3 months since the last cookbook update – so much to share!!
In the last cookbook update, I chirpily reported that the recipes had been created, the manuscript written, and I’d made a good dent in photographing the recipes.
That’s pretty much the cookbook done, things should be slowing down, right?
WRONG!!!
If anything the last 2 1/2 months have been the hardest in this cookbook making process. Take a peek in my camera roll to see what’s been going on!
Lights, camera, action!
See behind the scenes video on Instagram.
I do NOT like to be on the other side of the camera! But my publisher Pan Macmillan put their foot down and said I’d need to be in the cookbook too. And apparently the usual selfies I share here on my website wouldn’t cut it.
Honestly, why they think selfies like this aren’t good enough for a printed book is beyond me……. 😂😂😂
So we had a series of shoot days lined up with a professional photographer and even with “H&M”, which I initially thought was in reference to the chain clothing store H&M (what’s wrong with my clothes?? I huffily thought.)
Turns out, “H&M” stands for “hair and make up”. 😂
We even brought in a stylist for a big shoot day. Someone to make sure I looked respectable, and who was there to tell me to pull my shoulders back and suck my gut in…… 😂
That’s Sally Bruce, a Sydney stylist. We brought her in to help choose outfits for me and my team so that we’d look like, well, a team. Instead of worrying about some people (ahem, mum, I’m looking at YOU) turning up in hot pink.
Here we are in our shot – mum and I. Just what you picture for a mother-daughter photo, right? 😂 Well, at least she’s wearing on-brand colours. No hot pink in sight – he he!
These shoot days were BIG. Lots of people in my house, high levels of energy. And, not surprisingly, LOTS of food! The photo below is from the biggest food-shoot-day which involved a table laden with food and my entire team in a shot.
I can’t show you THE photo because it will be a spoiler! Also, because I didn’t take that photo, I need to respect the copyright of the photographer.
And in case you’re wondering, Dozer got his share of the limelight. See today’s Life of Dozer section below for an update!
Ripping up the cookbook…. then stitching it together again
There’s a little behind the scenes video – watch it here on Instagram!
In late April, I worked out of my publisher’s office to do some ruthless strategising about the contents of the cookbook which involved slashing recipes and chapters I’d spent many, many hours on.
This was a tough process. I might be smiling in the photo above, but inside I was crying.
OK OK I’m being a bit dramatic. 😂 I didn’t actually shed tears.
These days were productive, important milestones in the cookbook process as we weighed up key decisions that would affect how many pages the book would have, the quality of the paper (glossier = thicker = more expensive and heavier), the material of the book cover and therefore, ultimately, all of this leading to the quality and price of the book.
I actually enjoyed the strategic thinking behind this part of the project. Here I am with my publisher, Ingrid from Pan Macmillan, with a photo of all the recipes up on a wall as we went through what I described as “ripping up then stitching the cookbook back together again”!
And here I am with some of the casualties.
But every cloud has a silver lining, right?? So ditching these recipes from the cookbook means they’ll end up on this website!
Proof reading torture.
I’m not gonna lie. I hate proof reading.
I am not built for the detail oriented concentration and discipline required to proof read.
And it’s a task that takes So. Much. Time.
I am not talking one or two days. I am talking hundreds of hours. In fact, my team and I have spent (in aggregate) over 250 hours on proof reading over the past couple of months. AGGGGHHH!!!! 😩
I find food helps me through it. Here I am on a proof reading day at Pan Macmillan with cheesecake to push me through the day.
As much as I don’t enjoy proof reading, I know how important this process is to ensure the accuracy and quality of the end result. So I pushed through, checking and re-reading from front to back, over and over and again. Late nights….
…..through Dozer’s attempts to sabotage the process….
…..and even through blackouts. YES THIS REALLY HAPPENED just last week. I was on a critical absolutely-no-buffer-left-in-the-timetable deadline and BOOM! Black out.
So I simply worked on into the night using candles and my head torch. 😂
Almost finished!
As I’m bashing away on the keyboard writing this post, the cookbook files are being prepared to send to the printers. Which means – IT IS SO CLOSE! I don’t want to celebrate until the printing actually starts because things can change right up to the last minute.
You might think I’m being dramatic but I kid you not, the hero photo of me in the cookbook was just re-shot yesterday. Talk about last minute dramas!!!
But the good thing about last minute?
No one to do my hair.
No one to do my make up.
No clothing stylist.
It was me, my Revlon, and my K-mart t shirt.
Don’t worry, that’s not the shot! We had a professional photographer do it – and he even had a proper camera 😂.
What next?
Back to regular new recipes! My first goal is to get back to sharing new recipes regularly on my website! It honestly surprised me, how much I’ve missed it. I’d come on here as a “treat” to see what you guys are making, read and respond to questions, and think about new recipes to share.
In fact, the moment I had a couple of days spare last week, I used it to create, test, photograph and film the Teriyaki Salmon Noodles I shared last Thursday! Plus we made a little Behind The Scenes video – watch it on Instagram.
Cookbook marketing phase – This will be interesting! But also daunting, thinking about the prospect of doing book signings (what if no one shows up!! 😭) or cooking demos (what if I muck up!! 😭) and the idea of doing interviews with magazines (the camera puts on 10 pounds!! 😭). Hopefully with Dozer. I think I’m going to have a blanket policy – no Dozer, no interview! 😈
Speaking of Dozer. It’s his turn in the spotlight now! Though I expect some of you already skipped down to read Life of Dozer before coming back to read about ME. And you know I secretly love that. 😉
More updates coming soon – we have some fun events coming up I’m looking forward to sharing with you.
And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your unconditional support. Your messages lifted me on the toughest days throughout what has been the hardest project of my career. I feel so very fortunate. – Nagi x
Life of Dozer
Oh Dozer! What an incredible couple of months it’s been for you!
Big shoot days with professionals…. so much expensive gear to squeeze yourself under, so many people cooing over you….
Then there was that exciting day when you went into a professional photography studio – we even made a video of it!
Honestly, you were a natural, totally at home in front of the camera.
Well, with the help of a little chicken. 😂
And boy did we get some epic shots!!!
I’m pleased to see that this endless rain in Sydney isn’t bothering you in the slightest and you’re enjoying your daily belly-mud-mask. In fact, you apply it yourself. Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
However, we still need to discuss your understanding of boundaries.
When I say that you’re not allowed into the shoot area, that means no part of you is allowed in. Just because only 10% (your head) is breaching the barrier, it doesn’t mean you are 90% obeying the rules. Life doesn’t work like that, Dozer.
But, I just can’t get mad at you. You’re too darn cute!
Monica says
I looooovvvee the photo with Dozer and the cake! That must be the Vanilla cake which is heavenly every time without fail! So much love and effort have gone into your book, I can’t wait to order it.
Marie says
Hi Nagi
You are a Queen!
Love all you do! Love Dozer!
Can’t wait to get your amazing cookbook!
Joanita says
Awh Nagi, you are just so special with that woof and a real breath of fresh air. It is so amazeballs to get regular emails from you again – been very sad time.
Just keep reminding yourself why you are doing all of this – because it is your PASSION! And at the end of each process the feeling of achievement and satisfaction certainly overpowers the bad and sleepless nights – soon this will be over! Then we going to start bugging you for the next book! :):)
Monika says
Ohhh Nagi, so wonderful to read your news. I can’t imagine what you’re both you and Dozer going through in creating this cookbook for us all….I’m so excited of getting your book “one day” …take your time. In the meantime I enjoy your recipes. Thank you and all the luck with the coming hours, days, and months…creating Your book Thank you 🙏 with my warmest greetings ❤️ Monika 😘
Julie K says
Go Nagi! This is so wonderful. Huge congratulations to you.. ❤️❤️
Monique Summerville says
Love your joyous enery in everything that you do, you are a so lovely and real. Dozer gives me a smile everytime, he is adorable. Take care lovely & I can’t wait for your cook book.
Irene O'Brien says
I live and die by your recipes. More than 50% of what I cook is Receipetineats and they all come out perfect first time…except the no-knead bread…third time lucky. Can’t wait for the book, you are a legend.
Agus says
Can’t wait to hold the book and try all the recipes! will you come down to Tasmania for your book promotion by any chance?
Jean Proctor says
Lovely pictures. Looking forward to the book. Come to Manchester to promote!
Lorcas says
I cannot wait for this cookbook, you are my go-to for recipes, they always work and they always taste fantastic ❤️
Naomi says
I can’t wait to buy your book!! Keep ploughing on to the final goal. You can do it!
Alona says
I am excited about the cookbook. When I wanted to try something, I search it on your website and there it is, finish product is always a winner to my little family.
Debi Reed says
Yep, no offence but I always skip down the page to see what Dozer has been up to…..why wouldn’t you, he’s so damn super cute!!
Then backup to the top off the page to read the next instalment of the Cookbook. I for one am so excited, can’t wait to get my hands on one….cook until my heart is content
Erin Roberts says
Oh please do book signings! I think actually it would be the opposite of what you expect and thousands of us will turn up! I mean, you’ve seen how many members there are in the Facebook appreciation group, right? We all love you! But…would Dozer sign the book too??
Mary says
Love the shot of Dozer and the cake. He’s such a well behaved boy.
Mary says
Love the shot of Dozer and the cake. He’s such a well behaved boy, no matter what you say otherwise.😇
linda gately says
Whenever you post…I smile!!! Can’t wait for this. And no worries – your book signings will be standing room only!!!
Dianne Wendling says
Just had our kitchen totally redone— took a YEAR due to supply issues but now finally ready and looking forward to making some of your yummy recipes as soon as possible!! Can’t wait to see the cookbook and make sure it’s available in the US!!
Judy says
Well I can’t remember the last time I purchased a cookbook. I mean, you can get so many good recipes online – from sites like recipetineats (which I know I can trust for recipes that work) but I think I might have to treat myself and buy this one! You are making it sound so interesting, and we can see that it is not being thrown together but will reflect the time you have spent to get everything right. Any plans for book signings in the states? How about Boston? Boston is a mecca for good food and dining, as you probably know although we seem to be losing many of our large bookstores to covid and the internet.
JanetW says
I buy very few paper and ink cookbooks anymore, but I have a space already set up and waiting for yours. And love to Dozer!
Jonno says
I hope that there’s a signed paw print from Dozer on the inside cover, can’t wait for the book to come out, looking forward to cook everything in it
Robyn McLean says
I cannot wait for the book, the wait has been sooooo long!! And obviously worth waiting for. It has been a revelation about the construction of the book and what you have been through, even H&M,
And thank you Dozer for all the photos, especially the one with cake.
Elena Menta says
Hi Nagi & crew,
I love your recipes and appreciate all your hard work. Good luck with the new cook book, you will smash it.
Any chance of coming to Melbourne to promote your book, I’d be first in line for a signature and a photo. You are a legend, wish I was part of your team. Xo
Nagi says
MELBOURNE is on the list!!! 🙂 Details aren’t confirmed yet but I saw a list today with 2 Melbourne locations for signings. Please come! I’m worried no one will show 😂 N xx
Sandy says
OMG Nagi, you have just made my day with the news and all the photos. l love being part of it! Thank you. Cannot wait to meet you both and devour your Masterpiece in all senses of the word!! Oh and bring on the “cookbook casualties”
S x 🤩💗😆
Claire says
Can’t wait to meet you in person!!!!
Looking forward to my copy of your new book Nagi. 🤗