Hello and welcome.
I’m Mark Diacono, a writer, cook, gardener, walker and photographer. I live in the south west of England.
I write about food - from the garden to the table - and everything connected with it. You’ll find recipes, stories and much about growing and cooking incredible flavours.
I’m also here to help if you are looking to take your writing to another level, to engage with the publishing process in all its forms, and to create a substack that works for you.
Why subscribe
Every week or so, I publish the latest instalment of ABUNDANCE: Recipes and Stories From A Gardening Cook, the book I am writing live here - many are free to read
Every month, I will be publishing recipes to accompany my column in the Sunday Times - all will be yours to access
This is my writing home, and where I announce and reveal everything from book covers to events, offers and workshops
As a reader, you give this a point, a purpose, and I value that immensely
You’ll become part of this wonderful community of writers and readers
When you subscribe, you become a really valued part of this writing community. I hope what arrives in your inbox will bring you pleasure.
Here is different too: you are not part of an algorithm, there are no ads. This is all about me, you, the community here and the words.
Why become a paid subscriber
Become a paid subscriber and you get more…including access to all my words, recipes and online workshops, masterclasses and other events.
This includes:
online events - masterclasses from me, Ask-Me-Anythings, writing workshops (known as Gatherings) where we get into everything from interviews with commissioning editors and publishers, to writing a proposal, to making the most of your own Substack. Ordinarily, this kind of professional development comes at a cost; here, it comes as part of your paid subscription
being able to read all of ABUNDANCE, the book I’m writing live here
should it be published as a physical book, paid subscribers will have the option of having their name printed in it, recognising that you made it happen
If you live in mainland UK, you are also eligible for:
25% off plants and seeds from the Otter Farm nursery website. For more about this, click here.
a signed copy of my book SPICE (RRP £25) for only £3.50 +p&p from my website. Instructions as to how, here.
It may not have escaped your notice that if you come to one of the online events I run for paid subscribers, or buy the book and a few plants, just the discount from that will easily cover the cost of an annual subscription.
About me
I’ve written over a dozen books, winning Food Book of the Year twice, and Garden Book of the Year twice. My book SOUR was shortlisted for a prestigious James Beard Foundation Award in 2020. I also won Garden Blog of the Year twice.
I write a monthly food columns for The Sunday Times, Delicious Magazine and a monthly gardening column for Country Life magazine.
My latest book VEGETABLES is published in June 2024.
I once led the garden team at River Cottage and I created the groundbreaking Otter Farm.
I am very happy to say I’m an Honorary Professor at Liverpool University.
Thank you…
…for subscribing and being a valued part of this vibrant community of people who share some of your interests, who have insights and experiences that might enrich your life and vice versa. I’m delighted to have you along.
Mark
Hello Mark and THANK YOU so much for the fabulous tutorial last night. I found it extremely inspiring and in the spirit of engagement, have just spent a very enjoyable afternoon organising the Sections in The Arts Stack and also engaging with people on Substack Chat. You have given me a lot of confidence to 'be my own fuel'. I once visited the River Cottage to interview Hugh, which was a huge treat. It's a lovely place. I'm looking forward v much to cooking recipes that you post and checking out your gardening tips. I have a tiny garden by the Regent's Canal but spend a huge amount of time gardening. V best wishes Rosie