Words Before Perfection

I’ve spent most of my life in the kitchen, and I’ve enjoyed almost every minute of it. I love good food and entertaining, and that combination has naturally kept me close to the heart of gatherings. I have many memories of special celebrations and gatherings—sharing stories, memories, and laughter—and I believe good food brings it all together. For me, food has always been about more than cooking; it’s about the joy and reward of sharing it with others. I’ve always found meaning in bringing people together, where conversation flows and connections deepen over a shared meal. I often joke that the secret ingredient is “love,” but it’s true—I do put my heart into what I plan and prepare. These moments of giving, hosting, and nourishing others have shaped how I see food as a way to create connection, memory, and lasting stories.

In times of change, I find myself reflecting on how my ancestors navigated their own periods of transition and resilience. I am currently working on a book that honours my mother’s story and shares our family’s cherished recipes. I believe that if stories are not written down, they risk being lost, and in telling my mother’s story, I continue to deepen my connection to my ancestors while also understanding and shaping my own.

I’m currently participating in many online courses including: Three steps to completing your book this year, Getting Published: How to choose the right path, Family History and Genealogy with Library and Archives Canada; Blue Pencil sessions for editing, and a Book Consultation. Looking forward to connecting with you and seeing where this leads!

Stick to this part of the plan, and you’ll have over 300 pages completed. Don’t edit as you go—for now, focus on getting the words onto the page. Is writing a book one of your goals?

Now is the time to make your commitment—to not only writing but finishing your book in 2024. It will take time and planning. But here’s the big truth that often gets overlooked: If you wait for inspiration to strike, you may never get it started (let alone finished).

January—Make a detailed outline before you start writing. If you need help with this, I recommend ordering The Book You Were Born to Write by Kelly Notaras. She shows you how to prepare your outline and get the rest of your book written.

February to March—Write at least two pages every day that correspond with your outline. Remember, you don’t have to write your book in order. When you sit down to write each day, scan your outline for inspiration and write what feels right. Format a draft with the title of the work, with 7 pages written in Prose (the ordinary language people use in speaking or writing). Receive a free book consultation to provide further direction.

April to August—Write at least two pages every day that correspond with your outline. Edit your completed writing. First, read through your book and make adjustments, to ensure it flows. You may also consider hiring an editor to review your work or finding another third party to give you feedback. I attend Blue Pencil Sessions to receive private consultation in editing and discussing my project.

End of August—Decide how you’re going to publish your book. You may want to use a self-publisher, such as Balboa Press, or an online tool, such as Amazon’s KDP or Ingram Spark. If you have an established audience or platform, you can try a traditional publisher, but that’s a conversation for another time. Finalize these details so you can enjoy some time away.

September – Vacation to recharge and revitalize your energy.

October or November—Have your book interior designed and proofread.

December—With a physical copy of your book in hand, throw a publication party!