Dianne Jacob's Blog, page 22

“Memoir Has to Risk Something,” says John Birdsall

A few years ago, I went outside my comfort zone. I contacted a stranger and asked to meet. The stranger was John Birdsall, now a double James-Beard winning writer and essayist. At that time he was a restaurant reviewer for a local newspaper here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I loved his restaurant reviews. John has […]

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When a Reader Found a Cookbook Error

An email arrived about an error. It was the kind all cookbook authors all dread. Someone was making the Mac and Cheese Pizza recipe in the cookbook I co-wrote, The United States of Pizza. But something was wrong. Here’s the recipe error the writer pointed out: “The ingredient list calls for 16 ounces shredded sharp cheddar (4 cups), but the directions say […]

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Win a Signed Copy of Will Write for Food

What? You don’t have a signed copy of the new edition of Will Write for Food? No problem. To celebrate its one-year anniversary, I am giving away two free copies, signed and mailed. Will Write for Food is all about food writing, natch. In fact its subtitle captures some of what that entails: The Complete Guide to Writing […]

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Allrecipes Wants to Hear from Bloggers

Magazines need reliable writers and new blood. Nichole Aksamit, Senior Editor of three-year old Allrecipes magazine, says she’s always on the prowl for new talent. “Consider your interests, skills and forthcoming projects,” explains Nichole. “We want down-to-earth stories with a focus on community and friendliness. We like stories that are approachable and fun.” She says the magazine wants […]

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A December Writing Workshop in France

Do you need an excuse to fly to Paris? Take a short train ride to the Loire Valley? Eat and drink fabulous food in France? Go on a truffle hunt? …Work on your food writing skills and career goals? Ahem. I thought so. I’m partnering with Jamie Schler, an American food writer I’ve known for years. […]

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What Can a Talent Agent Do For You?

Some cookbook authors and bloggers use a talent agent to help them find good-paying gigs and opportunities. This is a different service than using a literary agent, whose primary job is to land you a book deal. Do you wonder if you should have a talent agent? To find out what they do, I interviewed […]

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Please Don’t “Dumb Down” a Recipe

Some food writers tell me indignantly, “I’m not dumbing down a recipe!” They think it’s insulting to to simplify their three-layer cake recipe or a lasagna with 20 steps. They think their readers should want to cook exactly the way they do. Here’s the thing: Your readers are not you. They don’t have your skills. They don’t cook as much.  They don’t want to […]

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Nom Nom Paleo’s Social Media Success

Since starting Nom Nom Paleo in 2010, Michelle Tam’s social media numbers have exploded. Now she spends more time on social media than the blog. “Most of my posting happens from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., but then when the kids are home, I’m not on my phone and I don’t do it at night,” she says. As […]

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Strive for Audience Growth, Not a Number, says Agent

I met literary agent Lori Galvin five years ago when I discovered she read my blog, and we’ve stayed in touch. It’s a thrill to find out someone I respect reads my work. Until recently, Lori was part of a team that produced more than 70 cookbooks for America’s Test Kitchen. They include the companions to public television shows America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country, as well […]

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Snaps from our Cambodia Workshop

I’m just back from a Cambodia workshop on culinary storytelling through photography and food writing. I’m still pinching myself over this fantastic opportunity. And in all honesty, I’m still getting over jet lag. Travelling to a workshop is a fun way to amp up your skills. You get out of your usual routine, and immerse yourself in a […]

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