Last year when I interviewed Lorraine Elliott for my Food Writer Friday series, she talked about her memoir (with favourite recipes) that would be coming out later in the year. Well as things happen, it didn’t happen for various reasons but the date has finally been announced.
On April 24th, the book will finally be launched.
If you didn’t know me last year and don’t know Lorraine Elliott (you’d be in a distinct minority), you can see the post I wrote about Lorraine and NotQuiteNigella.com on Food Writer Friday. Make sure you follow her blog posts because you won’t want to miss any posts.
You’ll get to know Mr. NQN and all the wonderful friends that come alive in the pages of her blog. I’m still trying to decide which of her “besties” I want to meet most. At the moment it’s a tie between Queen Viv and Miss America.
The synopsis of her book says that she’s writing what could be the memoir for Generation X – those who had it all and gave it up to follow their dream. I’ll agree with that but what that synopsis doesn’t tell us is the amount of passion, guts and determination it took to bring a blog business from nothing to one of the best in the country. Anyone who has a blog works really long hours to get everything all done.
When I think about how much I work, I shudder to think about the hours Lorraine puts in. The woman posts every. single. day. of. the. year. My fingers hurt only thinking about it. Just optimising the photos alone would take a while.
For instance, look at the amount of time she must have spent making these cookies for her blog. I would have spent more than a day and they would have looked good but how much work would I have backed up? Lots.
I saw a notice in one of Lorraine’s posts last week about a book update and immediately went to buy it pre-launch to make sure I got mine. THEN I wrote to her and asked if I could write a few words and use her book cover. She said yes. Then I asked if I could ask her some questions. (I figured I got one yes, why not go for two.)
Again, she said yes. I know we’re all wondering how long it takes to write and put together a cookbook or memoir like Lorraine has. She did it in a few months. I gasped when I read that because everyone I’ve talked to about a book says it takes forever. Her reason why it took a short time? “It’s a memoir so I had no plots to work out.” We all know she must love to write in order to produce over 4200 pages on her website. That’s right, 4 thousand pages of text and photos.
The main reason the book was delayed was that the real Nigella was coming to Australia and the publisher thought a chapter about the meeting would be great for the book. When the book launch was put off, Lorraine was really disappointed but it gave her time to look at it again and polish it just a bit more.
Want to know how to get a book deal like this? First you have to be incredibly good at what you do and when that happens a literary agent will call you and ask for a chapter and he or she will schlep it around to publishers and hope someone takes the bait. Some people wait months just to get the slip of paper that says thanks but no thanks but Lorraine’s book was picked up in just a couple of days. Then another one made an offer and there was a bidding war with little Lorraine sitting back twisting her fingers into knots. (I made that bit up but from reading her blog for so long, I know I’m right.)
Sadly, due to economic pressure, there will not be a book launch where she’ll sign our books but she is speaking at the Sydney Writer’s Festival and will be happy to sign books for anyone who brings one along.
Want to order a book pre-launch so you’ll be sure to get one? I ordered mine from Bookworld and now I’ll watch the mailbox for delivery.
**Update: Anyone outside Australia who wants to buy Lorraine’s Book can do so by emailing: United Book Distributors.
Amazing story, isn’t it? I love that you told it so very well, Maureen, n a way that only you can do. x
awww, aren’t you sweet, Rhu!
This is a lovely review Maureen and I share your amazement and awe at the work that goes in to getting projects like this running, never mind the blogs behind them operating so well, so consistently, all the time, and with such beautiful images! The title of the book is brilliant and probably sums things up for a lot of us; I’ll certainly keep an eye out for it post-release.
I know what you mean. I have such admiration for bloggers who do really well because being on top isn’t an accident or fluke
Hi Maureen, what a great story! Every success to Lorraine. Despite the hard work, she obviously enjoys what she does – fabulous.
I can’t imagine anyone having a better time with her job than Lorraine 🙂
Wow, every single day! Now that is something. Maureen, thanks so much for your reveal on Lorraine… I think we are all looking forward to her book… and aren’t those embroidery cookies something else!
I know. I could only hope to post more often than I do.
I feel privileged to have become a friend of Lorraine’s. She certainly is not only a talent but a pioneer of turning a blog into a book. It’s a shame there won’t be a launch – it seems a trivial cost for a book we all know is going to do so well xx
Even more than all her business acumen and talent, she’s a funny, caring and helpful person. You’re right though, she needs a proper launch.
Congratulations to Lorraine on her amazing accomplishment!! That is something to truly toast to. Cheers!!!
oh absolutely. I’ll go get my glass 🙂
It’s an awesome story and you are right, it takes a lot to find success as a blogger – Lorraine has done incredibly well for herself!
She’s coming to the Sunshine Coast soon and we’ll have a proper chinwag. Maybe she’ll share secrets!
So fun to read this post. Did you know that I virtually adopted Lorraine and now I’m her mum? I have to figure out how to download the ebook next week.
oh goodness, I should have noted the similarity 🙂 I don’t think this is an e-book. Lorraine’s book is a proper sit on the shelf book with paper.
I adore Lorraine too, her blog is one I look forward to reading every day. She is approachable and her writing style makes her instantly likable, notwithstanding that she is a downright lovely person! And as busy as she is, she comments in every post I write, and I cannot even come close to how much I appreciate that. Thanks for the link Maureen, I’m going to re read it. I’m so glad you’re back to the food writers series.
What a sweet comment. Thanks Eva. Lorraine writes as if we are all her best friend.
I just wish I could get my hands on one. It seems that it’s a Aussie only launch. Don’t they know there’s people from all over reading Lorraine’s blog? Those cookies are amazing. GG
They do ship outside Australia but it won’t be cheap. Books here are expensive.
You capture Lorraine’s story so beautifully my friend – I have put her cookbook down on my Christmas list, undoubtedly it is a must have! 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
you have such patience, Uru! I couldn’t wait for Christmas 🙂
Extremely cool post. Who doesn’t know Lorraine’s blog? I’m sure her book is incredible, and will do well. Thanks for writing about this!
I hope there’s a way to get it to the US without having to ship each copy
Isn’t she just wonderful? I adore her. So nice of you to write about her, M! xx
Even people who’ve been in the same room with her for long periods of time love her! 🙂
Loved reading this post, I’ve only recently got on board the NQN bandwagon and what a cooking and blogging inspiration she is!
she’s almost addictive 🙂
Hi Maureen – I’ve heard of NQN but must admit I’ve never checked her out (afaik). I’m smitten with those embroidery cookies… I can’t begin to think how freaking LONG those must have taken. I’d be there all day (nay, all weekend) and there’d be icing everywhere and then I’d finish up by smashing them to bits in a rage and chucking them in the trash because such delicate work is not my strong point, haha 😀
you must, Charles, she’s a dynamo in a small package 🙂
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your kind words 😀 I’m blushing! Maureen, I dearly hope that we can meet up, I feel I know you already but it would be great to meet up in person! xxx
Great review! I’ll have to look for that book!
She sounds like an extraordinary woman and blogger. That embroidery cookies is exquisite.
it would be too pretty to eat but I’d do my best 🙂
She does such a fantastic job and I love that you chose those cookies to feature. They are my favorite thing she’s made. 🙂
Krista, the first time I saw those embroidery cookies the top of my head sprung off.
I can imagine the disappointment when the book was delayed and that there is no launch but that is the publishing business these days. I am sure it will be super popular among the blogging circles and that will help it on its way when it comes out. Fantastic cookies and she looks like such a lovely, vibrant person.
And you’ve got a terrific new book out, Suzanne for those who have to be careful what they eat. I’m writing about that very soon!
Maybe she can have a 10,000 copies sold party instead? Then we can all go! I’m so excited for Lorraine!
just a few more to go then, Claire! 🙂
Lorraine was the one to lead me to blogworld and foodie blogs especially some three years ago. It has become a part of my life and I’ll always be grateful for that! The book postponement was inevitable – I do not really think that a lack of book launch as such will make any difference as her thousands of readers come worldwide and many could not have been present. I wish her offering to have the bestest of luck an good fortune and shall continue to have almost daily fun on her pages . . . .God bless, beautiful lady !
wow, that’s a great story. I just wish she had a launch so other people who didn’t know and love her could learn more about her.
Oh myyyy she is amazing she has such a great hand, congrats Lorraine.
Lovely to see you and I’m still swooning over that little kitten!
What a nice story and congratulations to Lorraine for her accomplishments. Thank you, Maureen for sharing this kind of stories. I really loved it.
Thanks, Ray, so nice to see you and thanks for the comment!
I can’t wait to read her book – she is one of my favorite bloggers! Thanks so much Maureen for highlighting the book and her blog – very nice job!
Lorraine has friends everywhere 🙂
I love Lorraine’s blog, so fun to hear more about her book. I can’t wait to read it, she’s an extremely talented writer!
Only 9 more sleeps 🙂
Its very exciting isn’t it?. She does amaze me , just how much she fits in. I wish I knew how. Her words are fresh each and every day, another thing I wish I knew how to do. She’s fabulous.
I know, Tania. Haven’t you just wanted to say just one, “Give me some of whatever she’s on?” 🙂
What a beautiful post dedicated to a beautiful lady x
Those embroidery cookies are beyond me! Just wow…
Wow – I can’t imaging posting every day. I have a hard time posting twice a week! I’m off to go visit Lorraine’s blog. It sounds amazing.
Maureen, I absolutely adore this post . . . first of all it is so WELL WRITTEN, something I look for in the blogs that I choose to follow (since I’m an academic published author, this is a really big deal to me to look for in blogs). I am so glad that I’ve read this and will look for Lorraine’s book. I thoroughly enjoy your blog so much and look forward to more of your great work and insights!
All the best,
Roz
oh my, Roz, what a wonderful thing to say to someone. I’m going to walk around today doing the superior dance for sure. Just call me church lady. (from very old saturday night live)
I am always greatly impressed with the ability of some people to find time for everything. Thumbs up to you and your amazing hobbies and lifestyle!
Thanks Jack, she is really something special!
I cannot wait to read her book!!!!!! Her blog is really fun to read and her writing is very good, the materials that she blog about is excellent in each post too. Very detailed. I know she works really hard for each post, and finally it’s all paid off. Looking forward to the book!
Me too. Not many more days to wait!
This will be a fun cookbook! She is so talented!
Hi Claire! Thanks so much for stopping by!
GREAT write up, TRUE!
Only 6 more days until her book is launched; pre-orders being taking now too!
Lorraine has been SO inspirational, supportive too!
Indirectly, I have Lorraine to thank for the creation of my blog and a future project that I am VERY EXCITED and PASSIONATE about too!
Cheers! Joanne
Joanne you are such a wonderful person to leave such a nice comment. I’m sure Lorraine will be thrilled when she reads it.
G’day and thank you Maureen!
I always believe in giving a compliment when a compliment is due too!
I share my sentiments with Lorraine and all as life is simply too short not to do!
Should you or anyone wish to read more about my Nomination of Lorraine/Not Quite Nigella’s Blog
http://whatsonthelist.net/2013/03/02/blog-of-the-year-2012-%E2%98%863-not-quite-nigella/
Hope you have a great day too!
Cheers! Joanne
I was just coming from Lorraine’s blog and I noticed her post being written every single day. So when I read this post, wow you and I are thinking alike. 😀 I just can’t stop thinking ‘how can Lorraine do that?’ She must only sleep like 1-2 hours, right? It’s incredible!! And she worked on her first book at the same time!!!
Sue, not only does she post every day, travels around the world constantly and visits every restaurant she sees, Lorraine answers every comment, tweet and facebook post she gets. Every one. She must be down to half an hour of sleep by now.