I had a grand scheme to blog about cellophane noodles (the 2nd installment of noodles 101) while at the Greenbrier Food Writers Symposium this week. But there's little time and energy left at the end of the day. This is one of the premier food writers symposium in the nation and a small group gets together to learn and exchange information and know-how. Given the current economic situation (it's stalled), discussions have focused upon: How does a writer make a living in this economy? What opportunities are out there with new media?
We also talk at length about the craft of writing: it's like exercise and you have to regular practice to stay in shape and excel. This is my first time here and I was invited as a speaker, along with esteemed people such as Michael Ruhlman, Martha Holmberg, Russ Parsons, Andrew Schloss, Amelia Saltsman, Ann Pittman, and David Joachim.
The resort is absolutely lovely with decor that I can only describe as
tasteful American baroque. Let's say the living room walls in my
cottage are painted a delicate shade of pink. So aside from the symposium sessions, I find myself fascinated by The Greenbrier (pronounced green-bry-are) magnificent carpets, furnishings, wall paper and U.S. presidential memorabilia.
We've been eating well (you never starve at professional food events) but I've missed eating Vienamese, nevertheless. Last week, I popped over to peruse photojournalist Penny De Los Santos's remarkable photos from her trip to Vietnam and tonight I did it again. Sometimes you can't actually eat the food but you can savor the flavors with your eyes. Check Penny's photography out here:
Gastronomer says
That sounds like a conference I'd like to sit in on! How DO writers make it in this economy?
Andrea Nguyen says
Cathy, that's the $100M question! It's sometimes good to chat with like-minded people. You are not alone.
Brooke says
It's been wonderful reading up on what all of you writers (Ruhlman esp.) thought about the Greenbrier event. I've been loving your writing for quite some time, but your recent article in Saveur compels me to gush a little...
You are an incredible writer that inspires great food writing! Thank you for writing so beautifully!
Andrea Nguyen says
Brooke, your gushing gets me blushing! Thanks for the kind words and support.
Beats by Dr Dre says
There is a growing worldwide awareness of the need for strengthened environmental protection .
marlon says
That sounds like a conference I'd like to sit in on! How DO writers make it in this economy?