From Blog to Book
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 12:53PM 
After a recent rifle through my blog, I realised that I have been writing this little thing for nearly two years now. Two years! I’m surprised at how quickly the time has passed and am, on reflection, even more stunned at the amazing events and opportunities that have taken place along the way. A recent article in the Guardian, From Blogs to Books, raised the topic of the number of food bloggers who are finding themselves with book deals. I say ‘finding themselves’, but actually what I mean is: working really hard and putting in their upmost passion, dedication and sheer graft to achieve their dreams. The article queried whether a food blogger could really make the transition from ‘do-it-yourself’ author to a real, full blown food writer, or, whether it is in fact their amateur status that makes them such accessible and appealing authors.
The piece fascinated me, not least because I am completely biased. I am a food blogger and I am also a soon to be published food writer. I am lucky enough to be working with Harper Collins to produce my first cookbook, which is dedicated to intolerance-friendly food (out February 2012 if you’re keen). Despite the current appeal of the blogger to book author, I don’t feel like I am just one of a number or part of a trend. I feel like someone who is totally and utterly passionate about what I do, but also someone who wants to share my experiences with other people – albeit on a grand scale. For me, writing recipes (and indeed this blog) is a way of expanding my knowledge: the more I write, the more I learn. It’s also a way of connecting and sharing, a way of giving and also of taking – I get to hear people’s feedback and see their responses in an immediate form. Most importantly for me, I get to help. When I began writing both the book and the blog (and yes, I wrote them simultaneously, the one feeding the other) I wanted to create a collection of recipes that I wished had been available to me when I first found myself to be intolerant of certain foods. My book is both a response to that situation but also a drive to move things forward, gain awareness and most importantly, create delicious food. I feel passionately about both book and blog: them being a culmination of my perseverance and a way of finding my voice. Whichever comes first seems irrespective of the point: ultimately, they are both ways of sharing in something that can connect people – food, and the great, glorious love of it.
With that in mind I thought I would look back over the last few years of recipes and showcase a handful of the most viewed. I hope you enjoy them and thank you for reading.
Reader Comments (6)
Wow, congratulations on the book! I can't wait to get it and try the recipes :)
Awesome news on the book! Keep up the brilliant work, you deserve all the great things that are happening to you because, er, you and your food ARE GREAT! I'm looking forward to the next two years and the two years after that and the two years after that (you get the point...) :-)
I really like your approach to the book and blog. You can tell that you really care about the subject. Lovely recipes too!
I agree with you that just because people don't have a degree in writing or cooking, doesn't mean they won't be any good. I love the sound of your cookbook. If you ever need any recipe testers I'd love to help. I'm coeliac so the book souonds great!
I so look forward to your book! One day I myself will do the same, I have ordered the book you suggested and await that. It is no wonder you have that book deal with the beautiful food you create! That bakewell tart isa wonder! :)
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