FlavorsofLife

New Non-Fiction Book Flavors of Life Made Its Debut at Café Belcampo in Amsterdam on Monday, May 23, 2016

It’s official – Flavors of Life is out in the world! On the evening of Monday, May 23, I held a book launch event at Café Belcampo in Amsterdam. Café Belcampo, situated in De Hallen, is the official café of the library in Amsterdam West. The owner, Gary Feingold, is one of the people featured in the book. The event drew a variety of people, including owners featured in Flavors of Life, family from near and far, friends, media, and bloggers. Thank you to everyone who joined me for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Read more about the event here.

FlavorsofLife

RELEASE NEWS: Flavors of Life is Available on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

The big day is quickly approaching! If you haven’t already, please put Tuesday, May 24th in your calendar. Flavors of Life (ISBN: 978-90-825238-0-5) will officially be available, both in paperback (€22,95) and as an e-book (€4,99). You can reserve your copy ahead of time for a limited time at the special price of €19,95! Don’t miss out. Looking forward to this exciting time ahead. Thank you so much for sharing it with me.

NikosTsiaxirasIGrec

In Loving Memory: Rest in Peace, Nikos Tsiaxiras

Unfortunately, one of the owners featured in my book, Nikos Tsiaxiras, passed away suddenly on April 14, 2016. My heart broke at hearing this news. Too young, too soon. At the memorial on Sunday, May 15, we had a chance to say goodbye. I heard many stories, about who he was as a husband, father, businessman, and friend… He touched so many lives, whether through his warm smile, delicious food, or beautiful music.

I feel so incredibly honored that I was able to tell Nikos’ story. I consider myself lucky to have met this kind and caring man. He touched so many lives, and he has impacted mine, as well. Nikos, you will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

JessicaFlavorsofLife

A Look at the Emotional, Mental, and Physical Aspects of Publishing a Book

Someone needs to pinch me. I cannot believe this day has arrived! After two and a half years of full-time work, I received the first shipment of books on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. I just about dropped to the pavement. I couldn’t believe after all these years – from the initial idea and interviews to research, transcriptions, writing, editing, and design – that I was holding Flavors of Life in my own two hands. Writing a book is one thing, but many do not know what goes into publishing and the behind-the-scenes work. The whole process is extensive, and I’d like to share my experiences – briefly – in this post.