Private Chef, Writer & Podcaster
I’m not a literary snob—I promise. But after reading three self-published books in a row that felt like rough drafts, I have some thoughts. Here’s my honest, slightly sarcastic take on the current state of indie publishing, from a reader who just wants a well-written story that doesn’t need a red pen.
Ever wonder why everyone suddenly claims they’re “allergic to bees”? In this cheeky yet heartfelt take from a chef living with chronic illness, I explore what our bee phobia really says about fear, faith, and city folks who panic at pollen. Spoiler: the bees aren’t the problem.
After 30 years of welcoming others into my home, cooking heartfelt meals and creating warm spaces, I realized I’ve rarely been invited back. This post explores the quiet pain behind one-sided hospitality and the longing to feel like a guest in someone else’s home—especially as a professional chef who just wants to be included.
When you’re a writer with chronic illness juggling deadlines, the last thing you expect is your editor ghosting you mid-contract. This cautionary tale dives into how one “faith-filled” editor turned out to be a crook—and what every writer, especially those managing sarcoidosis or other chronic conditions, can learn about protecting themselves (and their wallet).
When religion divides families, sometimes the kindest thing you can do is stop trying to fix what faith has fractured. As a chef living with chronic illness and a full plate of chaos, I’ve learned that peace is sacred—and you can’t pray someone into respecting your boundaries.
Tate Basildon 