Can we push the pause button on this whole blogging thing for just a moment?
Can we just be real for a second?
I’m in the midst of shooting my second cookbook. ย To say it’s anything other than totally nuts would be a lie. ย It’s fun, scary, overwhelming, silly, and filling. ย Shooting the cookbook is also pretty all-encompassing. ย It’s everything I can manage to keep myself shooting, showered, and clothed. ย I think I’ve been wearing the same outfit for three days straight. ย No shame.
In addition to shooting the cookbook, I’ve cut my finger really badly on a staple (how!?), I’ve dropped my phone in a toilet, ย I haven’t called my parents in far too long, and I’ve been apartment hunting in New Orleans as a brain escape… oh and I’m working on a big video project that I can’t wait to tell you about.
If I were to title this next book based on the dialogue in my head, it would be called Everything Is Scary and Awesome: a cookbook.
I really like to hypothetically title books.
I’m just not the sort of person who can pretend like she’s got everything under control when things feel craaaazy.
Truth is, I’m trying to make this book as great as I can make it. ย That means I’m baking all day, ironing tea towels as backdrops, and eating chips for dinner. ย I’m totally not complaining.
Other truth is, this is what it’s really like.
I just wanted you to know why things might feel a touch slow around here… or why some recipes might feel a touch savory. ย I can’t make another pie right now. ย I just can’t.
Consider yourself in the know. ย I can’t fake it with you. ย We’re all friends. ย (and I love you, for real.)
94 Responses
I’m sure your second book will be amazing!!
https://justsem.wordpress.com/
I LOVE your blog and I can only imagine how overwhelming everything must be! Your posts are just as fun and as light as always!
Apartment shopping in Nola??! YESSSS!!
So looking forward to your second cookbook, I bake from your first book all the time at Satsuma. Your chamomile cupcakes were in the case today actually. New Orleans would love to have you Joy : ) If you don’t make a move, please visit us soon! Halloween on Frenchman St is THE BEST….just sayin.
Callie
Yay a new book!!!! I remember watching a video (or interview) you did once when you said it would be a dream to get another book deal. Congratulations! As stressful and tiring as it is I am sure, just know that you’ve pretty much reached the pinnacle of success in your industry and that is totally, completely, amazing.
And chips for dinner?! Hahaha you gotta do what you gotta do.
heya joy! hang in there… omg i can only imagine …. i like the baby birthing analogy … this cookbook is totally your baby… it will be amazing and full of light and fun and cuteness and deliciousness. i hope you’re able to take some breathers, too, so you don’t completely burn out! sending you posi power vibes! (i love how you share the behind the scenes of your photos… love the tea towel!)
xo
Ironing tea towels…this is one step to food photographerdom I refuse to cross. I suppose some day….but let’s face it, I don’t even iron my clothes.
Your first book had excellent recipes but was also a joy to read (no pun intended). I can’t wait for the next one it looks like it’s going to be beautiful. Hang in there!
Joy you totally rock and I cannot wait for cookbook number two!! Thanks for keeping it on the real :-)
I want to be as excited about what I do as you are!
Oh good God! Please move to New Orleans. I don’t live there anymore but I’d love to see you start making Cajun food on a regular basis. Imagine all the variations of gumbo you could create. It would be glorious.
I can’t wait to see how unbelievably gorgeous your next book will be. Nobody can be everything all the time. You end up being nothing. Thanks for being real. That’s why we love you.
Hi Joy!
I’m sure your book will be awesome!!
I have a friend that is remodeling a gorgeous house in New Orleans just to put it to rent, just wondering…
i love you joy!
each time i read one of your posts, i remember that life is good! (i excidently forget sometimes…)
Congrats Joy! Will be eagerly looking for your new cookbook when it comes out. The first one i have is already covered in Chocolate Frosting, and dog eared….i use it all the time.
Everything is Scary and Awesome at once—we are preparing for our first baby in November and everyday seems like we are scared and excited at the same time…so I hear you! Good luck, and hope you make it to Maine again soon!
A second book !!!! Waouh !!! I’m so happy…
So excited! Please book tour in Atlanta…
EnJOYing your first cookbook sooo much…so, WOW, to learn that a 2nd one is in the works is super-great news!!! Hang in there and keep on creating delish recipes and writing entertaining prose to go with them…just want you to know that I really get that it’s from your heart.
A comment that I’ve pondered making for awhile:
On my laptop, reaching your blog via Safari on a Mac, the text on the page is smack up against the left edge of the page. Is there some adjustment I can make to correct/improve this, to add a blank margin or border to the left hand side of the page to make reading your blog easier? It’s distracting and almost like trying to read a piece of paper that’s been folded or cut right at the edge of the words. Thanks for any help with this. Don’t want to miss a thing!
I absolutely cannot wait for your cookbook to come out!!! I loved your first one and use it all the time!
New Orleans apartment shopping is awesome!
Hang in there, Joy. You are a breath of fresh air every time I open up my emails in the morning….and I live in China, so I’m not kidding about the fresh air thing!
Joy,
I am SO excited for your next cookbook! I am so in love with your first one and want to give it to all of my friends; it’s a must have. You’re amazing. Keep rocking it, girl.
I’m 100% sure that your book will be awesome! :) I can’t wait to see it!
omg so excited for the new book!! (to be honest i would definitely buy a cookbook by that title haha)
ps i kind of love that toast picture
thanks for the real, Joy. And Yay!!!! Can’t wait for #2- I have two kids-no cookbooks- and the only thing I can say about giving birth to your second is; at least you know what you’re really in for. Just remember that this part doesn’t last forever and at the end someone will hand you a brand new person. Or in your case, book. I can’t wait to see what new goodies you have in store for us- I make your brown butter choc chips and kettle corn recipes nearly weekly. It’s frightening how necessary both have become. Anyway- thanks again & I’m off to write a glowing review for #1 on Amazon (don’t neglect the firstborn- parenting 101)
That last photo is amazing! Like seriously! I like looking at the behind the scenes photos of bakers :)
I’m so looking forward to your next cookbook. I can’t wait to see what delightful and delicious goodies you have in store for us. I’ve made over half of the things in your first cookbook already and have more marked to try.
I actually really enjoy the savory posts and the day-to-day musings. It’s too hot to turn on the oven anyway. Good luck to you, lady!
When things get crazy, take that deep breathe and yes pause and say to yourself this too shall pass. Everything will work out in the end, the book will be fantastic and as always the hard work you put into your blog and the new cookbook will shine like the star you are. Paulette
Love you too Joy. Keep at it.
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to see the finished product, I’m positive it will be awesome. Also, I’m cool with savory! Your spins on sandwiches totally inspire me. xoxo!
I have crazy admiration for your blog in general, but love it even more because of candid and honest posts like these. Good luck with your second cookbook and happy to keep following you here in the meantime!! :)
I did pilates in a pair of yoga pants with a chocolate stain this week. (Is it bad form to work on defining your glutes while advertising your decadent habits?)
Persevering and wearing clothes, any clothes, while doing so can sometimes be an accomplishment in itself.
Keep you head up and your belly full! Can’t wait for the cookbook!!
I can only imagine how crazy things must be! I love how real you are about it. x
That’s the only way I like anything – real. Thanks for that!
I would most definitely buy a cookbook titled Everything is Scary and Awesome, as this is how I typically feel about cooking in general!
Joy, take some deep breaths (bear with me here). In through your nose out through your mouth. Now count backwards from 100. I PROMISE that if you do that every time you start to stress out about the book, things will feel better and more manageable. Please don’t worry too much about it- you should know by now that the majority of the people taking the time to read and comment on your blog really wouldn’t care if your second book stank like feet- we love you! That’s not to say I’m anticipating a stinky book, not at all, but if it were to be stinky by some great coincidence, then everybody here would undoubtedly react the way a mother does to her toddler bringing her a beautiful “picture” (basically colorful scribbles on paper)- we would ooh and ahh and never write a bad review on Amazon. We’re family, Joy. We want to support you, not stress you out.
On a side note, I purchased your first book this past week in addition to making those low-fat, whole wheat blueberry muffins from the blog for company- they were literally gone by the time breakfast was over. There were 4 of us.
Best wishes!
Ella
thank you for the kindness Ella. it would take soooo long to count backwards from 100. that in itself would stress me out. ha! real.
Ella, thank you for the great stress-busting exercise. The focus required to count backwards is key, I’m sure. Forcing the mind away from whatever has been causing panic really does a great job of breaking the mental cycle.
I suspect that simply attempting the count, will be helpful. Each repeated attemp will eventually bring one closer to success. Forgiving oneself for each “failure” is a good regimen for de-stressing. Stress results from singleminded perfectionism, right?
One simple relaxation exercise is pressing thumb and first finger together for awhile, feeling the tension travel up the arm. When one stops the pressure, the release of tension impacts the hand, arm, and whole body–with practice.
Thank you !
Just want to add to the running commentary in your head; you can do this, you are doing this, it will turn out absolutely wonderful…. If you weren’t worried about the end result something is not quite right with the reasons you are doing it.
I always look forward to your posts, recipes and pictures, and will add your second cookbook to my shelf along side your first one.
Having had 2 children but not written a book of any sort, the one thing that ‘sounds’ similar, is that the pain you go through is not remembered when you decide to do it again! :)
xoxo looking forward to your latest ‘baby’.
I felt it. Glad you put it out there. It is YOU, not just your recipes, that I love. You keep it real. You make me laugh at my struggles and feel like I’m not the only one. We’re with you. Focus on your book. Just update us once in a while. We’ll be here.
Your book will be my “go- to gift.”
What are those little foods with the moose??
Dear Joy,
if you were my next-door friend I would tell you: “I’m proud of you, of your coming cookbook and of all your posts, both the short and the long ones, both the sweet and the savoury ones. Keep going, with all my love.”
Thank you for not being afraid to tell things the way they really are! I’m a frequent reader, but rare commenter (I need to work on that) but I just wanted to tell you how much I love your site and your style. It’s comforting to hear the real (but still awesome) stuff behind the scenes. Good luck with the rest if your book! I’m looking forward to it:)
We’re just along for the ride and excited for the new cookbook :) You just take your time with what you do best. Meanwhile we’ll be content with some Brown Butter Banana Bread for breakfast (or a weeknight dinner)! (totally worth it / no shame)
Dude!! You are amazing! I’m really excited to see your second book, but don’t drive yourself crazy.
also p.s. hellooooo mr. moose?
Hang in there, Joy! We’re here, excited for you and your new book!
I’m pretty sure this is why I love your blog, because even in those moment when it’s all going crazy you’re still super cool and manage to put out an awesome blog post. So while I’ll continue to be my own blogger (because like I said last night, I’ll never be like you), I’ll still look to your blog for awesomeness.
Also best of luck on finishing up the book.
one thing at a time, sweetie – you can do it!
can’t wait for the new book…
I hear you! Hang in there Joy. Just breathe. P.S. that tea towel is beyond cute.
Can’t wait for the next cookbook! And thanks for keeping it real.
These posts are my fav. And I have chips for dinner all the time. Totally normal. xo
Have a glass of wine or 3, and take a nap :-)
Come on down here, honey! New Orleans loves ya’ dawlin’!
But these posts are just as much the reason why I follow you. Yes, your pictures are great and your baking refreshingly crazy. But your writing and the way you describe your inner life are the icing! You go girl, we will follow!
It sounds like a crazy time but the result I know will be worth it. I loved your first cookbook and I’m looking forward to the one your working on.
EEEEEEE! A new cookbook! Can’t wait to wear out out just like the first one – my family and I love you – love, Love, LOVE!
Good luck, Joy. You’re going to rock this, no doubt!
I just read your first cookbook, and I can’t wait for your second. The first one is fantastic and I know the second one will be too! Good luck with everything, we understand why it’s slower and savory-er!
Hang in there, Joy! We’re all incredibly excited to see what you are coming up with for your second cookbook, and it’s bound to be spectacular! All good things take their time, and your cookbook is certainly no exception. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Wonderful!
Good luck lovey…. take a deep breath. This is good. Life is good. You’re doing a wonderful job. I look forward to your next book… <3 I'm still working up the courage to even start a blog.. so I applaud you!
I have no doubt your next book will be just as awesome as the first. (When I made your orange gingerbread for a work function I got a raise a week later….no pressure). We love you too!
I’m sending good vibes your way! You are one hardworking lady and we’re all so proud of you! Cannot wait for your next book :)
If your second book is half as good as your first – it will rock! We (my three daughters and me) love your book and have tried many of the recipes! Be sure to add DC to your book tour if you want three very excited girls at your signing!
Joy, I think you are wonderful and I’m so happy for everything you are accomplishing. Your humanity makes me feel that I might be able to accomplish, too. Thanks for not pretending to be Super Woman, even though I suspect you have a red cape in your closet.
This book is going to be amazing. So happy for you and all the exciting stuff that’s happening in your life at the moment! :)
I had chips for dinner last night. Not writing a cookbook, not having a baby. No excuses, I just did. And honestly, I love your savory recipes just as much as the sweet!
Are you moving to New Orleans? How exciting!
maybe i am. or maybe it’s just a fantasy in my head. i can’t tell the difference right now.
1. I can’t wait for your second cookbook!
2. Can you please sell prints of that toast picture because I just LOVE it!!
i appreciate you! you can buy a smaller version of the toast print here: https://society6.com/joythebaker/Toast-with-Sprinkles_Print
That print makes me happy.
Keep going strong!
I for one know first hand how long it take to make and shoot food for print…I am a food stylist in Toronto. Yesterday I spent a great portion of the day gluing oatmeal flakes onto a loaf of oatmeal bread :)
I am totally confident that book #2 will be just as lovely (but probably even more so) than book #1!
I cannot wait for the next book. Life is crazy. It kind of sucks when it is going on but i think those are the best times when you look back.
Joy,
I can’t wait until your second cookbook comes out! Your second cookbook is going to be great. Just remember to take a few moments just to relax.
Breathe in, breathe out. All better. Staple cuts=ouch!
Lots of love and prayers headed your way! <3
Count your blessings! Snapping is the best part of the day and your are being paid for it! The niche you have created didn’t exist a few years ago, and you have ruined my week with Nordstrom Beauty envy! Eat someting, you will fee better!
OMG WHAT ARE THOSE DELICIOUS THINGS ON STICKS?! Cookies? Ice cream? You know what, I don’t even care. I just know I want to eat them. And we have to wait for the cookbook for those? You’re killin’ me, Joy!
Take as much time as you want joy. You naturally write wonderful recipes and stories, so you should not feel any pressure; I am sure it come out great!
I admire your real approach to blogging in a world of instagram, prefect cup cakes and perfect selfies. You make us bloggers feel more comfort to be human.
congrats!
Totally psyched for the new cookbook! I only recently bought your first one (I know!) and I have baked pretty much all of it.
xx
I am jazzed for the new cookbook! Actually, it’s good if the blog is slow for a bit, it’ll allow me to catch up on all my “to make” bookmarked recipes of yours that I have piling up:)
Most recently I made those browned butter chocolate chip cookies of yours. Excellence.
I can’t wait for the cookbook – it will all be worth it in the end! We’ll be patient with you while you get this thing sorted:)
Joy, I can’t wait to see your new cookbook. How awesome is that! I love to look through your first one at night. It’s a relaxing thing to do. Also, I love your moose.
The second book has the PRESSURE that the first book just didn’t have for me. I felt so much more pressure with the second one and am in a holding-editing-wait-and-see pattern for now. So on these little ‘breaks’ from the book, I can actually shower and not wear the same thing for days on end. Everything you said is pretty much spot on to how I feel. Your book will be amazing!!! I love the first one so so so much and know that the 2nd will be just as wonderful!
Hey, I’m first up :) Congrats on the book, I cherish the first with all of my heart and can’t wait to hold the second…okay a little dramatic but the second part is true.