When I give writing workshops, presentations, or when I’m selling my books at various events, afterwards folks often stay to share with me their desire to write. And more times than not, they follow up with reasons why they don’t.

            I once had a neighbor tell me that when he found the perfect leather notebook and vintage fountain pen, then he’d begin to write his memories. Many wannabe writers tell me they are waiting to retire before they begin writing; waiting until their kids are in school or have grown up and left home; waiting until they can turn the spare bedroom into an office; waiting until a particular relative has passed over to the other side so the true family story can be told.
            I have to bite my tongue to keep from saying, “If you really wanted to write, you would.” However, those words don’t help much. Instead, a little encouragement and some simple advice can jump start ones creativity. And if that doesn’t do it, they can always eat cake.


            A new cookbook has just been released in time for the holidays. Bake, Love, Write:105 Authors Share Dessert Recipes and Advice on Relationships and Writing, edited by Lois Winston, features mystery and romance writers sharing not only their favorite recipes for fabulous cakes, pies, cookies, candy, and more, they also share the best advice they’ve ever received on love and WRITING.
            Contributing author, Elizabeth John, offers great advice to those who want to write but don’t, and to those who write but often became sidetracked. Here’s her advice in a nutshell:
v  Put your butt in the chair.
v  Prioritize.
v  Remember the 10-minute solution.
           In Bake, Love, Write, Elizabeth eloquently elaborates on each point. She also shares advice on maintaining a lasting and loving relationship and her dessert for one of the most tasty Apple Cakes ever.
            To read more, check out Bake, Love, Write. Available on Amazon in print and on Kindle.
           
  Elizabeth John’s love of reading and writing began in her early childhood and blossomed throughout her teenage years. Her first real job was working in a library, and it was there that the cover of a gothic romance intrigued her. She read it and has been hooked on romances ever since. Elizabeth has published many newspaper and magazine articles and several short stories. For a few years, she enjoyed writing ceremonial resolutions for her state’s senators and assembly members. When she’s not penning contemporary romances and romantic suspense novels, she’s teaching elementary school children how to read and write. Admittedly, she’s a TV and movie junkie and has noble intentions to practice yoga daily. Her day job, family, and writing life keep her busy! In her spare time, she can be found walking her dogs, sharing a meal with friends, gardening, or relaxing at the beach with her nose in a good book.
            Cookbook authors include: Brenda Novak, Lois Winston, Debra Holland, Dale Mayer, Shelley Noble, Caridad Pineiro, Diana Orgain, Lisa Verge Higgins, Lynn Cahoon, Jasmine Haynes, Jan Carol, Meg Bellamy, Bobbi Chukran, Melissa Keir, Amy Gamet, Kristy Tate, Terry Shames, Barbara Phinney, Kitsy Clare, Raine English, Cathryn Cade, Haley Whitehall, Shilpa Mudiganti, Melinda Curtis, Jessa Slade, Jill Blake, Daryl Devore, Molly MacRae, Elizabeth Rose, Helena Fairfax, Lourdes Venard, Jessica Aspen, Maegan Beaumont, Kay Kendall, Elizabeth John, Victoria Adams, Cyndi Pauwels, Alice Loweecey, June Shaw, Donnell Ann Bell, T. Michelle Nelson, Nina Milton, Pam DeVoe, Skye Taylor, Conda V. Douglas, Pepper Phillips, Judy Alter, Cadence Denton, Lesley Diehl, Erin Farwell, Regan Walker, Kaye Spencer, Barbara Monajem, Kathleen Kaska, Catherine Kean, Rose Anderson, Suzie Tullett, Deborah Hughes, Cynthia Luhrs, Judy Baker, Alicia Dean, Leslie Langtry, Janis Susan May, Mitzi Flyte, Ruby Merritt, Renee D. Field, Kathryn Quick, Susan Cory, Judy Penz Sheluk, Kay Manis, Kathryn Jane, Debra Goldstein, E. Ayers, Chantilly White, Sloan McBride, Triss Stein, Ana Morgan, Adele Downs, L.C. Giroux, Pamela Aares, Nancy Warren, Barbara Lohr, J.J. Cook, Lynn Reynolds, Cori Arnold, B.V. Lawson, Lynn Franklin, M.L. Guida, Irene Peterson, Sue Viders, Liese Sherwood-Fabre, Susan Santangelo, Sheila Seabrook, Elaine Charton, Sharleen Scott, Kathy Bennett, Jody Payne, Reggi Allder, Ashlyn Chase, Beverley Bateman, Susan Lohrer, Donis Casey, Barbara Leavy, Stacy Juba, Karen Rose Smith.

Now an Amazon bestselling cookbook!