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.
Krista says
That is just wonderful! How exciting. Congratulations!
darilynn caston says
Your story has touched me, may God bless you, your family and this cookbook. I will definately be ordering your cookbook! Congrats!!!
movita beaucoup says
Congrats a million times over! Best wishes as you embark on what will surely be an exciting new adventure…
argone says
Congratulations for this book, such a hard work. You can thank your mum for all the help !!
Jacque says
Congratulations! I look forward to seeing your cookbook. Good luck & success to you.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Such happy, happy news!!! What a wonderful Mother you have to make sure you were on track. I’m glad you were able to get back to a place where you could work on it again. I know it will be fabulous! XO
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Oh Alice! How very wonderful for you! Congratulations!! It looks beautiful 🙂
I am sure your warm and wonderful personality shines through in the book! That coupled with delicious food and some of your great photos will make your book a home run!
kamran siddiqi says
Alice, I am so, so, so proud of you! You’ve done it. Your mom is truly an angel, and from all of us– tell her we said, “Thank you.” I simply cannot wait to run to our local bookstore when the book is out to get a copy! I, also, cannot wait to hear where you’ll be for your book tour! *BIG Hug* to you, my friend. You’ve done it! Congratulations! 🙂
jenjenk says
alice – this is SO wonderful…what a journey this cookbook has been for you. and what a wonderful support system you have in your family. i can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on this book!!! XOXOXO, jen
misie says
what a beautiful story! I am so excited for you – I often drool over your recipes and now I can’t wait to have them in my cookbook library!
Susan @ SGCC says
Congratulations, Alice! I’m so happy for you! It was a long, hard road, but you got it done. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on that book! 🙂
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Congrats! I’m sure it will be a wonderful book!
Maureen says
How exciting and what a huge amount of work! Good for you, you deserve every bit of success.
Ashley says
So, SO incredibly excited, happy, thrilled for you!!! It’s been quite a journey and now you are here. I can’t wait to hold it in my hands! Yay you!!!
EatLiveRun says
Congrats, Alice! I am so excited to get your cookbook…and I can’t wait to meet you in Seattle this summer!
Marid@eatlivetravelwrite says
HUGE congrats on this Alice. Your dad would have been so proud XO
Kelly @ free spirit food says
Wow, congrats! I can’t wait to read it!
Pamela says
Congratulations!! Can’t wait to read it and try out some recipes. Lots of success to you!!
leslie says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
Julie @Savvy Eats says
Congratulations! I know your dad would have been so proud.
Karen Lynch says
Congratulations. Look forward to reading your book and salivating at the pics.
Karen
cindy says
CONGRATULATIONS Alice! So happy for you. Cannot wait to see your cook book! Hope you come to Chicago for your tour! 🙂
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
Woot! Congratulations, Alice. This is a huge inspiration for me; thank you for sharing a part of the (long) journey with us.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!! xox
Smith Bites says
So, so happy for you Alice; what a journey, what a story, what a testimony you have wrapped around this beautiful book; bittersweet yes, but sweet nonetheless – congrats and (((hugs)))
Broderick says
I’m so excited and happy for you. Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it.