Published Author?

 -- You Never Know What You Are Truly Capable Of Doing Until You Try --

Writer and Baker?

I have been meaning to share this post with you all since last summer! If you can't tell from all of my blogs, I find joy and peace in writing. I took a creative writing class during my sophomore year of college. Weirdly enough, I was a little apprehensive about taking that course because a majority of it was focused on poetry. I love writing, but I literally can't stand writing poetry. I think it comes down to the fact that I just don't have a knack for it. This being said I do greatly appreciate those who are gifted in this department and am in awe of the beauty they can create with words alone. 

Anyways, our final project for this class was to submit one of the pieces we worked on throughout the year to a publisher of our choosing in hopes of being published in a literary journal. At the time, I viewed submitting my work as a check off of my long to-do list. (I couldn't pass the class without doing it.) Honestly, I felt as if there was no way a creative nonfiction story about cookies would ever be selected among dozens of other extraordinary submissions. I hit submit and I didn't give the whole situation a second thought.

It wasn't until a couple of months later that I received an email that my piece was selected to be published in IceBox, an undergraduate literary journal of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Shocking was an understatement. I still remember calling my mom in disbelief that "A Career in Cookies" would be featured in Volume 19 of this particular journal. I still think it is so special that people across the state of Alaska were able to gain a small glimpse into my cookie journey. 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I wanted to say that I am extremely thankful for my creative writing professor. Teachers have such an amazing and powerful influence on student's lives. In my case, my professor pushed me to apply myself in a way I would've never previously thought of. She placed confidence in my abilities and encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone. These are the types of individuals I desire to surround myself with. Those who push us to become the best versions of ourselves. Those who want to see us succeed. Those who genuinely believe in us.

What is it About?

I love describing how this piece came to be. 

It all started with this prompt:

Select a person, place, or thing that has been instrumental/important in or to your life. Create a nonfiction piece that highlights different moments with this person, place, or thing. Why do you value it?

I of course chose cookies. No brainer. The piece I wrote highlights:

• My earliest memories of making cookies with my mom
• The experience of indulging in sugar cookies, a constant favorite, in junior high during an awkward time filled with an abundance of change
• My first introduction to the cookie-decorating world
• Starting my cookie business at the end of high school
• Finally, describing how much I value the role cookies play in my life today

How Do I Read It?

Honestly, I could never figure out how to have people read it. I was provided with two free copies, but I never got around to finding out how to obtain more. If you are interested in reading it, shoot me a message and I would be more than happy to lend you a copy! 

A Couple Pictures of the Cover Because Why Not?!

Don't Be Afraid To Try New Things!

My encouragement to you is to not be afraid to try new things. Don't let fear dictate your life. Don't be afraid to try, to fail, and to get back up again. Lean on those who support you and want to see you succeed in life. Listen to their advice, accept their encouragement, and apply it to your life. I promise you, that you are capable of achieving amazing things if you work towards your goals. Stop getting in your head and take that leap of faith today. I believe in you.

💜, LJay