Saturday, October 13, 2012

Books & Cooks? Opinions please . . .



As you may know, I recently attended the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in Dallas. It's something I look forward to all year. Writing is solitary work and this event--with nearly 700 writers in all stages of their careers--is a chance to connect, share, hug, and actually talk with people who aren't imaginary! It's also a chance to learn. About the craft of writing. About trends in publishing. And about the various ways of connecting with readers--which is really important to me.

In aiming for that reader connection, most authors do a variety of things: book signings, newsletters, social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc.) and blogging. Each of which basically takes time away from writing. Which, of course, is the reason we have readers to connect with in the first place! A dilemma for sure.

Confession: blogging isn't my favorite thing. You've probably noticed that with the randomness of my posts. On the other hand, I do enjoy the give-and-take of my Twitter and Facebook connections. I'm there every day. Several times a day. And, if you follow me on those networks, you've seen that I tend to post less about writing and more about . . . FOOD. Because cooking, "apron time," is as much as passion for me as writing fiction. Similar perhaps in creativity: sprinkling herbs like metaphors, and so forth.

Anyway, at the ACFW conference I met with marketing and media specialists, and learned something that got me pretty excited: There is no hard and fast rule that an author's blog posts have to be about writing!. Seriously. I think my jaw dropped. Especially when the experts went on to say that an author's blog posts could be about something ELSE that stirs their passion. Stirs . . . as in wooden spoons, sauces . . . COOKING!  I think I may have squealed with glee at this concept. Because, you see, I'm ALWAYS posting (on Facebook, Twitter) about cooking, including recipes, step by step photos . . . funny snippets about cooking bloopers. And, from the comments, folks seem to be having fun with that. 

In fact, if I had a nickel for every time someone said, "You should write a cookbook" . . . you get the idea.

SO (brain spinning) I started noodling this idea. (Oops, noodle--food already), and thought of an idea.
What if THIS blog becomes an "Author's Kitchen" blog (actual title to be figured out)? Where I share not only MY cooking tidbits, but GUEST AUTHORS' cooking favorites, photos, bloopers, memories. Your favorite authors in their own kitchens! AND I'd invite YOU to comment, share, get involved . . . tie on a virtual apron if you will. I love the idea of that.

I think it could be fun. But I want YOUR opinion.
AND I want to give away some books!

So, leave a comment below telling me your opinion (yay or nay, or suggestions) regarding my idea of changing this to an Authors' Kitchen blog. And I'll enter your name in a random drawing for one of FIVE signed copies of any of my books. Your choice (Critical Care, Disaster Status, Code Triage, or Trauma Plan). If you already have them, I'll be happy to sign them for you to give as a gift or library donation . . . or whatever.

I'll draw names on Monday, October 22nd. Please leave your e-mail address in this format: candace(at)candacecalvert(dot)com to help thwart those cyber robots.

 I look forward to your comments. Good luck and Bon Apetit!

21 comments:

Wilma said...

What's taking you so long? You should have done this a long time ago.:-) Go for it & best of luck.
Wilma
wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I had a couple of thoughts. First was yes to a cooking blog. One big reason is your style of cooking. The idea of a plant based is new to me. I questioned you about a lot of things you use to cook with such as grapeseed oil because that's not something I know about it. There is so much conflicting health info on food. I like to pick your brain because unlike some doctors I know :) you live what you say.

I've also wondered if the areas we live have an effect on the type of cooking. Does that make sense? I would be interested in knowing if we have different styles and different comfort foods depending on what area of the country you are from.

Of course, I know chocolate is universal! Lol

Just my random thoughts!

Andrea
Kaskaggs at fourway dot net

Kelli Jo said...

I would read it! Especially if there were easy recipes for yummy things. And if of course, you were writing it or interviewing! :)

Kelli Jo said...

Oops! I forgot my e-mail.

Kellijo23(at)gmail(dot)com

:)

Unknown said...

Awesome idea. One of my favorite cookbooks is by Jan Karon author of "The Mitford" series. I enjoy your post on FB & Twitter of what you're cooking. So when will your "Mercy Hospital" cookbook be out? 8-).

Teri(dot)hospicenurse(at)gmail(dot)com

misskallie2000 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
misskallie2000 said...

A Cook Book sounds great. When you have so many contributors you have a great cook book. Will be watching and looking for this to begin.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Beth said...

I think it sounds great! I am always interested in new cooking ideas and I think it would FUN!! mommiebethers(at)ameritech(dot)net

Linda said...

YES, YES, YES for cooking blog! You have some excellent dinners on FB and I would LOVE to get my hands on many of your recipes!!! A woman can never have too many recipes to work from! And your method of cooking is so different than mine. Could learn so much!

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

And I LOVE your books!

Jen said...

I'm thinking a cooking blog would be a fun idea. Making the food and taking pictures is almost as fun as eating it sometimes :) Please save some time to write some more of your books though... :)
Jen
jking23(at)kent(dot)edu

Kara said...

Go for it, Candace, you should totally blog about what your passions are!
Glad you had fun at the conference and thanks so much for this giveaway, blessings :)
Kara
wman4jcATaolDOTcom

Mark said...

I think you should! I am always interested in what you're cooking and mentioning on facebook, a blog about it would be great
marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot)com

Liz H. said...

Sounds like a great ideas. Though I like the blog title "The Writer's Galley" :)

RN4Jesus87(at)gmail(dot)com

Liz H. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

A cookbook would be wonderful! I'm always looking for innovative ways to prepare meals!
Marilyn

fmartin816(at)comcast(dot)net

kykitty said...

I absolutely love the idea. I love trying out new ideas in cooking and it would be a satisfaction of the tummy and soul. When can we start lol.

Cheri Swalwell said...

I think it's a great idea. I love following you on Facebook and finding new ideas to cook in the kitchen. I have already tried your peach cobbler (YUM!) and shared it with my in-laws and I love all your smoothies too. I say "GO FOR IT!"

clSwalwell@gmail.com

CandaceCalvert said...

Thank you ALL for your comments--I'm taking them to heart. And now (tah dah) here (via random.org) are our book giveaway winners: KELLI JO, TERI, JEN, MARK, MARILYN! Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much...I will e-mail you my choice ...so looking forward to receiving this book...thanks again!
Marilyn

Hutt-Write Voice said...

I'm not much for cooking and recipes and such, but i wish you well. It's your blog, so you should do what makes you happy.
Enjoyd reading/reviewinf Trauma Paln, can't wait till I can read the next one!

Ann Revell Street said...

Love it! Can't wait to read what the authors are cooking! I agree with Wilma - What's taking you so long? ;)