Interview With Jane of Jane's Delicious Garden
Jane Griffiths Talks About Her New Book on Growing Vegetables
Aug 29, 2009
Johannesburg film maker, Jane Griffiths turned her hobby into a whole new career with the publication of her stunning new gardening book, Jane’s Delicious Garden. Suite101 spoke to her in June 2009 about how her book came about.
Find a Gap in the Non Fiction Book Market
I never planned to write a book – and if I did it would have been one on travelling and food.
It all started when a friend came to me for help with starting his veggie garden. He had never grown anything before and through helping him set his up I realised a couple of things: I knew quite a bit about growing organic veg. And there was nothing out there for someone like my friend who wanted to start and knew nothing.
So, being television producers my partner, Keith and I started filming a DVD on the subject. I began writing a script and the words poured out of me. Before I knew it, I had reached 20 000 and I realised it was going to be a book.
Starting to Write a Book
When I started writing, it was around November 2007, before any food crisis or blackouts. By the time I was in the middle of writing, the food crisis had hit big time.
What motivated to me keep writing and do it as quickly as possible was the fact that everybody I mentioned it to wanted a copy. Even the most unlikely of people were starting vegetable gardens and needed help. They wanted my book now.
Finding a Publisher
When I reached 80 000 words I started contacting publishers. I called Jonathan Ball in Cape Town on a Friday morning towards the end of May 2008. I was put through to Ceri Prenter of their Sunbird division and she loved the idea.
I had by this time set up my website and she could see who I was and what I was doing. I sent her a sample chapter and pages and within three days I had a publishing contract.
Caring for the Environment
And that is how it has been ever since with this book. I think my Garden Angels were bored by their small space and wanted to spread their wings because doors have just kept opening. It has been the most rewarding experience.
I always thought the least I can do to aid our ailing planet is to take good care of the patch of which I am the guardian. Now, through my book and website, I am helping others take care of their patches. And it feels so good.
Jane’s Delicious Garden is published by Sunbird Publishers, and the ISBN is 9781920289003
Interested in writing a 'Green' book? Read the interview with author and publisher Michelle Matthews about her book The Whole Food Almanac.
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