When someone mentions the custom of afternoon tea, my thoughts often go back to sharing tea with childrenÂ’s author Tasha Tudor in her country home many years ago. I was an aspiring young writer at that time, and this well known childrenÂ’s author/illustrator invited me to meet with her to discuss writing.

Why she decided to make time for me in her busy schedule, I'll never know. However I'll always be grateful for that lovely afternoon and the encouragement Tasha Tudor gave me which kept me going when I sometimes wondered if I'd become a published childrenÂ’s author/illustrator.

Tea at the Fireplace

Tasha Tudor heated the water in a tea kettle hung on a crane in the large fireplace of her rustic living room. Once the water had boiled and we waited for the tea to steep in the pot, the author made cinnamon toast on a rack over the fire.

When my parents, who were visiting from another state, stopped to pick me up after their drive around the countryside, Tasha Tudor insisted they come in for a cup of tea.

That was one of the highlights of my momÂ’s life, too...tea with an author.

As I've become a published author, I've always remembered the time Tasha Tudor spent with me that fall afternoon and have tried to encourage beginningwriters, too. She's an example of a author who unselfishly gave of her time and knowledge to a fledgling writer.

Her encouragement, and words of caution about the tough times, helped keep me going when I wondered if I'd ever be published.

(c)2001 Mary Emma Allen

Recommended Reading

Our history on Tasha

Books Available:

Pumpkin Moonshine: Tasha's first published book-available on Amazon.com. (click title).

The Private World of Tasha Tudor

by Tasha Tudor, Richard W. Brown (Contributor)

Available on Amazon.com. (click title).

Tasha Tudor's Garden

by Tovah Martin, Richard W. Brown (Photographer)

HIGHLY Recommended! Available on Amazon.com (click title).

Drawn from New England

by Bethany Tudor

Biography of Tasha's life written by her daughter

Available on Amazon.com. (click title).

The Tasha Tudor Cookbook:

Recipes and Reminiscences from Corgi Cottage

by Tasha Tudor

Available on Amazon.com. (click title).