'The Unorthodox Epicure' Is Exactly That
"A dads gotta do what a dads gotta do" and Adam J. Holland is doing life his way. He seems to have a pretty adventurous and supportive family to boot. This high-energy fella is not your average bear by a long shot, although he swears that he is no more outrageous than the usual father. I beg to differ and you will too.
Adam jumps off the page in The Unorthodox Epicure, which he writes from his home in an RV -- yes, you heard me. This former news reporter and editor, who once grew dwarf citrus trees for a living, is anything but conventional. In fact, he’s downright quirky -- one of my favorite descriptives for any person - which makes him extremely interesting, not unlike the cuisine he shares through his blog and its added featured titled “The RV Chronicles”.
Check his interview out, below, and prepare to be monumentally delighted and gastronomically entertained.
What is your full name?
Adam J. Holland
Briefly describe you and your life, including where you live, children (if any), and whatever else you would like to share?
I live in an RV down by Galveston Bay — at least for another year, or so. These 300 square feet are also inhabited by my wife Catherine, our 17-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. It's been such an experience that I've been writing special cooking/essay installments on my website called 'The RV Chronicles.' (Hopefully our house will sell soon and we can start shopping for a real house!)
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Unorthodox.
What is your personal mantra?
I'm leaving footprints. (And they should be positive.)
Share the name of your blog as well as the date it was launched.
The Unorthodox Epicure: Confessions of an Aspiring Food Snob. I launched it in June, 2011.
Explain what compelled you to begin blogging.
I began this as a personal project to chronicle family stories, recipes and other anecdotes that would be of no interest except to those who share our last names. Before I knew it, there were plenty of folks stopping by to read my stories. Who knew that most families are as weird as mine?
Share with us the primary focus of your blog and what you hope to accomplish through it.
Our stories remain my focus. And the way we eat, of course.
List any awards you may have won.
I'm different in that I don't have an 'I'm proud of me' wall. I've been Freshly Pressed (WordPress) a few times and I've been featured on several national websites (HuffPost, NBC Today...to name a couple) and was featured on Food Blog Radio. But, even as a career (professional) writer, the biggest honor for me has always been the responses I receive from my audience.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
I've done very little brand ambassadorship. A big reason for that is — I'm picky. Very picky. At the moment, Stubb's (the BBQ sauce people) is the only company I plug.
Which social media outlet works best for your public relations/marketing efforts? (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc)
Confession: I use all of them, and I'm not very effective in the way I employ my efforts. Facebook, for example, yields very few click-throughs on my website and I'm probably the one to blame, since I tend to hang out there with my fans, versus making more of an effort to get them to The Unorthodox Epicure. I get more referrals from Pinterest than all other mediums combined.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to anyone interested in beginning a blog?
Do it for yourself and no one else.
Share some names of favorite blogs you follow.
I'm a reader, so there are many. A few of my absolute favorites are: Dixie Chik Cooks; Ally's Kitchen; Taking on Magazines; Pass the Sushi; and A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis. There are so many stories out there and they are all intriguing in one way or another.
Beyond being a blogger, are you an entrepreneur, professional or business owner? If so, please explain.
I'm a school PR guy. But I've been a newspaper reporter, radio news man, editor and (wait for it) a farmer. Yep. Between 1999 and 2006 I operated a dwarf citrus tree farm in northeast Texas. We shipped all over the country and were featured on 'Regis & Kelly' and as a centerpiece in the July 2001 edition of Family Circle Magazine. I was an entrepreneur alright, but I figured out way too late that a successful business must bring in more than it spends. Lesson learned.
Share a social cause or cause-based organization close to your heart.
I'm an Eagle Scout, so the Boy Scouts of America have always been close to my heart. But, all of my money goes to local backpack programs, which help feed children.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
I'd be happy just to know I'll be remembered.
A one-of-a-kind writer and foodie who presses the reset button on food blogging, Adam Holland’s unique menu will keep you reading. And his eclectic manner will keep you wanting more -- the hallmark of a true creative genius and, in this case, epicurean.