My book may not be officially out until September 4th, but this past weekend I was privileged enough to attend (and present!) at The American Library Association’s annual conference in Anaheim, California.
I was SO nervous….obviously!
I baked two hundred chocolate cookies at home on Friday to serve during my presentation.
Guys, I completely botched the first batch and had to go to the store to buy all new ingredients….I was that nervous! Seriously. I make this chocolate chip cookie recipe all the time and somehow managed to completely kill it the first time around. (insert cookie dough covered hand slapping forehead). Jenna, what is WRONG with you?!
I finally got it right by the second batch, so the third and fourth went rather seamlessly, thank goodness.
But wouldn’t ya know that ALL those cookies got smashed on the flight over? (insert another hand slapping forehead)
At this point, I literally felt sick. Crumbled cookies plus awkward speech? Heaven help us all.
The morning of the event, I woke up at 5:30 and had a really great quiet morning to prepare. I drank some coffee in my hotel room, listened to my favorite Pandora station and applied way too much blush to ease my nerves.
Then, all too quickly 10am rolled around and before I knew it, everyone was clapping and I was walking up on stage in my too-tall wedges. Yes, wedges! The memory of the nude pump faceplant is still too fresh in my mind to attempt any sort of high heel comeback.
I had a little speech prepared, but what ended up coming out of my mouth was definitely not written on my notecards. I ended up just telling my story about the first day of culinary school, being labeled as “the enemy” for wanting to be a food writer rather than a chef, and stealing my ex-boyfriend’s chair before moving to California. I don’t where that chair bit of the speech came from, but I just ran with it!
Aaaaaand, it went well! I think I held my breath the entire time.
After my little talk I signed books and met some truly amazing people. I LOVE librarians! You guys are absolutely amazing.
Thank you for making me laugh, being excited to read White Jacket Required and for not judging me on my cookie crumbles….
Thank you for showing up big time, laughing at my awkward jokes, and grabbing books for your daughters, mothers, fathers, sons and best friends. My heart is so full.
Some of them even started reading the book right there and then!!!! I wanted to cry. I think I did cry a little bit, actually.
Then, just like that it was all over—we ran out of books! Wow.
I am completely humbled by this past weekend and feel so much gratefulness inside that it feels like my heart is just going to burst. This book is so personal and special to me, and seeing other people get excited about it and even start reading it (!!) was just totally surreal. I really can’t believe that a couple hundred books are now out in the world, tucked into people’s bags, on hotel nightstands and in airport seat pockets.
So THANK YOU, LIBRARIANS!!!! What a wonderful way to kick off this new season in my life.
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{ 173 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats!! You look beautiful!
Congratulations, Jenna! I can only imagine how amazing this is for you….you deserve it! (and glad the 2nd batch of cookies was a keeper)
Congratulations! Wedges are definitely the way to go — they’re far more comfortable and easy to walk in than heels, and just as cute.
Great job, Jenna!! Congratulations!
I knew you’d rock it! Whatever, crumbled cookies are better anyways.
You rock, Jenna!!! Way to go…I knew you’d bond w/your audience immediately and you’d win them over within minutes. I am so proud of you and so happy that you are finally reaping the rewards of your hard work these past two (?) years as you slaved away on your labor of love! All the accolades are so well deserved – and your writing has never been sharper than it has been in recent posts, including this one. Hugs
congratulations!! that is so exciting and i am so happy for you
Aww Jenna, congratulations! You look super cute in these photos and it looks like the librarians loved you!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this book when it comes out. You’ll probably see a review of it on my blog at some point! I’m so excited to read more of your story and about your journey to becoming a food writer. Congrats again!
great job jenna
you deserve this!
What a great post. I always appreciate how your writing conveys your wit, wisdom, and vulnerability at the same time. I can’t wait until your book comes out!
Awesome! Can’t wait to get my own copy!
Hey now! Build yourself up about public speaking!
Also, I need to write a memo to order your book. I might be very interested about your person stories such as chair stealing.
You are truly an inspiration. I hope you have a great time celebrating the success of the weekend!! : )
Congrats!
Congrtulations. I’ve been waiting to read this for so long and now the time is nearly here!! How exciting!!
yea!! can’t wait to get my copy!!
congrats you look great!! I can’t wait to read your book, you are truly an inspiration!
Congratulations! That is an amazing accomplishment. I adore your blog and can’t wait to read your book.
Congratulations Jenna! Will you post your book signing tour dates? I’d love to get a signed copy! Been following you for years and years now =)
I will be posting the tour dates as soon as I get them! Would love to meet ya!
Awesome, girl!!!! A million congrats on a successful speech, signing, and, of course, the book. I cannot wait to read it!
Congrats to you, Jenna! You are glowing in these pics. What a neat accomplishment!
I wish I was a librarian so that I could come get an advance copy!
I am SO excited for you, and I’m so excited about the release of this book. I would love to offer it to my book club for September. If you know of any discussion questions that are floating around, please let us know! 
Congratulations Jenna. I am really happy for you. I have been reading your blog for over 3 years now and I feel like so much has changed and molded you. It really has been a delight….
Congrats!! As a regular blog reader *and* a librarian, I can tell you that a) your blog is awesome and I can’t wait to read your book; and b) yes, librarians are super-cool.
I wish I could have been there!! Way to go…
Congratulations!! What a completely well-deserved reception you had.
And it sounds like the speech went fantastically! I’m so happy that you had a great experience–and I for one can’t wait to get my hands on your book, too. 
So excited for you Jenna! Congrats on your speech! Can’t wait to get my hands on that book too.
Sounds like it went really well! And I work for the company that publishes Minette’s Feast. Too bad I wasn’t at ALA to hear you speak!
Look at you at ALA! Great outfit, so cute. I think you created the perfect look – a good balance for the occasion.
I can truly say that even if you had ended up bombing, your presentation could not be worse than some I have seen at ALA, from librarians themselves. Don’t get me wrong – some presentations are great, but I have actually had to get up and walk out on some (and when I did that, I was not alone.) In short… if you ever do ALA again, don’t stress – librarians are some of the easiest people to please! (We only walk out when it’s going on 45 minutes of awkward monotone speech a la those SNL NPR skits.) Also, when librarians go to ALA, they’re in more of a festive and forgiving mood.
A tip, though… they LOVE food and they LOVE freebies. It’s a shame your cookies got smushed! I have a brother-in-law who is an architect, and his firm was exhibiting at ALA one year, and I gave him the tip to offer something… anything… preferably sweets and something free with the name of the firm on it. They did it, and they were loved.
I did not go to ALA this year, but I wish I had asked someone who did to pick me up your book.
So proud for you! I know everyone loved you!
Jenna, I love your dress….love broken choco-chip cookies….and I’m eager to get my hands on your book come September. So happy to hear the event wound up going really, really well. Wishing you and your book so much success!
Congratulations, Jenna! You looked beautiful & it sounds like everything went really well. I cannot wait to read the book!!!!!
Awww congrats!! See, it all worked out.
You look wonderful and that dress is too cute! p.s. You should totally do a book signing in the Tampa Bay area!
You look beautiful! I can only imagine your speech being incredible! Congrats on the first signing!
Awesome! I can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations!! I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog and am inspired to keep dreaming and trusting God. Can’t wait to read your book too!
congratulations! what a fun day! Can’t wait to read your book this fall.
I love your glasses!
So glad everything went well, Jenna! Can your book be pre-ordered on Amazon?
Yes it can!
Congratulations!! That’s so exciting!! I can’t wait to read it! And you look gorgeous, y the way!
YAY, congrats- that’s so wonderful.
I think you should do a post with words of wisdom for anyone interested in making writing their full-time career (like me!).
I could NOT be more proud and excited for you! Can’t waaaait for my copy! <3
Congratulations! You deserve it! I bet those cookie crumbles were absolutely delish! And I can’t wait to get my hands on your book
So exciting Jenna! You should be so very proud of yourself! And I love your dress!
Can’t wait to start reading it in September, congrats!
Congratulations! You must be so excited. I can’t wait to pick up a copy!
love everything about this!! and that plate of cookie crumbs is just awesome. great post and REALLY looking forward to purchasing a copy of your book!! <3
Great job lady! I wish I would have known I could get a book this early. I’m in the OC and would have crashed that book signing for sure
congratulations! you look super cute & i know everyone loved you. can’t wait to get my hands on that book!
Congrats Jenna!! How exciting and wonderful. You look amazing and I love your recap, I’m sure no one knew you were nervous or didn’t give the speech you had prepared and went ad lib. Let me know if you come to South Florida, I will attend!!
Congratulations, Jenna! I’ve been reading your blog since you were in culinary school, and it’s amazing to see your journey. I’ll definitely be buying your book! You should do a book signing here in Atlanta!
Great job Jenna! That’s the way the cookie(s) crumbles : ). Did anyone record your speech? I was hoping that we could listen to it.
AWESOME Jenna! Can’t wait to read it!
Oh Jenna, I’m so excited for you!! I teared up reading this post! I’m so glad that you didn’t trip and fall in the wedges- I always go with wedges when I need some height but want to be comfortable! I know your cookies were still delicious- the ugliest desserts taste the best- although I’m sure that probably doesn’t make you feel any better about them!! Congrats and I can’t wait until the book comes out here!!!
Ahhhh! This sounds like a total success!! I couldn’t be prouder of you! Congrats!
congratulations, jenna!! my little norwegian themed city on the bay has the most wonderful indie bookstore with a kitchen… i’m hoping you’ll do a book tour of the northwest and come here. we are just a short ferry boat ride from seattle!
Congrats! So many emotions running through you at once – what a great experience. I look forward to reading the book come September. I kinda like the cookie crumbled up better than perfect ones – a little nibble
-Michelle
Give me goose bumps for you…what an accomplishment. You must be so proud of yourself. I love stories like yours. You are an example of don’t just dream it, DO it!.
Good for you!!!!!
Yay!!! I’m so HAPPY for you! Looks like a great time.
And I wouldn’t care about crumbled cookies … any cookies at all make me happy! haha. So sweet of you to do that
Congratulations Jenna – your success is well deserved! Can’t wait to read your book!
Congratulations! That is so exciting! You really deserve all of this success. Can’t wait to read the book!
Fun post! Congrats, Jenna, can’t wait to get to read it!
Love the Malibu Barbie Author look!!
Glasses=so cute. Wedges, perfect. Extremely cool that you wowed them in Disneylandisville, crumbled cookies/stolen chair & all. Hysterical. This film script is writing itself. 
Congrats!!
So happy for ALL your successes. Very happy for you. Well deserved!!
I was at ALA (I’m an author), and I’m so sad I didn’t know you were presenting/signing! I definitely would have come over. But I’m glad it went well!
Congrats! Sounds like you nailed it. Can’t wait to read your book just look everyone else.!
Awesome, congrats, Jenna!!
Such an inspiration! Congratulations Jenna, I am SO happy for you and cannot wait to read the book! xx
SO EXCITING! And last I checked, when you break a cookie all the calories fall out, so those cookie crumbles were delicious AND guilt-free
Congratulations! How exciting! I can’t wait to read your book too!
Wow! Jenna, so excited for you! Cannot wait to read the book!!
hello love bug!
soooo excited for you, little sis. you look beautiful and i am sure those ladies just ate ya UP! i can’t wait to hear more form your book signings. i also can’t wait to get my very own personal copy. eeee!!!!
we are in south carolina right now…. i am waving to your mom.
XOXO
What a special moment! I think you were wise to go with the flow – speeches are so much more fun to listen to that way – and I love that you have the plates of cracked cookies. All a part of your wonderful charm.
Congratulations belle!
I’m from Anaheim and if I had known, I would’ve come for your signing. But I’m not a librarian, so I probably wouldn’t have been able to go into the conference.
Congrats on your first book signing. I hope you come down to SoCal again.
Yay Jenna! I’m so happy for you and I cannot wait to buy your book! xoxo
Congratulations Jenna, this must be so exciting for you
I can’t wait to read the book! Also, your hair looks amazing!
You must be on cloud nine still! What an amazing journey you have lived so far!
And you mst tell the story of that chair…
Congrats Jenna! Sounds (and looks) like you did great! Our nerves can really get the best of us, i’ll testify that one. I truly believe that our greatest fears lay in anxiety, and of course I know this from experience. If I can give any advice to calm us both down in these types of situations is to think of that quote and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. I can’t say that always works haha but just have confidence in yourself, and it looks like you did. Good job, and congratulations again!
Also, quick question! What is your favorite pandora station? I’ve been trying to peg the perfect station- hasn’t happened yet.
Thanks!
I like the David Crowder Band station, the Florence and the Machine station and the Edward Sharpe station the best!
omg thats so exciting, jenna! congrats!!! i cant wait to read it!!
I love that you brought baked cookies!
You looked stunning! Can’t wait to get my hands on your book. I’m a Kindle girl, but I just have to have the hard copy. Pre-ordered
!
Yay! We all knew that you would do a great job! I CAN’T WAIT to get your book!!!!! Congratulations!
Congratulations, what a wonderful and well deserved experience! Curious, what is your favorite Pandora station?
Found my way to #SheReadsTruth because of you and started last night, thank you so much!
It depends on my mood, but yesterday morning I was really loving the David Crowder Station!
I can’t WAIT to read this book! I love your glasses!
Congratulations Jenna! what a celebration and huge moment in your life.
So happy for you!
congrats
Congrats, Jenna! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and start reading!
This is so well-deserved!! Soak.it.up!!
I can not wait to read your book myself!
Ugh I want your life..and your outfit! Cannot wait to read the book! If you ever need an intern, bitch-work doer, minion, etc., by all means I am your girl!!
Congratulations, you must be so giddy! My entire life I’ve dreamed of becoming an author so I can only imagine how you excited you must be! I’m completely jealous and only hope that one day I get to experience the same nerve-wracking moments!!
YAY Jenna! I’m glad your book signing went so well! And you didn’t even forget what you were going to say and teach them yoga instead
P.S. the glasses you are sporting these days are SUPER cute. very author-y
Congrats, Jenna! Looks like everything turned out great girl
Can’t wait to read your bookkkk!
Congratulations!! What an accomplishment! And I mean that about both speaking in front of a big crowd and the book, ha ha. : )
Freaking Amazing. God is good – get it girl!
Congrats darling on mission accomplished! Can’t wait to read that white hot book.
this is awesome!!! so so exciting! so happy for you. you have come a very long way since i started reading your blog when you were in culinary school. but i’ve loved it all along the way.
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read your book!
i am so excited, happy for you and proud of you! what an incredible day. you look absolutely gorg, too. congratulations! i can’t wait to read it.
xoxo
Congratulations, Jenna!! So glad it went so well. I would have burst into tears over the crumbled cookies…guess this is where yoga breaths come in.
Can’t wait to read your book – and hopefully meet you at a signing (a girl can dream)!!
YAY! SO exciting!
Awe congrats! You’re such an inspiration. Those cookies are THE BEST. I make them once a month and eat one too many each time.
A little tip: break off a few dime sized pieces of lindt sea salt chocolate and place them in the top of the cookie right before you bake them
Wow, congratulations, Jenna. What an amazing accomplishment!
Are there any Canadian dates on your tour? If not, I’ll have my passport ready!
I’m so happy for you. I dream of this same day for myself, and seeing someone whose blog I read everyday making that a reality makes it seem that much more realistic. Also- you look amazing!
I am BEYOND proud of you, my friend. Love you! <3
I wish I could have been at the early launch of your book, exciting! I’m sure it went great too, fantastic idea to have cookies on the table…crumbles or full cookies= still a delicious cookie
I can’t wait to order and read your book!!!
i cannot wait to read your book!
congrats on this huge accomplishment.
That is so, so amazing – CONGRATS! Great job – I’m sure this is only the beginning of your success!
Congratulations! I’ve been following your blog for a while, enjoying your writing and making many of your recipes. So excited to read your book. I just pre-ordered it on Amazon.
how exciting!!
congrats!
I am so excited for you! I cannot wait to read your book. I just want to let you know how much of an inspiration you are, to so many people! I would love to write my own book
P.S. I hope you have a book signing in Miami, FL!!!
We knew you’d be amazing! Congratulations on your first appearance. We told you that librarians are amazing people! Wish I was there to enjoy your talk and to enjoy those delicious crumbs!
Aww congratulations!! How exciting, your book sounds amazing!!
Congratulations on your book!
Awe, I’m so excited for you! I wish I knew you in real life, I’d give you a huge hug
Yay! Congratulations! I can’t wait to read your book
congrats jenna!
so lovely to see this dream come true. well deserved!
Congrats, Jenna! I can’t wait to read it!
I’m so excited for you! I really can’t wait to read the book. If its not out on nook in Sept, I’m just going to have to buy a hard copy.
That’s so exciting Jenna!! Congratulations on your accomplishments. Can’t WAIT until your book comes out!
So wonderful! I can’t wait for your book to come out! I’ve already pre-ordered it. I hope that you come to Austin for a book signing too!!
Congratulations! You’re too cute! Love you glasses too!
Congratulations! You’re too cute! Love your glasses too!
MAZEL TOV!
Me and my super-jewness are so proud of you!!!
congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment!
Are the glasses new?
Yes! my old glasses were duct-taped together (no really, I sat on them and snapped the frames!) so I finally got some new ones and have been taking a break from the contacts for a while to try ‘em out
SOOOOOOOO happy for you and proud of you!
Celebrating in Minnesota!
Way to go, Jenna. Keep shining!
“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
Well how freakin’ cool is that!?!?! Congrats!!!
Congratulations!! I hope to see you in New Jersey!! We love broken cookies!!
Wow, Congrats!!!! I can’t believe that you were seen as the “enemy” for wanting to food blog…so funny! Bet all those people are biting their tongues now seeing your success
Aww, yay for librarians, yay for cookies, and yay for you! Can’t wait to read your book!
Congrats Jenna!! Your hard work is only just starting to payoff! You look lovely, and I’m sure every librarian was impressed with you and your story.
So happy for you Jenna. I can’t wait to read your book. ELR is in my bookmarks bar and I check in everyday. I would love to meet you someday!
This story makes me so happy. I’m so glad it so well, and you looked beautiful.
congrats!! i can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations! I have already preordered and look forward to diving into the book with a chocolate chip cookie by my side. Do you share a recipe for the cookies in your book?
Congratulations!!!!
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on your book. Hope you’ll be doing some “hometown” dates….living in South Florida I’d definitely be able to swing Vero.
Congrats!
Eee, congratulations! It’s so great to see the cover like that. And may I just say, the book’s cover/title/description would definitely entice me to buy the book if I saw it in a bookstore, even if I didn’t know who you were. Kudos to you and your publishers!
Wow, sounds like a book signing would be the most rewarding experience. Especially seeing people reading your book! Oh, and I was a teacher librarian for a few weeks… how I love the library
Is it crazy that I am SO proud of you? You’re passion is so inspiring and really resonates with me. Keep on trekkin girl because I’m so rooting for you (and preordering your book of course)
Congrats, Jenna! Can’t wait for my copy to arrive in the mail– already pre-ordered! Looking good, girl.
You rock Jenna! You looked beautiful and I am beyond excited to get my hands on your new book! Congrats!
Can’t wait to read your book! Your post made me cry this morning – I love that you share your gratitude and excitement with us ; ) Have a great day!
So exciting Jenna! congratulations! Love your glasses btw.
Congrats! Great entry. Loved the part about the ruined then destroyed cookies and feeling nervous. Happy that this event was successful. I’m going to have to read your book as well!
Congratulations, Jenna. I am so happy for you! I can’t wait to read your book coming this September.
Congratulations Jenna! This post put a huge smile on my face. What a wonderful accomplishment that could not have happened to a more deserving person. I pre-ordered your book yesterday, and cannot wait for it to arrive on my doorstep in September! If you go on a book tour, you should probably stop in Nebraska (or at least a neighboring state!)
Also, out of curiosity, what is your favorite Pandora station? I am always looking for good ones!
Just got insane goosebumps!!! So Moving and cool to watch your journey unfold!
That is so, SO exciting for you! I can’t imagine how awesome (and nervewracking!) it must be to be having your own book coming out!
Congrats, Jenna! Can’t wait to read it — you’re an inspiration!
You must be so excited about your book coming out!
I’ll definitely be reading it when it finally releases.
Was just wondering. What brand are your glasses and what your favorite pandora station was?
My glasses are Valentino and my favorite pandora station is the David Crowder Band station!
My favorite part about this experience re-cap is that you served the cumbled cookies. Good for you for holding your head high and serving awesome treats regardless of their looks (and they look great, btw)! CONGRATS on your book signing. I’m so excited to read your story and you should feel very proud of your accomplishments!!
WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! So proud of you!!!
Congratulations! You looked so pretty, I love your dress and glasses! Can’t wait to get the book when it comes out
So freakin’ awesome! And I’m so excited to get my little fingers on your book. yay! Congrats on a job well done!
Wow!
That is such an exciting event. Lookng forward to checking out your book!
Jenna, I started reading your blog a few months before you graduated from culinary school. I have always enjoyed your writing voice. It is always so wonderful when you see someone accomplish one of their dreams. Congratulations! Soak up these experiences! And, keep dreaming.
)
Hi! I so enjoyed seeing you @ ALA. You signed two copies of your book for my daughters and really capitulated my esteem in their eyes. They are regular followers of your blog and now I am, too. Thanks!
A million-and-one congratulations! What a start to year #27! cheers!!
Congrats!!! Sounds like it went great, crumbles and all. Crumbled cookies are STILL good cookies
Great job Jenna! I can’t wait to read your book. And I am loving you dress, where did you get it?!?!?!
It’s from Madewell—thank you!
gahhh! how CUTE are you up there talking and then signing!!! i think you need to come do a signing here just so we can hang out.
Yea for YOU!!! You look fabulous and I am so excited for you. Hope you are coming to NYC for your book tour!
Have a great weekend and congrats. You deserve this darling!!
CONGRATS!!!! I’m super late to reading the news, but I can’t wait to read the book. It sounds fantastic. I hope you come through NYC on your tour!
It most be extremely inspiring to know that your creativity is being enjoyed by hundreds of people.
Jenna,
Just finished your book. Read it straight through on a car ride back home. My words really can’t describe how touched I was by your story. So impressed by how you have persevered to follow your dream.
Blessings
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