How to be Fearless in Culinary Writing

While I am buried literally and figuratively in about 200 October cookbooks (preparing a roundup which I hope will be informative and helpful to our members), I spotted a post by Crescent Dragonwagon in my newsfeed. To be honest, Julia Child‘s iconic face caught my attention first. When I am swamped with work, I seldom give my newsfeed a second look. This piece, however, was about Julia, or so I thought, and I had to take a break. Crescent’s article from this summer is worth a read for not only is it entertaining, it is uplifting.

I love my work at Eat Your Books, I try very hard to put a little of myself in each review but sometimes when roundup time sneaks up on me – I feel overwhelmed. The roundup is my favorite post of the month, but at the same time I feel at a loss on how to describe each book to give it the attention it deserves without being stale and repetitive. There are so many books this month that are glorious in my opinion, but how does one convey that adequately without sounding as if every book is a must have – many are, some aren’t. Those books that don’t blow up my skirt, might be just the one a member has been looking for.

The piece at Rouses, ignited a spark in me – if Julia Child at the age of 85 felt the need to take course during an IACP conference entitled, Finding Your Voice, Vitality, and Vibrancy in Culinary Writing, who am I to feel lost. Writing is personal and one of the hardest, yet easiest tasks for me. I needed the reminder that even the best of the best need to be uplifted by the people around her. Crescent is a brilliant writer who gave me the boost I need today.  I am excited to take her class in Feburary at the IACP conference in New York – please tell me there is room for one more. 

Crescent writes weekly posts on grieving, celebrating, eating, and writing that you can subscribe to here. The Widowhood Wednesdays are reaching many and may be helpful to those who are grieving or knows someone who is.

Read about Crescent’s student Julia, enjoy your family and friends this weekend, get lost in a book and have fun.  I, for one, will enjoy my time mulling through these beautiful books and sharing my thoughts with you next week.