Cookbooks

Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!

It’s the things that dreams are made of. Or at the very least, a larger pant size.

You guys. I’m writing a cookbook.

I don’t know if I should squeal with glee, pee my pants or vomit a little bit. Or all 3.

I'm going to write a cookbook! - She Eats

It started in August with an unexpected email and a fair amount of disbelief.  My editor, Ann from Countryman Press, a division of W.W. Norton & Co, wanted one of my photographs for the cover of one of my favourite books. That in and of itself was great news. But the best was yet to come… She also wanted me to write one of my own.

Like all good proposals, this one was completely unexpected.

My immediate response (to myself, mind you): “Fuck yes!”

My second: “Is this a joke? Because that would be really, really mean.”

Finally, my third – and the one I sent her in my most professional and respectable adult voice: “Why Ann – it’s so good to hear from you. Yes, I certainly am interested. Let’s talk.”

As soon as I hit send I contacted every cookbook authoring friend I had (thank you thank you thank you Charmian, Julie, Aimee, Erin, AmyJennie and all the folks at FBC) to interrogate them on their cookbook writing experiences and plead for their wisdom.

A few short weeks later, the publisher and I agreed to terms.

In just a few months my friends, I’ll be introducing you to Cooking with Cocktails, on sale in the Fall of 2016.

I can’t believe this is happening.

Even after deciding on a concept, agreeing to an advance, signing the contract, and developing, photographing, testing & editing the first 4 recipes, I have to pinch myself, Magic Mike style, yo!

..Uhh, hard. That means I pinch myself hard.

But in all seriousness. I’ve always wanted my own book. I dreamed of it. Salivated over it. Yearned for it with all my burnin’ loins. But I honestly didn’t think it would ever happen. In fact, it was only July when I decided I’d step away from blogging to pursue a career in Marine Biology. For realz.

And then that little inbox ping sounded and everything changed.

To get a little after-school-special on your ass, dreams really do come true.

Now I get to spend the coming months developing recipes, soliciting recipe testers and working closely with Ann who has been nothing but supportive and collaborative and amazing from the get-go. I have one of the best Editors in the world.

She’s kind of rad and I totally owe her a drink Or 8.

I'm going to write a cookbook! - Food Photography Props - She Eats

The Concept: Cooking with Cocktails

Cooking with Cocktails is a foray into dishes that are both boozy in nature and delicious in flavour. The concept for the book evolved through a particularly saucy debate with friends over which was better: Food or booze?

My argument was why choose when we can have the best of both worlds? Amiright?

You know I believe the best memories – the ones that nourish us, touch our hearts and evoke spirited laughter from the deepest parts of our bellies – are foraged over good food and drink. Put the two together, and you undoubtedly have a recipe for intoxicating deliciousness. Not to mention wild stories for years to come.

Who ever said we can’t have our gin cake and eat it too? Not me, that’s for sure.

Think classic cocktail hour meets farm to table fresh ingredients, garnished with a pinch of sass and general badassery.

Kinda like you.

From appetizers to dessert, breakfast to late night snacks, the 75 recipes in Cooking with Cocktails will invite you – the hungry, life loving, alcohol enthusiast – to look to your bar for inspiration for your next meal.

Or mine. Come on over, you’re always welcome.

Ultimately it’ll be a sassy, entertaining, punchy, stunningly visual adventure that entices us to enjoy our meals with passion, with friends and with alcohol.

Preferably upright. Ow ow!

I'm going to write a cookbook! - She Eats

The Next 7 Months

For the next 7 months, I’m going to be one broke-ass food writer!

Well, not really. I’m still working via my design business 3 days a week so I they don’t turn off my electricity. Because hey, when writing a cookbook a girl’s gotta actually cook, right?

But I’ve also been blowing my advance on new photography props (which you’re going to DIE when you see they’re so pretty) and an artificial light kit because it’s the rainy season here in Vancouver = it’s pretty much dark 26 hours a day.

Not to mention all the ingredients and booze I’m going to have to invest in to test, re-test and soothe my nerves, err, recipes, err… with. Awkward.

Moving on…

I'm going to write a cookbook! - Kristy Gardner - She Eats

I Want You to Be Involved – It Makes Me Happy!

Honestly, I’m so ridiculously grateful to Countryman Press and my Editor for this opportunity to bring my vision to your coffee tables.

But it’s not all about me. I want you to be involved too.

Over the next few months I’ll be posting book updates here on the blog in addition to regular posts. I hope you’ll follow along.

You can also catch photo set up and behind the scene sneak peaks on Instagram because let’s face it, I pretty much live there, as well as live broadcasts – yes live – on Periscope TV.

And of course, if you want to get up to the nano-second updates and first crack at purchasing the book when it goes on pre-sale, please sign up for my semi-regular newsletter. It’s all there for you.

Lastly, I’m also giving an open call for recipe testers and feedback givers. If you want first crack at the contents of the book and are willing to donate a bit of your time to making the recipes before they’re finalized, I want to hear from you.

Whether you’re new to She Eats or you’ve been a part of my blog since it’s inception in 2010, I value you more than you know. You ARE She Eats in spirit and I wouldn’t want to do this without you. I wouldn’t want to publish a book without you. I wouldn’t want to live with you.

Okay, not living is a bit extreme.

Dudes. You may be my “audience” but you’re also my community. My kindreds. My friends.

And I’m so ridiculously, seriously, smittenly (is that a word?) pumped to share this with you.

Here we go… Let’s write a book together.

  • Jacqueline Gum
    October 15, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    I almost peed my pants when I read this post! I am over the moon thrilled for you! I am deep into the last few chapters of my novel that I hope to be shopping to agents in December, or I’d offer to help. BUT…I have at least 5 friends I’d like to gift your cookbook to, and me makes 6 so that’s a little something for you to look forward to… I hope:) A little sale for 6 books. It’s a lot of work, but you’re more than up to it. It’s going to be smash hit!!! Whooppee!!!!
    Jacqueline Gum recently published…Truth… Where’s The Justice?My Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:45 AM

      BAHAHAHAHA Thank you so much Jacqueline! I know you’re busy writing your own book right now and I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my post ๐Ÿ™‚ I can’t wait to read your book too – I’m sure it’ll be a great hit. You’re so clever and witty. And generous! haha – please DO buy 6 books! I need to sell like, 4000, to make it past the advance. hahaha. Oy.

      Whooppee indeed!!
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Nicoletta @ sugarlovespices
    October 15, 2015 at 10:29 AM

    Wow…the dream of every food blogger is coming true! Good job! Congratulations! Well done! I don’t even know what’s more appropriate to say. I’m so happy for you, that’s it! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Nicoletta @ sugarlovespices recently published…Skillet Corn Bread with Poached Egg and FriendsMy Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:47 AM

      Right, Nicoletta!!? My bf, err fiance keeps reminding me that I’ve spent literally 5 years in my blog doing nothing else but and that it’s hard work paying off but I just keep reeling – it IS the dream! Thank you so so much – can’t wait to share it with you!
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
    October 15, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    So freaking awesome….so HAPPY for you ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿท๐Ÿท๐Ÿท…. I would hug you if I was there….but I will have a glass of wine to celebrate you success ๐Ÿท. I know I live in Ontario…but if there is anything I can do to help….let me know!!
    Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy recently published…Potato & Leek Soup with Roasted BeetsMy Profile

  • Becky
    October 15, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    !!!!!!!!
    This is SO exciting! Congrats! Of course I want in! Do I need to email you or can I just leave my comment here and you add me to your list?
    Becky recently published…Celebrating MollieMy Profile

  • Justine
    October 15, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    Kristy, this is SO awesome (and well deserved)! Congratulations!

    I love the concept of the book and will be sure to pick a copy up. Good luck with all the recipes, taste testing (haha), and preparations!
    Justine recently published…AUTUMN HARVEST SOUP WITH ROASTED SQUASH SEEDSMy Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:49 AM

      Aw thank you Justine ๐Ÿ™‚ I’d be thrilled if you did – I value you so much. And I’ll need the luck – also cross your fingers for me with respect to exercising because otherwise, all that taste testing is gonna go right on my ass. haha
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Sondi
    October 15, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Congratulations!! What a perfect fit for your amazing skill at making beautiful cocktails. I’m curious to hear about what you dream up/ It’s incredible how life can change in an instant, and it sounds like you’re in for an incredible ride. Perhaps you can get some local spirit producers to sponsor you and offer up some products for you to use!
    Sondi recently published…How to Create Gluten-Free and Vegan Pies and TartsMy Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:51 AM

      Aw thank you Sondi! It’s true. Life can change on a dime. Often those kinds of quick changes are for the worse so I’m being super grateful and excited because this is certainly for the better.

      PS. Totally using local spirit producers ๐Ÿ™‚ Getting them to donate may be a good idea to cut costs. Great idea.
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Michele
    October 15, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    I am SO excited for you!! And now that I’ve read the awesome book concept, I’m even more excited to add Cooking With Cocktails (LOVE THE TITLE) to my collection next Fall. CHEERS TO YOU!!!!!
    Michele recently published…Grilled Halibut with Caper Butter, Tomatoes and LimeMy Profile

  • renee
    October 15, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    I am so thrilled for you! I can’t wait. I think a chapter on “mules” is in order.

    You so deserve this!
    renee recently published…5 Lunch Box L.O.V.E. Notes #8 (find your groove)My Profile

  • Adrian @ The Food Gays
    October 15, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    so exciting! a huge congratulations to you, we can only imagine what a joyous / intense next few months it will be for you. enjoy the ride and can’t wait to see your book!!

  • Darina
    October 15, 2015 at 9:57 PM

    Congratulations! This is such great anew nd the theme is perfect for you. I look forward to seeing the final result and all of the development in between. It will be a fantastic journey!
    Darina recently published…Restaurant Review: Bistrot BistroMy Profile

  • Sharon Dammann
    October 16, 2015 at 4:55 AM

    Congratulations Kristy – that is absolutely fantasmagorical! You truly did make all of your dreams come true…very, very happy for you!

  • Tara
    October 16, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    Congratulations!!! What exciting news! I also can’t think of a better cookbook for you to write than Cooking with Cocktails. Looking forward to ordering a copy ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Heidi @ Food Doodles
    October 16, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    Congratulations! Sooo exciting! I’ll be watching for updates! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Heidi @ Food Doodles recently published…Creepy Whole Wheat Spider Chocolate Chip CookiesMy Profile

  • Teresa
    October 16, 2015 at 4:19 PM

    Congratulations! That’s such exciting news. It’s great to hear about someone’s hard work and talent paying off. I’m looking forward to seeing your book in print!
    Teresa recently published…G-W Portraits: Andrea SmithMy Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:57 AM

      You and me both Teresa! I’m wondering how it’ll all come together right now but I guess that’s the publisher’s job! I just get to make delicious food, write 50,000 words, photograph it all and share it with you here. Easy peasy, right? Oy.
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Zahra Abdalla
    October 18, 2015 at 10:48 PM

    Yaaay!!!! This is amazing and exciting news! Bravo Kristy, Bravo!! Can’t wait to get a copy once the book is out.

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:58 AM

      Aw thank you so much Zahra!! I appreciate that – I hope you do. I’m excited and nervous and can’t wait to share the journey with you ๐Ÿ™‚
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Jane's Adventures in Dinner
    October 19, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    STILL squealing in a really undignified way. And you can tour to promote and come to Ottawa (not January-that would just be mean to you)….and we’ll drink a LOT of wine.
    Jane’s Adventures in Dinner recently published…#BundtBakers: Chai Bundt CakeMy Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      October 21, 2015 at 10:59 AM

      hahahahahahaha you and me both sister.

      PS. I TOTALLY want to tour and come to Ottawa! But definitely not in January. Ouchy. I might stalk you a bit while I’m there. FYI.
      Kristy Gardner recently published…Breaking News: I’m Writing A Cookbook!My Profile

  • Kristen @ The Endless Meal
    October 20, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Congratulations! I’m so proud of you, girl!!
    Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently published…Chocolate Vegan Pumpkin PieMy Profile

  • Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
    October 22, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    I am so happy and excited for you, friend! I still have your *actual* first cookbook – the one that I won in that giveaway on your blog that feels like eons ago. Self-published, but a cookbook nonetheless. I’m thrilled that you’re doing this, and of course I cannot wait to see the finished product. I’d be delighted to participate, in any way possible! Also, tips on artificial lighting would be amazing, considering we are jumping into 6 months of no daylight as of next week. Aka. a food blogger’s worst nightmare! I’d love to know what kit you picked! Cheers to you!
    Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe recently published…Whole Wheat Pumpkin Oat MuffinsMy Profile

  • Jayme | holly & flora
    October 29, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    You know how happy I am for you, Kristy!! I am over the moon that you’re writing a cookbook! And I’m super excited to recipe test for you. Congrats on this big adventure and shift in your direction. It sounds like this was completely meant-to-be. I’m also with Amanda. If you have any tips on artificial lighting, I’d love to know them! We get a lot of sunshine here in Denver, but it’s always good to know, so your photo shoots don’t have to be determined by the weather. Lots of love to you! You’re going to nail it!
    Jayme | holly & flora recently published…pumpkin pie martini with coconut cream + homemade pumpkin spice syrupMy Profile

  • Wild Drinks & Cocktails Blog Tour | Emily Han
    November 4, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    […] 11/19: Kristy Gardner of She Eats. Kristy isn’t just an advocate for local, organic food. She’s a funny and snappy writer, she’s a fabulous food stylist, and she lovesย bourbon.ย And did I mention she has a forthcoming book calledย Cooking with Cocktails?! […]

  • Amarula Cream Golden Madeleines (Gluten Free!) -
    November 11, 2015 at 3:16 AM

    […] have a special thanks to give to Kristyย from the blog She Eatsย who introduced me to Amarula cream. ย I am lucky enough to be one of her recipe testers for her […]

  • April J Harris
    December 1, 2015 at 11:14 PM

    I am so excited for you Kristy and I can’t wait for the book! Love the concept!! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help – I’m very happy to test a recipe or two. So pleased for you!!
    April J Harris recently published…Hearth and Soul Hop Link Party November 30thMy Profile

  • Diana L
    January 24, 2016 at 4:23 PM

    I don’t know how I missed this news back in October but I’m so happy for you!! Yes, it’s every food blogger’s dream. I also can’t wait to get a copy of your book. This would make perfect Christmas gifts for a number of my friends too!!

    Congrats on the engagement and the book! You’re going to have a very busy year ahead of you.
    Diana L recently published…53 Healthy Dinner RecipesMy Profile