It is with great joy that I am finally able to share some very exciting news. I wrote a cookbook!
A little over two years ago I signed with William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins) to write and photograph a family cookbook. After signing my contract I planned to announce the book deal but decided not to because the publishing date seemed so far away. I was told early on by a few close author friends that writing a cookbook is like being pregnant: I would gain a few pounds, encounter sleepless nights, labor much, but love working on it like it was my child. And boy, were they right.
Halfway through writing the cookbook our family was struck with tragedy when my dad was suddenly killed after being hit by a car. For months I worked on helping my mom close her business and move her out of my childhood home and into our home. Several months after dad passed away I couldn’t get myself to work on the cookbook or the blog. I was so exhausted trying my best to just take care of everyone.
It was a very hard and confusing time for me. My mom – my wonderful mom – sat me down to have a heart to heart conversation. I remember crying during our conversation because of how overwhelmed I was and all I can remember is how she spoke to me in half Korean and half English, that “…we would get the book done. With God’s help, we would get the book done.” For dad’s sake, she was going to help me; missing deadlines was not an option. She offered to watch Eli when I needed, she would be my photography assistant at times when I needed an extra hand, and she often would insist on cleaning up after me in the kitchen after cooking and shooting. She is my angel and hero.
It’s been nearly a year since I turned my manuscript in. I remember the day I turned it in. I cried tears of joy that I finished and tears of grief I had been storing from an emotional year. I poured everything I had into the cookbook and now I get to finally share my news with you!
The book itself is divided into everyday life events: birthday parties, Mother’s Day, potlucks, game day, Christmas morning, and other life events. The recipes are divided to give you ideas and inspiration to capture life as it happens with great memorable food. Written in an approachable voice, the recipes are fun, easy to prepare, and have great practical tips to help you every step of the way.
Most of the recipes are new and never before published on Savory Sweet Life. I saved my best recipes just for you. I’ve also included some of the site’s most popular recipes.
All the photos with the exception of one were taken by me. I have always thought of Savory Sweet Life as a photo-driven food blog and the photos in this cookbook will not disappoint you. Each recipe has a photo and some recipes have step-by-step captions to guide you. It is a visual feast.
Last week was so surreal. I received a huge yellow envelope from New York City with a proof of my book inside. There she was – my book in proof form. Oh God, this is really happening!? And did I really reference “Galaga” not once, but twice in my cookbook!? Which brings me to the writing in the book. I think a lot of you are going to be pleasantly surprised by my writing laced with humor. You are going to get a glimpse of me. The dork me that my friends and family know all too well. Yes, I am the Galaga Queen of the world!
Earlier today I submitted my last edit by email. It really is done. To celebrate my husband and I shared a Grapefruit Vodka cocktail. The recipe is simple, 1 ounce each of grapefruit juice cocktail, grapefruit vodka, and lemon-lime soda.
The book is will be released June 5, 2012. But the good news is that you can pre-order the book from any of the book sellers below (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and Indie Bound). As the publishing date draws nearer and I find out more, I’ll be sure to share with you details of the book tour (I’m going on a book tour…. can you believe this?) and anything else book related.
Lastly, thank you. So many of you have walked along side of me since my dad died. Your emails, comments, and friendship has sustained me through one of the hardest seasons of grief I’ve ever experienced. I am so glad to be able to share what I hope to be one of the greatest seasons of joy with you too. Thank you so much, your support means so much to me.
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I am THRILLED for you!
I loved the heart felt “story” you shared with us on tall of the “trials” and daily life
you went through while writting this book! I can not wait to get my hands on it!
CONGRATULATIONS!! This is HUGE! YOU did it! 🙂
This site is just absolutely amazing and now it’s in a book? Even better!
I can’t wait to start trying these recipes and I really want to thank for them.
You’re the first person whose recipes have really made me want to cook (and I am
17!).
Thank you so much for your efforts! Bless your mother for helping this to come true! Congratulations!!
Congratulations!!!
I always visit your site every now and then especially after I discovered the best chocolate chips cookies ever!
I am excited to have a copy of your book. I just hope that it will be made available here in our country (Philippines) after its release in the US.
I am so excited that I can finally give back to you Alice!
I am very happy to read this announcement. Your book is going to be awesome. It makes my day to know it will be available right before summer. I look forward to hearing more about its arrival. Both your recipes and reflections on life inspire.
Your story and journey has captivated my heart. I remember reading your post on Everyday Alice on Father’s Day and being comforted. My dad died suddenly long ago but I remember The First year like yesterday.
I am so excited for you. I will definitely be ordering a copy for me and one to giveaway on my blog. I have tried several of your recipes from your blog and my family has loved them. Congrats.
Thank you so much everyone. Your support and enthusiasm overwhelms me with joy!
Alice
How exciting! Congratulations!!
The Orange Marmalade Rolls. Soooo tasty!!!!!
This is so exciting! YAY! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Congratulations!! What a long road, and you deserve it so much! I can’t wait to get my greedy hands on it. And I am so happy to hear there will be mostly new recipes in it! A wonderful surprise!
Congrats Alice, what wonderful news!! I love your blog. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Hi Alice, It’s been so long since I’ve written to you here. I have been trying desperately to catch up on all my blog reading. I saw your announcement about your cookbook on Twitter and was so thrilled to read it. Congratulations! I have already pre-ordered my copy, so I will leave an extra spot for someone else to enter your generous giveaway. I just wanted to stop by to tell you how happy I am for you and wish you all the wonderfulness in the world with your new endeavor. And if your book tour happens to bring you to Houston, Texas (hint, hint), I’ll be in line to come say hi and congratulate you in person with a very big hug. 🙂 xo
Cheesy Olive Bread!!! YUM
Thank you Janna. xoxo
Hi Adrene,
Thank you for your very kind comment. Right now we are schedule only local events but if you come to Seattle, let me know! Would be honored to sign your book for you!
Alice
Congratulations! The book looks wonderful. I can’t wait to check it out!
Can’t wait to pick up your book when I go back to the states in the summer!
I am so excited for your book! I will head to Amazon when I’m finished congratulating you. You are such an inspiration as I have been following you for a few years now and understand the heartache and many transitions you have had to balance. Will you be in Boston to tour as I won’t be in Seattle until Christmas? Make sure you post your touring schedule so I can get a few autographed!
Omedetou gozaimasu to you AND your mother for being so supportive!
Love your blog, just pre-ordered the book – all the best!
When I read your news on Twitter, I knew that was only a part of the story, but I had no idea what the other half entailed. I didn’t know about your father, until now. I’ m so sorry, and yet, so proud of you.
You and Janice remind me of my sister and I, in part. I’ll never forget the first time I met you two at the Mayflower Park Hotel: so close, and yet so different.
I’m rooting for you. Just remember that you’ll always have a shoulder to lean on in the bay area.
– Janna
I’m so very excited for you Alice! What a wonderful accomplishment through such a difficult and busy time in your life too. Can’t wait to see it in person.
P.S. Can your mom come for a visit? She sounds wonderful!
That is so awesome for you, Alice! Congratulations!