London Writers' Salon

#134: Jody Eddy – Michelin Kitchens, Monks & The Cookbook Playbook: What Top Chefs Taught Me About Rituals & Success; NonFiction Proposal & Food Writing

Mar 1, 2025

Jody Eddy, a celebrated food writer and cookbook author known for her exploration of food, culture, and storytelling, shares intriguing insights from her experiences in Michelin-star kitchens and monastic culinary traditions. She discusses the importance of rituals in both cooking and writing, unveiling their emotional significance. Jody reflects on her transition from chef to writer, the challenges of crafting cookbook proposals, and highlights the evolving landscape of food writing and publishing, providing valuable advice for aspiring food writers.

01:07:20

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Episode guests

Jody Eddy

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Establishing a consistent writing routine can enhance creativity and transform writing into a fulfilling daily ritual for aspiring authors.

Successful food writing involves engaging narratives that incorporate sensory experiences, allowing readers to connect deeply with culinary stories.

Navigating the challenges of high-pressure kitchens often reshapes one’s relationship with cooking, leading to a renewed passion for home-cooked meals.

Deep dives

Embracing the Ritual of Writing

Establishing a writing routine can transform the creative process into a more manageable daily ritual. Similar to the strong habits observed in monastic routines, writers can benefit from setting clear, consistent writing times each day. By immersing themselves in this practice, writers may find that the act of writing becomes less daunting and more integral to their daily lives. This gradual immersion can help them push through creative blocks and emerge with their ideas fully developed.

Intro

2min

Exploring Comfort in Food: Recipes and Rituals

2min

From Chef to Cookbook: A Culinary Journey

14min

Rituals of Food and Writing

15min

Crafting Culinary Narratives

21min

Evolving Book Proposals and Marketing in Publishing

4min

Insights and Advice on Food Writing and Culinary Experiences

4min

Navigating Book Proposals: Feedback and Innovative Ideas

2min

Navigating the Path to Food Writing Success

4min

Foodwriter and Chef Jody Eddy on what goes on in Michelin-star kitchens, monastic culinary traditions, and the rigorous world of food writing. From working 17-hour shifts in elite restaurants to uncovering the rituals of monks and chefs alike, she reveals the hidden ingredients of storytelling, discipline, and turning culinary ideas into bestselling books.

ABOUT JODY EDDY

Jody Eddy is a writer, editor, and cookbook author whose work explores the intersection of food, culture, and storytelling. She has written for Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and The Wall Street Journal and has authored several acclaimed cookbooks, including Come In, We’re Closed, North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland, and Chaat. Jody Eddy is a writer, editor, and cookbook author whose work explores the intersection of food, culture, and storytelling. Her latest book is Elysian Kitchens: Recipes Inspired by the Traditions and Tastes of the World's Sacred Spaces.

RESOURCES & LINKS

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Lulu. If you're interested in self-publishing, Lulu has free resources such as helpful tutorials, templates to help you layout a book, design for print, and they have a very watchable YouTube University channel. Our community anthology is in fact published using Lulu. Check them out at lulu.com.

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