Unlock Your Food Blogging Potential: Lessons Learned Writing “Food Blogging For Dummies” + Giveaway!
Almost a year ago, my journey into the world of authorship began with a simple email from a publisher. That email led to the creation of my first book, Food Blogging For Dummies. Little did I know what writing a comprehensive, 320-page technical guide would truly involve. Over 125,000 words, countless hours fueled by 96 energy drinks, and a tumultuous emotional rollercoaster later, I’m thrilled to be just weeks away from sharing the final product with you.
As the countdown to the release date continues, I’ll be offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the book-writing process. And to celebrate this milestone, I’m hosting a weekly giveaway of Food Blogging For Dummies until April 17th! Discover the top 10 crucial lessons I learned during the writing process, and then leave a comment below for a chance to win your very own copy! This is your opportunity to learn how to elevate your food blog and connect with a wider audience.
Top 10 Lessons Learned While Writing “Food Blogging For Dummies”
10. The 3 AM Laugh Test: Humor’s Subjectivity
As a devoted fan of food puns, writing this book was a dream come true. However, I quickly realized that my comedic material needed to resonate with a broader audience than just myself. Jokes that seemed hilariously clever in my sleep-deprived, 3 AM state often fell flat when reviewed under normal circumstances by me or my incredibly patient editor. This taught me the importance of objective humor and understanding your target audience’s sensibilities. Remember, clarity and relevance always triumph over obscure or personal humor.
9. The Delete Button: Cutting Your Darlings for the Greater Good
There were countless instances where I had to sacrifice sentences I considered particularly witty or amusing because they didn’t effectively contribute to the overall message or strengthen the core concept. While the book aims to be engaging and entertaining, its primary purpose is to be informative and helpful. This realization required a shift in perspective, and I eventually embraced the power of the DELETE button. Don’t be afraid to eliminate content that, while well-written, doesn’t directly serve the book’s overall objective. Focus on delivering valuable information in a concise and accessible manner.
8. The Art of Comfortable Sitting: Ergonomics for Writers
Over the past year, I spent an enormous amount of time sitting down. It might seem like an obvious observation, but it’s something you don’t fully appreciate until you’re constantly doing it. To make this non-stop sitting more bearable, I invested in a leopard-print Snuggie. While perhaps not the most conventional solution, it highlights the importance of creating a comfortable and supportive workspace. Investing in an ergonomic chair, taking regular breaks to stretch, and ensuring proper posture can significantly improve your writing experience and prevent physical discomfort. Find what works for you to maximize comfort and productivity.
7. Reading Aloud: The Ultimate Editing Tool
I discovered that the most effective way to write and edit the book was to read every single word aloud. There’s something about hearing the rhythm of the sentences and the pacing of the paragraphs that makes the final product significantly clearer and more concise. Reading aloud helps you identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and areas where the flow can be improved. It also allows you to better understand how the content will sound to your readers. This technique is an invaluable tool for refining your writing and ensuring a polished, professional final product.
6. Sacrifices Must Be Made: Balancing Writing and Life
The moment I signed the book contract, I knew I was essentially signing away any semblance of a social life for the next year. While it was a sacrifice I was willing to make, I can’t deny that missing countless weddings, birthday dinners, weekend trips, concerts, and sporting events stung. It’s crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices required to complete a large project like writing a book. Allow yourself to feel the disappointment, but then quickly refocus your energy and dedication on achieving your writing goals. Effective time management and prioritization are essential for maintaining a healthy balance and preventing burnout.
5. The Power of the Dance Party: Recharging Your Creative Batteries
I developed a nightly ritual of rewarding myself with a five-minute dance party for every two hours of writing or editing. As strange as it may sound, these dance parties were my salvation. They provided an opportunity to (a) clear my head, (b) get my heart rate up, and (c) keep my dance moves sharp for my eventual return to the dance floor. Incorporating regular breaks and activities that you enjoy into your writing routine is crucial for maintaining motivation and preventing mental fatigue. Find what activities help you recharge and incorporate them into your daily schedule. A little bit of fun can go a long way in boosting your productivity and creativity.
4. Perfection is the Enemy of Good: Striving for Excellence, Not Impossibility
Long after I climbed into bed each night, I would lie awake making edits in my head, brainstorming better photo setups, redoing the book’s outline, and rethinking section layouts. It became almost impossible not to strive for absolute perfection. However, this relentless pursuit of perfection can be detrimental to progress. Remember that “good enough” is often better than chasing an unattainable ideal. Focus on delivering valuable and accurate information, and don’t get bogged down in minor details that may not significantly impact the overall quality of your work. Aim for excellence, but don’t let the pursuit of perfection paralyze you.
3. Subjectivity of Perfection: Accepting Feedback and Collaborative Improvement
The editing phase of the publishing process was, in a word, humbling. However, it taught me an invaluable lesson: you cannot view edits as personal attacks. Once I embraced this notion, I was able to understand that the sole purpose of editing is to make the book the absolute best it can be. Constructive criticism is essential for identifying areas where your writing can be improved. Embrace feedback from editors and reviewers, and view it as an opportunity to refine your work and enhance its overall impact. Remember that the goal is to create the best possible product for your readers, and collaboration is key to achieving that.
2. Creating Writing Zones: Finding Your Productive Spaces
Writing in the same location for too long drove me insane, so I found it helpful to designate different areas of my apartment as “writing zones.” The dining table was for hardcore writing, the couch was for researching and editing photos, the kitchen counter was for final edits, and the bed was for any writing or editing that took place after 2 AM. Experiment with different writing environments to discover what works best for you. Having dedicated spaces for specific tasks can help you focus and improve productivity. Whether it’s a quiet office, a bustling coffee shop, or a comfortable couch, finding your ideal writing zones can make a significant difference in your workflow.
1. The Procrastination PhD: Recognizing and Overcoming Distractions
Enough said. We all procrastinate, especially when faced with a daunting task like writing a book. Recognizing your procrastination tendencies is the first step to overcoming them. Identify your common distractions and develop strategies for minimizing their impact. This might involve setting specific writing goals, breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, or using website blockers to limit access to social media. Acknowledging your procrastination tendencies and actively working to combat them is essential for staying on track and completing your writing projects.
*UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
To enter to win a copy of Food Blogging For Dummies, leave a comment below that answers the following question:
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the kitchen?
A single winner will be selected via Random.org and announced on Monday, March 26. This giveaway closes on Sunday, March 25 at 12 p.m. EST.
Craving more? Sign up for the Just a Taste newsletter for a second fresh serving of content straight to your inbox each week! And stay in touch on Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest updates.