Naturally, as an author, I love books. But if you add food, I really get excited. This Saturday, January 16th, my friend Jain kicks off the first "Food for Thought." You can learn how to participate in these delicious, edible reviews at http://onceinabluemooniris.blogspot.com/ or http://foodforthoughtediblebooks.blogspot.com/.
If you love to blog and haven't read the book, Julie & Julia, or the blog that started it all, you are in for a treat. The film is absolutely wonderful, too, and adds more layers. It's a must-see for all bloggers, whether you cook or not. You will relate to how blogging takes over your life and becomes a joy, and how it has the power to change your life for the better.
Several years ago, my publisher sent me to SIBA, a book trade show (http://www.sibaweb.com/) and I participated in a "Moveable Feast," where authors move from table to table. My husband came with me, and he was lucky enough to sit with author/blogger Julie Powell. He mentioned to her that I'd been angsting over using the "F" word in one of my books, and he and Julie had fun discussing literature and words.
Later, at the signing well, Julie wrote:
I love words the way I love chocolate. If one is right for the character, I step back and refuse to censor. Because the moment I start meddling, the book goes flat, just like a souffle. Really. I think blogging is similar--you have to let go and write from the heart.
I love words the way I love chocolate. If one is right for the character, I step back and refuse to censor. Because the moment I start meddling, the book goes flat, just like a souffle. Really. I think blogging is similar--you have to let go and write from the heart.
Julie Powell did this beautifully in Julie & Julia, which tells the story of how she cooked her way through Julia Child's famous book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Mark your calendars for the inaugural "Food for Thought" on January 16th and check out Jain's edible reviews at
http://foodforthoughtediblebooks.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing - can't wait to see it on Jan 16 and thanks for the link to the Julie & Julia blog - I loved the movie - now I should read the book.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this, as well. I seem to be suddenly inundated with days dedicated to cooking for the blogs... but I do love it so!! :D
ReplyDeleteThe movie was fun! Oh how I wish I could cook...
ReplyDeleteAh well 365-9 days to keep trying! LOL
Both Vanni and I LOVED that movie, I am constantly wishing him "bon appétit" a la Julia. I also downloaded the audiobook of "my life in France" to the IPOD and got completely lost in it on my way across the pond last Oct. A must see movie though for all bloggers your right.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning and what an awesome addition to your cookbook collection having a signed copy, F-word and all lol.
It was fun reading Julies blog and some of the comments :-).
I thoroughly enjoyed Jain's post "This is where I leave you" and was drooling over her cheescake. What a brilliant and fun idea. I am really looking forward to the 16th for the official kickoff.
Sorry this is so long, I think I am a struggling novelist with the emphasis on struggle!, hugs, Kathy.
Still have not read the book or seen the movie. Even tho I don't cook a lot any more, I enjoy reading food blogs - thanks for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteKathy, thanks for the head's up about Julia Child's book. I will put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the move - LOVE IT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you write on this here, thank you!!!
Maria Berg
Me again, I would love to write more recipe but it is so difficult to translate them.
ReplyDeleteBut thank you for still having me here around. MB
I longed to bring those huskies home with us (sigh). You have to do a post on Chuchee in the snow
ReplyDelete:-) Kx.
oh girl you know i LOVE this post! how fun fun fun to have others love books, pics and food~ you did a helluva good start too, sans food even! (is the h word ok, just the f one is naughty, right?) ahh the f word, egads that flows so freely from me i hadn't even noticed it was your special salutation! you total crack me up as always, must be a southern thing you can't let them fly organically?!
ReplyDeletemy husband is adjusting to our new lifestyle, i was up this morning baking for my book, we have no idea what we will ever be eating now, its all at whim as i grab my next book. i have to say its very fun, i still thank jen from this is where i leave you for having her strawberry chocolate cheesecake, i finished that for breakfast today, eager for my next book~
thank you so much for sharing the link here, i know you have a large crowd and i hope they are off grabbing books and letting the authors guide their hands in the kitchen, while they grab a camera and join in the fun next saturday! it is very fun interacting with your book, quite literally~ i find when i read a food passage now i dash off for a bookmark and begin creating vignettes in my head. who knew reading could be a group sport!
for anyone looking for a good book to read for the kick off, i can highly recommend any of michael lee west books, i can assure you every book will have some food reference and you will have a blast recreating her words in your kitchen.
thanks michael and i look forward to seeing what you all are reading next week~
I will definitely use food next week. LOL We were snowed-in, and I'm eating peanut butter out of the jar while reading Foodie Friday recipes AND watching the Iron Chef rerun. That's ouchy-bad eatin.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that info! I'll be waiting for the 16th ready to pounce! Anxiously awaiting the news on your books, too...
ReplyDeleteI watched J and J over Christmas with my husband, daughter and 16 yr. old son. We ALL loved it and I went out and got the book!
I see you like The Tudors-do you watch Masterpiece Theater? (PBS)I am crazy for any period piece, and tho' much milder than Tudors, I am loving Cranford...peaceful.
~Nancy
I just loved that movie! I want to rent it so I can see it again. I bet it’s just as good the second time around.
ReplyDeleteI agree blogging should be from the heart. Even though I agree with you I still find myself censoring myself. It’s scary to put yourself out there without knowing how you’ll be received.
Thanks for including the link to Julie’s blog. I’m heading over there right now!
http://domesticprincessintraining.blogspot.com
I just loved that movie! I want to rent it so I can see it again. I bet it’s just as good the second time around.
ReplyDeleteI agree blogging should be from the heart. Even though I agree with you I still find myself censoring myself. It’s scary to put yourself out there without knowing how you’ll be received.
Thanks for including the link to Julie’s blog. I’m heading over there right now!
http://domesticprincessintraining.blogspot.com
Michael, this is a lovely post. I'm excited about Jain's new meme. Hope I can get something together so I can participate next Saturday. So enjoyed your post today. I haven't read her book, but absolutely loved the movie. I've seen it three times. Julia Child is a favorite friend in our home!
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking forward to reading your books.
Thanks for sharing! Hope you can stop by HFTS. I'm sharing some special chocolates today for Pink Saturday.
Looking forward to the start of Food for Thought! I almost never cook these days...but I'll enjoy seeing what folks are reading and cooking! :-)
ReplyDeleteTotally enjoyed the post today. I am looking forward to next week...my problem is that work is getting in the way of my reading! I may end up living vicariously.....I have a few sections bookmarked...we will see where I go...
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching the Julie & Julia movie for the 2nd time and decided to go and read her blog and got up to Sept 5, 2002 and decided to read one blogger from my blog list in between months and lo and behold I ended up at your blog where you had just posted about the book, which I am currently reading, the movie which I've watched twice now and the blog which I'm also currently reading. How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteYou are correct...blogging certainly does change our lives and also the way we look at them and life around us.
My daugher and I went to William Sonoma this morning to buy a Le Creuset pot so she can make Julia's beef bourgignon for dinner tomorrow. I can hardly wait. I think I've seen the movie four times and I'm still not tired of it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWell, since I am back to work full time (or at least as much as I can until this gallbladder comes out) :-/ - I am not cooking as much. I kept thinking over the Holidays while I was cooking meal after homemade meal, I should have been photgraphing everything. But, I did not take a single pic. sigh! All those lost blogging moments. :) I loved the J&J movie, have seen it twice. But, I have a little secret. shhhhh....I would have loved it if the whole movie had been about just Julia. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway - I look forward to the new meme and can't wait to see all the saliva-worthy pics. Hugs, Barb
My husband and I finally saw this movie...it was great...especially with Meryl, she's one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know about the new meme...I'll be watching for it!
I watched the movie over the holidays and just loved it. Thanks for the link to her blog, can't wait to visit it!
ReplyDeleteFantastic Post Miss "G", I really enjoyed every word and I just have to say I "F-in" miss you when you are knee deep in deadlines...
ReplyDelete"Really Rainey"
Home from Vegas safe and sound...
Enjoyed the book; loved the movie. I'll have to go check into what Jain's meme is about. Thanks for telling us. laurie
ReplyDeleteI'm still waiting until the movie comes out on dvd.
ReplyDeleteEvery one of your posts is so beautiful!
Oh i await for 16th jan!
ReplyDeleteI havent seent the movie nor have the book but its top priority now-i love the way u have pictured it-u have truly mastered the art of pictures taking pics-actually its ur beautiful art is inborn and so passionate-love it....
Thanks for the heads up. Loved the movie , loved watching Julia way back in the old days. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI just added the movie on my Netflix queue and I can't wait to see it...Christine
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book, nor seen the movie, but now I really want to!!!
ReplyDeleteJustine :o )
You are a very good friend. Jain has a wonderful idea. I quietly enjoyed the movie but loved the book. I also love what you've done with it here.
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I can't wait to see/read on the 16th. I haven't read the book or seen the movie either but I am reminded by others frequently. I am now waiting for my book to arrive. Thanks for the head's up, putting on my calendar right now :-)
ReplyDeleteTerie
(Awesome pictures)
Thanks for all the info and the links. Gotta get my brain working on this and see where it goes.
ReplyDeleteI loved the movie. I also loved the book about Julia Child's live -I forgot the title, but it was recent and wonderful. Linda - oh, love those one-pot meals, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying exploring your blog - everything is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI've read both Julie & Julia and My Life in France, and have seen the movie several times. Plus I received a copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking for Christmas and, having flipped through most of it, I can say for certain what I said when I first saw the movie: What a testament to determination Julia Child is. That book is HUGE!
Both Julie and Julia have inspired me in many ways.
I loved the book and the movie too. With my daughter in culinary school and working at one of SF's top restaurants (SPQR) and my son who is a self taught gourmet cook, I am surrounded by food and cookbooks, farmer's markets and organic produce!
ReplyDeleteSo, I may have to try to write something with the help of Aaron and Ashley! Your post is definitely my inspiration though. --Delores
I loved the movie! We have seen it twice. I ordered the book and that is on my ever growing list of books to read. I love the idea of this meme.
ReplyDeleteAlso looking forward to your next book.
Carol