Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "health"
Introducing Valerie B. Lull, author of Ten Healthy Teas -- plus your chance to win a copy of her book!
I get to meet a lot of very interesting authors as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com. Today's guest is Valerie B. Lull, author of Ten Healthy Teas, a nice little book that introduces the reader to the wonderful world of tea and its potential healing qualities.
After reading her book, I had a few questions for Valerie and invited her for an interview here. She has also generously offered to give away 2 copies of her book to readers of my blog. To enter, all you have to do is 'like' this blog post or leave a comment below. Winners will be picked on 20th May 2012.
Here's the interview:
Ten Healthy Teas is all about how tea can be beneficial to health. How did you go about researching the content for the book?
I am currently attending the American College of Health Sciences and studying to be a Master Herbalist. A lot of the information came from things I was learning in my studies. I also used the school library to research various herbs and I found a lot of good information on Google as well as reading numerous books about herbs.I have tried many herbal teas and on myself to see how they work.
The book contains ten of your favourite teas as well as various recipes where you have suggested combining different teas. What’s your personal favourite tea at the moment?
My favorite tea at the moment is a variation on Garlic Tea, where I use minced garlic, chicken bullion and cayenne pepper. It's great for warning up on a cold rainy day and it does wonders for your sinuses if you have the sniffles.
In your bio, it states that you are studying herbalism. What made you decide to study that and are you enjoying it?
As I got older I developed health problems and began reading anything I could find on alternative medicine. I decided I wanted to be a Master Herbalist and help people learn simple things they could do to be healthy. I enjoy it very much.
I read in your bio on Amazon.com that you have done a lot of academic writing in the past. What kind of subjects have you written about?
My Masters Degree was in Sociology and I did a thesis on Alienation in Minister's Wives.
I also read that you like British comedies and drama. As a Brit, I am interested to hear which of our programmes you enjoy. What are some of your favourites?
I liked, Are You Being Served, Keeping up Appearances, Upstairs Downstairs, The Duchess of Duke Street, The Lost Prince, Anything to do with Miss Marple Mysteries, To The Manor Born, the movie "The King's Speech", and the movie "The Duchess".
You describe yourself on your Amazon bio as a ‘cat fanatic’. Please elaborate. (I like cats, too, and some of my blog followers own numerous cats; I am sure they would like to hear more about your fanaticism!)
I have had numerous cats during my life and each one had its own unique personality and idiosyncracies. I currently have only one cat (my condo is not big enough for more) and her name is Happy. She sits in my lap while I read and walks on my keyboard when I write.
Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?
I like numerous authors. The first one that comes to mind is Bunyan's Pilgrim's progress, I also liked C.S. Lewis's Narnia series, I liked James Herriot's books, and Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, also the Lord or the Rings series..
Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
The Bible, Janes Herriot's books, Pilgrim's Progress and the Sherlock Holmes Series.
Are you reading a book at the moment?
Yes, I am currently reading a book on vinegar.
What do you think of e-books as compared to print books?
I prefer print books, especially for picture books. My back gets tired sitting at the computer reading a book, I much prefer sitting in my easy chair reading a print book with my cat in my lap. I know there are readers out there that you can get, but most cost more than I care to pay. If I do get one it will be one that is color as opposed to black and white.
Are you planning any other books, and if so, can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on?
Yes, I am working on another book, about my favorite herbs.
Where can people buy your book?
Amazon , Barnes & Noble
Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?
Yes. My blog is called Simple ways to stay Healthy, the address is http://www.vallull.blogspot.com and my web page is http://www.valerielull.com
Thank you, Valerie!
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Remember, if you'd like the chance to win a copy of Valerie's book, just leave a comment below or click the 'like' button. Good luck!
Interview with Valerie Lull
I first heard about Valerie Lull when I was asked to review her book a few years ago. Ten Healthy Teas, a handy guide for anyone who is new to tea drinking or who would like to try new flavours of tea.
Valerie has a blog where she posts about the health benefits of different food and drinks. It's very interesting and informative.
She has since published two more similar books: Ten Spices: for Health and Longevity, and her latest The Sweet Side of the Stinking Rose; How to Use Garlic to Feel Good and Live Longer.
When I heard she had a new book out, I invited Valerie here for a chat about her writing and inspiration.
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE LULL
Welcome to my blog, Valerie! Please introduce Yourself.
My name is Valerie Lull. I am passionate about good health and longevity. I was brought up vegetarian so I had a head start on healthy living. I worked for many years in mental health and at the age of 58 I made a career change. I went back to college and took herbal studies. Then I started a writing a blog and I have written 3 books.
Do you have a day job or write full time?
I am retired and I write part-time.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think it is more a matter of perspiration than inspiration. If I waited for inspiration to strike I would not get much writing done.
LOL :)
I make it a goal to get in at least 20 minutes of writing a day. There is something about holding your newly published book in your hands that is extremely gratifying. It’s like giving birth and holding your precious baby for the first time. The reward is worth everything.
How long did it take you to write your last book?
About two years. I usually have two or more projects going at the same time. I work on one until I get tired of it than go to another. When I’m tired of that I come back to the first one.
That's a good way to work. I think it helps to take a break while working on projects so that you can go back to them with a different perspective. That's how I usually write my books and stories :)
What is your favorite genre to read?
English Mysteries. I’ve always been fascinated by British mysteries and drama. My father was Canadian and we spent a lot of time in Canada with relatives.
What genre do you write in?
I write in the niche of health and wellness. I have tried writing fiction and it was a disaster. I just do not seem able to put a story together and make it work.
Non-fiction is where I do best. I have done a lot of academic writing.
Do you do your own editing or use a professional?
I started out doing my own editing and having 1-2 friends read the manuscript for input. I learned from experience that that is not so good. I still have my friends look over my manuscript, but it does make a difference having another unbiased pair of eyes read one’s manuscript. Especially someone neutral that is not close to you. They can give you a whole different perspective and point out obvious things that you have missed. Your friends will often say nice things, but one really needs a professional. Now that I have learned my lesson I work with a copy editor, and then at the end of the process a proofreader.
That's good advice. I think most writers follow the same path before they realise that it's always best to get someone to have an objective read of anything you're working on before you publish it.
What’s the best time of day for you to write?
I work best in the evening. Often I wake up around midnight and am wide awake. I write for an hour or so then go back to sleep. I do write during the day, at least 20 minutes, often longer. I like it quiet with no distractions. I love music but not when I’m writing.
You sound similar to me :)
Apart from writing, what are your favorite pastimes?
Watching mystery videos, playing with my cat, crochet, talking with friends and relatives on the phone, going to a group called Tea Talks that meets once a week, and vegetarian cooking.
Thank you so much for joining me here, Valerie! I'm looking forward to reading your latest book. I love reading your blog posts!
****************************************
Author links:
Website/blog: http://www.valerielull.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lullval
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookTenHealt...
Valerie has a blog where she posts about the health benefits of different food and drinks. It's very interesting and informative.
She has since published two more similar books: Ten Spices: for Health and Longevity, and her latest The Sweet Side of the Stinking Rose; How to Use Garlic to Feel Good and Live Longer.
When I heard she had a new book out, I invited Valerie here for a chat about her writing and inspiration.
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE LULL
Welcome to my blog, Valerie! Please introduce Yourself.
My name is Valerie Lull. I am passionate about good health and longevity. I was brought up vegetarian so I had a head start on healthy living. I worked for many years in mental health and at the age of 58 I made a career change. I went back to college and took herbal studies. Then I started a writing a blog and I have written 3 books.
Do you have a day job or write full time?
I am retired and I write part-time.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think it is more a matter of perspiration than inspiration. If I waited for inspiration to strike I would not get much writing done.
LOL :)
I make it a goal to get in at least 20 minutes of writing a day. There is something about holding your newly published book in your hands that is extremely gratifying. It’s like giving birth and holding your precious baby for the first time. The reward is worth everything.
How long did it take you to write your last book?
About two years. I usually have two or more projects going at the same time. I work on one until I get tired of it than go to another. When I’m tired of that I come back to the first one.
That's a good way to work. I think it helps to take a break while working on projects so that you can go back to them with a different perspective. That's how I usually write my books and stories :)
What is your favorite genre to read?
English Mysteries. I’ve always been fascinated by British mysteries and drama. My father was Canadian and we spent a lot of time in Canada with relatives.
What genre do you write in?
I write in the niche of health and wellness. I have tried writing fiction and it was a disaster. I just do not seem able to put a story together and make it work.
Non-fiction is where I do best. I have done a lot of academic writing.
Do you do your own editing or use a professional?
I started out doing my own editing and having 1-2 friends read the manuscript for input. I learned from experience that that is not so good. I still have my friends look over my manuscript, but it does make a difference having another unbiased pair of eyes read one’s manuscript. Especially someone neutral that is not close to you. They can give you a whole different perspective and point out obvious things that you have missed. Your friends will often say nice things, but one really needs a professional. Now that I have learned my lesson I work with a copy editor, and then at the end of the process a proofreader.
That's good advice. I think most writers follow the same path before they realise that it's always best to get someone to have an objective read of anything you're working on before you publish it.
What’s the best time of day for you to write?
I work best in the evening. Often I wake up around midnight and am wide awake. I write for an hour or so then go back to sleep. I do write during the day, at least 20 minutes, often longer. I like it quiet with no distractions. I love music but not when I’m writing.
You sound similar to me :)
Apart from writing, what are your favorite pastimes?
Watching mystery videos, playing with my cat, crochet, talking with friends and relatives on the phone, going to a group called Tea Talks that meets once a week, and vegetarian cooking.
Thank you so much for joining me here, Valerie! I'm looking forward to reading your latest book. I love reading your blog posts!
****************************************
Author links:
Website/blog: http://www.valerielull.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lullval
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookTenHealt...
