How to Peel an Apple vs. Biting an Apple without Peeling it

Green-aperitif-plates

As I nervously looked into self publication (LULU, BLURB, MAC…) the thought occurred to me what corner must I cut to add this into my lack of scheduled lifestyle? My family, the two guys who I fed, reassured me that peeled apples and scrambled egg is dinner enough. I rolled my eyes at those two chow hounds knowing pasta with butter is their preferred meal when I am not around to cook, "You two don't peel apples." I laughed. Sacha chimed, "We have an apple slicer, remember."

Th apple slicer. Some teen age boys buy video games, or a tattoo. My son he bought an apple slicer. It was the section that cores the apple that thrilled him most.

Trust me, if I said he could have a tattoo he probably would do that too. I used the line that my parents used on me when I asked to do something they didn't agree about.. "As long as you live under this roof…" Then I said, "Please don't get a tattoo."

He has an apple corer.

Hand-element

How to cut an apple. How to write a book. It is the same, either you bite into it and wipe the juice from the side of your mouth with your sleeve, or you peel the apple, core it and slice it into even pieces. I am more of bite into it type person. Juice running down my face never bothered me. But a book…. I might need Sacha's apple corer. It is the heart, the center, the core that I want to expose. The heart, can one bite into it?

First one peels away the layers,
then dares to hold the tender beating flesh without bruising it.

Apple-on-linen
(A photo I took of a small detail of a large painting in the Musee d'Orsay.)

Thank you for your overwhelming support. I love cheerleaders, the pom poms, the enthusiastic high kicks, the twirl of the skirt… I will be asking for your help… I will be asking you for your cheers. I will. I want to please everyone… don't we all (?) and as you know that is a hard game to play.

How to write a book. Grab an apple, sit down under a tree, take snapshots of the thoughts that come to mind.

Snapshot one:

I love the crunch that an apple makes when I bite into it. My mother eats the entire apple, the entire apple. I never ate the seeds.

Seeds. The beginning.

Snapshots, catching our thoughts, letting them weave in and out and eventually taking us to the center, the core… to the heart.

Apples

Such loving supportive comments. Thank you. I guess you do like my blog, or you really liked that little souvenir box!

Ed of Willows I am sending you the box. Your name came up, at first I thought, "How funny my beginning, Willows (!) It is symbolic." Then I thought, "My readers will think it was planned, it is too perfect…" then I thought, "Quit being Woody Allen and give Ed the box."

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am off to sit under that tree with my MAC and seriously looking at Burb, Lulu and the other self publications.



Comments

49 responses to “How to Peel an Apple vs. Biting an Apple without Peeling it”

  1. Okay. I really, really, wanted that box. I’m just putting that out there, okay?! ;o)
    BUT – I love that Ed of Willows is the name that came up. I don’t know Ed, but it sounds like an omen. A good omen. Definitely.
    Kathy

  2. Why self publish? Your photos, your thoughts are good. Go for a publisher. Yes it’s more work up front, but you can do it. Get an agent, let him/her do the leg work for you. You focus on the book

  3. Yes, I’m also wondering why your first approach is self-publishing. I would say you have excellent material to submit to a publisher(s). Then decide which route offers the best means to achieve the product YOU want to put out there.

  4. Love it! Can’t wait to get a copy:) I am sure the process will be half the fun.
    Tamara

  5. over here
    channeling Woody Allen myself
    {{watched: Whatever Works
    just last night }}
    🙂
    holding pom~poms in one hand
    and an apple core~slicer~thingy
    in the other
    i am wondering
    if the mag you write for
    {{ Victoria?? }}
    might have a book publishing ”’connection”’
    you could tap into
    as you are THAT good, missy…
    ask around ♥

  6. You do NOT need to self publish! Use your Victoria connection, or send your blog to several publishing companies. But be prepared to have started a bidding war! They ALL will want to publish your beautiful book.
    Several times, in posts and emails, I have said to you “why don’t you write a book?” I am glad you are finally listening to everyone! I did not post yesterday (no time, even though I would have loved the box) but my vote would be for it to include pictures and your wonderful stories – including recipes. You have such a way of painting pictures with words, it would be a shame for everyone to miss out hearing more of these pictures.
    I’d wish you luck, but you don’t need any! Your life is charmed, even if it does not feel like it sometimes.
    sincerely,
    Allison

  7. I would say, don’t worry about self publishing just yet. Write. Plant your seeds and let the book grow and become complete. Then shop around. If you find nothing but dead ends and don’t want to wait, THEN look into self publishing. I believe once you start putting it out there, the rest will come. Everyone is right – they will be fighting for it. Your talent is immense. I’m glad Ed won the box. You’re right – Willows is the perfect place to start. I can’t wait!

  8. Congrats to the winner… Lucky Ed
    Well I think now matter how you tackle it .. you will tackle it and it will be great…

  9. I am just gushing at the tasty way your describe eating an apple – and writing a book. You may already have your introduction in these words. Best of luck, Corey. It is no small thing to put pen to paper and fill in center of two covers.
    Enjoy the apple in the process.

  10. Can we preorder???? I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are doing this. I know it will be fabulous……keep biting Corey!!

  11. Oh, those golden French apples. I lived on them when I was in Paris last year.
    I’m involved in a big writing project, too, Corey. It does seem overwhelming. But bite by bite, you’ll get it done. Think small and what needs to be done in sections, and it will all come together. Trust me.

  12. Dear Corey,
    I agree with ‘all the above’…you won’t need to look into self-publishing.
    The publisher will arrive when you are ready…
    just get under that “apple tree” with your Mac. Most of your book is already in there. You go, Girl…we cheerleaders with pom-poms agree with Jeanette…your talent is immense!
    Sending cheers…Judy

  13. Corey, I’m so glad you’ve decided to write a book. Your beautiful photographs combined with your inspirational words will make for a magical book. Count me in with all the others who will be standing in line when it’s released.

  14. Just untether that wonderful creative mind of yours & let it fly like a kite in the wind! Your book will appear!

  15. How I look forward to your book. It will sit proudly on our coffee table and when people browse though it and say how wonderful it is I’ll say ” Oh, she’s a friend of mine~~~I suggested that she write it”. Teehee, I’ll leave out the thousand others that wanted you to write it too. Is that selfish? Well, I don’t care.
    You go girl.

  16. A favorite quote:
    “Never panic too early”. This was said by the astronaut Fred Haise. Don’t worry about a publisher yet Corey. First write the book and then things will easily become clear about a publisher.

  17. I think it is the same for all of us…I am sitting here wondering what to write in my little post…will it be silly…will people think I’m nuts?
    what could I possibly say that no one else has said before…I want to be clever, witty…I want to be you! But I know that success lies in me being me…I just have to “get it” that that is enough. You, on the other hand, already have so much success and so much positive feedback to keep you going…So bite down into that apple..better buy a bushel of em cause you’ll need them, and all your cheerleaders will be on the sidelines cheering you on and selling your books after the game is over…Warm regards, cynthia

  18. Oh Corey, this whole book thing is so exciting!!!!!
    Have fun with it, enjoy the process.

  19. christine

    hooray…..a seed, a first step, a picture of what you want this to be…..someone mentioned getting an agent and looking into a publisher – YOU ARE THAT GOOD COREY so why not add that option in there as well?
    Go for it!!!!

  20. I think you just wrote the prologue to your new book.

  21. I’m glad that Ed got the box but at the same time I cannot hide my disappointment. Now he is going to have to scratch off that tag on the bottom of the box that has my name on it.
    Ed, if you ever get tired of the box, I’ll gladly pay the postage to take it off your hands.

  22. how wonderful….here’s another idea that I’m sure you’ve heard already – you could also ‘book your blog’. You probably don’t realize just how wonderful that would be….I do so brag about you often to friends & to have a book on hand to show them would top the cake – you know I print out your pics to show my husband….lol

  23. Best wishes putting it all together. When I read your blog your words just seem to flow naturally and I feel as though I am there with you. Wonderful!

  24. I’m a bite into the appple and let the juice run kind of girl, too. Of course, three hours later, I think ‘Why is my elbow sticky?’ but eh….the joy is worth it. 🙂

  25. Corey,
    I really think that your talent, your resume and this blog would make any publisher see dollar signs.
    I applaude your courage in diving in to produce a book and can’t wait to hold a copy.
    However it works out, I can’t wait to hold a copy of your book.
    Congratulations, Ed in Willows!

  26. I love my apple corer…and drinking my tea. Miss you!
    I also think that it would be an awesome photo book that you will publish someday. I would love my own signed copy, please. xo

  27. I know you will make this project a success, Corey. 🙂
    I’ve looked at some of those options, too, but just for a single book of photos from vacations or other single-theme projects. My intention is good at the beginning but I allow the details to grow from acorn to oak and then abandon those projects before they ever get off the ground. I’ll be looking forward to seeing your work of art unfold!

  28. Best of luck! This is going to be a wonderful book!

  29. Congratulations, Ed!
    Corey, you’re gifted and insightful enough to just start writing and assembling. When you have something with a heart and direction, even if it’s a gangly, loose-jointed creature, THEN seek your publisher. If you find a publisher first, you might find yourself in a box, either conciously or unconciously creating to fit their mold. Make it yours first. Then when you start working with a publisher you’ll still have your vision. You’ll know when to give in and when not to. Where to compromise and where not to. You won’t get lost.

  30. Victoria Ramos

    I agree with all — a publisher would be nuts not to pick you up….write the book….if you build it, they will come!
    I am thinking of all the books I’ve bought – from Rachel Ashwell’s to French Laundry’s – your stories are far better!
    PS – but if you need a graphic designer, I will work for brocante! 🙂
    Much success sweet Corey!
    Vickie Ramos
    (Graphic Designer for the Calif. State Senate!)

  31. Your images and words are worthy of the finest publishing house to pay you to produce it. BUT, truth be told, today, you can make more money, a lot more money, than even the sweetest publishing deal would get you. Plus, you have the huge advantage of making it look and sound exactly the way you most desire it.
    I completely trust your artistic sense, which is clearly impeccable, and your deeply profound soul, that will craft a rich, moving work.
    Of the three digital presses you mention, I would recommend Lulu for what you are doing. But if and when (perhaps on the next) you want to go to the next level, email me for a helpful contact referral at the largest POD (print on demand) book publisher in the world. Over 1 million titles of all sorts printed with them each month. I’ve used them for my book clients for years. It’s a bit more complicated and robotic, one has to know what one is doing, but this precious contact is so human and fabulous she’s the only way I can face that service with pleasure.

  32. What a good boy, your Sacha. My daughter does the same; she has a thing for kitchen gadgets. Too bad she is 23 and Sacha is still in school. She has applid to do her Pharmacy practical experience in France. I hope she gets a placement, it could be anywhere in France. Secretly I hope she meets a nice Frenchman Pharmacist. She, too could have an enchanted life in France, like you do.

  33. Denise Solsrud

    my mother also eats the WHOLE apple,but not the stem. i now know 2 people who eat the whole thing. there are others who want to peel and cut into wedges, then there are others like my granddaughter that eat the flesh and she gets as close to the skin as she can and leaves the rest. congrats to ed of willow for winning the little box. i went to bed last night,secretly wishing i would win. Bestest,Denise

  34. I will be sitting on pin’s and needle’s…..it will be a spectacular book!

  35. General advice I’ve been given: Write only the FIRST THREE chapters initially, to submit to (potential agent, publisher, other professional and personal contacts or whomever) for consideration. Ask for feedback, so you can rewrite, re-rewrite, re-re-rewrite ad nauseam. Please trust me, it’s a lot harder work than it looks.

  36. Congratulations to Ed! I haven’t a clue why, but it always makes me smile when I see his name in the comments – maybe because he’s someone from the community of your childhood and still your family home, that has found you, across the world, in this weird, yet wonderful, internet blogging universe.
    I’m a noodlehead and a know-nothing but I’d bet the old homestead there’s a publisher out there for you! You have a bazillion readers and you’ve been published in several magazines, etc. and all sorts of bloggers have had books published these days. Would your pals at Victoria and Stampington be of any help in the advice department?
    Enjoy the dream and the journey!

  37. I have a tattoo – 4 actually 🙂

  38. I agree with everyone. Write first then look for real publisher.
    Don’t assume you have to self publish. And not to jump the gun but after it is published you will have to do a book signing tour in the US and those of us here can come to meet you in person!!

  39. Ellen Cassilly

    I’m a whole apple eater as well.

  40. I just started a job selling advertising at Willow Publishing…
    but it’s ok, I don’t need a box…I just like the synchronicity of it all!

  41. Brother Mathew

    I live in Willows. I gotta meet this Ed.
    What in the hell is Ed gonna keep in that box anyway? Ed, do have the brocante bug? Maybe you could sell that box at a good ol fashion yard sale.

  42. What a good omen Ed brought you!
    I was too late to enter, but it’s more fitting somebody from WIllows won, anyway. Can’t wait to see that book, I hope you include a little bit of everything, but whatever is in there, I bet it will be fabulous…

  43. golda may ranada

    This is late…Can’t wait for your book. I love all things you write about if this will be about Provence all three would be great.

  44. Julie W.

    Corey,
    Those apples with the water droplets on them are so enticing. I’m with Sasha. I don’t mind the peel, but cored and sliced works for me–no worries about eating your lipstick or smearing it all over your face.
    BTW, Corey, give Sasha a BIG HUG! Any young man who cares more about obeying his mom than getting a tattoo deserves lots of hugs and praise. Enjoy him; the years at home are so short. My baby boy recently launched from the nest, and my heart is still bleeding where the apron strings were cut.
    So much for you to consider. I’ll be praying that all the details will come together as they are meant to–like Ed’s name coming up–more than coincidence.
    My advice to Ed: Don’t let go of that box! With the story behind it and Corey’s ascendancy as an author/photographer, it is sure to increase in value!!!
    Best to your and your dear ones,
    Julie W.

  45. jend’isère

    I offered one of those apple peeler/corers to my father-in-law for Christmas. He replied that since he perfectly peels his apples without such a gadget.
    You are already doing things the right way by writing and photography ever day. Simply by being youself.

  46. Bonnie Pato

    Corey,
    I am a new comer to your wonderful blog. Thank you Olga! I
    I became a fan from day one. The thought of a future book is very exciting news and I have no doubt that it will be magnifique! (I do not speak French, Spanish was my choice and good thing because I have “Cuban Husband” of 34 years.) Blending cultures has been an adventure! Just keep writing from the heart, it shows in every post you share with all of us.
    Bonnie

  47. Cory, If you want advice about self publishing, contact my friend Annette Maxberry-Carrara she’ll steer you straight.
    http://www.wisdomhousebooks.com
    Annette is a good friend, we met in Paris, she has a French Husband too. You’d have a lot to talk about. She’s self published and has helped many others with their books. She works out of Texas. It couldn’t hurt.
    You’ve got the writer’s voice– go for it!

  48. It seems that the two ways of publishing are through self-publishing sites and an established publisher. And that seems to boil down to who is going to do the marketing of the book and with whom do you want to share the profits. It seems to me that you already have a marketing channel through your online site. I have watched the brocante fly off of it. Why not try the self publishing first. Then you wont have to share 85% (or more) of the profits. Let’s see at $20.00 a book thats about $3.00 for Corey and $17 for Publisher. Sure, as the marketeer of your own book you also have to wrap it to mail and pay the postage but there must be ways to hire someone to do that.
    I have a friend who is a published author of a well known book on Monet’s Garden at Giverny. She has just reissued a 20th year edition and the in the process had to cut many of the parts she dearly wanted included because the publisher controls the project. She advises self publishing.

  49. C,
    Self Publishing is expensive. You should do a query letter to a few publishers…You CAN do this.
    Jackie
    Bliss Farm Antiques

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