One year ago today, I started my blog. Here is that first post:
Welcome to my Blog. At least once a week, I will post a new recipe from my
collection. I hope one day to publish a cookbook. I have gladly shared my
recipes with all who have asked for them. My first recipe will be posted
on Jan. 1, 2011. I hope to share my love of cooking with all who wish
to join in. I encourage request as well as suggestions to make this blog
better for all to enjoy.
Little did I know what 2011 had in store for me. After a few months of posting
suggested recipes, I worked up the courage to start shopping for a publisher for
my cookbook. In late March, I send a letter to Pelican Publishing in Gretna, La. to
see if they were interested in my book. On April 4th, they expressed interest. We
sent a few letters back and forth sharing information. On April 26th, they asked
me to send an outline and the first three chapters of the book. Thinking that my
book was on its way to publication, I started getting excited. My association with
Pelican Publishing was not meant to be. On June 8th, I received a rejection letter
from my first choice of publishers. They did not wish to pursue my book. So on
June 8th, I took to the internet to research other publishers. On June 9th, I
submitted my first three chapters to Publish America. On June 16th, Publish
America accepted my book and I signed their contract. This started what would
be one of the best half year’s of my life. On June 20th, I moved my blog to my
website, www.creolecajunchef.com. While finishing up my book, I continued to
update my blog with my soon to be published recipes. The official release date of
my cookbook, You can’t keep New Orleans out of the cook, was August 26th. I
cannot thank enough my wife Peggy, for her editing of the book, my niece Amber
McCann, for designing my heart and fleur de lis logo, and Bill Lottner, for taking
the photo that appears on the back cover of my book. I had the pleasure of being
interviewed on WGSO radio by a true friend, Jeff Crouere on October 28th. The
next day, I had my first book signing at Common Grounds in Gretna, La. I can’t
describe my feelings on that day. I had family and friends come out to help me
celebrate my accomplishment. On November 25th, I was back in New Orleans to
realize my dream of seeing my cookbook on the shelf in a book store. It was with
great pride that I had my picture taken in Barnes and Noble in Harvey, La.
with my cookbook on the same shelves as Emeril, Paul Prudhomme, and all of
the great restaurant cookbooks. The next day, I had my first book store signing
at Barnes and Noble. It was great to have people I have not seen in years coming
in to have me sign my book.
As the year comes to an end, I will now try to make 2012 an even better year.
I will be doing more book signings. I will also start posting videos on my website,
demonstrating recipes. If you have any favorites let me know.
I can’t wait for next year.
Enjoy!!!
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