May 13, 2013

BE AN OUTSTANDING AUTHOR!

by Sharon Ledwith

There’s so much for an author to do nowadays. Writing, rewriting, polishing, promotion, marketing, social networking—the list goes on. So much to do and not enough time, it seems. So how can an author in today’s publishing market survive? The answer is simple—be outstanding.

However, this process, like any great work, requires time, perseverance, patience, and practice.

As a writer, you need to develop the constant urge to innovate. Understand what the best writers and exemplars in your chosen field do well and figure out why, then mix, match, and reconstruct these elements into something new and better.

Another great piece of advice is to stay diligent in the one field of writing you’re trying to master. Focus on that one specific point on your map or plan, and go for it. Make it your single quest and saturate yourself in it. Become like an alchemist and dilute these desires to fill the gap.

The trick is not to compare yourself with other writers in your field who have had success. Go beyond that and work toward being so good you can’t be ignored. Remember, success leaves clues. Search for them through books, manuals, audio and video programs, college or university classes, online course, seminars, and workshops. Then implement, take your place on the author’s stage, and shine.

If you haven’t already checked out my young adult time travel read, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb…

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they’re given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn’t a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers–legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial–Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don’t, then history itself may be turned upside down.

To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, please click HERE.

Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page.

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, The Last Timekeepers, available through Musa Publishing. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

May 6, 2013

Cupid Only Rings Twice

But The Love Demon Rings Once Too!

By Sam Cheever

I’ll bet you never knew there was such a thing as love demons did you? Who did you think the unscrupulous people, the cads, the womanizers used to get fresh victims for their unwelcome advances? That’s right, love demons. What exactly is the difference between a love demon and a cupid you ask? Well, let’s see, I’m pretty sure my fun and sexy book, Cupid Only Rings Twice covered that. Yup, here it is:

Love Demon was directly across the street from Delivery by Cupid. The two businesses advertised basically the same services, but definitely didn’t go about things the same way. Delivery by Cupid truly believed in helping lovers enhance their love experience. The cupid-run business focused all of its considerable efforts on building a loving bond between two people.

By contrast, as the name implied, Love Demon was run by demons and any type of sexual or emotional interaction sufficed for them. They didn’t discern between hook ups and lifetime love, which made them at once the perfect complement to their competition across the street…and a huge thorn in the cupids’ sides.

What the description above doesn’t tell you, is that Zach, the head demon at Love Demon, was also not bothered by scruples. If he had to resort to devious (and ridiculously unethical) means to get the job done, he did it without qualms. Which was why Damios, our sexy Greek hero in the story, is so upset about his client threatening to go to Zach with his ugly little job. Damios is already falling for the lovely Rori and doesn’t want her tricked and humiliated. What exactly is Zach planning to do, you ask? Well, let’s see, I think I can find the part where it explains…ah yes, here we go:

The room thickened with magic. Papers flew off Damios’s desk and swirled in the power-drenched air. The shades on the windows swayed in it, banging against the wood frame as the energy built.

The outer office door opened and Melody from the front desk came in, closing the door firmly behind her. Melody was one of Aphrodite’s granddaughters and had more power in her little pinkie than either man would ever have. “Stop it you two! You’re sucking all the love out of the air and people are starting to squabble. I just had a client tell me my dress was ugly!”

Melody was more beautiful than the sun and the moon, and had vanity to match. She was used to being told how incredible and perfect she was. Nothing put her in a black mood faster than being criticized.

Damios took a deep breath and forced himself to back down. He threw Melody a sheepish look. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Zach stared at Damios for a moment, his dark blue gaze filled with speculation. Then he inclined his head and turned toward the door. “You’ve lost the client. He hired me this morning. I’m gonna make the pretty girl cry.”

Damios clenched his fists again, but Melody arched a single mahogany eyebrow at him and he bit the rage back. “Rori isn’t going to fall for a bunch of meaningless, pretty words, Demon. She’s too smart and careful for that.”

Zach stepped around Melody and opened the door. When he glanced back his grin was filled with mischief. “You must think I’m stupid, Cupid.” He chuckled. “That’s why I’m gonna put a little extra somethin’ somethin’ on the love note.” He grinned at Melody. “The client’s an idiot, darling. That dress is stunning. But then, you could make an oil-stained newspaper look like Versace, couldn’t you?”

Melody’s mood brightened immediately. She didn’t even notice that Damios vibrated with anger as she followed Zach out of the room.

Damios dropped into his chair, his heart pounding with concern. If the demon used magic against Rori, she wouldn’t have a chance. She’d read the love note, cry, and the ass who’d fired him would get a notch in his belt at her expense.

Or worse, what if Zach’s spell impelled her to sleep with the guy?

Ugly huh? But don’t worry, Damios is determined to stop Zach from humiliating the lovely Rori. Unfortunately, he’s almost certainly going to make her hate him in the process because of his part in the whole mess. Yeah, it’s a tricky business, this love match stuff, which is why only a cupid should attempt it.

Now let me leave you with this final warning, if a love demon ever sends a smile your way, try to ignore the extremely gorgeous and sexy exterior (I’m serious, close your eyes if you have to!) and kick his perfect butt to the curb. No good ever comes from letting those bad boys into your life.

This Valentine’s Day, Rori’s gonna meet an honest to god Cupid. And he’ll use more than arrows to win her love.

Rori Foster is too beautiful to find love. Men just can’t seem to look past her exterior to recognize the human being inside. But, this Valentine’s Day, Rori’s gonna meet an honest to god Cupid. And he’ll use more than arrows to win her love.

Unfortunately he’ll have to save her from the bad intentions of a cocky Love Demon first. But Damios is determined to protect her. Even if he loses her in the process.

Buy from Musa Buy from Amazon.com Amazon UK Amazon CA Buy from B&N Buy from ARe

April 24, 2013

It’s Wednesday. So What’s Cooking?

How about dinner with Lizzie T. Leaf?

This week my awesome friend from Colorado steps in to help me out. So take it away, Lizzie!

HI Everyone,

This salmon recipe has a wonderful flavor and is a breeze to prepare. It also tastes good without the sauce. Add fresh green beans, a little pasta, and a chilled bottle of white wine and you have a meal fit for royalty.

Salmon with Cucumber Sauce

Fish
2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
½ cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp. butter, melted

Cucumber Sauce
½ cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
½ cup vanilla yogurt
½ tsp. snipped fresh dill or ¼ tsp. dried dill
¼ tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 425°.

Lay salmon skin side down in a greased 11 in. x 7 in. baking dish. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise over each fillet.

In a small bowl, combine the pecans, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley and butter; spoon over salmon.

Bake 10-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the cucumber sauce ingredients. Serve with the salmon.

Yield: 2 servings

For dessert check out my latest release that is guaranteed cholesterol free.:)

Will family secrets let her find love with a guy that cats around?

BLURB:
Sharla Gomez’s dream encounter with the man she’s lusted over for months turned into rain-soaked nightmare. Her hopes of love and passion have gone to the dogs. Being a shifter is hell, especially when you’re a Pug/Chihuahua mix, or as some call the breed, a Chug. Even dogs don’t want to be told they’re so ugly they’re cute?

Dorsey Smith wants to get to know the exotic number-cruncher in charge of the strip club’s books. Just his luck she disappeared before he could ask her out for coffee. Instead of taking home the woman he lusts for, he takes home the small, drenched dog shivering in the rain. When he discovers the animal missing the next morning and he senses magic in the air. Has his safe haven been discovered and will his secrets be revealed?

Can two people with deep secrets discover the truth about each other and still find love. Or will the secrets and the evil lurking drive them apart?

To read an excerpt or purchase a book, please click on the vendor’s name.
MUSA Publishing
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks

Learn more about Lizzie T. Leaf on her website and blog. Connect with Lizzie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

April 17, 2013

Patriotism Down Under

Today Vonnie Hughes, another author friend, has stepped in to help out while I do serious editing. Thank you, Vonnie, it’s all yours.

G’day all!
With Anzac Day a scant nine days away, people all over Australia and New Zealand are remembering our war heroes by wearing red poppies and baking our traditional biscuits. The tradition began in World War I. Wives and lovers wanted to provide a bit of home to their soldiers and nurses, but they needed a food that wouldn’t perish on the long journey. These biscuits were created and have been a symbol of Anzac Day ever since.

Here is a recipe that is easy and flavorful. I hope you try them.

ANZAC BISCUITS (COOKIES)
1 cup plain flour not self-raising
1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup sugar
½ cup dessicated (shredded) coconut
2 tbsp. golden syrup (light molasses)
1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda (raising agent)
125 grams of butter (4.4 ozs)
½ teaspoon salt
2 tbsp. boiling water.

Preheat oven to 160C or 325°F (140C or 285°F for a fan-forced oven).

Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper (parchment paper).

Sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in the oats, coconut, sugar and salt.

Combine butter and golden syrup and stir over medium heat until melted.

Stir the bicarbonate of soda in the boiling water and add to the mixture. It will bubble.

Quickly pour the liquid over the flour mixture and combine.

Roll heaped tablespoons of the mixture into small balls and place at 5cm (about 2 inches) intervals on the baking trays. Press the balls down with a fork to flatten.

Bake for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Note that these are not puffed up cookies but more a flat biscuit type of cookie.

While your biscuits are baking, step into a different moment in time with one of my Regency novels. I hope you enjoy this short intro.

When Alexandra Tallis sets free the attractive man her sister stupidly tried to hold captive, her actions lead not only to a love she never thought to find, but also to a horrific family secret that threatens that love.

When Alexandra Tallis discovers that her witless sister has imprisoned their father’s nemesis, Theo Crombie in their attic, she quickly frees him, fighting an unladylike impulse to keep him as her own special captive. Despite the brutal beating she receives from her father for her actions, Alexandra continues to yearn for the delicious Mr. Crombie even though she knows that nothing will ever come of her dreams.

Injured and shackled in a stranger’s attic, Theo unexpectedly discovers the woman of his dreams. But how can he pursue those dreams when her bizarre family’s complex relationships threaten the very foundation of his existence? Somehow Theo must find a way through this maze to claim his lady.

To read an excerpt from Captive, please click HERE.

Vonnie Hughes is a New Zealander living in Australia. She loves animals and jogging. Vonnie writes Regencies and romantic suspense novels along with short stories. She is presently working on a romantic suspense, working title: Innocent Hostage and a Regency novella, working title: A Tale of Two Sisters.

Her earlier book Coming Home is about a soldier and a nurse, thrown together during the Napoleonic wars, who find more danger on their return to England than they ever did on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Second Son is actually a prequel to Coming Home. A second son, filled with angst, stands to inherit a title and property through the death of a brother he has always loathed and mistrusted. A young disabled woman teaches him how to find his self-respect and how to love.

Another Regency Historical, Mr. Monfort’s Marriage, has businessman Matthew Monfort inveigled into marrying an earl’s daughter. With good reason he loathes the ton, so his new wife needn’t think she’s going to win him over, even though she’s quite delightful…and intelligent…and sweet…However Verity shows him that not all members of the ton are idle layabouts and that he can do much good with his largesse and with—shock, horror—the unexpected and embarrassing title conferred on him by Prinny.

All of Vonnie’s books are available on Amazon and Musa Publishing.

Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads.

April 10, 2013

Scrumptious Lemon Almond Macaroons

Romantic suspense author Susan Rae is here to share an awesome cookie recipe and an easy sweet contest. Take it away Susan!

Hi Everyone,

These scrumptious macaroons are perfect for curling up with your coffee and your e-reader. And, because they don’t have any flour in them, I believe they are gluten-free. I admit I cannot take credit for the recipe. I found the original recipe in The American Profile magazine when I was looking for something tasty for my son who was on an almond kick. I’ve tweaked it a bit for my own use because I enjoy one big cookie versus two small. I love the fact that they are super easy and quick to make with only four ingredients.

P.S. If you’d like to win a coffee mug like the one in the picture celebrating the release of my new novel, ICE blue, and a free download of heartbeats or freefall, please click HERE to go to my website and enter the contest which runs through Friday, April 12th.

Scrumptious Lemon Almond Macaroons
2- 2/3 cups blanched almonds (about 12 ounces)
1- 1/2 cups sugar
3 large egg whites
3 heaping teaspoons freshly grated lemon rind

Position rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper, allowing it to extend slightly over the sides of the baking sheet.

In food processor, grind almonds with sugar until mixture forms even crumbs. Add egg white and lemon rind and process until smooth. If you have a smaller processor, do this step in batches.

Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared backing sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. (I use a 1 ½” diameter cookie dough scoop which is about one heaping tablespoon.)

With moistened fingers, press slightly to flatten each macaroon until they are about ½ inch high.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes until very lightly but evenly browned. The centers should still be soft. Remove from oven.

Lift one end of paper and pour about 2 tablespoons of water under it, onto baking sheet. The water will boil in contact with the baking sheet. Lift the other end of the paper and pour about 2 tablespoons of water under it also. Tilt pan so the water spreads under all the cookies. When the water stops boiling, remove macaroons carefully from paper. Transfer to rack and cool. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 24

Mmmm, now kick back with your coffee and a macaroon or two and enjoy some sizzling suspense.

When lives are on the line, sometimes the wrong thing is the right thing to do.

BLURB:
Born into a Chicago cop family, while her brothers get their rush from catching bad guys, paramedic Angela DeLuca gets hers from saving lives. A tough beauty with a heart perhaps too big, Angela champions the underdog because, as the youngest of six siblings, she often felt like one.
ICE Special Agent Troy Deavers became a cop to prove he wasn’t like his father—a southern politician who brought his family down with greed and corruption. Troy doesn’t suffer victims well. At first intrigued by Angela’s passion, he soon fears that the fire in Angela’s heart will be her undoing.

What happens when Troy falls in love with the lovely but infuriating Angela, the Chicago paramedic who insists on protecting a young witness and her unborn baby—a witness who could break his case wide open?

You met the DeLuca family in heartbeats, now come to know them even better in ICE blue.

To read an excerpt of ICE blue, please click HERE.

To purchase a copy of ICE blue, please click a vendor’s link.

Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Author of contemporary romantic suspense/mystery novels, Susan Rae loves writing romantic suspense because it allows her to combine a sexy, passionate love story with a gritty suspense tale–in her opinion, the best of both worlds. When she is not writing, you might find her on the golf course working on her handicap or traveling around the country with her husband and empty nest puppies, Ginger and Nikute, seeking out settings for her novels.

freefall, Susan’s second novel, takes place in Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Forest and beautiful Door County. ICE blue returns to the busy streets of Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan to continue the story of the DeLuca family which began in her award winning first novel, heartbeats. She is currently working on the third book in the DeLuca series, TRUE blue, due out in 2014, where it seems her characters must take a trip to Montana’s majestic Glacier National Park–a fact which pleases Susan immensely.

To read more about Susan Rae and her books, please visit her website.

I’ll be back Monday with a new release from Marci Boudreaux. Until then…

Happy Eating!

Sloane

April 3, 2013

OPA!

I’m excited to introduce you to my good friend from Down Under Eleni Konstantine. Not only is Eleni a fantastic writer, she’s one hell of a cook! So take it away Eleni and dazzle us an awesome Greek dish.

Hi Everyone! Nice to meet you all.

I’m very lucky. I’ve been surrounded by good cooks my whole life. One food that I have loved since I was a kid is pastitsio. And my mum’s pastitsio has always been my favourite.

What is pastitsio? It’s Greek and is sort of like a mousaka, but instead of potato and eggplant, you use pasta. We cook it for my dad’s name day celebration. It is one of his favourite dishes.

There are three layers traditionally but we mix up the bottom two layers.
1. Pasta – bottom layer
2. Mince sauce
3. Béchamel sauce – top

You will find variations on the web, but this is the one that always makes my mouth water no mater what.

The following is for a dish 30cm x 40cm (11 inches x 15 inches)
I had to pin my mum down for this as she does this off the cuff and changes according to the size of the casserole dish.

Ingredients
500gm (1 pound) pasta of your choice. We usually go for penne as it mixes with the mince layer really well.
7 eggs (3 egg whites, lightly beaten for mince/pasta layer; the remainder egg yellows will go in the béchamel (white sauce) and 4 eggs in Béchamel sauce.
7 cups milk
6 tbsp. melted salted butter
250gms (1 cup) of corn flour
1 tsp. of nutmeg
salt
white pepper
8 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese or dried ricotta cheese or a mixture of both
800-1kg mince or 13/4-2 pounds ground – we usually do a mixture of Pork and Beef. 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 onion grated
2 tbsp. of tomato paste
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes or readymade pasta sauce to replace the paste and diced tomato
½ cup chopped parsley (continental)
1- 1½ cups water
7 tbsp. corn flour heaping

Mince Layer
- Heat oil and fry mince until brown.
- Add onion and stir
- Add tomato paste and diced tomato. Stir
- Add ¾ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chopped parsley
- Stir until there is little to no liquid left.
- Take off heat and put to side.

Pasta Layer
- boil the paster so it’s al dente. tip 1: add a few drops of extra virgin olive oil; tip 2: when you add the pasta, add some salt to taste.
- strain pasta

Combining Layers
- Mix the meat sauce and the pasta together
- Add 3 lightly beaten egg whites into mixture and stir.
- Butter or oil a casserole dish (we use Pyrex) before use.
- Pour mixture above into casserole dish and flatten out to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Leave for 10 minutes (so the meat takes up a bit of the heat)
- Add the 7 tablespoons of the cheese(s)

White Sauce
- Place 6 cups of milk, a pinch of white pepper, ¼ teaspoon with melted butter into saucepan to boil.
- As this is heating, add into a bowl, the remainder eggs (4 whole + 3 yellows), 1 cup of milk and corn flour and whisk until the corn flour is absorbed.
- Add the bowl’s ingredients into the saucepan and stir until the milk froths.
- If there are lumps in your white sauce, you can sift it through to make it more smooth.
- Add white sauce to the casserole dish. Spread out.

The Finish
- Add some dried grated ricotta cheese or parmesan cheese to top of mixture
- Put in oven at 180Celcuis (356 Fahrenheit) for an hour.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes when you take it out of the oven.
- Cut into how large you want your pieces to be, and serve.
- A Greek village salad makes a good side dish.

My heroine Zeta Kosmos is from a Greek background but she has no time to enjoy pastitio.

Zeta will protect the one she loves, even if it means living in Hell.

Mastering a unique power was much safer for Zeta Kosmos with a mentor to help her along. Now that he’s disappeared, Zeta must continue alone with her calling—closing Gateways to Hell.

Daniel Richards is in the family business—Warding supernatural evil from causing havoc on humans. As such, he’s only interested in the safety of one-night stands. Until Zeta. This bad boy now wants a long, lasting relationship.

But Zeta can’t let go of her past, nor can she ignore the secret demonic threats against Daniel’s life. She’d rather fight demonic spawn and be dragged into Hell than allow anything happen to him. Can Daniel convince her to stay? Will she have to pay the ultimate price?

To read an excerpt from Gateway to Hell, please click HERE.

Eleni Konstantine is Fantasy and Paranormal fiction writer, with a number of shorts published. Her stories range from flash fiction to novels. She blames her mother for her writing bug because as a child she was given many books, including illustrated fairytales. That and a love of Greek mythology, and Eleni was destined to become a writer.

Eleni lives in Adelaide, Australia, with her family and feisty American Staffy.

Learn more about Eleni Konstantine on her website and her blog Eleni’s Taverna.

I’ll be back Monday with author Raine Delight. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Sloane

March 6, 2013

RAGIN’ CAJUN JAMBALAYA

by Rita Monette

Jambalaya is a favorite meal for Nikki Landry. Without the wine of course, because Nikki is the main character in my YA book, The Legend of Ghost Dog Island.

This is the closest to my mom’s recipe I could find. I see some recipes where they serve it over rice. The rice should be steamed with the ingredients (as shown) for best flavor.

Bon appétit!

RAGIN’ CAJUN JAMBALAYA

1 lg. onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ cup chopped celery
1 lg. bell pepper, finely chopped
1 ½ lbs. sliced sausage (kielbasa or andouille)
2 lbs. cooked shrimp, chicken, crawfish, or any combination
2 tbsp. olive, vegetable oil, or bacon drippings
1 cup fresh, chopped tomatoes, optional
1 ½ cup uncooked long grain rice
3 cups chicken or seafood stock
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. onion salt
1 tsp. black pepper **
1 tsp. white pepper **
1 tsp. cayenne pepper **
1 tsp. thyme
1 tbsp. file
1 tsp. oregano
2 bay leaves
Tabasco or Louisiana hot sauce to taste

Place a large, heavy pot on the stove at medium to medium high temperature, sauté sausage in oil until well browned; drain well.

Add chopped onion, garlic, celery and bell pepper, saute until almost tender.

Add seasonings and continue to sauté for 1 minute. If desired add fresh, chopped tomatoes.

If using chicken, add cooked chicken pieces to take up flavors.

Add chicken or seafood stock and rice. Turn heat down to gentle simmer and cover for about 20 to 25 minutes.

If using cooked shrimp or crawfish, add at the end of cooking time to prevent breaking down.

Add hot sauce to individuals taste. Serve with favorite wine and French bread.

**Whimps use ½ teaspoon each of black, white, and cayenne pepper; “Cajuns” use 2 teaspoons each.

While your jambalaya simmers, take a peek into young Nikki Landry’s life.

Papa says every legend starts with a truth. But what is the truth behind the legend of Ghost Dog Island?

BLURB:
Moving is nothing new for ten-year-old Nikki Landry. Her fisherman father relocates their raggedy old houseboat several times a year in search of better crab fishing spots. However, their latest move has brought her to a mysterious bayou where she feels like something is watching her and her beloved dog Snooper from a nearby island. But when Papa tells her about a local legend that something sinister might be living nearby and stealing the souls of dogs, she fears for her constant companion’s life. Join Nikki as she seeks to discover the truth behind the legend…before it’s too late.

To read an excerpt from The Legend of Ghost Dog Island, please click HERE.

Rita Monette was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana. After retiring from her “real” job as an administrative assistant, Rita began doing what she always wanted to do…write and paint. Five long years later, Musa Publishing offered her a contract for her debut middle grade novel, The Legend of Ghost Dog Island, which also includes her artwork. Her stories are set in the beautiful, yet mysterious, bayous and swamps of her home state. Rita now resides with her husband, four lap dogs, and one lap cat, in the mountains of Tennessee.

Learn more about Rita Monette on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

February 20, 2013

It’s Wednesday. So What’s Cooking?

How about Carrie’s Best Ever Homemade Pancakes from my good friend, romance author Marci Boudreaux? I’ve made these and they are marvelous. Take it away, Marci!

Widow Carrie Gable, the heroine in Unforgettable You, has taken over the role of caregiver for her ailing mother-in-law Doreen. Determined the keep the woman in her family home for as long as possible, Carrie has agreed to board several movie stars who are filming in her small town. Though resentful of the demands placed upon her, Carrie does her best to abide by the wishes of her guests, even when she finds them over the top.

When health conscious starlet Juliet Ramirez insists that her hostess stop tempting her with fried meat and eggs at breakfast, Carrie agrees but refuses to remove her signature pancakes off the menu because, as she insists, serving breakfast without pancakes goes against everything she’s ever learned about being a good hostess.

Carrie’s Best Ever Homemade Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
2 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour
5 tsp. baking powder
2 tbsp. sugar
1 ½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon

Liquid Ingredients:
2 ½ cups milk
2 ½ tsp. white vinegar
2 eggs
6 tbsp. melted butter
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Fresh fruit can be added if desired. Frozen fruit can change the texture of the batter, fresh is better.

Mix vinegar and milk together and set aside for five minutes to sour. (2 ½ C buttermilk can be used in place of soured milk.)

Whisk dry ingredients together into large bowl.

In separate bowl, mix eggs, soured milk, and vanilla. Slowly mix in cooled melted butter.

Add liquid mixture to dry mixture and whisk until combined. Fold in fruit if desired.

Pour ¼ cup portions onto hot griddle lightly coated with cooking spray. Flip with spatula once edges brown.

Serve hot with your favorite syrup.

Here’s a little from Unforgettable You for your reading pleasure.

Is their love strong enough to survive their real lives?

Desperate to keep her ailing mother-in-law Doreen in the family home, Carrie Gable agrees to board a few of Hollywood’s elite actors. Despite her resentment of their demands, she can’t stop her attraction to actor Will Walker.

Will, out to save his failing career, agrees to a project that bores him. The more time he spends with his egotistical co-stars, the more drawn he is to their hostess. Long nights talking with Carrie make him realize he wants a simpler life, but his ties to L.A. refuse to let him go.

The temptation to regain stardom pulls Will in one direction while the obligation to family tugs Carrie in another. Against all odds, the couple struggles for a solution to save their new found happiness.

To read an excerpt from Unforgettable You, please click HERE.

Check out the trailer for Unforgettable You HERE.

Learn more about Marci Boudreaux on her website. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

I’ll be back Monday with with the Queen of Hot Jan Springer. Until then…

Please pass the syrup!

Sloane Taylor
Twitter
Amazon Author Page

October 31, 2012

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Lena Austin is not only a talented author of many genres, she is also a marvelous cook. Below is her fun recipe for all your Trick or Treaters of any age.

BLUE SLIME
One six-ounce package blueberry flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
4 cups cold water
3 cups lemonade, chilled
3 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled

In a large mixing bowl, combine gelatin and two cups boiling water; stir until dissolved.

Stir in cold water. Cover and chill at least four hours. Gelatin will be partially set.

To serve, stir gelatin with a large spoon, fork, or wire whisk until gelatin is broken into small pieces.

Place ¼ cup of the lemonade in a large, clear glass or plastic tumbler. Add ½ cup of the gelatin to the lemonade, then add ¼ cup of the carbonated beverage.

Stir slightly and you’re ready to slurp some slime. Do not over-stir.

Makes 12 servings.

While you’re waiting for the Blue Slime to set, here’s a little from Lena’s exciting romance novel BERDACHE.

Lizard must convince the warrior Red Wolf to become a shaman –and a Berdache—or Red Wolf will go insane.

Red Wolf has always been the perfectly controlled Choctaw warrior. His childhood friend, the Berdache shaman Lizard, must convince Red Wolf to take the shaman’s training and learn to walk in both worlds safely. With the help of the captured Chickasaw maiden Moon to help, Lizard just might keep Red Wolf from going insane.

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Learn more about Lena Austin, also known as the Duchess of Depravity, on her website and blog where you’re sure to find some of the best recipes on the internet. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Have a great week. I’ll be back Monday with Patricia Yager Delagrange. Until then…

BOO!

Slonae Taylor

May 21, 2012

THE PSYCOHOUSER

The Psycohouser knows your fears and takes you one step farther into the darkness. This eerie person looks deep into your soul and has the ability to control all your emotions.

Who is he?

A talented author that knows how to grab and hold his readers until the very end of each of his well written novels, the spell-binding Cornell DeVille.

Not familiar with Cornell and his work? DeVille considers himself an Imagination Director. A member of the Baby Boomer generation, he was influenced by the state-of-the-art technology of the fifties—television. He was influenced by the great storytellers of the day, including Hollywood icons like Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling. Rather than spend his summer days outside playing baseball, Deville preferred the world he could find within the covers of a good book. At an early age, he fell in love with the works of Jules Verne, Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson, and H.G. Wells.

Early memories remained with him throughout the years and continue to influence his writing today. A lover of adventure, mystery, and fantasy, DeVille’s writing leads the reader on a journey that allows them to escape the real world and venture into a special realm where anything can happen.

DeVille grew up in the Kansas City area, where he lives today with his wife Rosie, their bichon-poodle Hannah, and a Himalayan Persian cat named Billy.

LOST IN THE BAYOU
Cornell DeVille
ISBN: 978-61937-080-7
Musa Publishing
Euterpe Young Adult

The bayou is a risky option. But becoming alligator seems a lot less terrifying than what’s waiting in the cellar.

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

BLURB:
People disappear in the bayou. And that’s exactly what fourteen-year-old Robin Sherwood needs to do — before her Uncle Conrad snips her toes off with his rusty garden nippers.

When her parents’ private plane disappears in the Voodoo Swamp, Robin’s uncle moves into the multi-million dollar Sherwood Estate as her guardian. It doesn’t take Robin long to figure out there’s something not quite right about Uncle Conrad — besides having a metal claw where his left hand used to be.

Weird changes to crazy when he explains the bizarre game he has planned — a game that will leave Robin dead and Uncle Conrad the sole heir to the Sherwood fortune. In order to escape his devious plan and its deadly consequences, the bayou may be Robin’s only chance. It’s a risky choice, but becoming alligator bait seems a lot less terrifying right now than what’s waiting for her in the cellar.

EXCERPT:
In Louisiana, summer wraps around you like molasses. Thick and sticky. July is hot and humid. Always. August is worse. And the summer of 1963 has been a record breaker so far.

This morning, the sky is cloudless. It’s muggy, and there’s no hint of a breeze to blow away the pestering flies or the lingering stench of whatever crawled under the porch and died a few days ago. The only possible relief in sight is a dark bank of clouds in the south over the bayou. If it holds together, we may get a storm later tonight to cool things off. I hope so.

The rhythmic buzz of locusts fills the air, but it stops suddenly as a deep rumble comes up the road. My heart races as the sound rolls across the terrace and toward the covered veranda where we’re waiting.
There’s an uncertain look in Andy’s eyes when he glances up at me, and his voice is thin as water when he speaks. “He’s coming.”

“It’s going to be all right.” I squeeze my younger brother’s narrow shoulders and give him a reassuring smile while trying to hide my own fear of what’s heading toward us. Since our house is quite a distance from the wrought-iron entrance gates of our estate, we have a minute or so before the car gets here.

When I turn around and glance at my reflection in the window for one final check, the awkward image staring back at me is disappointing, as usual. Being fourteen is frustrating. Honestly. I’m all knees and elbows, and the white dress makes my freckles show up too much. The permanent made my hair way too kinky. And my eyes are puffy from crying all night.

But I’m stuck with it for now. That’s another bad part about being fourteen: You can’t change anything. And there’s nothing I can change now before the car carrying our visitor gets here—including the fact that the court has appointed him our new guardian.

Andy stares down the long driveway toward the entrance, waiting and watching. When I spin him around to adjust his necktie, big-eyed smiling frogs stare back at me. Frog neckties must be the rage with eleven-year-old boys this summer. Actually, I don’t know why I’m even bothering. His tie is a clip-on. There’s nothing to adjust.

My fingers scratch through his scruffy blond hair to make it look as if someone combed it. A quick swipe of my hand wipes away the tiny beads of sweat glistening on his pink forehead. If Mom were here, she’d open her purse and pull out a Kleenex, lick it, and scrub some dirt from our faces—that special dirt only mothers can see. It always embarrassed me when she did that, but I wish she were here to do it now.

The sound is getting louder. And closer. The locusts have gotten used to it and started buzzing again, their cadence in time with the seconds ticking by. Andy and I stand side by side at the porch railing, waiting to face whatever the future has in store for us.

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Learn more about Cornell DeVille on his website and blog. Keep in step with him on facebook and Twitter.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new menu. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell