"Give a Piece a Chance." — Books. Blog. Pie Classes. And a Pinch of Activism.
Since I have had no time to write, here’s a glimpse into Week Two of the “Pie Across the Nation” RV Book Tour in the form of a video. Thanks to Ari Cheren — this week’s co-“pielot” driving The Beast — who is also a field producer. He’s worked on shows including “Amazing Race” and … Read more
The RV Book Tour for Making Piece is underway. The Beast, with its new decals that read “Pie Across the Nation” and “Honk if you love pie,” has logged 2,000 miles so far — which translates as about six tanks of gas. We have crossed six states — Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and, finally, … Read more
My book (or my baby, depending on how you look at it) has arrived! It was born healthy, a robust 10 ounces (or whatever a 320-page hardcover book weighs) and so far everyone is telling me how much they love my new arrival. PHEW! So I’m going to stop focusing on the bitter and hold tightly … Read more
It’s hard to believe my book–my first one–will be in stores on Tuesday. That’s just two more days! I’ve been through a roller coaster of emotions, seemingly even more extreme ups and downs lately, during this path to getting published. I’ve said before: this must be what having a baby is like. Getting a book … Read more
In honor of National Pi Day (March 14)–not to be mistaken with National Pie Day (January 23)–I thought I would post a sort of “guest blog” by fellow pie worshiper Carolynn Carreno. As you will read in her wonderful blog post below, we met through an article she wrote for the LA TIMES, a mere … Read more
Sue and her daughters with their piping hot apple pies.American Gothic House, August, 11, 2011 Dear Sue, I just got back from your funeral. It was a full house at the Catholic church you attended. You were attending today alright. Just not in the way you would have liked. You would have approved of the … Read more
What? You thought I traveled all the way to South Africa for a vacation? Think again. I am not the kind of person who can sit on a beach for a week (though sometimes I wish I was). The purpose of my trip two and a half continents away from Iowa was two-fold. One: to … Read more
That’s me, Jack Iken. I like sticks. A lot. My mom is packing her suitcase. The big one this time, not the small weekend bag. I don’t like it when my mom leaves. But she needs to take a break from her long days at the computer. She works too much (and doesn’t throw the … Read more
Like a Miss America pageant, only pie. I had forgotten what an individual expression pie can be. I get so used to making my same old classic apple pie, stuck on my soapbox preaching “keep it simple” and “I don’t like to have to follow a recipe.” Apple is certainly delicious pie, but when I … Read more
Jack & Daisy. “We’re dogs, not deer. Please don’t shoot us.” I used to live in Venice, California in a neighborhood referred to as “The Hood.” A transitional neighborhood, this is an area where young hipsters can afford to buy fixer-uppers, nudging gang members out of their dwellings, one half-a-million-dollar house at a time. Even … Read more