I have recently discovered Facebook. I’ve been on it since 2006, when my daughter made me a page. But I never did anything with said page. That changed this week, when I finally got my yahoo email working again and my Facebook password changed. Suddenly, I was online.
Then I had decisions to make. Exactly what type of a page did I want? As writers, we put ourselves out there all the time, such as through our websites and blogging. I have followers on twitter that I don’t know; people who read about what I’m doing that day. I read over 150 emails a day in regards to my job and writing. So I decided to keep my Facebook page invite only and my profile private.
I figured it just made sense. When I looked at who had friend requests waiting for me, I discovered it was friends and former students and a few writer buddies. Then I looked at to whom I was sending friend invites. This could be my window to all those people whom I never seem to get a chance to talk as much as I’d like because life is so busy. I’m either teaching, writing or being a mom. While I love picking up the phone and hearing someone’s voice, there aren’t very many extra minutes in the day, and my friends are equally as busy. Now I can read my wall.
I’ve already reconnected with my best friends from high school who I get to see every so often and who send me all those fun emails. I miss them, and dedicated my March book to them. I’ve found former students. I haven’t befriended my prom date or ex boyfriends since that seems creepy, although my daughter tells me it’s quite common. As to making another Facebook page for my books and fans—that’s something to think about for another day.
So I’m in the modern world, but keeping it close. If you want to follow me, catch me on www.twitter.com/micheledunaway. Or keep reading my posts right here on this blog twice a month or visit me on the forums at eharlequin. That’s me out there. Facebook’s me “in there”, my tiny window into what once was my world, and I’m liking it.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Household Cleaning Tip
I know very few women who enjoy housework. We all love the smell of a clean house and the look of a clean house--but the actual cleaning…ugh! Some of us may be fortunate to have a cleaning lady or service spruce up our homes but for those who don't--like Moi--each month we'll post a household cleaning tip from one of our American Romance authors. We hope you'll find these bits of advice helpful. And we encourage you to share your cleaning secrets and shortcuts with the rest of us!
Household Cleaning Tip from Trish Milburn
1. Break tasks down into 15-minute segments, and set a kitchen timer to keep track. This helps keep housecleaning from seeming overwhelming, and if you're a writer it gets you up from your computer for those 15 minutes every hour. The housework gets done, and you get a physical and mental break from your work.
2. Save painting interiors for a pleasant day when you can open the windows. This keeps the fumes from bothering you as you paint and lets them escape the indoors so you don't have to sleep with that paint smell.
Trish
Heartbreak River (as Tricia Mills), Razorbill (4/09)
Her Very Own Family, Harlequin American (5/09)
http://www.trishmilburn.com/
Household Cleaning Tip from Trish Milburn
1. Break tasks down into 15-minute segments, and set a kitchen timer to keep track. This helps keep housecleaning from seeming overwhelming, and if you're a writer it gets you up from your computer for those 15 minutes every hour. The housework gets done, and you get a physical and mental break from your work.
2. Save painting interiors for a pleasant day when you can open the windows. This keeps the fumes from bothering you as you paint and lets them escape the indoors so you don't have to sleep with that paint smell.
Trish
Heartbreak River (as Tricia Mills), Razorbill (4/09)
Her Very Own Family, Harlequin American (5/09)
http://www.trishmilburn.com/
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Interview: Cindi Myers
How did you make your first sale?
I was a Golden Heart finalist in 1997 (Short Historical). At the reception for finalists, an editor with Berkley asked me what I was working on. I knew she had already rejected the finalist manuscript, so I pitched a book I had just started. Set in post-Civil war Texas, it had a quilting theme. As it happened, Berkley was just beginning a new line of Quilting Romances, so the
editor asked to see "whatever I had." I sent the first three chapters and a synopsis when I returned home from the conference in August.
In October, my husband and I took a vacation to Washington DC We arrived home after midnight on October 10. My answering machine light was blinking. The message was from the editor -- she wanted to buy my book! Needless to say, I didn't sleep that night.
Patchwork Hearts was published in 1999 under my maiden name, Cynthia Sterling. I wrote 7 historicals under that name before turning to contemporary romance, writing as Cindi Myers
Tell us about your book.
The Man Most Likely is the third in a series of connected books I'm writing for Harlequin American, set in the ski resort town of Crested Butte, Colorado. I love this book because the heroine, Angela, is working hard to accept herself just as she is. She's a size 16 and determined to stop trying to fit into a mold of how everyone else thinks she should look and make the most of what she has. She's an amateur actress and owns her own business - a chocolate shop called the Chocolate Moose. When she meets the hero, Bryan, she doesn't know what to think of him. He's drop-dead gorgeous and has a reputation as a slacker -- a snowboarder who works odd jobs and spends his time playing. But Bryan is trying to get his life on track. He's working as Assistant Manager of a resort hotel and is putting his slacker days behind him. Bryan is blown away by his attraction to Angela; she's not the gorgeous model type he's used to dating. But he's ready to settle down and decides Angela is worth pursuing, if only he can persuade her his feelings for her are real and true.
If you could be lazy for an entire day what would you do?
Read! I'd work my way through my TBR pile.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I'm an avid skier and try to get out on the snow as much as possible in winter. In summer, my husband and I like to hike and camp with our two dogs. I love to knit and cook. And for the past two years I've been studying Middle Eastern Belly Dance. I belong to a troupe that dances at local festivals and benefits. It's a blast!
What is your writing routine?
I have had different routines over the years. Late last year I listed to a workshop by Eric Maisel on being productive and he recommended writing first thing in the morning, before all the intrusions of the day distracted from creative thought. So beginning in January, I started a new routine that's been working really well for me.
My husband leaves for work about 6:30 every morning. He makes me a cup of tea and brings it to me and wakes me up to kiss me good-bye. I keep my Alpha Smart by the bed and write on it until 8 o'clock or so. Then I get up and start the rest of my day. I transfer the pages from the Alpha Smart to my laptop in the afternoon and often write additional pages. But even if life
throws me a curve and I do nothing else the rest of the day, I at least have written something that morning. I have found I can write between 6 and 8 pages in that hour and a half in the morning.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I think the hardest part is battling the little voice in my head that says it's not good enough. I try hard not to listen to it, but it is a struggle.
How long have you been writing?
I always wanted to be a writer. When I was 8 or 9 I read the Little House books by Laura Ingals Wilder and told my mom I wanted to write books like that. In college I began writing a column for our local weekly newspaper and after I graduated (with a degree in economics) instead of going to work for a bank, I accepted the offer of a job with the newspaper. I covered city and
county government and wrote a weekly column and features. When I left that job I freelanced for magazines for a number of years, fulltime and part time. I sold the occasional short story. I wrote two very long, unsold historical novels. Finally, I landed an agent and she suggested I try
romance. I had never read romance before, so I asked a girlfriend who was a fan to recommend some books. I read a big stack of them and was hooked! After that I wrote eight complete manuscripts that didn't sell, before I finally sold that proposal to Berkley.
What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
I teach writing and so many of my students expect success to come quickly and easily. Writing is hard work and no matter how long you've been writing, there is always room for improvement. I learn ways every year to improve my writing. So number one is to be prepared to work hard and never stop trying to improve. Number two is to be patient -- the wheels of publishing turn
slowly and it can take time to get the attention of agents or publishers or to find a home for your work.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I'm currently working on my 42nd contracted novel. Some I love more than others, but asking me to choose a favorite is like asking a mother to name her favorite child. Sometimes, it depends on the day of the week.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
It's a day early but my blog is nearly a day late since I was busy getting ready for a Mother's Day celebration tomorrow. Like Linda, I also think of my mother as my hero. She raised seven kids. Sometimes I struggle raising two. :) I don't know how she managed -- even with my father's help. Since I come from a big family, our celebrations are big! Lots of cooking and cleaning required beforehand -- neither one of them being my favorite thing to do. I'd much rather be writing. :)
My May Harlequin American, ONCE A HERO, is the second book in my Citizens Police Academy series. I've always been partial to lawmen heroes. What's not to love about a man who's sworn to protect and serve?
I came up with the idea for this series when, a few years ago, I joined my city's citizens police academy. I learned so much about law enforcement -- mostly that it's nothing like most television shows portray it. Most times it's a tough, thankless job that takes a special person to want to do it. (Kind of like being a mother. :)) I think for most police officers that it's more a calling than a profession -- something the person not just wants to do but can't not do. Kind of like being a writer. :)
If your city has a citizens police academy, you might want to sign up and get some insight into the people who've sworn to protect and serve you. Like me, I'll bet your appreciation will grow for these impressive heroes.
Tomorrow is all about honoring those other special heroes in our lives -- our moms! So I better get back to my party preparations. I will check back in to the comments to draw a winner for an autographed copy of ONCE A LAWMAN, the first book in the Citizens Police Academy series. Let me know what special things you're doing for Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day & Happy Reading!
Lisa Childs
My May Harlequin American, ONCE A HERO, is the second book in my Citizens Police Academy series. I've always been partial to lawmen heroes. What's not to love about a man who's sworn to protect and serve?
I came up with the idea for this series when, a few years ago, I joined my city's citizens police academy. I learned so much about law enforcement -- mostly that it's nothing like most television shows portray it. Most times it's a tough, thankless job that takes a special person to want to do it. (Kind of like being a mother. :)) I think for most police officers that it's more a calling than a profession -- something the person not just wants to do but can't not do. Kind of like being a writer. :)
If your city has a citizens police academy, you might want to sign up and get some insight into the people who've sworn to protect and serve you. Like me, I'll bet your appreciation will grow for these impressive heroes.
Tomorrow is all about honoring those other special heroes in our lives -- our moms! So I better get back to my party preparations. I will check back in to the comments to draw a winner for an autographed copy of ONCE A LAWMAN, the first book in the Citizens Police Academy series. Let me know what special things you're doing for Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day & Happy Reading!
Lisa Childs
Friday, May 08, 2009
HEROES AND MOTHERS
This month we’re talking about heroes, and since Sunday is Mother’s Day my thoughts are drawn to my mother. She passed away in 2000. Sunday I will be a little sad, but I’ll remember all the things about her that made me laugh. Made me wiser and a better person.
One of the things I remember most was her courage in an era when men made all the decisions and controlled the money. My parents grew cotton, corn and raised cattle in rural Texas. My mother worked as hard as my dad, but her name wasn't on their checking account. She wanted her name on that account. My dad said no. He’d give her whatever she needed (This was in the sixties). That didn’t suit her. She said if she couldn’t write checks then she was getting a job and making her own money. My dad kind of laughed at that. But that’s exactly what she did. There was a lot of quiet around our house during that time.
One night my dad laid a piece of paper on the table with a checkbook. My mother’s name was on it. She stood up for what she wanted and got it. I admired her courage, and her dry wit always made me laugh. When we disagreed, she had a way of making me think. Usually by making up stuff(Guess I got that creative gene from her).
Here’s some of the made up stuff when she didn’t want me to do something (She never said no. She let me make the decision – kind of):
(When I wanted to buy red fingernail polish)
If you paint your fingernails red, it will make you look cheap. (How cheap could a twelve year old look? But it was effective)
If you color your hair, you’ll look like a hooker. (Geez. I was sixteen and just wanted to get my hair frosted.)
(When I started dating) Never date a guy to spite your mother. That’s just rude.
If you lie to your mother, you’ll tongue will turn green. (My brothers and I looked at our tongues in the mirror a lot.)
If you curse, you’ll get you mouth washed out with soap. (My dad said my oldest brother had a bar of soap named after him.)
My favorite—(Right before I was leaving for college this was her sage advice.) Now you’re going to meet a lot of guys, but before you even think about marriage, take a good look at the fellow’s face and ask yourself if you want to see that mug across the breakfast table for the rest of your life. (Of course I laughed, but I thought about it with every guy I thought was the one, which is what she wanted me to do.)
So here’s to mother’s everywhere who guide us through life with wisdom, humor and a little guilt thrown in for good measure.
So, yes, to me, my mother is a hero. How about you? Any thoughts about your mother?
www.lindawarren.net
Caitlyn’s Prize – July ‘09
One of the things I remember most was her courage in an era when men made all the decisions and controlled the money. My parents grew cotton, corn and raised cattle in rural Texas. My mother worked as hard as my dad, but her name wasn't on their checking account. She wanted her name on that account. My dad said no. He’d give her whatever she needed (This was in the sixties). That didn’t suit her. She said if she couldn’t write checks then she was getting a job and making her own money. My dad kind of laughed at that. But that’s exactly what she did. There was a lot of quiet around our house during that time.
One night my dad laid a piece of paper on the table with a checkbook. My mother’s name was on it. She stood up for what she wanted and got it. I admired her courage, and her dry wit always made me laugh. When we disagreed, she had a way of making me think. Usually by making up stuff(Guess I got that creative gene from her).
Here’s some of the made up stuff when she didn’t want me to do something (She never said no. She let me make the decision – kind of):
(When I wanted to buy red fingernail polish)
If you paint your fingernails red, it will make you look cheap. (How cheap could a twelve year old look? But it was effective)
If you color your hair, you’ll look like a hooker. (Geez. I was sixteen and just wanted to get my hair frosted.)
(When I started dating) Never date a guy to spite your mother. That’s just rude.
If you lie to your mother, you’ll tongue will turn green. (My brothers and I looked at our tongues in the mirror a lot.)
If you curse, you’ll get you mouth washed out with soap. (My dad said my oldest brother had a bar of soap named after him.)
My favorite—(Right before I was leaving for college this was her sage advice.) Now you’re going to meet a lot of guys, but before you even think about marriage, take a good look at the fellow’s face and ask yourself if you want to see that mug across the breakfast table for the rest of your life. (Of course I laughed, but I thought about it with every guy I thought was the one, which is what she wanted me to do.)
So here’s to mother’s everywhere who guide us through life with wisdom, humor and a little guilt thrown in for good measure.
So, yes, to me, my mother is a hero. How about you? Any thoughts about your mother?
www.lindawarren.net
Caitlyn’s Prize – July ‘09
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Favorite Heroes
Heroes are vital to a romance book. For me to love a book, I have to fall a little bit in love with the hero. Back in the olden days of romance books (when my nanny read them to me in my crib, lol), the heroes were silent Alpha brutes who mostly infuriated me. But the heroines were doormats, so maybe that's what appealed to readers then. For myself, I cried till Nanny threw them against the wall for me. (Is anyone buying I was that young? Oh. Well, I tried.)
Did y'all note in Shelley's post about heroes on Sunday, her first hero listed is her dad? My friend has a H.S. freshman daughter who has to do an English project gathering pictures and writing about her first love (really, I don't make this stuff up), and she's writing about her dad.
Maybe that's why I love writing the "Hero as New Father" character. In The Fake Fiancee, the hero gets involved with a woman who has two children--children who don't like him at first. Now, I could have written him not caring, as his relationship with their mom is a business deal, but that's not a guy I'd want to be with. So Joe takes on the challenge of becoming a Dad. I haven't written a baby-on-the-doorstep type book (yet) where two people are instant parents of a newborn/toddler, but I love that idea. There's something so manly and appealing about a guy falling under the spell of a child. Something so masculine and romantic about a guy crooning lullabies or walking the floor with a cranky baby.
Becoming a parent changes a person, man or woman. I believe it always makes that person "more," that parenthood adds dimension and depth to his or her basic character. I hope everyone feels the same, as I love writing about new dads. My husband, btw, is an awesome father. When we were dating, we babysat my sick niece, who almost immediately vomited chicken noodle soup all over him. His calm response and loving reassurances to the four-year-old distraught girl assured me he'd be the perfect dad for my kids. And he is.
Yes, it's almost Mother's Day here in America, but I'm tipping my bonnet to the fathers of the world. Here's to you.
Megan Kelly
Did y'all note in Shelley's post about heroes on Sunday, her first hero listed is her dad? My friend has a H.S. freshman daughter who has to do an English project gathering pictures and writing about her first love (really, I don't make this stuff up), and she's writing about her dad.
Maybe that's why I love writing the "Hero as New Father" character. In The Fake Fiancee, the hero gets involved with a woman who has two children--children who don't like him at first. Now, I could have written him not caring, as his relationship with their mom is a business deal, but that's not a guy I'd want to be with. So Joe takes on the challenge of becoming a Dad. I haven't written a baby-on-the-doorstep type book (yet) where two people are instant parents of a newborn/toddler, but I love that idea. There's something so manly and appealing about a guy falling under the spell of a child. Something so masculine and romantic about a guy crooning lullabies or walking the floor with a cranky baby.
Becoming a parent changes a person, man or woman. I believe it always makes that person "more," that parenthood adds dimension and depth to his or her basic character. I hope everyone feels the same, as I love writing about new dads. My husband, btw, is an awesome father. When we were dating, we babysat my sick niece, who almost immediately vomited chicken noodle soup all over him. His calm response and loving reassurances to the four-year-old distraught girl assured me he'd be the perfect dad for my kids. And he is.
Yes, it's almost Mother's Day here in America, but I'm tipping my bonnet to the fathers of the world. Here's to you.
Megan Kelly
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
It's Author News Day!
This month we’re sending out a big, warm welcome to three new authors who are joining the blog—Pam Stone (15th), Lisa Ruff (27th), and Laura Bradford (29th). It’s wonderful to have you aboard, ladies! We're sure your readers will love getting to know you as much as we have.
THE RIGHT MR. WRONG (Feb. ‘08) by Cindi Myers was awarded a Reviewer's Choice Award from RT Magazine for Best Harlequin American romance of 2008.
Linda Warren’s TEXAS HEIR (Sept. ‘08) won The Lories Best Published Contest in Series Contemporary, and ALWAYS A MOTHER (June ‘08) won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in Series Contemporary. TEXAS HEIR is currently a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill, and ALWAYS A MOTHER is a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill.
FAMILY BY DESIGN (January ‘08) by Roxanne Delaney is a finalist in the short contemporary category of Oklahoma RWA's National Readers Choice Awards. Winners will be announced at RWA's National Conference in Washington, DC in July.
FOREVER HIS BRIDE (Aug. ‘08) by Lisa Childs is a Golden Quill finalist, and FINALLY A BRIDE (Oct. ‘08) is a Write Touch Reader's Award finalist. The cover model for Lisa's ONCE A HERO (May ‘09) is none other than Justin Ryan of Colin and Justin’s Home Heist, a hit show on Canada’s HGTV network.
Kara Lennox is teaching a month-long online class called "Aim High, Shoot Straight: Setting and Achieving your Goals as a Writer." The class, hosted by the Yosemite Romance Writers, started Monday, but if you sign up any time this week you shouldn't have any trouble catching up. The cost is $25, and you can sign up by clicking on the Yosemite Romance Writers link above.
Cathy McDavid is...well...a little embarrassed to announce that REAL MEN SELL BRAS (Five Star Books ‘03) won the worst cover contest last week at Riding with the Top Down.
Cathy says the competition was stiff, but she managed to squeak by with a near landslide!
Dear. Ms. Thomas,
This is the second novel of yours I’ve read and I’m just as, if not more, impressed. Realistic setting, believable characters, conflict that is centered on the hero and heroine and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, two young children I adored. I think I need to go take my temperature after writing that last bit.
So, mark this day down as one for the ages. Jayne adores two toddlers in a romance novel. Maybe I’m being sucked into Harlequin’s baby centered world at long last? Hmmmm. Nah, I think it’s just Rose and Lily who charmed me in this charming story. ~Jayne at Dear Author.com Click here to read the full review.
May 10—Check out Cindy Meyers’ author interview here on the blog
May 12—Harlequin American Romance release day! Four great new reads. Check out the covers in the sidebar.
May 25—This will be our next news day on the blog. Be sure to stop by to find out what’s “news” with the Harlequin American Romance Authors.
News
This year’s Rita finalists have already been announced on the blog, but some things truly cannot be said too often. THE RIGHT MR. WRONG (Feb. ‘08) by Cindi Meyers and TEXAS HEIR by Linda Warren (Sept. ‘08) are finalists in the Rita Series Contemporary category. Congratulations to both of you!THE RIGHT MR. WRONG (Feb. ‘08) by Cindi Myers was awarded a Reviewer's Choice Award from RT Magazine for Best Harlequin American romance of 2008.
Linda Warren’s TEXAS HEIR (Sept. ‘08) won The Lories Best Published Contest in Series Contemporary, and ALWAYS A MOTHER (June ‘08) won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in Series Contemporary. TEXAS HEIR is currently a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill, and ALWAYS A MOTHER is a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill.
FAMILY BY DESIGN (January ‘08) by Roxanne Delaney is a finalist in the short contemporary category of Oklahoma RWA's National Readers Choice Awards. Winners will be announced at RWA's National Conference in Washington, DC in July.
FOREVER HIS BRIDE (Aug. ‘08) by Lisa Childs is a Golden Quill finalist, and FINALLY A BRIDE (Oct. ‘08) is a Write Touch Reader's Award finalist. The cover model for Lisa's ONCE A HERO (May ‘09) is none other than Justin Ryan of Colin and Justin’s Home Heist, a hit show on Canada’s HGTV network.
Kara Lennox is teaching a month-long online class called "Aim High, Shoot Straight: Setting and Achieving your Goals as a Writer." The class, hosted by the Yosemite Romance Writers, started Monday, but if you sign up any time this week you shouldn't have any trouble catching up. The cost is $25, and you can sign up by clicking on the Yosemite Romance Writers link above.
Cathy McDavid is...well...a little embarrassed to announce that REAL MEN SELL BRAS (Five Star Books ‘03) won the worst cover contest last week at Riding with the Top Down.
Cathy says the competition was stiff, but she managed to squeak by with a near landslide!Reviews
A COWBOY’S PROMISE (May ‘09) by Marin ThomasDear. Ms. Thomas,
This is the second novel of yours I’ve read and I’m just as, if not more, impressed. Realistic setting, believable characters, conflict that is centered on the hero and heroine and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, two young children I adored. I think I need to go take my temperature after writing that last bit.
So, mark this day down as one for the ages. Jayne adores two toddlers in a romance novel. Maybe I’m being sucked into Harlequin’s baby centered world at long last? Hmmmm. Nah, I think it’s just Rose and Lily who charmed me in this charming story. ~Jayne at Dear Author.com Click here to read the full review.
Mark Your Calendar
May 8—Trish Milburn is guest blogging with Petit Fours and Hot TamalesMay 10—Check out Cindy Meyers’ author interview here on the blog
May 12—Harlequin American Romance release day! Four great new reads. Check out the covers in the sidebar.
May 25—This will be our next news day on the blog. Be sure to stop by to find out what’s “news” with the Harlequin American Romance Authors.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Update on the Orchard Mason Bees
Happy May, everyone!
Back in March, I posted about the orchard mason bees my hubby brought home from the nursery. I never thought they’d hatch, but two weeks ago, they did. At last! (And since I bet my hubby $.50 they wouldn’t, I owe him…)
They’re tiny, with blue bodies, and non-aggressive. With plenty of fruit and other blossoms everywhere, they’re very busy. Now I know where the expression “busy bees” comes from.
Time will tell if we actually grow peaches. I’ll let you know sometime this summer.
Ann
www.annroth.net
A Father for Jesse July, 2009
Back in March, I posted about the orchard mason bees my hubby brought home from the nursery. I never thought they’d hatch, but two weeks ago, they did. At last! (And since I bet my hubby $.50 they wouldn’t, I owe him…)
They’re tiny, with blue bodies, and non-aggressive. With plenty of fruit and other blossoms everywhere, they’re very busy. Now I know where the expression “busy bees” comes from.
Time will tell if we actually grow peaches. I’ll let you know sometime this summer.
Ann
www.annroth.net
A Father for Jesse July, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
We're Trying Something New-- Authors' Favorite Recipes
Who doesn’t love a great recipe? Since many of us Harlequin American authors love to cook, we thought we’d share some of our favorite recipes with you. Starting today, we’ll post a different author’s recipe the 4th of every month. Let us know what you think–of the recipe, or anything at all.
This month's recipe comes from Marin Thomas.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This is one of my husband's favorite suppers that my mother made for him before she passed away. Serve with freshly baked rolls and a salad.
Bake three to four chicken breasts, cool, cut up into pieces. Or if you're grilling chicken throw a few extra breasts on the cooker and use that chicken the next to make this meal.
Chop 1 white onion and fry in butter with 1 small carton of sliced mushrooms until dark brown.
Cook 1 ½ boxes of spaghetti noodles
In an extra large bowl combine the following and mix well with whisk:
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can full of milk
1 to 1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 package of dried Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Salt and Pepper to taste (I use McCormick's Peppercorn Medley Grinder and Lawry's Garlic Salt)
Fold chicken pieces, mushroom & onions, and noodles into the mix.
Use cooking spray on bottom and sides of a large baking dish and spread mixture in dish. Top with 2 packages of 8oz mild cheddar cheese and bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until the cheese is brown and crusty around the edges.
Marin Thomas
Samantha's Cowboy (August 2009)
A Cowboy Christmas (December 2009)
www.marinthomas.com
This month's recipe comes from Marin Thomas.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This is one of my husband's favorite suppers that my mother made for him before she passed away. Serve with freshly baked rolls and a salad.
Bake three to four chicken breasts, cool, cut up into pieces. Or if you're grilling chicken throw a few extra breasts on the cooker and use that chicken the next to make this meal.
Chop 1 white onion and fry in butter with 1 small carton of sliced mushrooms until dark brown.
Cook 1 ½ boxes of spaghetti noodles
In an extra large bowl combine the following and mix well with whisk:
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can full of milk
1 to 1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 package of dried Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Salt and Pepper to taste (I use McCormick's Peppercorn Medley Grinder and Lawry's Garlic Salt)
Fold chicken pieces, mushroom & onions, and noodles into the mix.
Use cooking spray on bottom and sides of a large baking dish and spread mixture in dish. Top with 2 packages of 8oz mild cheddar cheese and bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until the cheese is brown and crusty around the edges.
Marin Thomas
Samantha's Cowboy (August 2009)
A Cowboy Christmas (December 2009)
www.marinthomas.com
Sunday, May 03, 2009
What Makes A Hero?
This month, a lot of the Harlequin American authors are going to be blogging about heroes. We’ll be writing about firemen and CEO’s, cowboys and soldiers. This theme has had me doing some thinking about the heroes in my books…and the heroes in my life.
While we’d all agree heroes are people who triumphantly save the day, get the bad guy, or save someone from a burning building, most men I know haven't done too many of those things.
But they're heroes to me, just the same. They've made my life better and happier. Those types of men are usually the kind of heroes I write about, too. I love writing about decent, hardworking, kind men. They’re the guys I’d want to know, or work with, or live near.
So here are some men who’ve been real heroes to me over the years:
• My dad, of course, who took me to college, planned my wedding, and cried when he held my newborn son.
• My husband who makes me laugh, talks up my books, drives me around in the snow, and always washes my car for me-since I have a weird car wash phobia.
• My son, who always kills spiders in the house,carries heavy things for me, and makes a big deal about Mother's Day because he knows it makes me happy.
• Mike, our insurance guy, who came right out when we had a mini-flood eight years ago and my husband was out of town and wouldn’t answer his cell phone.
• My son’s wrestling coach who made my son listen…even when he didn’t want to.
• Grant, one of the pastors at our church. Somehow he’s made ‘going to church’ something that all the high school youth want to do.
I know I’m not alone in knowing a bunch of heroic guys. Anyone have their own hero at home? In their neighborhood? At their grocery store? This month is the perfect time to remember them. Tell us who your personal hero is! I, for one, would love to read all about him.
Shelley
While we’d all agree heroes are people who triumphantly save the day, get the bad guy, or save someone from a burning building, most men I know haven't done too many of those things.
But they're heroes to me, just the same. They've made my life better and happier. Those types of men are usually the kind of heroes I write about, too. I love writing about decent, hardworking, kind men. They’re the guys I’d want to know, or work with, or live near.
So here are some men who’ve been real heroes to me over the years:
• My dad, of course, who took me to college, planned my wedding, and cried when he held my newborn son.
• My husband who makes me laugh, talks up my books, drives me around in the snow, and always washes my car for me-since I have a weird car wash phobia.
• My son, who always kills spiders in the house,carries heavy things for me, and makes a big deal about Mother's Day because he knows it makes me happy.
• Mike, our insurance guy, who came right out when we had a mini-flood eight years ago and my husband was out of town and wouldn’t answer his cell phone.
• My son’s wrestling coach who made my son listen…even when he didn’t want to.
• Grant, one of the pastors at our church. Somehow he’s made ‘going to church’ something that all the high school youth want to do.
I know I’m not alone in knowing a bunch of heroic guys. Anyone have their own hero at home? In their neighborhood? At their grocery store? This month is the perfect time to remember them. Tell us who your personal hero is! I, for one, would love to read all about him.
Shelley
Saturday, May 02, 2009
APRIL WINNER!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS Minna! You’re the April winner. To receive your free autographed books please contact Marin Thomas and Kara Lennox through their Web sites.
To enter the contest simply leave a blog comment and your name will go into the drawing. Simple and painless. And FREE BOOKS.
So check back often and be sure to leave a comment. Good luck!
To enter the contest simply leave a blog comment and your name will go into the drawing. Simple and painless. And FREE BOOKS.
So check back often and be sure to leave a comment. Good luck!
Friday, May 01, 2009
The faces of art
Most people associate Nashville, Tennessee, primarily with country music. Since I grew up there as the daughter of an artist, I’m much more keenly aware of its active art world and many talented artists.
Last week, I was there for the annual Temple Art Festival, a juried show of works ranging from jewelry to painting, photography, and ceramic sculpture.
My mother, Sylvia Hyman, is a sort of grande dame at 91, with an international reputation for her detailed and realistic fool-the-eye works. You can see these on my Web site, www.jacquelinediamond.com, or, with biographical information, on her festival page, http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=176.
At the other end of the career spectrum was young photographer Michael Jones, whose mother Mary Loventhal Jones was a high school classmate of mine. Not only does Michael take terrific landscape photos (which you can see at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=162), he’s also articulate about his work and very personable. He’s just at the beginning of his career, which I hope will be long and rewarding.
Another gifted photographer at the show, Judy Nebhut, raised a family before pursuing her lifelong interest in the camera. Her serene and radiant work, which she manipulates through sophisticated techniques, is on view both at her personal Web site,
http://judynebhut.com/, and at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=53.
A painter whose work particularly struck me was Camille Torchon. He (yes, Camille’s a guy) originally hails from Haiti and has exhibited his work in France. He paints brilliant, stylized scenes of an island paradise, which you can view at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=168.
After seeing these artists’ work, you might never think of Nashville the same way, either.
Last week, I was there for the annual Temple Art Festival, a juried show of works ranging from jewelry to painting, photography, and ceramic sculpture.
My mother, Sylvia Hyman, is a sort of grande dame at 91, with an international reputation for her detailed and realistic fool-the-eye works. You can see these on my Web site, www.jacquelinediamond.com, or, with biographical information, on her festival page, http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=176.
At the other end of the career spectrum was young photographer Michael Jones, whose mother Mary Loventhal Jones was a high school classmate of mine. Not only does Michael take terrific landscape photos (which you can see at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=162), he’s also articulate about his work and very personable. He’s just at the beginning of his career, which I hope will be long and rewarding.
Another gifted photographer at the show, Judy Nebhut, raised a family before pursuing her lifelong interest in the camera. Her serene and radiant work, which she manipulates through sophisticated techniques, is on view both at her personal Web site,
http://judynebhut.com/, and at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=53.
A painter whose work particularly struck me was Camille Torchon. He (yes, Camille’s a guy) originally hails from Haiti and has exhibited his work in France. He paints brilliant, stylized scenes of an island paradise, which you can view at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=168.
After seeing these artists’ work, you might never think of Nashville the same way, either.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
What Makes You Laugh?
My Harlequin American in stores right now (Mistletoe Cinderella) is, in a way, a return to my writing roots--romantic comedy. My first published books were all comedies and while I've spread my wings creatively and written some more serious books now (even an out and out tearjerker) I love laughing and making people laugh. Comedy is by no means easy to write, but it sure can be fun! Of course, not everyone agrees on what "comedy" is--a fact of which I became painfully aware when my well-meaning husand recently rented a comedy for us to watch. Ugh. It made a ton of money in theaters, but apparently I was NOT the target audience.
But I think it's great that there are many kinds of humor to serve many personalities, whether you like the warm, family-driven humor of Holly Jacobs, the outrageous over-the-top exploits of Janet Evanovich, or the witty banter of Jennifer Crusie.
The humor in Mistletoe Cinderella, my second book in the Four Seasons in Mistletoe miniseries, starts off situational but evolves into character-driven comedy. The shy heroine has been placed in awkward circumstances, then made things way worse when she didn't know how to gracefully handle it and made an impulsive decision. So as the problem snowballs, how will she fix it? This is fiction of course and has never happened to me, but I have certainly been in social situations where I had no idea how to react until about three days later--when it was too late. Which is part of the reason I like writing comedy. Sometimes a social situation arises and, the next day as I'm folding laundry or cleaning the bathroom (ah, the glamorous life of the writer), I'll think of a funny comeback that would have been perfect for making people smile or defusing the tension. In real life, I'm often too late. But in my manuscript, if I think of a great line for my hero, I can always go back and add it to the scene.
So what kind of comedy do you prefer? (Or do you find a classic tearjerker and having a good cry more cathartic than laughing out loud?) What in your real, day-to-day life makes you laugh? I have to admit, although there are no children in this particular Mistletoe book--I make up for that with three kids in my August release, Mistletoe Mommy--my munchkins are comedy gold. I love seeing the world through their eyes and they make me laugh every day (a fair trade off for the moments that I'm pulling my hair out.) When I'm feeling blue, here are some of my most tried-and-true methods of chuckling:
1. Tickling my daughter. She has this amazingly deep belly laugh that is just insane coming out of a little girl and it makes anyone who hears it laugh along with her. (My sister actually recorded it and uses it as the ring tone on her cell.)
2. Comedian Bill Engvall's story about his guest flight with the Air Force Thunderbirds.
3. Re-reading Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise.
4. Watching Doris Day movies with my mom, the woman who gave me my love of romantic comedy in the first place. We love With Six You Get Eggroll, Lover Come Back (with Rock Hudson) and Move Over Darling (with James Garner).
5. Quoting the lines from Princess Bride with my first-grader. My mom gave me Doris; I gave my kids Wesley and Buttercup and "Assssss Youuuuuuu Wiiiiiiiish." Comedy. Pass it on.
But I think it's great that there are many kinds of humor to serve many personalities, whether you like the warm, family-driven humor of Holly Jacobs, the outrageous over-the-top exploits of Janet Evanovich, or the witty banter of Jennifer Crusie.
The humor in Mistletoe Cinderella, my second book in the Four Seasons in Mistletoe miniseries, starts off situational but evolves into character-driven comedy. The shy heroine has been placed in awkward circumstances, then made things way worse when she didn't know how to gracefully handle it and made an impulsive decision. So as the problem snowballs, how will she fix it? This is fiction of course and has never happened to me, but I have certainly been in social situations where I had no idea how to react until about three days later--when it was too late. Which is part of the reason I like writing comedy. Sometimes a social situation arises and, the next day as I'm folding laundry or cleaning the bathroom (ah, the glamorous life of the writer), I'll think of a funny comeback that would have been perfect for making people smile or defusing the tension. In real life, I'm often too late. But in my manuscript, if I think of a great line for my hero, I can always go back and add it to the scene.
So what kind of comedy do you prefer? (Or do you find a classic tearjerker and having a good cry more cathartic than laughing out loud?) What in your real, day-to-day life makes you laugh? I have to admit, although there are no children in this particular Mistletoe book--I make up for that with three kids in my August release, Mistletoe Mommy--my munchkins are comedy gold. I love seeing the world through their eyes and they make me laugh every day (a fair trade off for the moments that I'm pulling my hair out.) When I'm feeling blue, here are some of my most tried-and-true methods of chuckling:
1. Tickling my daughter. She has this amazingly deep belly laugh that is just insane coming out of a little girl and it makes anyone who hears it laugh along with her. (My sister actually recorded it and uses it as the ring tone on her cell.)
2. Comedian Bill Engvall's story about his guest flight with the Air Force Thunderbirds.
3. Re-reading Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise.
4. Watching Doris Day movies with my mom, the woman who gave me my love of romantic comedy in the first place. We love With Six You Get Eggroll, Lover Come Back (with Rock Hudson) and Move Over Darling (with James Garner).
5. Quoting the lines from Princess Bride with my first-grader. My mom gave me Doris; I gave my kids Wesley and Buttercup and "Assssss Youuuuuuu Wiiiiiiiish." Comedy. Pass it on.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
And the winner is...
I’m taking advantage this “open” day to let you know that EllenToo is the winner of an eBook copy of With This Ring.Congratulations!
Please go to my website and send me an email (the address is at the bottom of every page) so I can pass it along. And if you (or anyone!) would like a bookmark, feel free to also give me your snail mail address and I’ll pop them in the mail.
Thanks again to everyone who visited the Harlequin American Romance Authors’ blog yesterday!
Lee
Friday, April 24, 2009
Lee McKenzie’s TV Talk Show Interview
Being asked to do this interview on the Harlequin American Romance Authors’ blog is really an honor, and it reminded me of a dream I’ve had for a long time—to be interviewed on a TV talk show. It’s never going to happen. I’m not a celeb and I haven’t done anything talk-show-worthy, but we all have these secret fantasies, right? The kind that include an Oscar, Olympic gold, a standing ovation, recognition for a selfless act of bravery. A moment in the spotlight.
So please bear with me. I may never be a guest on a TV talk show, but thanks to my imagination, I am about to walk onto the set of the Rachael Ray Show.
Why her show? I think she’s funny and quirky and practical all at the same time, and I respect her down-to-earthness.
Okay, deep breath, and here I go.
RR: Please join me in welcoming romance author Lee McKenzie. Thank you for being here today.
LM: Thank you for having me. This is the thrill of a lifetime.
[hug, mwah, mwah]
RR: Lee is joining me in the kitchen today and we’re going to make her favorite homemade tomato sauce while we chat. Before we get started, here’s the recipe:
LM: Absolutely. The first thing we want to do is chop all the vegetables.
RR: Sounds like a plan. While we work on that, why don’t you tell us a little bit about your yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
LM: I read a lot, and I enjoy nature so I try to get out for a walk as often as possible. And I love to cook.
RR: So you’re a gourmet?
LM: Not even close! I like simple, tasty meals made from as many fresh, natural ingredients as possible.
RR: Sounds gourmet if you ask me. Okay, now that everything’s chopped, what’s next.
LM: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. We want it hot enough to cook the vegetables without browning them.
RR: Gotcha.
LM: Now we toss in the onion, carrot, celery and parsley, give it a good stir, turn the heat down to low, and pop on the lid.
RR: So the veggies aren’t sauteed?
LM: No, we want them to cook gently and slowly. I think the Italian word for this is soffrito.
RR: You speak Italian?
LM: Not a word. Except soffrito.
RR: How long do we let this cook?
LM: About 15 or 20 minutes. I like to check it and give it a stir every 5 minutes so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
RR: While that cooks, why don’t you tell us a little more about yourself. How long have you been writing?
LM: Since I was in high school. In those days I churned out a lot of dreadful poetry—angsty teenage stuff. At the time, I thought it was deeply profound. It wasn’t. I also used to write a lot of letters to friends and family.
RR: Real letters? The handwritten kind?
LM: That’s right. I love computers and email—I use them everyday—but it’s sad that letter writing has become a thing of the past. There’s something soothing and reflective about putting words on paper the old-fashioned way.
RR: Did you want to be a writer when you grew up?
LM: I did, although I didn’t think I could make a career of it. Oddly enough, my first real job was as an advertising copywriter. Not terribly creative, but I was in my early twenties and being paid for writing.
RR: That’s very cool. What inspired you to write your first book?
LM: I’ve always been an avid reader, and much of what I’ve read has been an inspiration in one way or another. Good authors make writing and storytelling look easy. Turns out, it isn’t. But I didn’t know that until I was hooked.
RR: Was The Man for Maggie your first book?
LM: It was the first to be published, but it was the sixth full-length manuscript I’d written.
RR: Really? So what happened to the first five?
LM: I submitted them to publishers and filled a file folder with rejection letters. But it’s not as bad it sounds. Every writer goes through a learning process. In my case, with each book I learned something new and my writing skills improved. I hope that continues forever.
RR: When can we expect your next book?
LM: I’ll finish my third book this spring, but I don’t have a publication date yet. It’s the first of a two-book series I was working on when I was diagnosed with melanoma almost a year and a half ago. Since then I’ve had surgery and a year-long course of immunotherapy. Not exactly a recipe for writing.
RR: A whole year? That must have been rough.
LM: It was like having a bad case of flu—fever, achiness, headaches—and a lot of other side effects. And yes, a year is long to feel sick, but that’s all behind me now. It’s been a year and three months since the surgery, and as of right now I’m clear and healthy and enjoying life to the fullest.
RR: Good for you. Do you have any health advice for people?
LM: Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, see your doctor. Early detection and treatment saves lives.
RR: Do you think you’ll incorporate this experience into one of your books?
LM: Maybe someday, but I’m not ready to write about it yet. It’s still too new and a little too raw to go into a book.
RR: I hear you. And I’m smelling something pretty yummy in the kitchen.
LM: Those veggies are cooked. So now we’ll turn up the heat and add a little more olive oil—just a splash—before we add the garlic. Once that’s sizzling, dump in the basil and give it a good stir. After about a minute, pour in the tomatoes.
RR: Your recipe says to use either canned or fresh. Which do you prefer?
LM: I always prefer fresh, but in this case I almost always use canned because they’re fast and convenient. Now we’ll add a pinch of salt—
RR: And toss a little over the shoulder for luck.
LM: I can always use a little of that. Now we’ll give this a quick stir, turn down the heat, and let it simmer uncovered for 10 or 15 minutes until it thickens.
RR: All right. That gives us a few minutes to get back to your writing. If you had to pick one word to describe your writing, what would it be?
LM: Lighthearted.
RR: Sounds like my kind of read. I know Harlequin publishes lots of different kinds of romance novels. Why did you aim for their American Romance line?
LM: They’re fairly traditional romances about a man and a woman who overcome obstacles and fall in love, within the broader context of family and community. They range in sensuality and in tone, from serious to comedic. They’re a thoroughly enjoyable read, which makes them thoroughly enjoyable to write.
RR: My kind of read, too. How’s that sauce coming along?
LM: It’s looking good.
RR: It’s smellin’ pretty darned great too, isn’t it? So is this it?
LM: There’s one more step. I like a smoother sauce, so I put it through a food mill. A food processor will also do the trick, but I recommend doing it in small batches and pulsing it just enough to make is smooth. Otherwise it tends to liquify.
RR: This looks great. Mmmm! Tastes great, too. What kinds of meals do you make with this sauce?
LM: Pasta dishes My family’s favorites are spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken cacciatore. Even on it’s own, it’s great on pasta with a little grated Parmesan. For anyone who’s interested, I’ve posted our chicken cacciatore recipe on my blog, The Writer Side of Life.
RR: Wonderful! I’d like to thank Harlequin romance author Lee McKenzie for being on the show today.
LM: It’s been a lot of fun, Rachael! Thanks for having me.
RR: One lucky member of our audience will receive an eBook copy of Lee’s second book, With This Ring. The winner will be drawn at random from those who leave comments on this post. Goodbye, and we’ll see you when we see you.
So please bear with me. I may never be a guest on a TV talk show, but thanks to my imagination, I am about to walk onto the set of the Rachael Ray Show.Why her show? I think she’s funny and quirky and practical all at the same time, and I respect her down-to-earthness.
Okay, deep breath, and here I go.
RR: Please join me in welcoming romance author Lee McKenzie. Thank you for being here today.
LM: Thank you for having me. This is the thrill of a lifetime.
[hug, mwah, mwah]
RR: Lee is joining me in the kitchen today and we’re going to make her favorite homemade tomato sauce while we chat. Before we get started, here’s the recipe:
Lee's Favorite Tomato SauceRR: Sounds great. Let’s get started, shall we?
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes or 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
LM: Absolutely. The first thing we want to do is chop all the vegetables.
RR: Sounds like a plan. While we work on that, why don’t you tell us a little bit about your yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
LM: I read a lot, and I enjoy nature so I try to get out for a walk as often as possible. And I love to cook.
RR: So you’re a gourmet?
LM: Not even close! I like simple, tasty meals made from as many fresh, natural ingredients as possible.
RR: Sounds gourmet if you ask me. Okay, now that everything’s chopped, what’s next.
LM: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. We want it hot enough to cook the vegetables without browning them.
RR: Gotcha.
LM: Now we toss in the onion, carrot, celery and parsley, give it a good stir, turn the heat down to low, and pop on the lid.
RR: So the veggies aren’t sauteed?
LM: No, we want them to cook gently and slowly. I think the Italian word for this is soffrito.
RR: You speak Italian?
LM: Not a word. Except soffrito.
RR: How long do we let this cook?
LM: About 15 or 20 minutes. I like to check it and give it a stir every 5 minutes so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
RR: While that cooks, why don’t you tell us a little more about yourself. How long have you been writing?
LM: Since I was in high school. In those days I churned out a lot of dreadful poetry—angsty teenage stuff. At the time, I thought it was deeply profound. It wasn’t. I also used to write a lot of letters to friends and family.
RR: Real letters? The handwritten kind?
LM: That’s right. I love computers and email—I use them everyday—but it’s sad that letter writing has become a thing of the past. There’s something soothing and reflective about putting words on paper the old-fashioned way.
RR: Did you want to be a writer when you grew up?
LM: I did, although I didn’t think I could make a career of it. Oddly enough, my first real job was as an advertising copywriter. Not terribly creative, but I was in my early twenties and being paid for writing.
RR: That’s very cool. What inspired you to write your first book?
LM: I’ve always been an avid reader, and much of what I’ve read has been an inspiration in one way or another. Good authors make writing and storytelling look easy. Turns out, it isn’t. But I didn’t know that until I was hooked.
RR: Was The Man for Maggie your first book?
LM: It was the first to be published, but it was the sixth full-length manuscript I’d written.
RR: Really? So what happened to the first five?
LM: I submitted them to publishers and filled a file folder with rejection letters. But it’s not as bad it sounds. Every writer goes through a learning process. In my case, with each book I learned something new and my writing skills improved. I hope that continues forever.
RR: When can we expect your next book?
LM: I’ll finish my third book this spring, but I don’t have a publication date yet. It’s the first of a two-book series I was working on when I was diagnosed with melanoma almost a year and a half ago. Since then I’ve had surgery and a year-long course of immunotherapy. Not exactly a recipe for writing.
RR: A whole year? That must have been rough.
LM: It was like having a bad case of flu—fever, achiness, headaches—and a lot of other side effects. And yes, a year is long to feel sick, but that’s all behind me now. It’s been a year and three months since the surgery, and as of right now I’m clear and healthy and enjoying life to the fullest.
RR: Good for you. Do you have any health advice for people?
LM: Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, see your doctor. Early detection and treatment saves lives.
RR: Do you think you’ll incorporate this experience into one of your books?
LM: Maybe someday, but I’m not ready to write about it yet. It’s still too new and a little too raw to go into a book.
RR: I hear you. And I’m smelling something pretty yummy in the kitchen.
LM: Those veggies are cooked. So now we’ll turn up the heat and add a little more olive oil—just a splash—before we add the garlic. Once that’s sizzling, dump in the basil and give it a good stir. After about a minute, pour in the tomatoes.
RR: Your recipe says to use either canned or fresh. Which do you prefer?
LM: I always prefer fresh, but in this case I almost always use canned because they’re fast and convenient. Now we’ll add a pinch of salt—
RR: And toss a little over the shoulder for luck.
LM: I can always use a little of that. Now we’ll give this a quick stir, turn down the heat, and let it simmer uncovered for 10 or 15 minutes until it thickens.
RR: All right. That gives us a few minutes to get back to your writing. If you had to pick one word to describe your writing, what would it be?
LM: Lighthearted.
RR: Sounds like my kind of read. I know Harlequin publishes lots of different kinds of romance novels. Why did you aim for their American Romance line?
LM: They’re fairly traditional romances about a man and a woman who overcome obstacles and fall in love, within the broader context of family and community. They range in sensuality and in tone, from serious to comedic. They’re a thoroughly enjoyable read, which makes them thoroughly enjoyable to write.
RR: My kind of read, too. How’s that sauce coming along?
LM: It’s looking good.
RR: It’s smellin’ pretty darned great too, isn’t it? So is this it?
LM: There’s one more step. I like a smoother sauce, so I put it through a food mill. A food processor will also do the trick, but I recommend doing it in small batches and pulsing it just enough to make is smooth. Otherwise it tends to liquify.
RR: This looks great. Mmmm! Tastes great, too. What kinds of meals do you make with this sauce?
LM: Pasta dishes My family’s favorites are spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken cacciatore. Even on it’s own, it’s great on pasta with a little grated Parmesan. For anyone who’s interested, I’ve posted our chicken cacciatore recipe on my blog, The Writer Side of Life.
RR: Wonderful! I’d like to thank Harlequin romance author Lee McKenzie for being on the show today.
LM: It’s been a lot of fun, Rachael! Thanks for having me.
RR: One lucky member of our audience will receive an eBook copy of Lee’s second book, With This Ring. The winner will be drawn at random from those who leave comments on this post. Goodbye, and we’ll see you when we see you.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
How Does My Garden Grow?
Some years ago I used to plant a lovely vegetable garden every spring. In those days, I had more time and energy to tend a garden. Nowadays, I'm lucky if I can manage to set the sprinkler out and water the grass twice a week.
Teeth marks on the hose
A big hole by the rose bush
Bits of chewed sprinkler lines scattered in the yard
I re-planted the garden three times in all and swore if Miss Jules dug it up a fourth time, I was calling it quits. So far, my luck's been holding. About a month has passed, and I have baby tomatoes. Yay!!
However, as you can imagine I can't let Miss Jules out in the back yard without constant adult supervision. Bad dog.
Happy Spring, my friends,
Cathy McDavid
For reasons I can't quite explain, I decided this spring to attempt another small garden, mostly tomatoes and a couple peppers (must have been struck with a wave of acute nostalgia). So, anyway, trowel in hand, I set to work and was quite pleased with my efforts...until the next morning when our dog, Miss Jules, dug up all my plants.
Now, let me explain a littel about Miss Jules. We've only owned her three months. She came to live with us on her way to the pound - where she was heading because of a chronic and out of control chewing habit (I told myself she was still a puppy and would out grow this). In hindsight, we were ignorant not to expect trouble.
Upon viewing the destruction of my little garden, I immediately chided Miss Jules. Later that day, I went to the store, purchased new plants, and then restored my garden to its pre-dog-dug-up state. Next morning, same thing. Mass destruction everywhere. I was mad. The dog's behavior was simply unacceptable. My son jumped to Miss Jules' defense, wanting to know why I automatically assumed she'd dug up the plants and not our other dog. I don't know. You examine the clues with me and judge for yourself.
Teeth marks on the hose A big hole by the rose bushBits of chewed sprinkler lines scattered in the yardI re-planted the garden three times in all and swore if Miss Jules dug it up a fourth time, I was calling it quits. So far, my luck's been holding. About a month has passed, and I have baby tomatoes. Yay!!
However, as you can imagine I can't let Miss Jules out in the back yard without constant adult supervision. Bad dog.Happy Spring, my friends,
Cathy McDavid
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
To Auction I Will Go
Next week, Brenda Novak begins her annual auction for diabetes research. This is her fifth year, and the biggest auction yet. If you’ve never stopped by to take a peek, I hope you will. It’s a treasure trove of fun things for readers and writers. (go to www.brendanovak.com for more information)
Editors and agents are offering to look at manuscripts and proposals-some with a week response time. For those of you who’ve submitted, you know how exciting that is. There’s also all kinds of ‘once in a life time’ trips, Kindles, lunch meetings, and dinner coupons. There are also all kinds of things that have nothing to do with writing at all-items like designer handbags, jewelry, Starbucks cards, and paintings.
This year I’m donating two prizes. The first is a collection of six of my Harlequins, along with a Barnes and Noble card so you can go buy more books, too. The second is a gift basket of Amish goodies. That’s listed under my ‘other’ name, Shelley Shepard Gray.
All in all, I enjoy Brenda’s auction just for the sheer enjoyment of spending a little bit of time each day dreaming about possibilities. I imagine bidding for a lunch with Debbie Macomber. I wonder what I’d say if I was lucky enough to sit with some of the editors and agents for afternoon tea. During the month, I bid on all kinds of things. Books and baskets and Mary Kay gift certificates. Rarely do I ever bid high enough to claim the prize, but it's a lot of fun! Dreaming about possibilities and bidding on books seems like a great way to celebrate the month of May.
I know I’m not the only one to donate and/or bid. What have some of you donated? Has anyone besides me ever bid on an item? Best of luck to you all, and Happy May!
Shelley
Editors and agents are offering to look at manuscripts and proposals-some with a week response time. For those of you who’ve submitted, you know how exciting that is. There’s also all kinds of ‘once in a life time’ trips, Kindles, lunch meetings, and dinner coupons. There are also all kinds of things that have nothing to do with writing at all-items like designer handbags, jewelry, Starbucks cards, and paintings.
This year I’m donating two prizes. The first is a collection of six of my Harlequins, along with a Barnes and Noble card so you can go buy more books, too. The second is a gift basket of Amish goodies. That’s listed under my ‘other’ name, Shelley Shepard Gray.
All in all, I enjoy Brenda’s auction just for the sheer enjoyment of spending a little bit of time each day dreaming about possibilities. I imagine bidding for a lunch with Debbie Macomber. I wonder what I’d say if I was lucky enough to sit with some of the editors and agents for afternoon tea. During the month, I bid on all kinds of things. Books and baskets and Mary Kay gift certificates. Rarely do I ever bid high enough to claim the prize, but it's a lot of fun! Dreaming about possibilities and bidding on books seems like a great way to celebrate the month of May.
I know I’m not the only one to donate and/or bid. What have some of you donated? Has anyone besides me ever bid on an item? Best of luck to you all, and Happy May!
Shelley
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Happy Earth Week
This is Earth Week, and as always I’m watching lots of shows on HGTV and DIY Network. Have you ever seen Carter Osterhouse? Need I say more? I completely embrace the idea of reducing our carbon footprint. I completely embrace the idea of Carter Osterhouse convincing me of anything! (Seriously, Google him if you’ve never seen him on a TV show. He started out on Trading Spaces. I want him on the cover of my books!)
Anyway, the hints they give on “green living” makes it sound so easy, and I’ve been practicing all types of recycling and energy reduction for years. My compost heap runneth over. All my coffee grounds, tea, fruit and vegetable waste (that I don’t give to my tortoises) go into compost, along with shredded credit card offers and those pesky “balance transfer” checks I never requested and don’t want. I buy dozens and dozens of blue recycling bags for cans, glass, plastic and paper. We've replaced every window and door in our house. I’ve replaced almost every lightbulb with energy saving fluorescents, even though the tone makes my skin look absolutely jaundiced. However, all this energy saving has a cost.
My time, energy and sanity.
Last night, as I was really tired and berating myself for not using my numerous canvas RWA and local writing conference tote bags for shopping (instead of requesting paper or plastic,) I realized that energy saving takes its toll in other ways. I think about what I should be doing when all I want to do is the most convenient method of getting from point A to point B. All that sorting, accumulating, separating and planning takes time. I remember back in the “old days,” when I used to throw all my trash in one (albeit sometimes stinky) container. Back when I turned on a light and it was immediately “light” rather than dusky twilight until it warmed up. Way back when we used to drive around aimlessly in our gas-guzzling cars just to attract the attention of boys.
In many ways, those were the “good old days.” In other ways, they were terribly irresponsible and should not be idolized. Of one thing I’m sure; they will not be repeated in my lifetime.
I suppose that I will have to be content to cruise the cable channels rather than the drive-in burger joints in search of that tall, dark and handsome carpenter-turned-energy-enthusiast, Carter. After all, I’m old enough to be his mother and besides, that would require even more energy (my own.)
Best wishes for Earth Week, and please share any memories of the “good old days” or hints for recycling almost anything. I could use the advice!
Anyway, the hints they give on “green living” makes it sound so easy, and I’ve been practicing all types of recycling and energy reduction for years. My compost heap runneth over. All my coffee grounds, tea, fruit and vegetable waste (that I don’t give to my tortoises) go into compost, along with shredded credit card offers and those pesky “balance transfer” checks I never requested and don’t want. I buy dozens and dozens of blue recycling bags for cans, glass, plastic and paper. We've replaced every window and door in our house. I’ve replaced almost every lightbulb with energy saving fluorescents, even though the tone makes my skin look absolutely jaundiced. However, all this energy saving has a cost.
My time, energy and sanity.
Last night, as I was really tired and berating myself for not using my numerous canvas RWA and local writing conference tote bags for shopping (instead of requesting paper or plastic,) I realized that energy saving takes its toll in other ways. I think about what I should be doing when all I want to do is the most convenient method of getting from point A to point B. All that sorting, accumulating, separating and planning takes time. I remember back in the “old days,” when I used to throw all my trash in one (albeit sometimes stinky) container. Back when I turned on a light and it was immediately “light” rather than dusky twilight until it warmed up. Way back when we used to drive around aimlessly in our gas-guzzling cars just to attract the attention of boys.
In many ways, those were the “good old days.” In other ways, they were terribly irresponsible and should not be idolized. Of one thing I’m sure; they will not be repeated in my lifetime.
I suppose that I will have to be content to cruise the cable channels rather than the drive-in burger joints in search of that tall, dark and handsome carpenter-turned-energy-enthusiast, Carter. After all, I’m old enough to be his mother and besides, that would require even more energy (my own.)
Best wishes for Earth Week, and please share any memories of the “good old days” or hints for recycling almost anything. I could use the advice!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Phoenix
By the time you read this, I'll be back in the classroom, sorting out from being gone for two class days with my students in Phoenix, AZ. Today is a wacky schedule as there's End of Course testing (the new state of Missouri testing thing) and the spring pep assembly last hour. I'll only see 1/2 of my classes, and yearbook will not be one of them. I won't even have my plan time.
The photo above is of me (I'm in the yellow sweater) and my students at dinner Thursday night. It's tradition to all go out somewhere nice on the Thursday of convention.
The photo above is of me (I'm in the yellow sweater) and my students at dinner Thursday night. It's tradition to all go out somewhere nice on the Thursday of convention.
We arrived at Phoenix around 8 PM Wednesday night. Check in was smooth and really everyone simply crashed as Phoenix was in the 50s and windy. Heck, we had that at home. Thursday was warmer and a group had classes and some of us rode the light rail into the Mill District by ASU in Tempe. Friday was classes and competition, and by Saturday when we had to leave, of course the weather was great. Then we left, and flew right into rain and more high 50s, which hung around even through Sunday.
My students had an awesome time. The only issue we really had was boarding the plane, and realizing the the concierge hadn't printed one of my student's boarding passes for Southwest. So we ran to the counter to get that. Then I discovered going through security that my daughter had failed to remove two bottles of water from the carry on. Of course, I had that bag at the time as I'd swapped it with her when I went back to the counter for the missing boarding pass, so I got to endure the bag check and the joy of getting my shoes swabbed. Thank goodness I always wear socks so I don't have to walk barefoot on that nasty floor.
My students had an awesome time. The only issue we really had was boarding the plane, and realizing the the concierge hadn't printed one of my student's boarding passes for Southwest. So we ran to the counter to get that. Then I discovered going through security that my daughter had failed to remove two bottles of water from the carry on. Of course, I had that bag at the time as I'd swapped it with her when I went back to the counter for the missing boarding pass, so I got to endure the bag check and the joy of getting my shoes swabbed. Thank goodness I always wear socks so I don't have to walk barefoot on that nasty floor.
All in all it was a successful trip, especially since I got the honor of sitting by the cute junior boy that they all ogled the entire flight. His English teacher was making him read a Nora Roberts novel in class and so I told him I'd met her, which I have.
The ride did get bumpy at times with a few lovely stomach dropping moments which made reading impossible, but we did get home safe and sound around 10:15 PM. I found out Sunday morning that two of my students placed in national writing competition they'd done with in Phoenix, taking the equivilant of second place, so that was awesome. My students also snuck into my "featured speaker" session on Friday, and came away with "We didn't realize you were somebody" as over 100 people came to hear me talk about how you write and sell a book. Now we just have to hit the big yearbook deadline on Friday night.
If you are ever curious about exactly what I do, aside from yearbook and newspaper, you can check out the news at http://www.fhhstoday.com/ which is my students' online news site.
Michele
If you are ever curious about exactly what I do, aside from yearbook and newspaper, you can check out the news at http://www.fhhstoday.com/ which is my students' online news site.
Michele
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I Was Wrong
Before I admit to how I was wrong, I want to congratulate our RITA finalists, Linda Warren and Cindi Myers. You do us proud!! The judges obviously have excellent taste.
Now, about being wrong... It happens. Quite often, to be honest. Last month I posted that Spring had sprung. I certainly thought it had. After all, the first official day of Spring was March 20. On the following Monday, we had proof when tornadoes were spotted in the area. That's always a good sign that Spring has arrived in Kansas. Nothing new.
On Friday--only five days later--we ended Winter...with two inches of sleet, covered by at least six inches of snow. That's Stay-Home weather, as far as I'm concerned. The problem was, in the midst of the sleet, that sounded more like hail, and at eight-thirty at night, I went to pick up my daughter who was at work. I wasn't half-way there when my windshield wipers froze. Not the blades, but the arms that move them. I fixed that--with lots of prayers--and went on about my not-so-merry way. The usual fifteen minute drive took almost an hour, but I made it safely to her workplace.
The trip home would have been eventful if I hadn't noticed the car I was SLOWLY and at great distance following, doing a little slip-and-slide to the side. Just as I was saying to my daughter, "Looks a little slick up ahead," an SUV came from the opposite direction, slid around the car ahead, barely missing the back of it, and came sliding toward us sideways. It's impossible to stop on two inches of frozen sleet. A whole band of angels must have been watching over us, because somehow I managed to avoid the SUV without losing control of my own car or even barely sliding, and righted myself in my own lane, the SUV left behind in a cloud of...well, sleet.
So, yes, I was wrong. We had spring and winter...within a five day period. At this late date, we don't expect snow again until, well, winter, whenever that is.
If you'll all join me in a rousing rendition of In the Good Ol' Summertime, I might make it through Spring.
Now, about being wrong... It happens. Quite often, to be honest. Last month I posted that Spring had sprung. I certainly thought it had. After all, the first official day of Spring was March 20. On the following Monday, we had proof when tornadoes were spotted in the area. That's always a good sign that Spring has arrived in Kansas. Nothing new.
On Friday--only five days later--we ended Winter...with two inches of sleet, covered by at least six inches of snow. That's Stay-Home weather, as far as I'm concerned. The problem was, in the midst of the sleet, that sounded more like hail, and at eight-thirty at night, I went to pick up my daughter who was at work. I wasn't half-way there when my windshield wipers froze. Not the blades, but the arms that move them. I fixed that--with lots of prayers--and went on about my not-so-merry way. The usual fifteen minute drive took almost an hour, but I made it safely to her workplace.
The trip home would have been eventful if I hadn't noticed the car I was SLOWLY and at great distance following, doing a little slip-and-slide to the side. Just as I was saying to my daughter, "Looks a little slick up ahead," an SUV came from the opposite direction, slid around the car ahead, barely missing the back of it, and came sliding toward us sideways. It's impossible to stop on two inches of frozen sleet. A whole band of angels must have been watching over us, because somehow I managed to avoid the SUV without losing control of my own car or even barely sliding, and righted myself in my own lane, the SUV left behind in a cloud of...well, sleet.
So, yes, I was wrong. We had spring and winter...within a five day period. At this late date, we don't expect snow again until, well, winter, whenever that is.
If you'll all join me in a rousing rendition of In the Good Ol' Summertime, I might make it through Spring.
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