A year or so ago, I had an idea. I floated the concept by a couple of friends who joyfully nodded in approval, but the timing wasn’t right. Or maybe the timing was spot-on, but I neglected to pursue the blessing set before me. Nevertheless, nuggets and nudges for the idea kept floating through my noggin, until BAM! the idea crystalized, clear and shiny.
I’m writing an eCookbook.
There, I said it. Now allow me to back up and tell you a story.
A few months ago, I almost quit writing The Schell Cafe. My mind was plagued with fears, untruths, and excuses. I don’t have time. Blogging is so 2008 – what’s next? I’m a crappy photographer. I need an assistant. Who really cares if I blog anyway? I’m confused about the direction our food choices are taking us. I want to be an advocate, but I’m not qualified. My true desire is to write at The Kitchen Mission. How do I integrate food & faith into one or two blogs? I’m tired. I quit. Send someone else, Lord.
I lamented all this to Mrs. Kravitz one day and she said, “No. You can’t quit writing. The Schell Cafe IS your ministry.”
Whatever.
And, I went to the mountains. I wish I could tell you I had an epiphany in the Rocky Mountains. I prayed daily about writing, my ministry both on-line and at church, and I continued with my Bible in 90 Days reading. But mostly I just hung out with Husband and the Littles. We hiked, fished, sang camp songs, and generally enjoyed each others company for over two weeks. I think they call this REST.
It’s Day 2 back at home and my cup is full, so is my email inbox. But there among the hundreds of emails screaming for my attention is the gift. The challenge.
My blogging buddy Brooke is hosting an amazing give-away to celebrate the launch of her new ebook Notes to Aspiring Writers. I’m so proud of Brooke and her ministry. Her teachings and writings over the last couple of years have meant the world to me. Naturally I want to support Brooke and her book launch, but I can’t shake the nudge that I’m actually supposed to take advantage of this fabulous opportunity. Brooke has put together an amazing give-away as an encouragement to other aspiring writers. Take a look at the package that’s up for wins! Can you imagine? An ebook design cover by Erin at Design by Insight (Erin is the design genius responsible for The Schell Cafe and The Kitchen Mission); a website design, Paypal shopping cart, buttons and set up by Alyssa Avant; a deeply discounted editing package from Sarah at She Marks in Red; and a 2 hour consultation from Shannon and Toni at DuoLit. To say these talents fill a void I will never possess is an understatement. Plus, look at all the other helpful books offered in the give-away. Wow, huh? And I didn’t even mention the free KINDLE! Double wow.
I’ve never considered myself an aspiring writer, but I do have this dream, this calling to write an eCookbook. Never mind that I have absolutely no idea how to proceed. Whether or not I win, Brooke’s giveaway package is just the encouragement I need to quit thinking and start doing.
To enter the giveaway I need to write an ‘elevator pitch’ for my book idea. My mind is spinning and it’s got to be good, so I’m going to finesse it a little more and post the big idea tomorrow.
In the meantime, I could really use your help! Will you let me know your favorite recipes from The Schell Cafe? The eCookbook will be comprised of never-before-published recipes, but we’ve got to have some reader favorites in there too, don’t ya think?
Leave your favorite Schell Cafe recipes in the comments below. I’m really counting on your support!
I’m excited. Thank you for remaining on this journey with me…
Love,
Hands down – Cranberry Oat Crumble – something that is DIVINE!
xoxo
You’re beautiful…inside and out 🙂
Yea!! Glad to hear about the new development – look forward learning more!
Oh, I’m so happy and excited for you!! Yes, you ARE a writer – a good one! And I love your sense of humor. I can’t help with your recipe question, but can suggest that you add the humor that is so YOU. My BFFs have always made me laugh – one of your traits that so endears me to you.
You are a writer. Anyone that can share the written word as well as you do……well, you are a writer. Time to quit thinking and move as you are being led. Will try to think how to narrow down favorite recipes and submit soon.
Prayers for success! Go for it.
Tried and loved favorites:
A Peachy Salad, Roasted Vegetable Galette, Spring Rolls, Maple Pretzel Chicken Tenders, Hot Onion Souffle, Nana’s Olive Balls, and Buttered Peas with mint.
More have been tried and certainly more have been enjoyed. This is off the top of my head, but I could seriously submit more.
Thank you for making life easier and Popa happier when I’m in the kitchen.
Granola Balls! My kids think they are cookies and I’ve shared this recipe with a slew of mommys who also rave. And Black Bean Hummus, love it! All this time I’ve followed, I thought you were Fort Worth based, but now I understand you are in Austin. (I was confused how you found a CSA in FW. Not as easy as it is here!) Congrats on your new adventure. Please don’t quit writing, you are ministry to me and many others. I don’t think the Lord would have us know all of the ways He uses us and the people that we impact, but He’s good to give a little encouragement (affirmation, timing of giveaways, people woven into your life) to persevere with our gifts just when we think it’s quitting time. Thank you for sharing how He is working you in that way!