Deborah J. Martin's Blog, page 18

So You Wanna Be A Published Author – Part 2

A year ago (that long?), I blogged about my experiences publishing my first two books. I finally finished herb book #3 and thought I’d share what’s happening with it since I was undecided in that post:

I’m still being hounded by that vanity publisher. It’s to the point that any phone call showing an Indiana area code on Caller ID is going directly to voice mail, even if I’m sitting right by the telephone. The once-twice-thrice weekly emails are “right click-deleted” without being read. Two mor...

What Herb Are You?

Last week, I had a thought … it didn’t even hurt much. Those of us who work with plants on a regular basis know they have they own personalities. Recognizing this, I asked my Facebook and Twitter peeps the question, “If you were a plant/herb, which would you be and why?” Before I tell you what others said, I’ll offer up my answer:

It would depend on my mood at the time you asked the question. On a normal basis, I’d probably say Rosemary because although I’m a little prickly, I’m generally a ra...

Release Day!

:takes big breath:

My first fiction book, Stressed! Ogre’s Assistant Book One is out!

If you’re a fan of urban/contemporary fantasy, you may like it. If you’re a secretary or administrative assistant, it’ll make you feel better about your job. No graphic sex so your teenage kids can read it, too.

The blurb:

Mundane Amy’s boring life takes a turn for the interesting when she gets a job as an administrative assistant at a company with high-profile clients. Despite the fact that her boss is a malodo...

Rain, Rain Go Away

I’ve been saying that since Monday and am now slapping myself upside the head with, “Be careful what you ask for”.

I don’t think we’ve seen the sun in two weeks. I know we haven’t seen it this week. As I write, we’ve had 5.6″ 5.7″ 5.8″ of rain since about 6pm Sunday and it’s still coming down. I looked back at my records and this is second only to what happened in September 2004 when the remnants of Hurricane Ivan blew through. The problem withthis storm is:

You see that pink area? That’s where...

Nutmeg: A Good and Bad Spice

One of my kids gave me whole nutmegs for Christmas. I am in heaven! It’s one of my favorite spices … if a recipe calls for cinnamon, you can bet your bippy I’m going to add a pinch of nutmeg in there, too. Use it medicinally? Not so much. I like my body fully functional, thank you.

I realized I hadn’t said anything here about this tasty spice so will share what I’ve got written thus far in my upcoming book:

Nutmeg & Mace: Myristica fragrans

Description (Nutmeg is the seed inside the fruit; Mace...

Sweet Potato Soufflé

I was asked on Facebook to share this recipe and this is easiest. I’d love to take credit but can’t: it’s from my ex-boyfriend’s mother.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked sweet potatoes (not yams), mashed

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1/3 stick butter/margarine, melted

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

TOPPING

1 cup light brown sugar

1/3 cup plain flour

1 cup chopped pecans

1/3 stick butter/margarine

Directions

Put potatoes into mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Add butter/margarine, sugar, salt, eggs, milk &...

Magic and … Video Games?

The local tourism board posted the following picture on Facebook today

and it got me to thinking:

Magic is all about Nature. How do the younger generations do magic when they seemingly spend all their free time in front of a video game? How does one feel the Elements, much less work with them, if all one knows is electricity and electronics?

As a child, if I wasn’t in a classroom or doing chores, I was outside if the weather permitted. If, for some odd reason, I didn’t want to go outside to play...

Quiet Country Living?

I decided this morning to take a much-needed mental health day. (One of the perks of being self-employed. I can do it on a minute’s notice.) I thought about going for a walk in the woods but that’s not a good idea this time of year. It’s hunting season, I don’t own any neon-colored clothing and there are a lot of idiots out there.

So, out to the garden I went, to continue de-grassing the long-neglected beds. While I was digging and pulling I reflected on a conversation I had with a friend last...

Rock Garden Starter Set for Sale

Ever want your very own rock garden? Wish no more! The Herby Lady has put together a set of rock seeds just for you.

Rocks are very easy to grow. They require no special soil, will grow in any condition from full shade to full sun and you don’t even have to water them!

Rocks are perennials … they’ll last for years. Best of all, they’re self-sowing! Just as you think you’ve harvested the very last one, more will pop up in the same bed.

Get your Rock Garden Starter Set today! $1 plus shipping will...

Signs of a Clueless Husband

The conversation last night:

Hubby: Boy, whatever you’re cooking on your bench sure smells good! (A few oils & vinegars steeping in sealed jars.)

Me: Um … you shouldn’t be smelling anything off my bench. What does it smell like?

Hubby: Mmm. Piney, but not.

Me: Hello? Freshly-harvested bunches of Rosemary hanging?

Hubby: Oh.