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Food Blogging Tips – Good Books

October 23, 2014 by Maureen 51 Comments

During a casual chat with a Twitter friend, she asked me what helped me the most in nurturing Orgasmic Chef.  It didn’t take me very long to say, “I have three books that combined are the bible for me.”

She was surprised that I would mention hard copy books rather than websites and asked what the books were that made up this 3-volume food blogging bible.  The truth is, there’s no secret at all.  Most accomplished food writers and even those of us who are hoping to become accomplished, all own these three books.  Even Charlie wants to get into this writing business!

Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob

I bought this first book from the author at my first Eat Drink Blog conference in Adelaide a couple of years ago.  Yes, I’m talking about Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob.  Dianne is a writing coach, freelance writer and guest speaker who takes no prisoners when talking about writing.  If she thinks you’ve written something stupid, she doesn’t sugarcoat her advice.  I love that about her.  We’ll never get better with advice that makes us feel good.

She has had a long career as editor-in-chief of a publishing company, editor-in-chief of a city magazine and before that she was a VP of a public relations firm specializing in print publicity.  Dianne has several degrees in journalism, so we can read her book with full confidence that she knows what she’s talking about.

Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin

The second book probably sits dog-eared on many a food blogger’s bookshelf.  Mine certainly looks that way.  Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin is the book I turn to if I have a photography question.  Helene’s writing is easy to read and even easier to understand.  She was born in the mountains of Provence in France and moved to the United States in the late 90s.

She is Senior Photographer for Oxmoor House, the cookbook division of Time, Inc and blogs at the popular Tartlette. Her photographs are not only beautiful, they also tell a story. Sometimes it’s just a piece of grated cheese casually placed on a plate and I can imagine myself grating cheese over the dish.

Food Styling by Delores Custer

Finally, Food Styling by Delores Custer is written for the professional food stylist but the ideas, tips and tricks really get my attention.  I know I don’t do half of the things she recommends but the book is fairly new on my shelf. I’m getting there!

Food Styling is not an inexpensive book but who’s going to give away secrets they’ve worked a lifetime to develop for next to nothing?  Nobody.

Delores has been a professional freelance food stylist since 1978.  Her work has been seen in most of the best food magazines and she’s often asked to teach courses in food styling and recipe writing.  She also does demonstrations for students at The Culinary Institute of America as well as other culinary schools around the world.

I’ve learned from Pixel to Plate to keep all my props organized and handy.  Here’s what it looks like under the stairs at my house.  The next photo is my stash of fabrics, napkins and tablecloths.  I put them on the rods so I don’t have to keep ironing them.  I need a better solution so if you have any ideas, I’m all ears.

under the stairs prop room

fabric storage

During my conversation with Sarah, my friend on Twitter, she asked me if I’d ever shared these books on my blog and it was a ‘duh’ moment.  I suppose I initially assume everyone knows more than I do so I don’t need to share.  Her advice was that I should write this post.  If you all own these books, terrific.  If not, you might add one to your Christmas gift list.

I have linked the book titles to Bookworld here in Australia as a favour to them.  When Lorraine Elliott’s book, Not Quite Nigella, came out I pre-ordered my friend’s book so I could get my sticky fingers on it first.  Bookworld got the book to me within 24 hours.  You might think that’s no big deal but my experience with Australian booksellers before Bookworld was that I could order from the states and get a book faster than I could from Australia.

Filed Under: Blogging Tagged With: food blogging tips

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Comments

  1. Louise says

    October 23, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    Hi Maureen,
    Thank you so much for generously sharing these books and advice. Kudos to Sarah for sparking the conversation:)

    Reply
  2. Krista says

    October 23, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    What excellent recommendations, Maureen! I’ve not read any of them, so you’ve really piqued my interest. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Amanda (@lambsearshoney) says

    October 23, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Thanks for sharing your inspirations, Maureen.
    I was thrilled that Dianne agreed to come to Adelaide as I’d been a fan for some time – she’s just gold!

    Reply
  4. Mel @ The cook's notebook says

    October 23, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    Great post! I’ve been coveting the food styling book for many years and should just go and get it. The other two are also on my bookshelf, but have not been read as much as they should have. Love your props storage – what about a clothes rack for your linens? I really need to get myself sorted with a photography space.

    Reply
  5. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    October 23, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    What a helpful post! And thank you so much for the lovely mention too, you’re such a sweet heart Maureen! xxx

    Reply
  6. Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says

    October 23, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    I have all three of these books on my bookshelf. We’re just two peas in a pod. The only other one that really helped me, being a dummy about all of this stuff, was Blogging for Dummies.

    Reply
  7. gloria says

    October 23, 2014 at 10:58 pm

    I love a these books Maureen ! Sounds amazing.
    I have someones but more little
    But I will try to buy some of these:)

    Reply
  8. Gourmet Getaways says

    October 24, 2014 at 1:00 am

    Great books and nice setup you got there! I love that dog!

    Gourmet Getaways

    Reply
  9. Liz says

    October 24, 2014 at 1:13 am

    Such terrific resources! I need to purchase that food styling book ASAP!

    Reply
  10. Vicki Bensinger says

    October 24, 2014 at 1:50 am

    Great suggestions Maureen. I have those books as well plus many more. Of all I think Will Write For Food helped me most. I still struggle with my photos mainly because I think I need someone to sit with me and show me. I’m a visual learner. Denise Vivaldo also has some great tips on food styling.

    Reply
  11. Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says

    October 24, 2014 at 2:25 am

    Interesting post, Maureen. I have From Pixel to Plate and love it. I have my props all organized but rather idiotically have all my cloths and napkins etc folded so I have to whip out the iron if I want to use them. Great idea to store them on rods – now why didn’t I think of that!

    Reply
  12. SallyBR says

    October 24, 2014 at 3:04 am

    Ok, it is now done. I have officially developed intense blogging inferiority complex….

    YOU ROCK!!!!!

    Reply
  13. Suzy @ The Mediterranean Dish says

    October 24, 2014 at 3:19 am

    Maureen, I loved reading this post! Being new, I can use these books. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Nicole says

    October 24, 2014 at 3:53 am

    I couldn’t agree more with these three books. I remember the day I got my Food Styling book, I didn’t put it down for weeks! Dianne’s book is amazing and I’ve read it cover to cover at least 3 times. I am only partially through Plate to Pixel but so far I love it. I have a digital copy I really think I need to just buy the darn book. It makes a huge difference.
    GREAT recommendations!!

    Reply
  15. Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says

    October 24, 2014 at 3:53 am

    I want to get my hands on the Plate to Pixel book – a very generous post Maureen – thanks for sharing and what wise dog Charlie is and how helpful he must be:)

    Reply
  16. Mary Frances says

    October 24, 2014 at 4:08 am

    Great selection Maureen! In the past, I had hired Delores for many a photo shoot. She is delightful to work with and a lovely lady. I recently ran into her teaching a class. Next time I see her, I’ll tell her about you!!

    Reply
  17. Mary Frances says

    October 24, 2014 at 4:09 am

    ooops – forgot to check my Comment luv!

    Reply
  18. John@Kitchen Riffs says

    October 24, 2014 at 4:14 am

    Excellent post! I love your suggestions. I don’t have Diane Jacob’s book, but I have the other two — both are great. Food Styling for Photographers by Linda Bellingham and Jean Ann Bybee is also very good. Much less detailed than Delores Custer’s book, but also has a bit more hands-on photography discussion.

    Reply
  19. Carol at Wild Goose Tea says

    October 24, 2014 at 5:36 am

    I was unaware of these books. I am a reader. Very very very interesting.

    Reply
  20. Veronica (Roni) says

    October 24, 2014 at 5:42 am

    Thanks heaps Maureen…just what we needed. I am also doing it blind, so your sharing is a little bit of gold :)) Have a honey of a day … cheers Roni xx

    Reply
  21. Choc Chip Uru says

    October 24, 2014 at 5:47 am

    That food styling book is SO good 😀
    I know zilch about it, I just put it somewhere and hope for the best 😛

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  22. A_Boleyn says

    October 24, 2014 at 5:47 am

    Another of the many reasons I don’t start a blog. It’s just too much work 🙂

    Reply
  23. Celia says

    October 24, 2014 at 6:14 am

    That’s interesting to know about Bookworld, thanks M. I’ve never ordered from them before! I actually don’t own any books related to blogging at all, maybe I should get some.. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Lizzy (Good Things) says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:22 am

    Excellent post, Maureen! I have a couple of the books you mention…. I think I need to get my hands on that food styling one too!

    Reply
  25. Roberta says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:30 am

    I have a feeling that these three books are a Master’s level college course on food blogging. Thank you millions and millions. You are not only an outstanding food blogger you are a great and priceless friend. Blessings.

    Reply
  26. Hotly Spiced says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:17 am

    This is so helpful, Maureen. As food bloggers those are the ‘trinity’ of things that make up what we do – writing, photography and styling. Definitely styling is my biggest issue. I need to get that book xx

    Reply
  27. Norma Chang says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:51 am

    I am not familiar with any of the books but am definitely going to get familiar with them real soon as I need all the help I can get. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  28. Anna @ shenANNAgans says

    October 24, 2014 at 11:03 am

    Fantastic post, and brilliant recommendations. Thanks for sharing! Love your photo setup too.

    Reply
  29. easyfoodsmith says

    October 24, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    Thanks for this post Maureen. I need to get two of these books. I bought Plate to Pixel a few years back and I too learnt about importance of props in the life of a food blogger from Helene.

    Reply
  30. Joanne T Ferguson says

    October 24, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    G’day! I was not familiar with these books either Maureen, so thanks for allowing me to learn something new and laughed about ordering the book from the states as was quicker!
    Cheers! Joanne

    Reply
  31. Helene D'Souza says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    I have two of the above books and I obviously love them. I still want to get food styling though. Interesting to see how you have been working. I wish I had a place where I could store the props etc, they accumulate fast, although I am not a big buyer of things.

    Reply
  32. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    This is a helpful post, Maureen. Thanks for the book recommendations!

    Reply
  33. ela@GrayApron says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    No, I don’t own any of these so thanks for sharing. I love your “behind the scenes” photo!

    Reply
  34. cheri says

    October 24, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    HI Maureen, great post, I certainly could use help in all areas. Thanks for the recommendations!

    Reply
  35. movita beaucoup says

    October 24, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    I adore Plate to Pixel! Such a great book – even for those not photographing food! I recommend it to everyone.

    Reply
  36. Sandra - The Foodie Affair says

    October 25, 2014 at 3:45 am

    Great recommendations, Maureen! I think I’ll splurge and buy a book or two. Heck, why not all three! I actually prefer paper books instead of online reading. Nothing like ear markings your own book 🙂

    Reply
  37. Claire @ Claire K Creations says

    October 25, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    I have been meaning to by pixel to plate for ages but now I’ll have to get the styling one too! Your collection looks much neater than mine. Mine is all over the shop!

    Reply
  38. Mrs Mulberry says

    October 25, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Great recommendations Maureen, I couldn’t agree more! I love Lorraine’s book and plate to pixel. Two of my faves!!

    Reply
  39. Sherry from sherryspickings says

    October 25, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    I have rushed off and ordered the will write for food book. I have seen it on several blogs lately so I think I need it:)

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      October 25, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      She takes no prisoners, especially in person. I could listen to her talk about writing all day long. It makes perfect sense.

      Reply
  40. Emma @ Bake Then Eat says

    October 26, 2014 at 8:36 am

    I think we all have our ‘blogging bibles’ we go to, 2 of mine are here on this list, plate to pixel and will write for food the other one I found really useful is food blogging for dummies. Combined I find all three usually provide the answers for me. Great post I love nosing about other peoples bookshelves 😀

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:22 am

      I’ve had two people recommend food blogging for dummies so I must get it. I’ve always found the dummies books for real beginners but apparently this book is not. Thanks!

      Reply
  41. Judy says

    October 27, 2014 at 3:20 am

    I have the first two, but not the third, so I’ll have to rectify that. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience to glean here, and I find Pinch of Yum to be a helpful resource too. Organizing props and linens is something I’m still working on — I have some in the back of the closet I forget are there. Great post!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      October 27, 2014 at 9:20 am

      I know what you mean, I’ve been going through everything trying to sort what belongs in the kitchen and what are usually props only. 🙂

      Reply
  42. InTolerant Chef says

    October 27, 2014 at 9:54 am

    Great advice thanks Maureen!

    Reply
  43. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    October 27, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    Great post Maureen! It goes to show what an amateur I am…no books or props at my house. Your photography set up is terrific as well.

    Reply
  44. Linda says

    October 28, 2014 at 3:11 am

    I love this “behind the scenes” post! I find hearing about others blogging life is so very interesting. Taking photos is what I struggle – I see your lighting set up, definitely what I need as I can only really take photos on the weekend when it’s daylight!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      October 28, 2014 at 7:35 am

      Me too, Linda, me too. I look at photos from other bloggers and wish I could be half as good. I’m not giving up my quest!

      Reply
  45. Raymund says

    October 28, 2014 at 5:08 am

    Thanks for sharing this great tips and advise

    Reply
  46. Chisa says

    November 3, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    Feeling rather smug that I have and love the first two of those three books! I’m extra interested in the third now, sounds like a nice Christmas present to myself…

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pumpkin and Asparagus Quiche from The Orgasmic Chef says:
    October 25, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    […] took the dog for a walk the other day.  I promised him if he read his book for 10 minutes I’d take him to the beach.  I believe he heard, “blah blah blah, sit, […]

    Reply

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