Linda Eckhardt: So You Want to Be a Writer?

Linda Eckhardt, author of 35 cookbooks, thousands of blog posts and endless newspaper and magazine columns, talks about what it takes to be a writer and what you get out of it.

First off, it’s the second occupation you can do in your night clothes and still get paid for it. Next, it’s one of the top occupations that can guarantee that if you travel to certain countries, people may take pot shots at you. But last but not least, it’s the best excuse I know to ask people a lot of nosy questions and expect they’ll answer.

So you say you want to be a writer. What’s the first thing you have to do? Write. Maybe a thousand words a day. On a topic of your choice, to an audience of your preference. And now, there are more avenues for placing writing than at any time I know of. Thanks to the internet.

Eckhardt will talk about today’s writing world: What to write, where to sell it and what to expect.

Will you get rich? Probably not, but you will have a rich life. That’s for sure. Questions and ideas will be discussed.

Linda West Eckhardt holds a BS in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Texas and an MA in creative writing from San Francisco State University. She is one of the most prolific culinary writers in America today — a food journalist and author of 35 cookbooks — her books have won James Beard and Julia Child awards. Her radio show also received a James Beard Award. She has appeared on countless food shows. She is a friend and advisor to many prominent chefs. Linda was the first food editor of Texas Monthly (1973–). Founder and Editor/Publisher of Everybody Eats News, The Online Newspaper that monitors the sustainable food movement http://www.everybodyeatsnews.com (2011–), and a contributor to today.com http://www.today.com.

Linda Eckhardt is a longtime Maplewood resident.