Moving from an empty nest to a writing table
It’s official, I’m an empty nester. With a laid-backness that comes from already launching 4 kids into starter adult status, my husband and I moved our final baby into college. Now, after thirty years of parenting, a trillion lunches prepped and packed, and endless school emails, we are ready for this new season. So here I am carrying my sentimental sadness wrapped up in solace… Into this new season.
And we’re fondly referring to our new season as the second half.
The Second Half Big Announcement!
While our youngest begins her college years, I’m also beginning a new chapter… quite literally. I’m writing a book!
I’ve spent years teaching other people how to open their homes, cook with confidence, and foster community around their tables, and now, I’m writing it all down. For years I’ve not only noticed a growing loneliness epidemic, but also a longing to connect and belong. Moving over and over for decades, taught us not only the VALUE OF but also the ART OF cultivating communities for deep connection. Food and hospitality became our onramp for fostering these communities.
Built around a simple belief that connection beats perfection every time, this book gives readers permission to gather without the pressure of performing. Through recipes, rhythms, and a philosophy I call “do it badly,” readers learn that hosting isn’t a skill reserved for the naturally gifted. Instead it’s a muscle anyone can build, one imperfect gathering at a time.
I’ve tested hundreds of recipes, compiled a notes app full of ideas, and talked to dozens of cookbook experts.
For those of you wanting to follow along on my cookbook journey, I’m including a little blurb in each newsletter, just for you.
Behind the Book
Notes from the writing table…
In the Lord’s perfect timing, I’ve joined a small cohort of cookbook authors that began this very month. This community consists of a handful of authors on their journey to self-publishing, along with an amazing team of industry experts to help in that endeavor. Our incredible leader, Chelsea Cole, is a cookbook author who specializes in helping other food bloggers turn their recipes into cookbooks.
Why I went this route… Traditional publishing (although great for many authors) requires an extensive platform, willingness to give up creative control, and years of waiting. For me self-publishing allows me to actually create my book in less than a year and have full creative control. It’s a big project, one I’m passionate about yet no expert in. Writing can also feel isolating, which is challenging for a community driven gal like me. In order to get my cookbook in my hands and then out to others I knew that I needed two things. Structure and support. So, having a community of fellow cookbook authors to journey alongside, keep me accountable, and offer feedback provides great support. Pursuing such a big project under the expertise of Chelsea and her team provides invaluable structure, tools, and experience. All of which are necessary to have that cookbook in our kitchens.
What’s cooking…
- Writing and testing my recipes like a mad woman
- Organizing hundreds of recipes into one streamlined format
- Gathering recipe testers (not to be confused with taste testers): texts, emails, intake forms, spreadsheet entries
- Populating a mega google doc created by my hero-friend Kate Kaiser: recipe categories, difficulty level, chapter location, hyperlinks, status, etc
Recipe testing is such a critical stage in the process… it ensures that recipes are not only delicious, but that they are reliable and taste as intended in every home kitchen.
I am looking for a few trusted people to test recipes before they go in the book! Real kitchens, honest feedback, and no professional chef energy required. Recipe testing isn’t about finding the “right” cook, it’s about finding real ones. To get started, fill out the quick form below which will help me match you with recipes that fit your kitchen and your life.
Join my recipe testing team!
Now, back to that baby girl who’s launching into her college years. Baby girl happens to be our mini hostess of the bunch. And as I write these cookbook pages, I’m thinking of her. She’s launching into a world that desperately needs gatherers. I’m coming alongside her and so many others, like you, who desire to open their home, and cultivate real life connection around their table.
XOXO,
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