Allspice – An A to Z Challenge Post

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! This month’s theme is “A Quick A to Z Guide to Herbs And Spices”, in order to celebrate tomorrow’s release of my “Mixing Spices” book!

So without further delay, let’s talk food!

A – Allspice:

Even though this spice is known to have a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, this is not a spice blend, but rather the dried unripe berry of a plant called Pimenta dioica.

Matches well with: turnips, sweet potatoes, grains, onions and corned beef. An important ingredient in Jamaican jerk spice blend

Health benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent, increases the circulation of the skin and can be added to teas to stimulate appetite.

Magical Attributes: Associated with Mars and Fire. Useful in all healing mixtures. As oil and/or incense, it is often used to attract luck or money

(Disclaimer: The health benefits are for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your health care professional for medical advice)

If you enjoyed this entry, why not check out my book

“Mixing Herbs – A Flavorful Guide To Creating Awesome Herb and Spice Mixes”

On Sale April 2nd 2015!

Celebrating the Release of “A Darker Slice of Life” – Author Interview

I am so exited about the release of my new book “A Darker Slice of Life”, and wanted to share with you the Smashwords’ Author Interview today.

SW: When did you first start writing?

I began writing relatively early in life, first re-writing my favorite novels into scripts at 11, than writing for screenplays for our drama club.Since then, I have been writing in both English and German, for my blogs, various publications as well as for my personal pleasure.

SW: What is the story behind your latest book release?

I began to write flash fiction as a form of personal challenge. I wanted to see if I could write a complete story within such a small space, and to my surprise I fell in love with this format. While I do still and always will enjoy the freedom to write longer stories and novels, I find the shortness of Flash Fiction freeing, and a wonderful exercise crafting a theme down to its essence.. It never stops to amaze me to read the depth of stories written in such small space.

SW: What motivated you to become an indie author?

One of the most important lessons I learned as a writer, is to know when to let go off a project. It was important for me to move from holding on to the stories I love, to sharing them with its intended audience. Being able to use smashwords as a vehicle to do so, was a freeing experience. While I am not against working with agents and publishing houses – to the contrary – I consider it a privilege to be a part of a growing community of Authors who considered the freedom of indie publishing as their home.

SW: What are you working on next?

My next projects are two of completely different format and subject matter. The first project is a horror script focusing on psychological terror rather than the gory kind, and a the stand alone novel I am currently working on is called “The Farm”, and is a paranormal suspense romance.

SW: Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are Heather Graham, Kay Hooper, Dean Koontz, and Neil Gaiman. I am hooked on Kay’s paranormal series, which center around an FBI Unit with special abilities.

SW: When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

When I am not writing, I am assisting my husband with running our growing business, as well as homeschooling our children. Of course, I can not forget to mention the rescued members of the household, two wonderful dogs, and a very patient cat.

( A Darker Slice of Life is available on Smashwords for only 99 cents! Buy it here now!)