First story: My son, Bubba, likes to cook. But not just ordinary things. He has a creative flare for the extraordinary.
"Mom, we need to get fish eggs, tuna, seaweed, avocado, and sushi rice," he said.
I knew what that meant. He was going to make sushi.
We got the ingredients and proceeded to create the dish. Except he couldn't find the bamboo sushi roller.
"What are we going to do?" he asked.
"I don't know," I said. "Why don't you consult Dr. Google and find out if there's an alternative you can use."
That's what he did. It turns out, you can use a kitchen towel and wrap it in plastic wrap to do the job. It doesn't work as well, but it still does the trick.
Anyway, ladies and gentleman, here is Bubba's finished concoction:
What do you think?
Second: It's time for the IWSG post.
The question this month is: What question do you get as an author that you don't like answering, and which question do you like answering?
I don't like answering the question, "How many books have you sold?" It makes me feel very insecure. I wish I could say that I've sold thousands of my titles. But I can't. As of right now, I am not a best-selling author. Does that mean I'm not a good writer? Does that mean I'm not good at marketing? I don't know. I hope not. I wish I could say I've sold a ton of books, because I've sure put a lot of effort into writing and marketing them!
My favorite question: "What do you like most about writing?" I like creating. It's fun. I think most authors can relate. But since I'm a children's writer, the thing I like most is not the actual writing, but going out to see the kids either at libraries or schools. It's so gratifying to know that they've enjoyed my books and that I've inspired them to read and write.
What about you? If you're an author, what are you favorite and least favorite questions?
I wish you and all your family members a very happy and prosperous New Year 2019 :)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully presented! The dish must be yummy! Congrats to your kid :) He must be planning to participate in MasterChef Junior :)
Thank you! It was a delicious piece of sushi!
Deletedoes not look remotely as ugly as I feared LOL
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
The boy actually has some artistic ability.
DeleteHi, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, dear friend!
I need fish eggs, tuna, seaweed, avocado, and sushi rice just to make ice cubes! :) The picture of Bubba's finished concoction looks like an alien being from another galaxy, but I will take your word for it that it is yummy.
I can't imagine anyone other than a close family member asking, "How many books have you sold?" I would just answer, "None of your beeswax."
I can imagine how rewarding it is for you to make appearances at libraries and schools and get direct feedback from young readers who have enjoyed your books.
I am not an author, but I have been accused of living in the past or, at least, dwelling on it, and asked why I do that. I reply that my fondest memories are linked to the distant past, so why not go there? My favorite questions come from people who would like to know more about my personal experiences as a teenager. I consider myself lucky to have been born at the right time and raised in the right place to enjoy a very exciting youth.
Once again, happy new year to you and your family, dear friend Sherry!
My dad also says he enjoyed growing up in the time that he did and says it was the best time. I believe you are about the same age as him.
DeleteI wish you a very Happy New Year!
I do so enjoy reading about your family they are great Sherry.
ReplyDeleteThe question I never liked being asked about my writing was "Why Did You Choose That Title?".
Most enjoyable post, I wish you and family a Happy New Year and thanks for your support to me.
Yvonne.
I actually like the title question. I usually come up with a title before I write the manuscript. I have stories for each of my titles. ;)
DeleteGoogle is the answer to everything!
ReplyDeleteThat is a rude question. Who asks any professional how much he makes or how much has he produced?
Happy New Year!
Exactly. Those are the same kind of people who don't view being a author as a real job.
DeleteA. Bubba is an artist. He can come cook here anytime.
ReplyDeleteB. My least favorite but oft-asked question is "when will you be published again?" because I am not interested in self-publishing the true answer is that it's not up to me. So I give another true answer: "Working on it." (And under my breath I mutter '"please don't ask again, you'll know when I know.")
I hear you. We never really know when we're going to have another book unless we self-publish or receive and advance to write a certain number of books.
DeleteHow awesome that your son likes to cook. I wouldn't like questions about how many books I'd sold either--if I had a published book. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHis New Year's resolution is to cook more. Which is great because it means I don't have to cook as much. :)
DeleteHappy new year and thank you for commenting on my blog!
ReplyDeleteI am not an author so I do not receive any questions.
Happy New Year! And you're welcome.
DeleteTurned out okay it looks like.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that question is ugg indeed. Creating sure is fun though.
I think most of us write because the creative process is fun.
DeleteI'm kind of loving everyone's least favorite questions. Some of them are outrageous! I would never think to ask someone how many books they've sold.
ReplyDeleteI know. But they're not authors so obviously they don't have a clue how it feels to be asked that question.
DeleteI am so impressed with you kiddo's sushi making! It's amazing. I don't think I even dare... :)
ReplyDeleteHe's really interested in sushi. It's definitely an artistic type of food.
DeleteFor Christmas a few years ago I got a Sushezi to help me make sushi rolls and I love it. Look up "Camp Chef Sushezi Roller Kit" on Amazon. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check that out. Thanks.
DeleteThe real question is: was the sushi any good?
ReplyDeleteYes. It was delicious. Actually better than the stuff at the supermarket.
DeleteCan I come over for dinner? I love sushi!
ReplyDeleteSure. I'll tell him to make several rolls. :)
DeleteYour son did a great job on his sushi! Well done!! Was it good?
ReplyDeleteSending you and your loved ones many blessings for 2019! Big Hugs!
Thank you! And yes, the sushi was excellent!
DeleteFirst, I'm mightily impressed by that sushi! It looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI like that question, too. It's one I could answer.
He did a great job with the sushi. Yes - you visit schools too, so I'm sure you know all about how fun it is to interact with the kids.
DeleteHappy New Year, tell Bubba way to go. I always think sushi looks pretty, but I don't even liked cooked fish so definitely not for me.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people like how it looks, but they don't like the taste.
DeleteThat sushi looks great! I have only made sushi once and it looked pretty sloppy lol
ReplyDeleteHe did well considering he didn't have the right equipment.
DeleteYour son is a much more skilled cook than me, LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnd gosh, that "How many books have you sold?" question would make me uncomfortable, too. Way too personal, like asking what your paycheck is. And sorry to hear your sales have made you feel insecure. Definitely don't think it has anything to do with lack of talent. (Your writing's amazing!) Publishing is just such a tough business!
Publishing is a tough business. We were just talking about that in my critique group. Sometimes it doesn't matter if you are an excellent writer. It's the name that matters. If you're an unknown, it's hard to break in.
DeleteThe sushi looks yum to me! We use a place mat wrapped in cling wrap for our rolls. The extra stiffness helps.
ReplyDelete