• 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

Do You Ever Worry About Running Out of Ideas?

October 21, 2014 by Joy the Baker 57 Comments

finding inspiration

Hi friends! New York City has lots of views of walls and windows.  It feels like a mirror with strangers on the other side.

At this weekend’s book signing at The Brooklyn Kitchen (which, incidentally, is an AWESOME place) someone asked me this question:

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

Can we talk about this?  For real tho.  For real.

Here’s the calm, cool and collected response to that question:  No way!  I am confident that my brain has an unlimited amount of really awesome ideas to sustain me from now until forever and ever amen.

Here’s the real-life answer:  OHMYGOSH YES!  What if I’m working from a well that I’ll soon reach the bottom of!?  What if that’s real!?

The deal is, creativity and inspiration must be fostered and fed.  But good grief, how do we have time to foster and feed things these days? My cat is fostered and fed because he’s really demanding with his loud meows and untrimmed claws.  My creativity is much less demanding and often gets stomped on by every other more demanding task on my list.  Do you find this to be true?

I try to find inspiration in all of the little moments, the quiet moments, the unexpected moments.  It’s not always grand days or epic meals that provide me with the clearest inspiration.

What’s inspiring me lately:

•  “I’m not afraid of dying.  I’m afraid of not trying.”  THANK YOU JAY Z.  I mean… TRY is everything.

•  I’m traveling right now and the fact that I don’t remember if I know how to navigate Penn Station scares the crap out of me.  I remember that there’s some sort of waiting area then a mad dash to the right train, a long time, and a seat find.  Nerves are inspiring.  They make me see my surroundings more acutely and not breeze by the details.  There is always inspiration in the details (must like there is always money in the banana stand).

•  This new Damien Rice song because sometimes inspiration comes from things that break your heart.

•  I’m working on a book about Brunch so this NYT article about the fall of this most precious meal was very interesting to me.  Can we take Brunch back from the jerks? Of course we can.

•  The Kitchn’s Cooking School is 20 days + 20 simple kitchen lessons.  The simplicity and solid learning is inspiring!

•  Did you know that you can get a freshly fried, sugar dipped donut at Federal Donuts in Philadelphia.  That’s where you can find me for the next three days.  I might even forget what a beignet is. Sugar-high inspiration.  I’m going all the way in.

I’m a person with more questions than answers.  There is creativity and learning in simply trying to figure it out everyday… you know?

Thank you for for joining me on my book tour adventures!  Thanks for coming out and asking me the questions that make you feel weird and vulnerable, because I’m weird and vulnerable too.  I also accept cat-related questions with glee.  I’ll announce my west coast book signing dates later this week!

Love you!  See you at Parkway Central Library in Philadelphia tonight!

xo

Previous PostNext Post

Filed Under: Beyond the Kitchen

Previous Post: « Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Krispie Treats
Next Post: Creamy Vegan Herb Salad Dressing »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Millie | Add A Little

    October 21, 2014 at 9:48 am

    OMG YES JOY. I feel you right now gurl!!
    But have a fab time on the book tour!

    Reply
  2. byablonski

    October 21, 2014 at 9:42 am

    This is wonderful Joy! Thank you for shining light on wonderful things and being a source of inspiration yourself!

    Reply
  3. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

    October 21, 2014 at 9:34 am

    Congrats on the new book! I will anxiously be awaiting for your brunch book…there is nothing better than brunch! :)

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth DiBiaso Guertin

    October 21, 2014 at 9:21 am

    I live just outside Philly, but can’t make tonight . Make sure you also eat the fried chicken at Federal!

    Reply
  5. Sara

    October 21, 2014 at 9:20 am

    Thanks for sharing, I’m constantly worried I’ll run out of things to write about. Even though I live in a booming city that changes almost daily. Lol

    Sara
    506 Miles: from Detroit to Nashville

    Reply
  6. Hilary

    October 21, 2014 at 9:10 am

    We’re all weird & vulnerable Joy. Thanks for reminding us to take a moment back from the demanding loud tasks to be quiet & creative. And for generally being awesome.

    Reply
  7. Andrea

    October 21, 2014 at 8:51 am

    so wish i could see you tonight. i am so close to philly! Please come back!!!

    Reply
  8. SeattleDee

    October 21, 2014 at 8:43 am

    I love thought-provoking questions… unless pressed for an immediate answer. Thanks for tossing this into the morning mix, I think. I tend to focus more on food than weighty matters in my occasional posts, but do enjoy tip toeing through your mind on days like this.

    Reply
  9. leahfaust

    October 21, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Your inspiration is contagious! Cool to read about the strange and newness of traveling. Happy tour!!

    Reply
  10. Arthur in the Garden!

    October 21, 2014 at 7:28 am

    I suffer from hyperactivity, too much going up there in my head! :-)

    Reply
  11. SHarana @ Living The Sweet Life Blog

    October 21, 2014 at 7:06 am

    This is the reason that I read your blog – besides the amazing food you come up with, you’re real … and you make your readers feel a part of your life. Such a great post :)

    I think everyone is scared they may run out of knowing ‘ what’s next’ or new ideas … I think that’s the fun it all of this. And you’re right, life slaps inspiration in all of our faces – sights, sounds, smells, friends, family.

    Reply
  12. Sarah

    October 21, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Awesome. Love also that you found inspiration to write this from the (awesome) event at Brooklyn Kitchen! And thanks for the tip about Federal Doughnuts — now I know what I’m getting after the Philly Marathon in November!

    Reply
  13. Rena

    October 21, 2014 at 6:32 am

    I’m sure you will never get out of ideas as you are really creative! Loved this to read, so inspiring!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena

    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
  14. Abby @ The Frosted Vegan

    October 21, 2014 at 6:23 am

    I TOTALLY feel this! Thanks for being real girl, have fun on your book tour!!

    Reply
  15. wheremyfeetare

    October 21, 2014 at 6:14 am

    HI Joy, Congratulations on your book! I was in Brooklyn a couple of weekends ago, bad timing on my part! :-) Even though I don’t bake for a living (but do bake as a hobby) I love this post…nerves are inspiring for me too! I’ve started writing in a little corner of the blog world and have asked myself this very question…with the same answer as you. Thanks for the morning inspiration! And for all the recipes!!

    Reply
Newer Comments »
Comments Page 1 of 4
1 2 3 4 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

stack of beach reads 2022
The Best Books for Summer 2022

Summer books are meant to be defiled. Pages should be smeared with suntan lotion and potato chip grease; covers should be sun faded and waterlogged, used as coasters for your margaritas, a landing pad for unwieldy ice cream cones. (Unless, of course, you’re checking your summer book out from the library. In which case, you…

Read More

Summer Bucket List, 2022!

BUCKET LIST buck•et list (noun): a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have accomplished during their lifetime.  Also, a 2007 comedic film featuring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. SUMMER BUCKET LIST sum•mer buck•et list (noun):  a list of things that a person would like to accomplish and experience during the summer months.  If done correctly,…

Read More

A Peek Behind the Scenes of the new Joy the Baker Magazine

A few years ago when I embarked on the (incredibly exciting) journey of magazine making, I had no idea just how much it would flip my seasons and try to scramble my festive circadian rhythm.  Last summer, I had a Christmas tree up in the living room for most of July and August. Yes, fully…

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

Baked peach scones stacked with butter.

Easy Peaches and Cream Scones

Gluten-Free Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins

strawberry sheet cake on a plate with strawberries on top.

My Favorite Super Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake

POPULAR CAKES

strawberry sheet cake on a plate with strawberries on top.

My Favorite Super Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake

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

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

📚Baker and author of books and magazines
🎂Creator @drakeoncake
💁🏻‍♀️Classes with me @thebakehousenola
🍰 Products with @williamssonoma

joythebaker
I made @mississippivegan my favorite Paloma cockta I made @mississippivegan my favorite Paloma cocktail last night! Here’s how to make your own batch.

Palomas for Two 
1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup tequila blanco
A splash of Campari
6-8 ounces Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda
Fresh herbs for serving 
 
Mix everything in a jar and refrigerate. Serve over ice with fresh herbs. #paloma #summercocktails #joythebaker
4️⃣ ways to make a better BLT and you don’t 4️⃣ ways to make a better BLT and you don’t even need to be wearing pant. 
1. Bake the bacon with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cracked black pepper until crisp and caramelized. 
2. Slice tomatoes on a paper towel to remove excess water and, for all that is holy, season the tomatoes with sea salt.
3. Use butter lettuce you can replant for future butter lettuce.
4. You don’t like mayonnaise? Yea you do. Lots of it.
If the question is, what am I baking this weekend? If the question is, what am I baking this weekend? The answer is: 🍋🫐 Gooey Butter Cake.
He has no idea how swoony I get when he saves me a He has no idea how swoony I get when he saves me a seat at breakfast or moves me to the inside of the sidewalk for safety. What a thrill to have absolutely no chill whatsoever. Happy August, friends. I hope you’re hydrated and in stupid love.
Your weekend baking sorted! 🫠 Just add peanut b Your weekend baking sorted! 🫠 Just add peanut butter and marshmallows to the grocery list. ⁣
⁣
Also, if you snuck some 🍫🍫 in with the marshmallow you’d have a lil peanut butter cookie s’more and no one would be mad. ⁣
⁣
Recipe linked in the profile! xo.
Our no-bake, 🍒🍋 dreams come true thanks to @ Our no-bake, 🍒🍋 dreams come true thanks to @theboywhobakes! ⁣
⁣
This perfect summer recipe is linked in the profile! 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