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Jenna Helwig's avatar

My nominee for most interesting quote from this episode, via agent David Black: "Too often now, publishers are relying solely on an author's audience in order to sell a book...they are looking to reach an author's audience rather than amplifying an author's vision." Such a good episode all-around. (And, yes, I realize I make this same comment every time a new episode of Everything Cookbooks drops.)

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Molly Stevens's avatar

Great comment, Jenna. It's such an important point - and one we could do a whole episode on: The difference between a publisher relying on an author's audience vs. working towards amplifying an author's vision.

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Jenna Helwig's avatar

I would love to listen to that episode!

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Kate McDermott's avatar

I am so proud to be represented by the David Black Agency.

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Sophia Real | Real Simple Food's avatar

This was such a great listen! I love the concept of Peter’s book and David sounds like an amazing person (and agent)!

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Kat's avatar

Y'all-- I really loved this episode. Confession: I am not an instant ramen lover and actually haven't eaten it at all in over 25 years.

Why? "It tastes like worry". My memory of instant ramen is eating so much of it growing up all through years of my mom constantly worrying about money. I too was an eldest child 'latch-key kid', so was often the lieutenant for meal prep, housework, caring for younger siblings... and absorbing those adult worries. That's been my memory, association, and narrative of instant ramen ever since and I stay away from it.

Hearing Peter acknowledge those experiences, but also framing ramen as a culinary entry point-- a place of empowerment, experimentation, independence, and accessibility was mind- and heart- opening. As I listened, I started to feel differently about it-- and found myself thanking it for helping me feed people I care about... and probably being an unacknowledged beginning point of my own culinary journey. (I opened a bakery in 2008 and have run it almost 18 years now, teach others to bake, etc).

That's a long story and maybe TMI, but all to say, thank you Peter. I don't know if I'll be rushing to eat more instant ramen just yet, but I'll definitely purchase your book and explore it. Either way, I deeply cherish this conversation and the new insight and perspective it offered me.

All the best,

Kat

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Everything Cookbooks's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story, Kat. It’s a powerful reminder of the weight and baggage that food memories can carry.

Peter’s book, in addition to being a celebration of instant ramen noodles, is also a masterclass on creativity and flavor building. We do hope you check it out.

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