We recently connected with Natalia Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Natalia , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Everything I publish is meaningful, in the sense that it’s thought out and edited before anything gets done. Whether it’s a recipe or a worldbuilding post, everything I share on Tastes of Tamriel/Talviel’s Kitchen is created with what I have in mind rather than what I think the audience wants (that never goes well.) At the end of the day the most important work you’ll produce is that which shows your passion for the subject- so write for yourself.

My most meaningful projects to date would probably have to be my cookbook collaboration with Scrolls N Sketchbooks, publishing my independent Tamrielic Worldbuilding Compendium, and video collaborations on YouTube with Imperial Knowledge and Quench Quest.

Natalia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Natalia Lee, known online as Talviel of the popular Elder Scrolls recipe and worldbuilding blog, Tastes of Tamriel (tastesoftamriel.tumblr.com) and Talviel’s Kitchen (Instagram/Facebook). I started Tastes of Tamriel in 2017 as a place to store my Elder Scrolls-related “depression meal” recipes. Seven years later, I have collaborated with artists and creators, contributing my expertise as a recipe writer and worldbuilder.

I am a social anthropologist, and am currently a PhD candidate conducting research in the UK and Norway. My blog, while being primarily for entertainment purposes, has been rooted firmly in anthropology. Whether it’s recipes from around the world or worldbuilding posts inspired by real-world cultures, my blog is a place made for learning for fun.

What sets Tastes of Tamriel apart from the official cookbook and other similar content creators is the strong network I’ve built over the years. I have an amazing fanbase who give back as much as I give them. It’s a very special relationship to have with your fans, and I’m so proud to have cultivated this community of amazing people who love The Elder Scrolls and food as much as I do!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To be honest, I have several goals that keep me going with Tastes of Tamriel after all these years.

Firstly, I believe that education should be free and easily accessible. I use Tastes of Tamriel as a platform to share public anthropology and raise awareness about the field and its contributions. While you are very much stepping into the fictional world of Tamriel when you enter my blog, there is a lot to learn!

Secondly, nothing makes this blog more rewarding than hearing positive feedback from fans. I’ve had people write in saying how I’ve helped them with eating and sensory disorders, depression, and more. If I can make one person’s day better, then I’m doing alright.

Finally, the ultimate goal here is to have fun and keep things fresh after seven years. I’ve changed a lot in that time and my fanbase has too. As long as we’re still having fun, then Tastes of Tamriel has a long future ahead of it.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m currently doing my PhD, and for the bulk of my time authoring Tastes of Tamriel, I have been in higher education. Balancing a popular blog alongside two degrees and now a third one has definitely been a challenge and it takes a lot of flexibility and determination to keep going.

When I moved to the UK in late 2017 to start my BA, I had no idea how popular Tastes of Tamriel was about to become. While I wanted to prioritise it, ultimately I realised that I had to put my studies first and instead work around that schedule for my blog.

It’s exhausting, but being flexible and being determined will get you through any life changes.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tastesoftamriel.tumblr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talvielskitchen?igsh=bW56dW9zMzdydnJ0
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Talviel