I spend a lot of my time with new clients finding out who they are and getting a real sense of their overall goals for their book. This is often a matter of listening and asking the right questions. I get so many writers that write and write and write and but forget to ask key questions until after they’ve finished their book. Successfully publishing a book means asking yourself these key questions: Are You Treating This Book As a Business Or As A Project? One of the biggest myths of the … [Read more...]
My Book is Out
And can now be purchased here. … [Read more...]
Words I Hope To Never Ever Have To Use Again
Chocolatier and chocolate maker can take a break from my vocabulary.I am going to retire the word ‘delicious’ and any of its derivatives. I hope never to have to describe something as delightful, scrumptious, heavenly, to-die-for, sinful, delectable, mouth-watering, appetizing, lovely, wonderful, enjoyable, appealing, gorgeous or enchanting ever again.Also done with: chocolate-lover, aficionado, devotee, pursuer, fan, admirer, enthusiast, buff, addict and MOST DEFINITELY, most especially: … [Read more...]
Alcohol Saved the Day!
CRISIS AVERTEDSo, for all my whining and complaining yesterday, I still managed to pound out 2300 words. Current word count: 39,336Current words left remaining: 5634See? Now there's number I can deal with: No 8s anywhere to be seen. I think once I get over that 40,000 word hump (which will be today), I'll be flyin'. It'll mean a light at the end of a very long tunnel.I decided I needed to talk to one of the other writers at the same publication yesterday; i was in despair and I needed help. I … [Read more...]
BRICK WALL
I am done my book. I finished writing everything that I started more than six weeks ago. I have covered the ENTIRE history of chocolate from the Meso-Americans in 1000 BC all the way to present-day; I have talked about sex & chocolate, chocolate and health, I have unearthed every quirky, nutty, crazy, bizarre, weird story, and did-you-know factoid known to man; I have circumvented the globe in my “Around the World in 80 Chocolates’ chapter. I have covered traditions and tales from many … [Read more...]
That’ll Chicha!
It's Stories Like This That Keep Me Going:The Bolivian capital of La Paz (meaning 'peace' in Spanish) is the highest capital city in the world at 11,811ft above sea level. The city is also known as The Shanghai of the Americas due to its unique markets, traditional customs and high location. The best golf course in the world is situated here, so crowned because the thin air helps the ball travel several feet further.Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid died here; so did Che Guevera. More … [Read more...]
Whatever You Do, Don’t Google Maya Gold
So, I am doing some research on the Toledo Cacao Growers' Association in Belize, an association very near and dear to my heart. I’m not sure why I have left it until last, mostly because it really matters to me that I get it right and maybe I’m afraid of fucking the story up or something.I am a huge fan of cooperatives and their story, as in Guatemala, totally pulls at my heart strings. Any story where poor people are self-sufficient and making successful lives in the face of adversity turns … [Read more...]
