Your first book, Farmer Jane: Women Changing the Way We Eat, is set to be released May 1.  What is it like to have your first book published?

It's like having a baby, but a book baby. I know it sounds funny but many authors talk about the process of birthing a book, of letting it out into the world. Once you have an ISBN number, your book will live foreverish. 

Why did you choose to write a book?  What was it that encouraged you to write it?

I'm a storyteller. I've finally accepted it. A book is one way to tell the stories of our food via the inspiring life tales of amazing, and ordinary individuals that are making a big difference in the world through their everyday lives. Before the book, I was telling the story of food by helping people access farmers and information for eating locally. Now, it's bigger. Between the book and the website, I could tell stories full time! There has been so much interest in these stories that several other organizations will be re-publishing them on their websites. As our society gets more digital, people are seeking out the more "tangible essence" of living. 

How does your book relate to the work of Women’s Earth Alliance?

Women's Earth Alliance started me on my path of honing in on women as central to healthy communities, a more healthful environment, and a more healthful food system. I attended the first meeting of WEA in 2006 and recently attended the India delegation. WEA has opened new doors and windows and I'll forever be an ally. 

You profile 30 women who have made significant contributions to sustainable food in America.  Are there particular stories from these women that stand out to you?  Are there one or two that really inspired you?

All of them inspire me! A few that really get me fired up are Mily Trevino Sauceda - farm worker movement, Judy Wicks - business practices, and Lois Ellen Frank - food historian and chef. Mily opened my eyes that we still use child laborers in our fields, Judy, that sustainable food can be a viable business, and Lois for her articulation of the "tangible essence of food," that I reference before. But really, all of the women wouldn't have been chosen had they not dedicated their life's work to changing how our country eats and farms in a truly unique and inspiring way!

What happens next for you?  Where does this book take you?  And how can we follow along?

I'm using the book as a platform to continue profiling women throughout the country (via the website), and through events as I travel around to promote the book. You can follow what I'm up to by going to the website / blog to see the progression. I'm really looking forward to finding any excuse possible to celebrate women in the sustainable food movement. I'm completely inspired by them and there are so many stories to tell. I'm also just seeing where this takes me. I have another book proposal to write, am interested in farming myself, and have so many fun events and organizations I'm getting involved in. I'm considering turning Farmer Jane into a non-profit to be able to raise money for all of these women in food through the book and media.