Food Blogger Connect - An Interview - Random Thoughts

So where are you going to be the first weekend in June? I'll be in London at the Food Blogger Connect conference, where I've been invited to speak on a panel about blogging and book writing. Won't you come and say hello? I'd love that.

I wanted to also draw your attention to an interview I did some time ago with Sarah Amandolare of Writers and Cooks. She asked some very good questions, ones that really made me think. If you'd like to read my answers (none of which involve my favorite foods or what I'd like to eat before I die), click here.

***

These last few months have been quite a whirlwind. They've been challenging and wonderful at once. As spring descends upon Berlin, I feel almost as though I've woken up from a strange sleep: fitful, not entirely rested, but with some perspective on the last few months.

Today, I delivered three chapters to my editor. The rest follows next February. Let me tell you something: writing a book is humbling. In terms of work, I do believe it's the hardest thing I've ever done. Some days are good, some days are awful. Some days, not much at all happens. And some days, it all comes tumbling out. Whenever the work threatens to overwhelm me, I tell myself: this is just one year, just one book, and you're just one person. Breathe.

Then I eat a cookie.

***

In a few weeks, I'm going back to New York for a week. Besides spending time with my friends, the thing I'm looking forward to most is just to walk down 7th Avenue or 5th, for that matter, or the West Side Highway or 18th Street or through Union Square. Just to walk those messy streets and smell New York City air and see all the lovely people around and hear the pushy cabs and the street vendors and some dude Noo Yawking away on his cell phone. I can't wait to take the subway and eat a drippy, spicy banh mi and buy a whole bunch of trashy magazines and hear all the clanging, dissonant, fabulous noise that is the greatest city on earth and simply be in all that wild New York City energy.

Cannot wait.

Comments

[Anna/quilted giraffe]

I can't wait until your book comes out :-)

What's your favorite spot for bahn mi? I'm still looking for a really great one, and I'd love your tips!

[Maggie]

I can't believe you've already written three chapters and just settled in to your apartment. Madness, woman. Congrats, though! I think a reward for each step along the way is important!

[the lacquer spoon]

That's a great event! Wish I could be there. And all the best for your book writing!!

[notyet100]

wow,,,sounds interesting,..;-)

[Jennifer S]

I'd love to come to London to see you speak. We, your readership will be there in spirit if we can't be in person.

Congrats on chapters completed.

[Vanessa]

Wow, I'd love to see you in London but July is booked for my next trip. As we live in same city though, hopefully our paths will cross closer to home.

I can't imagine what it's like writing that book, it must be overwhelming but you're such a wonderful writer and cook and I just know you'll get there and the results will be wonderful. My saying that won't make it any easier of course and there's still all tha hard work and inspiration first.

Great that you'll be in New York again, feeling the energy and wandering those familiar streets, seeing familiar faces. Happy Easter Luisa!

[la ninja]

woo hoo hoo hoo. not bad going, missy (even though that sounds extremely patronising. but it's not meant so.)

just read the interview, which I really enjoyed as I did "writers and cooks". another one on the reader list. yay. more procrastination material. tra la la la. no wonder I get nothing done (I shall stop blaming other people's blogs for my own apathy, I shall stop blaming other people's blogs for my own apathy, I shall...) :)

[A Mouse Bouche]

i'm just proud as punch that you mentioned the two streets my apartment sits on in your visiting list. you'll be pleased to see that there are full-on buds on the trees here, ready to welcome you back. Congrats on finishing the first three chapters!

[Shamrocks and Shenanigans]

Wish I could go see you in London :( but cant wait till your book comes out :)

[Kristine in Santa Barbara]

So glad to hear that the book is coming along. I admire any writer that can move to Northern Europe in the dead of winter and write 3 chapters. I'd just eat, drink and sleep until the heat bill was no longer upsetting.

I vote for 7th Avenue.....any day. To me, that still my Manhattan.

[TDea]

How I do understand that you cannot wait to go to Noo Yawk!.....I envy you....from a native Noo Yawka....who's not living in NY for a long time now....enjoy double for me!
Will keep an eye out for your book.

[Jenious]

I read your interview and look forward to your book even more so now. No pressure though! I’d like to share that I’m also a "child of a divorce," which led to my traveling from Boston-to-California many times a year, from the age of 4. I never associated my constant homesickness with my need to cook Cali-style cuisine for comfort (while I live in Boston) until I read your interview---I now have much to chew over. Thank so much for the insights.

[Gordy]

Good luck with the Book! I'm sure you'll do great in your speech in London. Ups.. got to go to finish my Figolli Recipe. Well done for the blog

[thecatskillkiwi]

NYC is positively spinning... with the great weather, the crowds are out, the buds, the birds, and then endless noises that can only come from this place, welcome back to your former home!

[Kristin]

I spoke with Gemma this evening, and she said that you were coming to town. I hope the weather is as beautiful as it's been recently for you! You mention Union Square, which is one of my fave spots this time of year since I can enjoy the park but also that great NYC vibe--such a treat. A recent post of mine on the blog featured it in fact. Oh New York...

[dinners and Dreams]

This is so cool. I wish I were able to make it to London for such a great event.

Happy Easter!

Nisrine

[Sharon Campbell]

Congratulations on submitting your first three chapters! I've been following your blog for a while now but this is the first time I have commented. I'm going to Food Bloggers Connect in June - cannot wait! I hope to meet you there - I am only going on the Saturday though - will you be attending both days or just the Sunday?

Good luck with the rest of the book - looking forward to when it is published!

Sharon

[Luisa]

Sharon - I think I'll be there both days. When we're closer to the date, I'll update with more info. Look forward to meeting you!

[Gemma]

I am very tempted by Food Bloggers Connect so might just see you there...

[Sarka]

First time visiting your blog. And I can only say it's wonderful! You have such a great recipes here. Look forward to meeting you in London at FBC! :)
Good luck with your book!

[Damascus]

I love your blog and I'm glad your book's gonna come out! Good luck
Also, if you like bread, this is a very good healthy bread :
http://damascusblog.wordpress.com/