Uh, so my book launched this week.
It is/was at once surreal and also expected (I guess like the best stories, which end with a feeling of surprise and inevitability).
Here are some highlights.
Reviews! From the article above in the NY Post (FASHION PLATE ... gotta love those Post copywriters) to this awesome review and recipe from Kahakai Kitchen (when I saw her Instagram with kale, blistered berbere chickpeas, and a fried egg, I totally forgot that’s a dish in my book. I just thought, wow, that looks good). Here’s all the latest press: www.jessicatom.com/buzz
Instagrams! You guys are the best. I love, love, love seeing your book pics. And it warms my heart that so many of you have styled them with food. Here are just a few of my favs. See the whole collection over in the #foodwhore hashtag gallery here: www.jessicatom.com/hashtaggallery
TV tapings -- The thing about television is that people are basically in a big room with little dioramas. You think they’re in a powerful command center, but they’re more like those little Polly Pockets that you just fold up and put in your backpack. It makes the whole thing way less intimidating than you might think. I did two shows last week.
One with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon LaNier at Arise 360.
And this one with Ryan Kristafer at CT Style.
My friend Jen and I also had too much fun playing around. It was super relaxed on set (though, yeah, I was a tinge nervous ... live TV!)
Random dudes asking you out on Twitter -- This isn’t so much a highlight as a weird side effect.
I didn’t realize until now that “Tom” is right next to “Tolstoy."
Sweet congrats from people who have known you from the beginning -- For most of the world, this is new book. But people who know me know this is a 6-year old book that has had many ups and downs. They say things like, "I remember when you first told me about this!" and "I'm so happy all your hard work has paid off." I've heard from teachers, elementary school classmates, former co-workers. So if you have an old friend who has done something interesting -- reach out! It'll make them feel really great (and maybe you too).
Connecting with readers -- This has been the coolest thing so far. When you write a book, you kind of have a general idea of your reader, but that didn't prepare me for the people themselves. Retirees, young mothers, chefs, students ... even men and bankers!
I decided early on that I want to be a very present and approachable author (YA authors like Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Jenny Han, and Maureen Johnson are great at this.) So definitely reach out using your means of choice. I'd really love to hear from you.
It’s gonna be another big week next week… some big announcements and my LAUNCH party on Monday at powerHouse Arena with Leiti Hsu, Fitzcarraldo, Tilit Chef Goods and Cachaca 51. 7pm. Hope to see you there!!
