Here’s a nice looking path. Are you on it?
My current career path took off with a phone call.
It was 2004, after I taught a food writing workshop at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA. A student called to say she met my workshop supervisor at a party and had a conversation that went like this:
“I really enjoyed Dianne’s class on food writing,”she told my supervisor.
“Dianne does a great job,” answered the supervisor. “I wish she had a book, though, to improve her credibility.”
I can’t remember the name of this student, but I thank her often. That phone call changed my career. I got right on that suggestion and cranked out the book in under six months. The first edition of Will Write for Food debuted less than a year later. That was 10 years ago and the third edition of Will Write for Food came out this year. Since that workshop I’ve taught dozens of food writing classes — some around the world — spoken at conferences, and co-authored a few cookbooks.
Did I know, when the student called me, that my writing career would turn out this way?
No.
When I told a client this story recently, I wondered if she could be strategic about her career where I was not. I asked where she wanted to be in five years, and if she could figure out a book to write that would launch her towards her goal.
So often people blunder through their work lives, grabbing whatever interests them or becomes available. But what if you envisioned exactly what work you’d like to do? What would that look like?
Maybe you’re right where you want to be. If not, if you imagine your ideal work life in five years, maybe you’ll be surprised. A new interest or goal might bubble to the surface.
For me, in five years, I will probably write a fourth edition of Will Write for Food. I’m already thinking about the new chapter. I’d like to continue traveling the world, teaching and speaking. I’d like to have an online class. I can envision those goals clearly, and I’m working on them.
I’d also like to do more personal writing, and that requires planning. I tend to leave writing until last, when I’ve done my other work. So I’m putting a writing group in place to push me to write more.
What about you? Do you want to share your career plan? If not, I’d like to know: Did you make a plan to become a food writer? Or are you the type to try things to and see where they go? Do you think people are either planners or they jump in, when it comes to a career? Let’s discuss.
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(I adapted this post from my quarterly newsletter on food writing, which includes lots of valuable links about cookbook writing, social media prowess, food blogs, and writing. To sign up, go here. Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
Dianne,
This post really hit a chord with me, as I’m currently re-evaluating the road I’ve taken to transition into food writing. Unlike my two previous careers (technical publications consultant/freelancer and chocolatier/business owner), in which I was very methodical and goal-driven, I’ve taken a “try it and see what happens approach” when it comes to food writing. Part of that approach has been trying out different aspects of food writing (blogging, marketing, reviewing, etc.) while working on building a portfolio and sharing my expertise through blogging and social media.
While I’ve enjoyed researching and trying out different types of food writing, I’m coming to a point where I’d like to dig in and achieve some milestones. And, for me, that means moving from vague to actionable goals. I think whether one is a jumper or a planner depends on personality and comfort level with uncertainty.
Oh good, Anni, I’m so glad it hit a chord. I’m sure it’s been fun and satisfying to jump in and see what happens, when it comes to food writing. My sense is that it’s how so many people get started. And now on to actionable goals. I’m a big fan of SMART goals. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria
As for comfort level with uncertainty, it’s nice to have the financial means to try out new things. Not everyone gets that opportunity.
Hi, Dianne. I hope I’m not being rude by asking this question, but I was wondering, how old were you when this happened for you? I ask because I’m in my 40s and still struggling to get a foothold in food writing. I’ve gotten stuff published and I have a cookbook out there (another 2 to come out soon), but I feel stuck at a certain level. And I keep wondering, when am I going to break through to the next level? So, I was just curious as to what point in your life you finally found your path. Thanks for the post.
I was 50. I’d been a journalist, magazine editor and writer since age 23.
Three cookbooks! I wouldn’t exactly call you stuck, Roberta. What is the next level you envision?
Well, this post resonated with me too. I’m floundering somewhere between almost there (first published book) and not sure where my food writing career is headed (the insecure writer in me).
I took the I’m-going-to-stop-dreaming-about-writing approach to let’s-see-what-happens-when-I-actually-start approach. Then when we could afford for me to do so, I took a few baby steps-launched a blog, enrolled in a food writing class or two, bought your book, and learned a lot by trail and error.
In five years? Whew! Thanks for throwing that out. I feel like my writing is grounded in the immediate, or as E. L. Doctorow says “It’s like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
I know I’d like to have my cookbook series completed (one down, one in progress, and one simmering on the back burner), speak at conferences (big dream), have a podcast channel (in the works), take my photography to a commercial level (another big dream) and write speculative fiction based on climate change and food (WIP). So I guess I am sure about a few things, but it helps to keep a bit flexible along the way, too.
I know a writing group will help you stay focused Dianne. I founded a group and within one year found three incredible, dedicated writers to work with. I love having a schedule and a writing group will do that, among other things.
Maureen, thanks for writing. That’s a big list for the future, but at least you visualized it — now you can work on it and achieving your goals. I’m sure some will be a higher priority than others, and that will become clearer over time.
Re the writing group — wonderful that it’s working so well for you. I was part of a group a few years ago and produced a lot of work, but then it faded away and now I have to start another. It was a big motivator, something harder for me to do on my own.
Dianne,
The questions you posed in this post have been simmering in my brain for a couple of days. I have always been more of a “follow-my-nose” person than a strategic planner. And things just seem to turn up at the right time.
After five years of food writing as a regular contributor for several local magazines and websites, just as my husband started getting invited to lecture in exotic cities, one of my regular magazines began a travel column and I expanded into travel writing — with a food focus. Rewarding, but now I want to accomplish a new challenge. I just don’t know what that is.
I think a writing group would be a great way to go deeper. And I checked out those SMART goals. So I want to follow my nose and give a new strategic approach a chance. Thank you.
Maybe you’re a mix of both. You did plan somewhat, because you hired me to help you get into some of those publications! Travel is a natural extension, since you are always heading off somewhere and always still obsessed with food and meaning. And now you want to explore some inner issues in personal essay. Sounds like a plan to me. So yes, you’re right, let’s get going. I’ll get on it.
Dianne I am through the first chaptet of your book WILL WRITE FOR FOOD and halfway through the first exercise. It took a walk across my bunkhouse to go back to my paragraph and try again. In my own Sal voice. Minus the heavy sentences. Honestly you have brought to life the dormant writer and her love of word play. Thank you and again, thank you!
What a lovely comment, Sal. Thank you so much. I hope you are enjoying seeing your own voice on the page.