Project Blogger : special guest Lorraine Elliott from Not Quite Nigella

In this next Project Blogger post I’m talking to superstar blogger Lorraine Elliott – none other than the creator of Not Quite Nigella – one of Australia’s most popular food blogs…

Mel: What gave you the inspiration to set up your blog?

Lorraine: My husband. I think he was sick of hearing about food all the time! No I’m half kidding, he saw that I wanted a creative outlet and he suggested blogging. It was going to be either food, fashion or makeup and I chose food.

M: What does your blog mean to you?

L: It’s a way for me to remember meals that I’ve had with friends, and a way for me to catalogue the recipes that I’ve made. It’s a means to communicate with people. I like to think that I have fun with food.

M: What do you especially like to post?

L: To photograph: baked goods like cakes and pastries are exciting as they have a wide colour palette and are so photogenic. I like to write about anything that is interesting or unusual. This can be anything to do with food. Perhaps it’s an extraordinary artisan. Or perhaps it is a shop that sells great produce or a chef or restaurant that does things creatively.

M: Are there certain stories or posts you know will get a great reaction from your audience?

L: I don’t think you can ever tell for certain! I just do things that I love and my readers are quite similar to me.

M: What are your top tips for other bloggers?

L: 1. Write in your own personality 2. For food bloggers: photos are very important. 3. Be honest when you get a freebie and always disclose it and never, ever demand freebies 4. Update consistently

M: Has blogging opened up doors for you with new contacts and conversations you may never have otherwise had?

L: Yes it has, pretty much the last year and a half has been filled with extraordinary opportunities beyond what I would have envisaged. I have met and talked to the most amazing people in food. I never thought I’d talk to Anthony Bourdain!

M: What’s the thing you like most about your blog?

L: I love blogging because I have complete freedom to write what I want. There is no-one that is telling me that I can’t do or write anything. 

Thanks Lorraine!! xx