When Lorna Sixsmith’s blog post entitled ‘Advice to those considering marrying a farmer’ achieved more than 60,000 views, 10,000 shares on Facebook and almost 100 comments, her idea for a book was formed.
On deciding to self-publish, a crowdfunding campaign was launched in July with 191 people pledging for pre-orders and other rewards to exceed her target of €6,000.
The Carlow-based mum of two is married to a farmer, Brian James. The couple have a dairy and beef farm. Lorna started her farming blog in September 2011 to discuss farming issues and share what farming life is like in Ireland. The book offers anecdotes from her own farming life as well as reflecting on marriage to a farmer.
‘Would You Marry A Farmer?’ is a witty guide for anyone wishing to marry a farmer with tips on how to find a farmer and impress him with your own farming knowledge, lingo and farming chores ability. It also offers advice on what you need to know when you marry your dream farmer – from how to ‘stop a gap’, develop skills of telepathy, move cattle, milk cows, multi-task, settle into rural life,and become the ‘perfect farming wife’.
Tips for ‘staying married to your farmer’ are also provided in a very tongue-in-cheek way. The book opens with an interesting comparison between farmers now and farmers in the 1950s distinguishing which might be the better ‘catch’.
“I’ve been delighted with the response so far,” says Lorna. “What struck me in the responses to the blog post were people’s reaction of ‘Oh, my goodness, you too’ as they empathised with my situation. I realised that life for farmers’ wives all over the world can actually be very similar and while it isn’t always easy, there’s plenty of laughs. So I hope this book helps readers to see the humour in their lives.”
Co-organiser of Blog Awards Ireland and an enthusiastic blogger herself since 2008, Sixsmith continues to write her blog at www.irishfarmerette.com, writing about agricultural issues, farming memories and life on their farm.
‘Would You Marry A Farmer?’ can be purchased at selected shops, including The Tea Rooms at Ducketts Grove in Carlow, Kyle Lane in Clonmel, Marie Sue Lingerie in Carlow and Waterfall Farm Shop in Wicklow. It can also be purchased at www.irishfarmerette.com for €15.