get them your cookbook so they know all about it too. :)
I’m catching up with my feed reader after not having a chance since Christmas, so I’ve already left like 10 comments, but I seriously cannot wait for your cookbook. For realsies.
Congrats on your cookbook! I’m sure it will be amazing! I love getting recipes online but I also love flipping through the pages of a cookbook.
PS: I’d eat those tacos for breakfast, too, if my son didn’t eat everything as a midnight snack. :)
okay. so I read Fangirl after you suggested it. (Ive been asking for a good book suggestion for what seems forever!) I was hooked. I finished it in 24 hours. And then I was mad because it was over. It could totally just be me, but after ALLLL that work up to just kissing him, I totally wanted to hear about her losing her virginity! ha! I know we’re supposed to use our imagination and all that, but sometimes, I like it in words, right in front of me. SO GOOD though. Thanks for a great suggestion. Checking out attachments next! (Virtual book club?!) :)
oh, wow! somehow i missed that you even had a book deal. that is amazing — toot that horn! i am all for free content but i think that people are happy to support their favorite bloggers, and it still feels nice (for me) to have something tangible to browse through, especially since we already know your photography will be gorgeous. congrats!
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I love evolution juices! I love your cookbook attitude!
And now I want to buy both your cookbook and Fangirl.
So excited for your book! I love your voice – you are so fun and so real & relatable! Just pre-ordered, and can’t wait to get your book in the fall! Congrats :)