Blogging

Food Blogger Pro: Why I Joined and You Should Too

Food Blogger Pro

If you’re a Chocolate & Zucchini reader, there’s actually a good chance that you have a blog of your own, or are thinking about starting one.

And whether you’re just in this for the fun of it, or have ambitions to turn your talents into an occupation that pays the rent, I’m sure your number one goal is to grow your food blog: blogging is such an all-consuming activity that it’s natural to want the greatest number of eyes on the fabulous content you strive to create.

This means working really hard to hone your craft and put out content you’re excited to share (if you lie sleepless because you can’t wait to hit publish in the morning, you’re doing it right) but it also means staying in the game in terms of social media and, for those with professional goals, monetization.

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What To Bring To The Office

Early last summer, after twelve years as a freelancer, I got myself a desk in a shared office in Paris!

I had been thinking about it for a while: working from home wasn’t quite working for me anymore, the space I often borrowed at Maxence’s offices was getting filled, and I was drinking entirely too much coffee at my local (beloved) coffee shop.

As soon as I decided that’s what I wanted, it was all very flow-y. I did a search on this specialized website, looking for coworking space in my own neighborhood. I knew I had found The One as soon as I saw the photos. I arranged to meet the woman who owns the office that very day, we clicked, the desk was perfect for me…

…I “moved in” a couple of days later.

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14 Years of C&Z: 14 Lessons for Blogging and Life

Hey, you know what I did fourteen years ago, like, to the day? I went ahead and created a blog! About food! And I called it, wait for it, Chocolate & Zucchini. Because it had a nice ring to it, and I liked chocolate, and I liked zucchini (and fortunately still do).

It has been an utterly amazing fourteen-year ride, and most of my life’s blessings have come directly or indirectly from that single decision.

Where and who would I be if I hadn’t created C&Z? It’s anyone’s guess and it makes me a little dizzy just thinking about it, but I can’t imagine possibly finding a more fulfilling, happier life path. (It’s a good feeling.)

To celebrate, I’ve put together this little bonus for you:

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The French Market Cookbook at $1.99!

My most recent cookbook, The French Market Cookbook, is currently on sale in its digital version at the incredible price of $1.99 until October 30! (North American readers only; see note below.)

The French Market Cookbook is a recipe book that celebrates the love story between French cuisine and vegetables, and the many colorful and ingenious ways we cook with the seasons in France.

I have poured my heart, soul, and favorite recipes into it, and have done extensive research to bring to you little-known regional market-driven dishes, such as the poor man’s bouillabaisse, the winter squash bastelles from Corsica, and the pascadous, which will become your new favorite way to cook assorted greens.

The book first came out a couple of years ago, and I have been immensely gratified by the feedback I continue to receive daily from readers, on social media and offline.

All the recipes are vegetarian, many of them are vegan or veganizable, and I have also prepared an index of recipes containing possible allergens so you can assess if the book is for you; just email me and I will send this index (a spreadsheet of recipe names and associated allergens) to you at no cost.

So if you’re ready to enrich your digital library of cookbooks with a title that has no equivalent — French vegetarian is an underserved niche! — you will find The French Market Cookbook wherever e-books are sold to North American readers, such as the following platforms (remember the sale ends on October 30!):

Note: This promotion is limited to US- and Canada-based readers as my publisher is American. I’d prefer to make it accessible to my international readers as well, but publication rights have strict limitations and it’s not up to me unfortunately. As someone who lives outside the US, I know it’s frustrating. I think the book is a great value at the regular listed price, too, but I may be biased. ;)

And while I’m at it, I wanted to share two other time-sensitive deals, accessible to all!

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A Day in the Life

I am always curious about other people’s routine, and my favorite section in the French magazine ELLE is the page near the end where a personality shares a typical day in their life. I recently had the opportunity to do just that for an Instagram takeover of One Woman Shop, a community of female solopreneurs, and I thought I would share that little photo essay with you here.

Ready to go behind the scenes and experience a day in the life of a Parisian food writer? Here’s what it looks like.

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