Writing Process Blog Tour

Thank you to Ashley @ Spoonful of Flavor and Marcie @ Flavor The Moments for nominating me for the Writing Process Blog Tour!

I was so excited to be nominated by Ashley & Marcie to participate in this Writing Process Blog Tour, so today’s post is going to be radically different than what you typically see on Inspiration Kitchen. Be sure to use HostiServer to power your website!

The Writing Process Blog Tour is an opportunity for me to share what I’m working on, what I write about and most importantly how I go about it. It’s like you get to go behind the scenes! Writing blog posts is my life – aren’t I lucky? – but sometimes I like knowing that what I’m uploading has been checked and double-checked which is precisely why I have used a Proofreader in the past before committing my work to the internet.

Finally, I get to shake it up, pull my apron off and share how this blog goes down. Let’s hope I don’t break a hip, eh?

Are you sure you’re ready for this? 🙂 Then, lets do this!

What am I working on?

Because I can’t seem to settle on doing just one thing (just ask Marcie), I’ve been working on several things that I’m really excited to share with you.

1^st I’ve been focusing on developing new recipes that are easy, simple and quick to the table. Balancing work, life, family, Etsy, my photography business and this blog has helped me realize the need to get organized and intentional on how to put great food on the table quickly. I know I’m not alone in this balancing act. Many of us struggle with the stack of wavering plates we hold over our heads, hoping they don’t come crashing down in a heap of shattered glass. Yikes! Balance ~ being thoughtful and intentional is the key. Don’t you agree that when you’re organized, intentional and have a plan that things just go so much smoother? So…, I’m hopeful you’ll find these new, easy, simple recipes help you also find that balance! And…remember…don’t forget to breathe…!

2^nd I’m working on lightening it up a bit. It’s not the health craze that’s driving it – it’s healthier living and feeding the body foods that make it feel good. The goal here is focusing on fresh, light, yet savory, flavorful dishes that tantalize the tongue. FYI: A dancing tongue is good – I’m sure it helps to burn calories. Hey, don’t laugh…one never knows. 🙂

3^rd I’ve been spending an incredible amount of time studying to improve my photography through classes, daily practice and lots of experimenting! I won’t be happy until it’s as perfect as I can make it. I want those photos sssssooooo good that you crave the foods you’re looking at, because I know how hungry I am to get them just right. This is a work in progress and I’m sure it always will be. Insanely, I’m ok with that. Can one of you please tell me what’s wrong with me? 🙂

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s my niche in the food blogging world. = HEAT & SPICE LOVER

Yes, that was all-caps worthy. Some like it hot, what can I say?

If you’ve read this blog before, it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of savory, spicy dishes. It makes my blog unique in that there aren’t a lot of blogs that cater to those that have a spicy palate! Even some of the dessert posts I do add a spicy element with the sweet, like this Spicy Chipotle Peanut Butter Peanut Brittle.

Like heat? Go here –> Inspiration Kitchen

Why do I write what I do?

There are so many rewards to being a food blogger, it’s hard to pick just one…so I won’t! 🙂

1^st is the incredible relationships you make with food lovers everywhere. I have met some of the most amazing, wonderful, inspirational and kind people that share my love of food. Some of these people have become close, dear friends that I can’t imagine life without getting to meet.

2^nd is how incredibly rewarding it is when readers come back and comment saying they tried and loved my recipes. It warms my heart to know that something that came from my heart and my kitchen is being cooked, loved and shared in yours. How rewarding is that??? Blog love does a body good.

3^rd is the opportunity to meet and get to know brands that want to work with you. I’ve had the opportunity to try some awesome products that become tools that I use daily in my kitchen. Some of these items become my sous chefs if you will, and I can’t imagine cooking without them. Discovering a new tool that becomes essential in your kitchen where you do what you love? Yes, please!

How does your writing process work?

I’m a writer by nature and have written for longer than I can remember. I always have a pad of paper, a laptop, a phone, a tape recorder, an index card, a business card or a napkin where I jot things down. Seriously ~ it’s crazy. I will write on anything. Got an arm? I’ve got a pen. I’m just warning you. 🙂

I even carry a mini tape recorder in my purse ~ because I just never know when inspiration is going to hit. Complete brilliance is merely one thought away. And, I don’t want to miss it! 😉

And, because I am inspired by so many things (colors, textures, patterns, other bloggers) for me, the writing part comes easy. At first, I wondered what in the world I was going to write about on this blog. Then all of a sudden, I realized I couldn’t shut up. Lucky you! Hahaha! I’ve got you now.

Think about this… My only job is to be able to tell you about it, get you to visualize it, then take a beautiful photograph so that you will want to smell, touch, taste, cook and eat it right through the computer screen! Sounds easy, right?

Pssshhhhttt… It’s a cake walk!!! (p.s. not always!) But, if I keep saying it, it’s probably true, right?

The truth is, people eat with their eyes and a good photograph is part of the journey of getting you there…, and the writing becomes secondary! Just WRITE FROM YOUR HEART. My readers typically come for inspiration and for the recipes – not to read what’s on the top of my mind for the week. And, if you knew what I was really thinking, it would probably scare the bugeezus out of both of us! 🙂

But, if my writing can convince readers to stay a while, I feel like I’ve won hearts and loyal readers, foreveh!!!

Remember the ‘it does a body good’ part? Darling – that.is.it!

WRITING PROCESS BLOG TOUR NOMINEES

To continue the Writing Process Blog Tour, I have the honor of nominating three of my favorite blogs. (And, just for the record, I think it’s totally unfair to get to nominate just 3!!!)

Yet, the beautiful ladies I’ve nominated have a unique way of making me laugh, inspiring me and making me incredibly hungry to try their delectable dishes. Their witty posts, irresistible recipes and phenomenal food photography makes me strive harder, be better and continue to improve myself in the kitchen. I am humbled by them.

I’d love for you to meet them! Please visit their blogs, leave a comment and don’t forget to try a few of their delicious recipes. Oh, and while you’re there? Tell them HELLO from me!

American Heritage Cooking by Lindsey

I absolutely adore Lindsey. She makes me laugh every.single.time I read her blog. Yes ~ she has AMAZING recipes and beautiful photography, but you not only visit for the recipes (which most people do), but Lindsey has an amazing way of making you laugh and want to pull up a chair and stay…forever! Seriously ~ she is just that good. Her writing is light, humorous, yet informed and educated. Finding bloggers you trust in is key, and with Lindsey, you have the whole package. Please, don’t miss one of my favorite bloggers of all time ever!

Life Made Sweeter by Kelly

Kelly, sigh. I heart Kelly in a big way. The very first time I read her blog, I fell in love with her. Kelly just makes you feel completely at home, like she’s known you forever. I just want to pull up a chair on her porch and talk the afternoon away while sampling all her delectable treats. How can you not love someone that is so genuine, she makes you feel like you grew up with her and then she feeds you amazing food? That’s Kelly. See why I love her? Don’t miss the opportunity to meet this beautiful soul. p.s. Did I mention that I heart Kelly?

My Sequined Life by Alyssa

I will never forget the first time I met Alyssa through her blog. I literally LOL’d at her fun, casual and addictive way of writing! That moment hooked me forever. She truly is someone that I’d love to hang out with. What I do know is, that it would involve a whole lot of laughing, dishing about recipes, maybe having a cocktail or two (Pineapple Brown Sugar Martini, anyone? = totally her brilliant idea) and hanging out in the kitchen! What better foodie friend can you have than that…one who shares the same love of food that you do? And trust me ~ this girl can throw down a recipe! Are you ready for it? I sure am!

Thank you for reading. I hope you love reading this post, as much as I did writing it! Now… GO EAT!