A couple of months ago I received a lovely email from publishers Hachette Australia, wondering if I might be interested in writing a book based on Local is Lovely. The answer of course was a big fat yes. So after many discussions about how it might look/feel/come together, I’ve just driven back from Sydney with a contract and a (terrifying) deadline. And am beyond excited.
Local is Lovely ‘the book’ will be a seasonal collection of stories and recipes, including some favourites from the blog and lots of new content too. It’s due for release in April 2014 (holy moly!).
In other news…we are expecting the season’s first frost tomorrow morning, brrr. And Tim has just informed me that we are tracking at 50% less rainfall this year on last so it’s looking like a fairly dry winter ahead. But as that wise man said last Friday, if it’s not going to rain, we may as well enjoy the stunning Autumn weather and so are trying to have a few bonfires and picnics, and of course, cooking LOTS of our beautiful venison snags over open fires.
And because it’s a new month, here’s a new collection of links and blogs to discover. Have a wonderful May everyone. Sophiex
- Brown sugar baked fries from A Beautiful Mess
- The Vanilla Bean Blog is bursting with great recipes and beautiful images
- Spend 10 days in Ireland with Oh Lady Cakes
- Looking forward to making this sweet berry lime cake from Joy the Baker
- Sydney-based Louisa Brimble’s blog is just stunning. Loved this post from the recent Kinfolk magazine flower potluck and her photo story on making pasta. Thanks Lousia! Very inspiring.
- The Shady Baker’s recent posts have all been so gorgeous, particularly this one – what an amazing looking event
- The photography and food writing in Tasmania’s Island Menu blog seems to get better and better with every post. These guys are so very clever
- Lots of incredible food blogs to discover via Saveur’s 2013 Food Blog Awards
- Professional forager Evan Strusinski’s story
- A simple pot of beans via Poor Man’s Feast. Beautiful
- Lemon thyme and fennel risotto via What’s for Lunch Honey
- Cereal Magazine’s tumblr offers a rolling gallery of peaceful food porn
- Roasted hazlenut butter biscuits from Poires et Chocolat
- I LOVE the idea of starting a cookbook club…anyone keen?
- Sweet Paul has just released its first kids edition. Gorgeous
- This ginger coconut milk soup would do wonders on a cold Orange evening.
AH! Congratulations! Exciting news. All the best for the preparations ahead.
Thanks! The excitement is now giving way to deadline terror!
Sophie, that’s fantastic news!! Congratulations! Belinda x
Thanks Belinda! Sophiex
congratulations Sophie! Jules did mention this when we were out in the holidays!!!! very very exciting!
Hi Tamara – thanks so much for your comment. Sorry we missed you in Orange!
Sophiex
What wonderful news, Sophie! Congratulations! I’m very much looking forward to buying your book – your blog is one of my favourites. You write beautifully and your recipes are always delicious.
Dear Ingrid, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I REALLY appreciate you making the time to make it!
Sophiex
How exciting…I would love to buy your book….congratulations it must be such a buzz for you. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Hi Kathy – thank you so much and yep it is an exciting time – now I just have to sit down and write this thing!
Congratulations Sophie! Well deserved. it will be a beautiful book. Good luck with that deadline eeek! x
Thank you! And by the way, I just LOVE your blog! Sophiex
Congratulations Sophie, how exciting! I know I love your book already!
Thanks also for the kind link, really I am honoured and surprised to be among so many other amazing links and blogs. Have a lovely weekend, perfect weather for bonfires, picnics and snags on the open fire. It is just so dry isn’t it? x
Dear Jane, thank you as always for your kind words. I am so enjoying your blog and reading about the life you guys lead. Lets keep hoping for rain soon, for both our sakes!!!! Sophx
Thank you so much for the shout out! It made my day. 🙂 And congrats on your book! How exciting and wonderful and well deserved.
Thanks! Sophiex
What wonderful news, it’s already on my list of things I want!
Thanks Emiko – I just wish I had you (rather than me!) as my photographer…Sx
Congratulations, that’s fabulous and well deserved.
Thank you so much Kirsty. Sophiex
Brilliant! I will make room on the coffee table. x
Ah thanks Bron!!! Sx
Congratulations Soph – a well deserved achievement. I’m looking forward to being able to purchase a copy to add to my cookbook collection. I love your recipes!! I’m sure it will be a visual feast of gorgeousness. Well done Soph!!!
Hi Jane – a very belated thanks SO much for your lovely words. You’ve always been so supportive of what I’m up to here and I really appreciate it. Hope you and the family are well, Sophxx
Congratulations on your forthcoming book, magnificent news! Love catching up here…..beautiful + inspired. all best to you Sophie xx
Thank you Imen! I’ve been so loving your posts recently, can’t wait to try the linguine with grapefruit! Thanks again, Sophie
Hi Sophie,
I was just catching up on your blog… and a HUGE Congratulations to you!! How exciting to be doing your own cook book!! I am not surprised though as your blog and recipes etc are all so clever.. I can’t wait to get the book in 2014! xx Prue
Thanks Prue! Hope to catch up soon, Sophx