What is the name of your cookbook?

Blending Science with Spices: Tasty Recipes & Nutrition Tips for Healthy Living (Indian, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Is this your first cookbook?

This is my first cookbook.

Did you have a food blog prior to writing your cookbook?

I do not have a food blog now nor did I have one prior to writing and publishing.  However, I had taught Nutrition through Vegetarian Indian cooking for over 10 years during the years my children were growing up.

What compelled you to write a cookbook?

My patients were the driving force behind this project.  I found myself giving the same advise, recipes and tips, over and over again, to my patients and finally decided to go ahead with the project of writing and self-publishing.

What advice do you have for an aspiring cookbook author who wants to self-publish a cookbook?

The advice I would give to an aspiring cookbook author is to buy Julie Beyer’s book.  Julie Beyer, MA, RD, CWPC has self-published You CAN Write a Book: The No-Nonsense Guide to Self-Publishing.  I wasted a lot of time reading lengthy books and articles that got me nowhere.  Here is a short and to the point no-nonsense guide.  www.ic-diet.com.  This book was a big help.  You can read it in one sitting.  Now, you only need the motivation and discipline to go ahead and write.

What was your biggest challenge in writing your cookbook?

The biggest challenge in writing a cookbook was making a commitment and making time to both write and test the recipes as I went along.  I was seeing patients and working while cooking and writing.  It takes discipline and commitment of time but it is all very worth it when you have completed your writing project.

What was your biggest challenge in publishing your cookbook?

With Julie’s book publishing decisions were a breeze.  Very clearly defined pros and cons for various options.  Decision was very easy.

Any thoughts you’d like to share on the marketing and sales of your cookbook?

I am still working on the marketing and sales of the book.  I take every opportunity that comes my way to promote my book.  I take advantage of speaking opportunities to talk and discuss my book.