Podcast Summary: Episode 503 || "Eat Like a Heroine" with Lorilee Cracker and Jenny Williams
From the Front Porch, hosted by Annie Jones of The Bookshelf Thomasville, delves into the enchanting world of literature, small business, and Southern life. In Episode 503, released on November 14, 2024, Annie welcomes authors Lorilee Cracker and Jenny Williams to discuss their collaborative work, Eat Like a Heroine. This heartwarming conversation explores the genesis of their partnership, the creative and publishing processes, the profound themes of their book, and offers insightful tips for embracing a cozy holiday season.
1. The Beginnings of a Creative Partnership
Annie initiates the discussion by expressing her delight in hosting Lorilee and Jenny, highlighting the rarity of author interviews on the podcast. She reminisces about endorsing their book upon its release, setting a warm tone for the conversation.
Notable Quote:
"When we got onto record, it occurred to me, oh, Laura Lee is in Michigan, Jenny is in Oklahoma. So how did these two women start to collaborate and work together?" — Annie Jones [02:14]
Lorilee recounts how their friendship began approximately seven years prior when Jenny reached out after reading Lorilee's memoir, Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter and Me. Despite initial communication challenges on Instagram, Jenny's persistence led to a fruitful collaboration.
Notable Quotes:
"Jenny reached out to me in my Instagram DMs and at that point, I didn't really understand Instagram DMs. So I basically ignored it or I didn't see it." — Laura Lee Kraker [02:40]
"I didn't make that assumption. I assumed the truth, which was, yeah, you didn't. I think things get lost." — Jenny Williams [03:38]
Their collaboration blossomed through joint contests like "12 Days of Instagram," engaging a diverse audience worldwide and laying the foundation for their book project.
2. The Creative and Writing Process
Annie expresses curiosity about the dynamics of co-authoring, especially across different states. Jenny and Lorilee share insights into their seamless writing process, emphasizing trust, mutual respect, and complementary strengths.
Notable Quotes:
"The very technical aspect is, yes, it is a Google Doc. But I think meeting in person and writing out, like brainstorming together and then coming up with that outline in person did wonders..." — Jenny Williams [08:49]
"We just knew each other so well by this point that we really just bounced off each other and, you know, kind of establish like, what Jenny would be best at writing and what I would be best at writing." — Laura Lee Kraker [10:05]
Lorilee highlights their ability to divide tasks based on their strengths—she focused on more straightforward recipes, while Jenny tackled more elaborate, chef-like creations. This synergy ensured a balanced and engaging final product.
3. Navigating the Publishing Landscape
The conversation shifts to the challenges of publishing. Despite a strong initial proposal, Lorilee and Jenny faced setbacks in finding the right publisher. Their persistence led them to start a podcast, Eat Like a Heroine, to share their passion even without a published book.
Notable Quotes:
"Most of my contacts were in the Christian market. And so I think, yeah, we had a really hard time selling it." — Laura Lee Kraker [12:35]
They eventually partnered with Endgame Press, a small woman-owned publisher, which beautifully captured Jenny's illustrations and their collaborative vision. Lorilee reflects on the difficulty of securing book deals, contrasting it with her earlier experiences where simple outreach secured substantial deals.
Notable Quotes:
"I got a three book deal from an email that I wrote and it was like low hanging fruit... Those days are gone." — Laura Lee Kraker [15:52]
4. Themes and Insights from Eat Like a Heroine
Annie discusses the appeal of the book, especially its nostalgic value and the universal love for classic literature heroines. Jenny elaborates on the depth of these characters, emphasizing that their impact goes beyond fond memories to shape personal identities.
Notable Quotes:
"It's not just nostalgia. There's so much to be peeled away and so much room for discussion." — Jenny Williams [19:25]
Lorilee and Jenny highlight how their book intertwines food with literary heroines, showcasing how these characters' culinary habits offer deeper insights into their resilience, compassion, and playfulness. They stress that Eat Like a Heroine is not a strict diet guide but an inspirational collection celebrating everyday heroism through food.
5. Favorite Chapters and Heroines
The authors share their favorite chapters, reflecting personal connections to the themes and characters. Lorilee favors "Cozy Like a Heroine," which underscores the comforting power of food and home. Jenny resonates with "Comfort Like a Heroine," focusing on the meaningful gestures of bringing food to others.
Notable Quotes:
"Pollyanna bringing cow's foot jelly to her sickly friend... it just speaks volume." — Jenny Williams [39:47]
Lorilee reminisces about Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, praising her resilience and capacity for self-compassion, likening Anne to a personal life coach.
Notable Quotes:
"She’s been really much more than her beautiful imagination... she’s incredibly resilient." — Annie Jones [43:11]
Jenny adds depth by acknowledging the often-overlooked heroines like Marilla and Hannah, who embody quiet strength and support.
6. Embracing Playfulness and Self-Compassion During the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, the authors offer valuable advice on maintaining joy and reducing stress. They advocate for "Pinafore Hospitality" (casual hosting) and "Puff Sleeved Hospitality" (more formal) as flexible approaches to holiday gatherings, emphasizing self-compassion and authenticity.
Notable Quotes:
"Remembering that just looking around, not every period of your life has to be a period of growth..." — Jenny Williams [50:56]
Lorilee shares a personal anecdote about overcommitting to holiday preparations and the importance of focusing on meaningful gestures over perfection.
Notable Quotes:
"They’re not always going to love a book for Christmas. But what they care about is how I make them feel..." — Laura Lee Kraker [48:58]
Annie echoes these sentiments, illustrating how diverse approaches to hospitality—drawing inspiration from various heroines and real-life figures—can create a more inclusive and stress-free holiday environment.
7. Where to Find More and Support the Authors
The episode concludes with information on where listeners can purchase Eat Like a Heroine and support the authors' ventures. Jenny directs listeners to her online shop, Carrot Top Paper Shop, and her personal website, while Lorilee recommends following her on Instagram.
Notable Quotes:
"CarrotTopPaperShop.com will take you to my Etsy page... the best place to find me online is on Instagram." — Jenny Williams & Laura Lee Kraker [52:02]
Annie invites listeners to support the local bookstore and the podcast, underscoring the community-driven spirit that From the Front Porch embodies.
Conclusion
Episode 503 of From the Front Porch offers a rich exploration of Eat Like a Heroine, blending literary appreciation with the comforting embrace of food. Through honest discussions about collaboration, creative challenges, and the significance of literary heroines, Lorilee Cracker and Jenny Williams provide listeners with both inspiration and practical tips for a meaningful holiday season. Their book stands as a testament to the enduring power of stories and the simple yet profound acts that define heroism in everyday life.
Key Takeaways:
- Collaboration thrives on mutual respect and complementary strengths.
- Publishing is a challenging journey that requires perseverance and adaptability.
- Literary heroines offer valuable life lessons beyond their stories.
- Holiday hospitality can be tailored to individual capacities, promoting self-compassion and genuine connections.
- Playfulness and comfort are essential for well-being during festive seasons.
For more information or to purchase Eat Like a Heroine, visit the Bookshelf Thomasville or follow Lorilee and Jenny on their respective online platforms.