A chef-turned-writer confesses personal stories and thoughts with honesty and humor while transforming his career. Find out how a few prompts from Stephen King catalyzed a creative awakening that led to an exciting announcement.
Great post. I love that Stephen King book. I am a traditionally published non-fiction writer. I recently finished my first novel and am now amassing a rather impressive collection of rejections from literary agents. I am also older than most first-time novelists (which is a massive obstacle for anyone but I believe especially as a woman). But no one needs to know that, do they? Do readers need to know how old a writer is? Come to think about it, I have no idea how old some of my favourite contemporary authors are. For me, writing is a journey of improving and getting better. I can literally FEEL myself improving - it takes being humble and realising that probably, as a first-time novelist, I'm not that good. But that's okay. Everything in life is a journey, and this is perhaps the most exciting one of them all.
The age thing is a bother, but there’s not much I can do about it except control how I think about it…if you know what I mean.
Congratulations on working through the significant bumps in the road, and finding your way to the published world! That’s a significant accomplishment…
YASSSS!!! I can't tell you how happy this piece makes me, Jack! Of COURSE you're a writer, you silly tofurkey, and you will accomplish great things by owning it and sitting your ass down to it -- regardless of whether you ever get anything published. I'm proud, and psyched, and inspired, too. Bravo, friend. xox!
Great! I love this: ‘It’s the perfect breeding ground for self-doubt to thrive.’ Sending you lots of best wishes. I think you should plan a writing holiday in the Algarve (with breathwork for creativity) ✍️✍️✍️✍️
Sending you fruitful best wishes, and always remember when doubt sets in, - What the mind thinks about, actions bring about. - I don’t know who said this but I read it somewhere, and I carry this mantra with me, it has come in handy.
I commit to purchasing your book once it is published.
Jack I feel really honored to have listened to your blog post just now. If it had been a book I would've been lapping it up and yet wouldn't have wanted it to come to an end. It feels to me like we, your readers and listeners, have truly been treated to something so profound and precious here.
Also I don't like trying to "define" people so I do hope it's not inappropriate to you if I share here that I have always regarded you as an author and a poet, as well as a superb chef and food writer plus advocate of healthy living and a lover of nature...plus more. It is to me sublime and emotive, as is what I have read from you in so many of your posts.
I am truly taken by what I've heard from you in this particular blog too...your authenticity and, may I say, courage, speak volumes. Your bravery and congruence make me think of the Brene Brown TED talks on vulnerability and her others too. Yours has today joined hers as one of my absolute favourites. I will listen to yours again and again. I can't tell you how much I am relating to certain points you shared, it's really motivated me such a lot. Thank you ever so much Jack.
I love the comparison that you made with the fact you've successfully changed your career path more than once. This warmed me to hear for several reasons.
And, all the very best with the launching of your incredibly well deserved new/extra direction. I'm so happy for you!😊 👏 📖 🖊
Thanks for the wonderful words and praise, Louisa.
I'm truly grateful to have such wonderful people, like you, supporting my work - it really does mean the world to me...and it helps to keep me motivated.
Go for it! I’ve always been a proud idler, with fits of productivity. I’m like a shit Proust; spending too much time in bed, not actually writing! I recommend ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott. A great book on writing, with some genuinely funny moments. I, for one, will look forward to reading your book. 🙏
Thanks for the recommendation and your unbridled support… I’m looking forward to my next journey to London and meeting up with you - remind me to buy you something sparkling…
Stephen King puts things into perspective, that's for sure!
So, I'm assuming your book will be about cooking, cookery, and good food?
I can't wait.
I'm also toying with the idea of serialising some of my creative writing but I'm holding back until I can get a decent body of work together.... writing that works on Substack... small doses of prose. And after all the creative non-fiction I've been working on over the last six years, I'm trying my hand at fiction. Everything's an experiment.
But a book? This needs motivation and application, Jack. That's what it's all about. You've got the skills and the talent. Go for it!
I don’t know about successfully, but I will say that it never gets easy ~ at least for me LOL (see my recent note about procrastination!). I look forward to learning more about your book as it takes shape.
Great post. I love that Stephen King book. I am a traditionally published non-fiction writer. I recently finished my first novel and am now amassing a rather impressive collection of rejections from literary agents. I am also older than most first-time novelists (which is a massive obstacle for anyone but I believe especially as a woman). But no one needs to know that, do they? Do readers need to know how old a writer is? Come to think about it, I have no idea how old some of my favourite contemporary authors are. For me, writing is a journey of improving and getting better. I can literally FEEL myself improving - it takes being humble and realising that probably, as a first-time novelist, I'm not that good. But that's okay. Everything in life is a journey, and this is perhaps the most exciting one of them all.
The age thing is a bother, but there’s not much I can do about it except control how I think about it…if you know what I mean.
Congratulations on working through the significant bumps in the road, and finding your way to the published world! That’s a significant accomplishment…
Congratulations on taking the first steps! Wishing you all the best for your new project! How exciting.
Exciting, stimulating, scary, and a bit more…
It’s always going to be easier knowing I have many wonderful supporters such as you - thanks, Susanne!
YASSSS!!! I can't tell you how happy this piece makes me, Jack! Of COURSE you're a writer, you silly tofurkey, and you will accomplish great things by owning it and sitting your ass down to it -- regardless of whether you ever get anything published. I'm proud, and psyched, and inspired, too. Bravo, friend. xox!
Thank you, Mary…
I began my day by reading this note of yours three times - it fills me with much joy.
By the way, I believe you are the first person to call me a ‘silly tofurkey’ and I love it…especially considering I was born in Turkey. 😁
Silly goose just didn't seem appropriate 😅
Great! I love this: ‘It’s the perfect breeding ground for self-doubt to thrive.’ Sending you lots of best wishes. I think you should plan a writing holiday in the Algarve (with breathwork for creativity) ✍️✍️✍️✍️
Thanks, Véronique!
Algarve…Breathwork for Creativity…Writing Holiday… Those are 3 bullet items that match and raise my excitement meter…
Good luck to you Jack.
Thanks, Will.
Fantastic Jack.
Sending you fruitful best wishes, and always remember when doubt sets in, - What the mind thinks about, actions bring about. - I don’t know who said this but I read it somewhere, and I carry this mantra with me, it has come in handy.
I commit to purchasing your book once it is published.
Thanks, Sheryl!
I don’t know who should be credited with that quote. Perhaps it was a variation of what the Buddha once said:
“What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
That saying sits next to my computer screen - it helps me focus!
Wow, congrats on taking the first step, Jack! Keep the good energy :) Looking forward to knowing more about it, Fernanda
Thanks, Fernanda…I appreciate the extra energy and support!
Hi Jack, congratulations, I’m on for the ride of your writing.
Thanks, Lisa…hopefully, it won’t be too bumpy!
I’ll fit safety equipment as a precaution.
Wonderful essay!!
Thank you for reading and offering your supportive words, Victoria!
Jack I feel really honored to have listened to your blog post just now. If it had been a book I would've been lapping it up and yet wouldn't have wanted it to come to an end. It feels to me like we, your readers and listeners, have truly been treated to something so profound and precious here.
Also I don't like trying to "define" people so I do hope it's not inappropriate to you if I share here that I have always regarded you as an author and a poet, as well as a superb chef and food writer plus advocate of healthy living and a lover of nature...plus more. It is to me sublime and emotive, as is what I have read from you in so many of your posts.
I am truly taken by what I've heard from you in this particular blog too...your authenticity and, may I say, courage, speak volumes. Your bravery and congruence make me think of the Brene Brown TED talks on vulnerability and her others too. Yours has today joined hers as one of my absolute favourites. I will listen to yours again and again. I can't tell you how much I am relating to certain points you shared, it's really motivated me such a lot. Thank you ever so much Jack.
I love the comparison that you made with the fact you've successfully changed your career path more than once. This warmed me to hear for several reasons.
And, all the very best with the launching of your incredibly well deserved new/extra direction. I'm so happy for you!😊 👏 📖 🖊
Thanks for the wonderful words and praise, Louisa.
I'm truly grateful to have such wonderful people, like you, supporting my work - it really does mean the world to me...and it helps to keep me motivated.
Go for it! I’ve always been a proud idler, with fits of productivity. I’m like a shit Proust; spending too much time in bed, not actually writing! I recommend ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott. A great book on writing, with some genuinely funny moments. I, for one, will look forward to reading your book. 🙏
Thanks for the recommendation and your unbridled support… I’m looking forward to my next journey to London and meeting up with you - remind me to buy you something sparkling…
Stephen King puts things into perspective, that's for sure!
So, I'm assuming your book will be about cooking, cookery, and good food?
I can't wait.
I'm also toying with the idea of serialising some of my creative writing but I'm holding back until I can get a decent body of work together.... writing that works on Substack... small doses of prose. And after all the creative non-fiction I've been working on over the last six years, I'm trying my hand at fiction. Everything's an experiment.
But a book? This needs motivation and application, Jack. That's what it's all about. You've got the skills and the talent. Go for it!
Thanks for the wonderful support, Yasmin - that means a great deal to me!
I hope you also decide to work your magic and put together a book - your work on places is immensely inspiring…
Thankyou Jack. I'm enjoying the ride!
Can relate. Keep going, Jack!
And you’ve done it successfully many times, Domenica…
Thanks for reading and continuing to offer your supportive comments!
I don’t know about successfully, but I will say that it never gets easy ~ at least for me LOL (see my recent note about procrastination!). I look forward to learning more about your book as it takes shape.
I did read that comment…and boy did I feel it!
Awesomeness!