• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker
  • New Magazine!
  • Bread
  • Cookies
  • Cakes
  • Pies
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Biscuits
    • Muffins
    • Cupcakes
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Fruit
    • Nuts
    • Buttermilk
    • Chocolate
    • Vanilla
    • Holiday
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
  • Blog
    • Baking 101
    • Tips
    • Beyond the Kitchen
    • Let It Be Sunday!
    • New Orleans

What It’s Really Like

April 9, 2013 by Joy the Baker 167 Comments

pie split

Hello my darling friends.

I’ve bombarded you with a ton of melted cheese, buttered popcorn, and chocolate chunks lately.  I feel like we haven’t had the proper amount of time to catch up.

Can we just take a breath together.  Maybe have an extra cup of coffee or another half glass of wine?  Let’s absorb this Wednesday the best way we know how.

You may or may not know that I’m currently working on my second cookbook.  It’s a blessing.   It’s totally exciting.  It’s a dream come true x 2.

I’ve heard people compare writing a book to giving birth to a child.  I get it.  Writing a book is laborious and time-consuming and… actually, I totally don’t get it, nevermind.

I haven’t had any back pain or swollen ankles or excruciating pain while writing this book.  Although… I’d like to sign up for an epidural here and now, if you’re offering (which you aren’t).

Diptic

You know what happens when you have a baby?  It comes out and people are STOKED.  You know what happens when you write a book?  It comes out and people write a review on Amazon.

I was doing some deep thinking this morning while washing the dishes produced from a failed pie recipe testing session…. writing a book is exactly like this for me:   I get dressed up, fancy but not tooooo fancy, to go to a friend of a friend’s party.  (stay with me… this is a very detailed analogy… there were a lot of dishes to do).  I’m wearing an outfit I feel pretty confident in, but I’m wearing my favorite, wear-them-waaaay-too-often flats because I’m interested in foot comfort on this particular evening.  I get to the party and (to my horror) discover they this particular house has instituted a no-shoes-in-the-house policy.  Gracious Lord in heaven please help me.

First panic:  I know I don’t have a pedicure on these feet, and things are starting off a little less than perfect.  Second panic: Do.My.Feet.Stink!?  I have no way of knowing…. AND!  Since this is my very own anxiety nightmare, I can’t go to the bathroom to check, I can’t leave the party, I can’t insta-pedicure my feet… I just have to sit with the self I’ve created.

Writing a book is EXACTLY like taking your shoes off at a party and hoping your feet don’t stink… or hoping people don’t notice that your feet stink.  Replace ‘feet’ with the word ‘book’ if you aren’t following my (totally ridiculous) train of thought.  You spend months and months writing a thing, preparing it for the world, trying your best to make it what you want it to be…. and at the end of the day, you just have to take your shoes off and hope to God they don’t (and your dang BOOK doesn’t) totally stink.

It’s just that.  It really is.

Aren’t SO many things like that in life?  You understand, I know you do.

In other news, I’m working on a pie chapter and I need you to come over and help me eat the pies that don’t stink.  Sidenote:  I should have a bake sale.

desk life

In addition to writing a lot, and freaking out a little (and OVERSHAING!)… I’m reading a few books.  Words going out of my brain means I need to put some words back in my brain.  I think it’s math or something.

I’m currently reading:

Lean In.  You know… that totally controversial women’s empowerment book written by  Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.   I’m glad someone is saying the words she has said about women in the workplace.  They seem to be fighting words, but you can judge for yourself.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.   Zelda was a fascinating woman and I am so enjoying this book.  It was spawned by my love of F.Scott and my recent reading of The Paris Wife (which was sooooo good).  Also, if I have a daughter, I’m naming her Zelda… I called it.

Lastly, I’m rereading The Great Gatsby because it’s better than anything that will ever come out of my brain for as long as I live.  Sometimes it’s nice to drown in that sort of work.  Also, the Baz Luhrmann film is coming out this May and I’m a little more than completely obsessed.

Mostly though, I’m testing pies, mixing cocktails, trying to make a lovely book even though it feels like a fight right now… and really, I wouldn’t change a thing (but maybe I would).  I so appreciate that you are here with me.  With my whole heart that’s true.

Note:  The top picture in the post is a recipe test for a Vegan Grapefruit Pie inspired by this recipe by Sprouted Kitchen.  (It was a fail.)

(other) Note:  The photos in this post were taken with my iPhone and tweaked using Instagram, VSCO, and Diptic…. in case you were curious.

…oh man.

Previous PostNext Post

Filed Under: Beyond the Kitchen

Previous Post: « Shrimp + Grits + Cocktail
Next Post: Too Much Cheddar and Jalapeno Muffins »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janet A

    April 12, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I’m with you on the feet thing. Your host should have let the guests know beforehand about going barefoot. I’ve lived overseas where wearing shoes inside is a no no. But most who cook know that being barefoot in the kitchen is a major safety flaw. We have a rule in this house, if you’re in the kitchen, you have something on your feet.

    Burns, glass and knives oh my. Hot food accidentally spilled on Keds is much easier to take than on bare footsies.

    I love going barefoot. Even outside. But NOT in the kitchen.

    Reply
  2. Rachel

    April 12, 2013 at 6:21 am

    Always happy to hear from another Gatsby fan rave about the book! ^_^

    Reply
  3. Laura

    April 12, 2013 at 5:23 am

    It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who struggles when writing blog posts. Can’t wait for your next cookbook – of course it will be amazing!

    Reply
  4. Caitlin M

    April 11, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    You know what pie is amazing? This pie:
    https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-chocolate-chess-pie-141462?utm_campaign=topblock&utm_medium=web&utm_source=thekitchn-recipe

    Reply
  5. Betsy

    April 11, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    I am so STOKED for your next cookbook! And I know I am not the only one. When your first one came out I went out to get it, came home, and sat on my couch to read it cover to cover. Can’t wait to do it again!

    Reply
  6. Josephine

    April 11, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    yesterday, you came for a visit to my place, took off your shoes, and made your extra crumb coffee cake. I’m here to report that your feet smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and buttery, sugary goodness.

    If this makes any sense to you, even adorable babies stink sometimes – it’s all part of their charm ;-)

    May the force be with you!

    Reply
  7. joelle (on a pink typewriter)

    April 11, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    I adore that analogy. Somehow that also fits in with the way I think about first dates with new guys, too. I’d rather have a pie than think about that. ;)

    Reply
  8. Rocky Mountain Woman

    April 11, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    So I feel the same way about reading when I write. I like your suggestions! I have always felt reading great writers improved my writing…

    Reply
  9. Barbara

    April 11, 2013 at 11:30 am

    There is no way your second book could stink! I have your first one and it is A+mazing (as Mariah Carey has been saying on American Idol)!! I love everything you do…your book, your blog, your podcast…love it all!!

    Reply
  10. Living The Sweet Life

    April 11, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Your book won’t stink. Your first one rocked not just my world … but the entire food world ( that may sound a little dramatic … but let’s go with it).
    Also, your Joy. And you’re pretty rad. Rad people = Rad books.
    And I always worry about shoeless parties, my shoes are part of my outfit … my feet are naked. Problem.

    Reply
  11. Caroline

    April 11, 2013 at 11:02 am

    Girl, You got this.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o

    Reply
  12. Anne's Kitchen

    April 11, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Oh Joy, I completely understand what you mean! I am in fact just writing my first cookbook myself, which will come out with my first TV show later this year..! It’s so exciting but absolutely terrifying! I hope my “feet” won’t stink on national TV….
    All the best to you, can’t wait to get my hands on your second book!
    x Anne

    Reply
  13. Tiffany

    April 11, 2013 at 9:47 am

    I totally get it about the book/feet stink situation. I finished a novel I’ve been working on for entirely too long (perfectionist much) and just put together a team of test readers before I start querying agents…and I’m petrified!

    Your first book and your blog are wonderful and I know the next one will be too.

    Reply
  14. ATasteOfMadness

    April 11, 2013 at 8:41 am

    I would be more than glad to eat some of the pies you’ve been making! Sounds like you’re crazy busy, good luck on the book!

    Reply
  15. T Franklin

    April 11, 2013 at 7:33 am

    Looking forward to the new book, Tanja

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »
Comments Page 9 of 11
« Previous 1 … 7 8 9 10 11 Next »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED POSTS IN Beyond the Kitchen

My Top 10 Peanut Butter Recipes

I haven’t felt like making meals at all this week.  I don’t even seem to have the energy to cobble together my usual lazy stand-bys: scrambled eggs and a carb, toasted.  Strangely, I’m also not allowing myself to order any expensive (and everything is expensive right now) takeout so… well, I’ll be eating bananas smeared…

Read More

stack of books for the best nonfictions books to read in 2022
The Best Nonfiction Books for Summer 2022

One of my cushiest jobs of all time was being a reader for the Hallmark Channel. Every week, I’d drive down the 101 to the Valley to pick up a stack of books to review. The stories came in waves depending on what themes the producers were interested in, ranging from autism to cancer, and—of…

Read More

Abby at a table at Alma
New Orleans By Way of Chicago

Have you ever been someplace your soul immediately responded to? That’s Chicago for me. Not everyone understands it and I genuinely like it that way. Chicago isn’t for everyone. It’s where my roots are, where my grandparents rest peacefully. The food in Chicago is the best in the world to me, and I will argue…

Read More

Primary Sidebar

Fresh baked emails, delivered to your inbox

Receive recipes from Joy the Baker and updates on events at The Bakehouse.

HI! I’M JOY!

Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!

I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher.  I live laugh love in New Orleans. 

MORE ABOUT JOY AND THE TEAM

BOOKS + Magazines

JOY THE BAKER 2022 SUMMER MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2021 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2020 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE DECADENCE

OVER EASY: SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES FOR LEISURELY DAYS COOKBOOK

JOY THE BAKER COOKBOOK

Joy the baker with dyed bandana around neck

HOW TO MAKE DYED BANDANAS

as seen in JtB Magazine!

joy the baker on facebook joy the baker on twitter pinterest-social instagram-socialbloglovin-social

JOY @ WILLIAMS SONOMA

SHOP THE CAKE LINE OF CAKE MIXES!

DRAKE ON CAKE

Passionate from miles away since 2015.

Check it out on Instagram

Drake on cake instagram.

 

FAVORITE FRUIT RECIPES

fresh baked blueberry cobbler on a plate with vanilla ice cream on top.

The Secrets To My Favorite Blueberry Cobbler

Strawberry pie filling inside of unbaked crust with crumble top.

My Best Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe

A slice of lemon blueberry gooey butter cake held on a cake slicer.

Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake

POPULAR CAKES

Slice of coconut cake on small white plate with coffee.

My favorite Coconut Cake is actually made with cake mix

A slice of lemon blueberry gooey butter cake held on a cake slicer.

Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake

Slice of Chocolate Guinness Cake on a small pink plate

Chocolate Guinness Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

Please accept a collection of moderately unhinged Please accept a collection of moderately unhinged selfies on this, my 41st birthday. ⁣
⁣
Themes include: animals, pickles?, Mardi Gras fried chicken, beach camping, and ‘why am I the way that I am?’.
Is it even cobbler if you don’t smash it all tog Is it even cobbler if you don’t smash it all together with ice cream and eat it for breakfast?⁣ I didn’t think so. 
⁣
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler with Cornmeal Biscuits linked in the profile. ⁣
⁣
#cobbler #joythebaker #strawberry #bakersofinstagram
I’m calling it, friends. IT’S SUMMER and to ce I’m calling it, friends. IT’S SUMMER and to celebrate you’re going to need the latest issue of Joy the Baker Magazine. ⁣
⁣
This issue is packed with road-trip inspiration, summer’s best burgers, backyard margaritas, no-churn ice cream and cakes that bake without an oven. ⁣
⁣
We get crafty, we get campy, there’s so much ice dye… this one’s more than food - it’s our summer bucket list in magazine form. ⁣
⁣
Pick up your copy wherever magazines are sold across the US and Canada or buy a copy online using the link in my profile. ⁣(🙌 free shipping!) 
⁣
Also, look at this cover shot by @emferretti! The whole magazine is that mouthwatering. 👏☀️🍓
I spent part of this fine weekend cleaning this ve I spent part of this fine weekend cleaning this very hardworking pantry. It’ll never be rainbow organized or picture perfect but I’ll tell ya, a few sets of @rubbermaid containers, @ballcanning jars and brown packing tape with a @sharpie marker make this a high functioning space for recipe testing and life living. 
⁣
Swipe to see my supervisor 🦁 inspecting my work. ⁣
⁣
#organized #pantryorganization #joythebaker #weekendwork
Not gonna lie, peanut butter was my main food grou Not gonna lie, peanut butter was my main food group this week - either smeared on fruit or baked as cookies. ⁣
⁣
If you feel me on this, my top 10 peanut butter recipes will serve you well. 👏 Find the link in the bio, like we do. ⁣
⁣
#peanutbutter #cookies #cobbler #joythebaker
I either need a pep talk or chocolate cake though I either need a pep talk or chocolate cake though I think I actually need both - stat.⁣
⁣
This particular cake is gluten and dairy free though you’d never know it based on its tender chocolate crumb and swoopy coconut based frosting. ⁣
⁣
I’ll leave the 🍫 recipe linked in the bio. Please leave any pep talk thoughts in the comments below (lol I’m not even kidding). xo
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Joy the Baker
All rights reserved. Violators will be whupped and sent to bed with no dessert · Privacy Policy

Scroll Up