Adventures of a Chilehead

A chilehead from childhood, Sharon Lippincott is hooked on all forms of life writing. She loves sharing discoveries with others. She teaches classes and workshops on basic memoir and lifestory writing as well as specific skills like writing vivid description in the Pittsburgh area and online. Her book, The Heart and Craft of Lifestory Writing gives complete guidelines from starry-eyed idea to publication for lifestory projects, and her award-winning blog, The Heart and Craft of Life Writing, has provided guidance for hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. She serves on the Advisory Board of the National Association of Memoir Writers and mentors memoir groups in Allegheny County libraries and around the country.

Readers say

I can't tell you what a joy Adventures of a Chilehead was to read. I became so involved with the story that I couldn't put it down. Sharon Lippincott's marvelous way with words conveys feelings that draw readers in.
(Katy Brown, Fellow Chilehead)

It's not often you can get good entertainment and good food in one slim volume, but these adventures really tickle the taste buds whilst making you split your sides with mirth. This delightful little book had me laughing out loud so often I just had to try some of the recipes it offers. Finding unfamiliar ingredients in England made this an adventure in itself and, even though I'm not great as a cook, the taste was every bit as good as the words that inspired it onto my plate.
(Ian Mathie, author of "Bride Price" and other African Memoirs)

A lovely collection of sweet, funny, quaint, readable stories. If you're into hot food, you'll be able to relate. If you have ever sweated or spit out a dish because it's too hot you'll love it. And if you simply like a story about a brash, quirky family gal, this story will warm your heart, as well as your palate.
(Jerry Waxler, author of "The Memoir Revolution")

A delightful, humorous and enlightening read. This is storytelling at its finest. Lippincott's use of humor and detail are unrivaled.
(Kathleen Pooler, "Memory Writer's Journey" blog)

Adventures of a Chilehead answers the question, Where is the pleasure in setting my mouth on fire? Sharon Lippincott answers the question with a collection of charming stories about her lifelong passion for those diminutive kings of culinary heat - chile peppers. Written as though she were sitting across the table from the reader, Adventures of a Chilehead is at once touching, informative and hilarious. A great book to read before you next answer the question, hot or mild?
(Tom Imerito, Science Writer)

As an Australian, hot is a word I always applied to the weather but never to my food. After reading Adventures of a Chilehead my opinion has changed forever I have been indoctrinated into a new way of viewing food. At its core this book is a love story - the tale of one woman's life-long adoration of chile. With a deft hand Lippincott shows how chile's influence can range from a warming comforter to a ruthless tempter. A perfect introduction to the subject of chile for anyone who is even the slightest bit interested in spicing up their palate. Lippincott will make you fall in love with this food as deeply and hopelessly as she has.
(Jessica Baverstock, author of "Creativity on Demand")