When people ask me "what do you do?" I really have to think hard about how to answer.
You see, it's kind of hard to explain what I do. So I will tailor my response to my audience. Depending on who I'm talking to, I might say that I'm a minor internet celebrity food blogger; I might say that I'm a freelance writer and illustrator; I might talk about how I do recipe development; I might mention that I create coloring books.
But really, all of these explanations are only part of the story. What I really consider my job to be, I don't tell people about all that often, because I fear that they'll think I'm some sort of nut. But I'm going to tell you right here, right now, what I consider to be my true profession:
I am an Agent of Delight.
Let me explain (I'll try to be brief).
So, it became evident pretty early on in my life that I had a unique and special style of writing and drawing. Not kidding: if you were to ask someone that I went to elementary school what I was good at, chances are they would say "writing and drawing". I was constantly creating characters and stories, surrounding myself with a magical make-believe world.
But I'll admit it: my motives for creating artwork and writing aren't totally selfless. I am fueled by people's reactions to what I create. Because in my experience, the general reaction to what I do, when I do it "right", is that my work brings people joy and happiness.
In all that I do--whether it's making a piece of art, creating a recipe, or writing a clever turn of phrase--is designed to add a little sparkle to people's day.
This idea actually comes from a book that was quite pivotal to me in my childhood: Miss Rumphius. In a nutshell, this beautiful book imparts the idea that as humans, our duty is to see the world, experience beautiful things, and then to do what we can to make it a better place.
Some people can make the world a better place by being brain or heart surgeons. Others might make a difference by creating (or raging against) government policy. Others can make the world more beautiful by creating music.
I make the world more special by making people smile. I consider delivering delight to the masses my true job.
And as I have learned through years of experience, the best possible way that I can do this is through my writing and artwork.
Now, if you'll allow me to cheesily segue into a sales pitch, I want to tell you about my brand new book, Stuff Unicorns Love.
Officially released just yesterday, this is my first publisher collaboration that is not a cookbook. Adams Media gave me pretty much full creative freedom with this book, and I really feel that it came out quite special.
Stuff Unicorns Love is a book about unicorns, but it's also a book about pure joy. My heart felt like a fourth of July sparkler the whole time that I worked on the book, and I really think that you'll feel it as you flip through the pages.
As an Official Agent of Delight, I am officially delighted to offer this book to the world. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I loved creating it!
The Deets
YES! You can get this book before Christmas.
Buy a SIGNED copy via my Etsy shop.
If you've purchased my book through Amazon or another channel and wish it were a signed copy, I can help! I have purchased some really cute stickers that I can sign and you can stick in your book for a DIY signed copy. If you're interested in that, you can send me a message through the "contact" tab on this site and send me your address; I'll send you the signed little book plate at no cost to you.