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I’m back! Well, sort of. Laudate Mennonite Ensemble 2016 is finished (*sniff*), so I have relocated from Lancaster, PA to an island off the coast of New Jersey (visiting some relatives for a week). There are just so many interesting places to go in this world, and I’m discovering that I enjoy traveling…and even navigating!
So I have internet now, and I’m trying to get caught up on everything that’s been going on while I was singing my little heart out last week. And…drumroll…I’m editing a hard copy of my cookbook!! Now don’t get too excited just yet. This copy has no pictures (well, only a few for example purposes), no forward, no extra baking tips sections (’cause they’re not written yet…), no pretty cover, and the wrong binding. What it does have is 400ish recipes for me to proofread. So that’s what I’ve been doing and will continue to do until I drive over to Holmes County next week to meet with my designer in person. I’m just a teensy bit excited about that. 😉
Sometime within the next few weeks I intend to give you a window into what Laudate Mennonite Ensemble was like, but for now, suffice it to say that I had an incredible time, learned so much, was very blessed, and made some great new friends. If you want to see videos from some of our concerts, check out the LME Facebook page here. Our last program was livestreamed, but the video is going to be taken down soon so if you want to watch it, do hurry (and wear headphones – the video is kind of quiet). If you’d like to preorder our CD that will be released sometime this fall/winter, email Cliff and Trina Stoltzfus at [email protected]. Click here to check out the website, see previous recordings, and read our bio sections.
Other news: the video from the Rivertree and Friends choral festival I participated in earlier this summer is now available on YouTube! Click here to check it out. We were the southeast premiere of Dan Forrest’s new setting of “Jubilate Deo”, done in 7 different languages with unique instrumentation for each culture to represent the whole earth praising God. It was some amazing music and an amazing experience to participate in!
In case you were wondering, my cookbook is going to be hardcover with a metal twin-loop spiral binding. That’s the plan at this point, anyway. Could be subject to change due to my inexperience in such matters. 😛 I want this book to be durable, easy to use, and good-looking.
I’m hoping to have the book proofread by the time I talk with my designer next Wednesday. She can work on the complete design then, and hopefully the book will be available for preorder on my website sometime next month!
Au revoir…I’d love to chat more about so many things, but duty calls. There will be time for pontificating later. After the proofreading is done.
Your hard work and the way you follow through in your projects is very inspiring! I also recently bought a used ice cream maker because of you and have been enjoying many delicious desserts : )
What about an eBook version for your far away fans 🙂
I live in New Zealand.
Love your recipes!
Hi Sandra! My book in hard copy will be available internationally, and I’ll also be offering a PDF form. A device-responsive ebook would require a separate design which I don’t think is going to be economically efficient at this point. We’ll see. 🙂
September? Awesome…I will get it for myself, for my Birthday! Oooooooh…I cannot wait!
Bri, I am really excited about your cookbook! I will definitely be first in line at the pre-order desk! I won’t hesitate because …. I have loved every single recipe of yours that I’ve tried, and I can’t say that’s true with the ‘big’ plan cookbook and because of that, I’ve become cautious about trying a new recipe from there (throwing out costly ingr).
I find your life fascinating and want to say it is very heart warming to be privy to the life experiences of such a creative, well rounded, spiritual and kind young person. It does a person good and your Mama must be extra proud!! 🙂
FYI, my vote is for a spiral-bound soft cover like the Food For Life Mennonite ladies’ cookbook. Very easy to handle and use. And lots of pictures!
Keep up the good work, Bri !! and congrats on your successes.
Aw, thanks Sherry! Your encouraging words mean so much! My book will be spiral bound, but it will have a metal twin-loop spiral, not a plastic one. This will give it better durability without chance of unspooling. I’m planning to make it with a hard cover for better durability as well (and because I like the look of it better). Thanks for your thoughts! Don’t worry – there will be LOTS of pictures!
You amaze me with all you are able to accomplish. And always with such joy!!! Excited for the cookbook release!!!
So looking forward to your cookbook!!!!
I am so excited, can’t wait to get your cookbook. I like cookbooks with hard cover an spiral bound, so it lays flat while trying to following a recipe.
I love hard cover cookbooks. The paperbacks are so hard to work with in the kitchen and I don’t always want to view recipes from my laptop. Good luck on your book.
Briana, I can’t wait for your cook book! Bless you, sweet girl.
Beth
Looking forward to getting your cookbook. All the best in putting the final touches to it. Would like if it is spiral bound. Thanks for all the recipes you publish here.
Do you plan to do a hard copy only or will you have an ebook format?
I love your recipes but I actually prefer ebook format because I have nowhere to store cookbooks.
I’m not sure about the ebook yet. That takes a whole separate design which might not be cost effective at this point. I will probably offer a PDF version, but it won’t be device-responsive.
Great idea to use the spiral binding! I’ve only been using my THM cookbook for a few weeks, but a page has already separated from the binding.?
I am very excited to place my order for your new cookbook! Your ideas are both creative and practical, and I truly love that.
Take the THM cookbook to an office max or such, they put a spiral binding on it for four dollars.
Great idea, Carol! I’ll do that.
Thanks!
Your blog post says it is the wrong binding….so is the spiral binding in the photo what your cookbook is going to be ??
No – as I said later on in the post, it will have a metal twin-loop spiral binding with a hardcover, not a plastic spiral. 🙂
Super Excited about the cookbook and am glad to be able to see the progress that you are making And to know I will soon have a copy in my kitchen.
The spiral binding is a great idea! I like the thought of it being able to lie flat. That would make it so much easier to deal with when you have messy hands.
Super excited about the cookbook. I’m sure the binding options are very tricky. I’m thinking about shipping cost, durability, how heavy is it going to be in the kitchen, etc. I haven’t spiral bound my THM cookbook, but plan on it. Need a book that lays nice and flat and doesn’t take up too much space. Decisions, decisions, decisions!
I completely agree. It is so much easier when the book is spiral bound. So excited for you Bri. Thankyou for all the hard work you do. All glory to God. Blessings and prayers hun. Xxx
Ack! I am so excited for your cookbook! I just can’t wait. Plus, I am very pleased with your binding preference. As a regular user of cookbooks, it is my preference by far. Happy editing!