There’s a small tab in the main menu bar called ‘Chronicles.’
In this section, I talk about life outside of the kitchen including tales about family life, blogging, etc. Initially, it was updated fairly often.
But as time passed, recipes became the main focus instead.
After all, isn’t that what bloggers are supposed to do? Stay on topic?
Many successful bloggers post regularly, stay strictly within their niche, and prove that hard work and discipline pays off.
But as an author’s writing style evolves, so does the content.
In a recent conversation with my good friend Celia, we discussed the human need to connect. And after 4 years of blogging, I’m feeling compelled to push the boundaries when it comes to creating new content.
So let me get to the point: I’ll be updating the ‘Chronicles’ section regularly!
Various topics including cookbook writing, family life, budget shopping, travel, and general thoughts on simple living will now make a continued appearance in this space, as separate topics. Having a focus is important, but branching out with relevant topics is equally important.
It’s like trying a new dish at your favorite restaurant.
The recipes, of course, will keep on coming- that’s never going to change. And to be honest with you, I’ll probably follow up with 10 recipes in a row after this post, now that I got this off my chest.
But recipes are only a taste of the bigger story I want to tell.
Stay tuned…
Comments
Jennifer Emilson says
Hi Emilie, Jennifer here! I think it’s lovely that you’re taking the time to give a voice to the life beyond your kitchen as well. It gives us a little peak into the cook behind the food! And gives you a chance to explore different voices as well. It really will round you out as a story teller. Look forward to those Chronicles!
Ashley says
I struggle with the blogger ‘boundary’ as well. Really glad to hear you’ll be giving us life updates:) I look for guidance, inspiration and reassurance when I read other blogs, I’m sure these will come from your chronicles. Thx for this.
Emilie says
Hello Ashley! I like that: ‘the blogger boundary.’ Makes total sense. I too look for inspiration and it’s nice when those topics are singled out as separate posts. I think growth is only natural. Thank you so much for your comment; I’m so glad to have you here! x
danielle | rooting the sun says
I love your voice so much, Emilie – it will no doubt be a treat! I think branching out with other topics keeps things fresh and genuine. xo
Emilie says
Thank you Danielle! I really appreciate that. You are very sweet :) xoxo
Gretchen says
I have thought about the same thing. First it seems I have less time to get recipes up in the summer. With the kids home all the time and in my way or “helping” recipe development just doesn’t happen quickly. Plus the In My Kitchen lists are some of my favorite posts, I could easily expand on that. Good luck and can’t wait to see what you blog about.
Emilie says
Hi Gretchen! Of course… summer is very hectic! I think it’s actually busier than the school year. And don’t even get me started with ‘helping’ ;) ;) ;) I love the In My Kitchen posts too, as you really get a true account into the author’s life. I like that. I think it’s all about listening to your gut and creating what you want. I say go for it! xo
The Healthy Apple says
Love this! I started branching out a few years ago and it’s so much more fulfilling for me. I feel like I connect on a deeper level with my readers. So happy for you! Xxoo
Emilie says
Hello! Thanks so much for your support :) I’m looking forward to connecting on a whole new level! xo
Suzie Durigon says
I agree wholeheartedly Emilie!! I’ve been blogging for about 3 years and I’m finding that I want to talk about other things too. Sometimes it doesn’t feel “right” and other times, it’s what I think everyone needs (like after some of these horrendous terrorist attacks, I felt compelled to help people restore their faith in humanity!). That’s a big part of why I’m writing a cookbook on my Bake it Forward initiative…yes people need to eat and cook but they also have to have a full heart and I believe, in a small way, we as bloggers owe it to the public to spread that!! Thanks for your message!!
Emilie says
Hello Suzie! It took me a while to accept that it’s okay to grow outside of a single topic blog. There is so much contradicting info out there, you know? While I do understand why niche blogs are important, there comes a time when you can’t stay in the shoebox forever. And I agree with you- if it doesn’t feel right, most likely it’s not. I bet others feel it too. I think balance, like everything else in life, is key.
I’m excited to hear more about your cookbook! I love the message! xo
Natasha Minocha says
Yes, there is life beyond food! While that may be our passion, there is till laundry to do, messes to clean, kids to take care of, little things that happen everyday that make us feel happy or sad, I think its lovely to make that connect with your readers.
Good luck love and I really look forward to your chronicles!
xx
Emilie says
Hello Natasha! Absolutely. I think all of these ‘real life’ things contribute to how we cook and live our lives. And it’s interesting to see how others do it. Thank you so much for stopping by to leave feedback, I really appreciate it! x
Anne says
I confess that I sometimes lose interest in single topic blogs and enjoy the ones that give me just a tiny peek into a life that’s different from mine. Looking forward to reading more chronicles.
Emilie says
Hello Anne :) It’s a double edged sword isn’t it? While single topic blogs are important when first establishing yourself online, there comes a point when you have to push the ceiling a bit. I too love blogs that go beyond predictable and offer a sneak peek into the way they live. Like your farm! xo
Sandy Rinks says
I discovered your blog recently via a link from another blog. I was impressed and so I purchased the cookbook. I can’t tell you enough how much I love this book. I have made many things. I told my coworker. She bought it. She told me the other day all the things her and her daughter had cooked from the book and it was alot of recipes! You got me back in the kitchen. That being said there is more to life than food and I would love to hear what else you have to say. I’m all ears!
Emilie says
This comment made my morning. I read it to my husband :) Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I’m happy to hear you like the book, and are open minded to everything else! Hugs! xx
Asha says
Hey Emilie,
Love what you said. There is so much to offer than food. That is the main reason I am active on snapchat for people to see what goes behind the scenes, what we do to even get a post up. I love how we can connect with our blogger friends and others that way.
I am excited for this new chapter my dear. Looking for all sort of fun stuff.
hugs.
xx
Emilie says
Hello Asha! Thank you :) I’ve been thinking about it for a while but made every excuse not to give it all a go. It’s never the right time, you know? But I truly believe that growth is necessary and while recipes will always be the mainstay here, other food/life related topics have a place too. So snapchat: I created an account! But I haven’t posted anything yet. I will follow you. I love the fact that the whole vibe is raw and uncut! xo
Min Kim says
Emilie, I love this! I love your writing, I can tell it truly comes from the heart. I’m hoping to start blogging one day soon and I’m so intimidated about the writing part! I’m looking forward to learning from and about you. Thanks for sharing!
Emilie says
Hi Min! Thank you :) I would LOVE to read your blog, one day. It’s not hard, but it does take time, commitment and serious dedication (I just made the whole thing sound awful, didn’t I?!). PS- I was scrolling through my IG account the other day, all the way back to 2014. And there you were: dobelove88! Remember that?
Min Kim says
Haha! Yes! I actually scrolled down your feed too, to see when I started following you…July 2013! I had no idea what I was really on Instagram for and didn’t know that I could make such wonderful connections with people far away, joined by the passion of cooking great food. I think I miss those days of not having to overthink posts for the audience instead of doing it just for me…but I’m definitely glad to have found you there! xoxo
Irene Matys says
Hello Emilia,
I truly love this. I myself just finally finished and launched my website and new to the blogging world. I am a little nervous as writing is not my strong point But I am hoping in time that I will get more comfortable and express not only my love for good but family and life in general. Can’t wait to get to know you! You have inspired me!
Warmest,
Irene
Xoxo
Emilie says
Spicy Olive! It’s you! Welcome ;) Congratulations on launching your new website. I know it takes a lot of work, especially the back end stuff. And don’t worry about the writing, it’s okay to be nervous. I think we’re all a bit nervous from time to time when we hit the publish button. With time, your style and comfort level will reveal itself and lead the way. It took me years to come out of my shell and I’m still only half out. x
Sabine Klensch says
Emilie, I think that’s a fabulous idea and I look very much forward to the new content (paired with your recipes :)) My personal view but I believe branching out in a blog setting is a great way to connect with your readers and expand their/ our views, enrich thoughts, inspire and just simply share experiences.
Emilie says
Hello my friend! Thank you- I really appreciate you expressing your opinion here. And I agree that discussing a broader range of topics while maintaining relevance to the blog will open our mind to new experiences and ideas :)
Minna Lee says
Love this! As a blogger, I find it difficult to handle some of the invisible restraints that come with trying to stay “on topic.” But our stories are about far more than just recipes and whatnot, and I’m working on my path to honor what I want to share while keeping things cohesive. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to new content!
Emilie says
Hello Minna! Great to see you here :) I think what you said is key, especially the part about keeping the content cohesive. It can be done. Food has many layers and sub topics beyond recipes. But at the end of the day, it all makes sense. Follow your heart and only good things will come! x
Celia Becker says
Hi Emilie, welcome back! As a “Lifestyle” Blogger I blog about a bevy of things from food to travel to home renovation and my life on the lake but have wondered if perhaps I should be more focused. I doubt I’ll change though because that’s me, a diversified person with lots of interests and things I like to share. I’d be delighted to hear things from you that are out-of-the-box. So, go for it!
Celia @ http://www.AfterOrangeCounty.com
Emilie says
Thank you! It’s been a very hectic month ;) I think the ‘right way’ to blog, in my opinion, is very subjective. People read blogs for different reasons. Having a focus is important, but branching out is equally important- there’s a reason why lifestyle blogs exist, you know? I blog about simple, stress-free recipes but really, my approach is an extension of my mindset. And I think including articles that celebrate this philosophy, in addition to recipes, will make sense here, too. x
SallyBR says
Love Celia! She is a very wise woman and so amazingly kind and sweet!
I think it’s great that you intend to expand the types of articles and in fact it is your site, you should really do whatever you feel like
recipes are great, but I think a site becomes even more special when the blogger behind the recipes connects on several levels with the readers
Emilie says
I cannot say enough good things about Celia. She is a gem. And thank you for this comment- I was hesitant to hit the publish button at first, but I knew I had to post. Writing is a force to be reckoned with! I’m excited to see where it all goes… xx