Correction: In case you missed it, my cookie recipe last week had a typo in it. I use a 10 oz bag of chocolate chips, not 16 oz!
This week's topic is tough. Before I was published, my main accomplishment was the fact I'd graduated college, had given birth to two amazing children, and despite some rocky times, remained married, even though the 'D' word had come up a few times.
At the beginning of 2003, I was flying high. My first 'baby' was published, though under a different name.
Another child made his appearance, shocking the hell out of me. I'd thought my baby days were well behind me, for at least another ten or so years, and they'd be grandchildren!
Here it is, 2017, and what have I accomplished?
Hitting #3 on the ARE Best Seller list in 2009 with All She Ever Wanted
Heart's Last Chance sold 47 copies in one month in 2014, causing me to email our bookkeeper with the 'are you sure that's accurate?' question.....yes, it was!
I've published 10 books under my name, and 7 titles, plus four short stories and a poem under another name, bringing the total to 21, with three more due out next year.
We bought our 2nd house last year, and for an early Christmas present, we used our insurance settlement money as a down payment on a 2017 GMC truck. Same make and model as the one involved in the wreck at the end of October, only newer. And with heated seats! Did I mention it's also in MY name? LOL!
And yes, we're past the 26.5 year mark, and the 'D' word hasn't risen its ugly head since last summer, when I spent 3 weeks house sitting for my parents, and he was none too happy about it. He was VERY happy to have me back, though.
So while I can't pin down ONE accomplishment, I think my score card's pretty good:)
Now if I could just make the USA Today's Best Seller list....or actually have my royalties every month support more than just a couple of jello shots every week at karaoke!
To see what other authors view as their Biggest Accomplishments, click here.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Holiday Recipe Time! #MFRW Authors #49
First of all, let me give a shout-out to my firstborn, who turns 26 today! Happy Birthday Kyle! Love you very much:)
Since this week's topic didn't specify whether it's main course or dessert, I decided to do both.
This is my favorite chicken dish: Wolfgang Puck Chicken and Rice.
It involves some prep work and sounds complicated, but after making it for several years now, it's not that hard. I just have to remember to make it on a night when I have lots of time.
Wolfgang Puck Chicken and Rice:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg crumbled goat cheese
1 T tarragon, chervil, and parsley (I've also used basil, thyme, or rosemary; just depends on what I have in the cabinet!)
2 cups Chardonnay
1 shallot, minced (I've also used onion powder, since the family doesn't like to SEE the onions)
2 cups chicken broth
Salt (optional; I use salted butter, so don't need any more)
Pepper
4 t Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 cup heavy cream
1 stick of butter, cut into tiny pieces
2-3 cups of instant rice (depending on family; there's 6 in mine)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In a small bowl, combine goat cheese and the herbs. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and place a spoonful of cheese mixture inside. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle with EVOO.
Combine Chardonnay and shallot (or onion powder) in saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the wine has reduced (usually 15 mins). Stir in chicken broth and continue boiling until liquid has reduced by half, usually 15-20 minutes.
While liquid is reducing, bake the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness and size.
After liquid has reduced, add cream and continue to boil until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon lightly (usually 5-7 mins more). Whisk in the butter in small pieces, making sure each piece is incorporated before adding the next. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and add in extra cheese mixture.
Cook rice according to directions.
*Note* My family loves the sauce so much, I've doubled it in the recipe. If you're only feeding 1-2 people, cut recipe in half, with the exception of the cheese and herbs.
Now, I know You're All Dying For My Cookie Recipe:
It's the easiest one in the world, thanks to my mommy!
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter (softened)
2 eggs
16-oz pkg chocolate chips/M &M/butterscotch chip/PB chip/whatever you want to use
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Stir cake mix, butter, and eggs together until well mixed.
Add in chips and stir well.
Drop by rounded spoonfuls (or scoop) onto baking stone or cookie sheet; bake 11-15 minutes, depending on your oven.
Cool five minutes, then transfer to drying rack or whatever you use. My family is notorious for eating the first two dozen as soon as they appear; I usually get 3 dozen out of each batch of dough. I start stocking up on cake mix around October-November, when they go on sale for about a dollar-$1.25 a piece. White cake mix can be used also; I just happen to prefer the yellow.
To see what other goodies are in this week's hop, click here.
Bon Appetit!
Since this week's topic didn't specify whether it's main course or dessert, I decided to do both.
This is my favorite chicken dish: Wolfgang Puck Chicken and Rice.
It involves some prep work and sounds complicated, but after making it for several years now, it's not that hard. I just have to remember to make it on a night when I have lots of time.
Wolfgang Puck Chicken and Rice:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg crumbled goat cheese
1 T tarragon, chervil, and parsley (I've also used basil, thyme, or rosemary; just depends on what I have in the cabinet!)
2 cups Chardonnay
1 shallot, minced (I've also used onion powder, since the family doesn't like to SEE the onions)
2 cups chicken broth
Salt (optional; I use salted butter, so don't need any more)
Pepper
4 t Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 cup heavy cream
1 stick of butter, cut into tiny pieces
2-3 cups of instant rice (depending on family; there's 6 in mine)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In a small bowl, combine goat cheese and the herbs. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and place a spoonful of cheese mixture inside. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle with EVOO.
Combine Chardonnay and shallot (or onion powder) in saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the wine has reduced (usually 15 mins). Stir in chicken broth and continue boiling until liquid has reduced by half, usually 15-20 minutes.
While liquid is reducing, bake the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness and size.
After liquid has reduced, add cream and continue to boil until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon lightly (usually 5-7 mins more). Whisk in the butter in small pieces, making sure each piece is incorporated before adding the next. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and add in extra cheese mixture.
Cook rice according to directions.
*Note* My family loves the sauce so much, I've doubled it in the recipe. If you're only feeding 1-2 people, cut recipe in half, with the exception of the cheese and herbs.
Now, I know You're All Dying For My Cookie Recipe:
It's the easiest one in the world, thanks to my mommy!
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter (softened)
2 eggs
16-oz pkg chocolate chips/M &M/butterscotch chip/PB chip/whatever you want to use
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Stir cake mix, butter, and eggs together until well mixed.
Add in chips and stir well.
Drop by rounded spoonfuls (or scoop) onto baking stone or cookie sheet; bake 11-15 minutes, depending on your oven.
Cool five minutes, then transfer to drying rack or whatever you use. My family is notorious for eating the first two dozen as soon as they appear; I usually get 3 dozen out of each batch of dough. I start stocking up on cake mix around October-November, when they go on sale for about a dollar-$1.25 a piece. White cake mix can be used also; I just happen to prefer the yellow.
To see what other goodies are in this week's hop, click here.
Bon Appetit!
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Home Improvement Plans.....#MFRW Authors #48
Technically, this week's topic is Five Things on my Bucket List.
Didn't we cover this in Week #17?
To briefly recap it, click the link above.
Yes, TRAVEL is at the top of my bucket list. But at the top of my Christmas List?
You guessed it....a new laptop. I already have a new desk top tower, so as soon as MS Word is installed, I will have a fully functional computer.
I mentioned the houses that came with the one we live in, didn't I? Item #2 would be to Get Our Green House Emptied and Torn Down.
The only things left inside is some windows, a refrigerator, dishwasher, washer (all non-working), some shelving, a filing cabinet, and a patio table. Then this house can be torn down. This is an older picture I found, and you can't see the holes in the roof or the fact the back has completely collapsed.
Item #3: Our Brown House Used For Storage:
This house will actually stay standing for a while. We plan to eventually move the contents of our storage unit into it, as soon as we finish getting rid of some exercise equipment, several doors, several rolls of carpet, and the spouse plans to use the flooring found on the upper level for the garage roof. We can't restore this house; there's evidence it had once caught fire and the previous owner tried to reuse the existing (burnt) ceiling joices. A no-no.
#4: Little Things For The Living Space:
My closet is tiny. I need a shelf above my bed, to hold my clock and hearing aid container. I want to replace my existing bedside table with a three-drawer tote, so I can store more of my clothing inside. Currently, they're in a box at the foot of my bed. Yeah, been here an entire year now, and my clothes are still in a box.
#5: Outlets In The Basement....And In The Dining Room!
Dining Room: So we can utilize the other wall. Currently, there are only two outlets in this room. One by the kitchen and one by the hallway. One more outlet would take the pressure off the power strip to my immediate left.
Basement: I could set up my stereo....move my computer downstairs....in essence, move my writing space downstairs! Not to mention relocating the chest freezer down there, freeing up more space in the garage!
To see what others have to say, go here.
NaNo Update: Made it over the 10K mark at 10033:)
Then I get to start baking cookies! Whoo hoo!
Didn't we cover this in Week #17?
To briefly recap it, click the link above.
Yes, TRAVEL is at the top of my bucket list. But at the top of my Christmas List?
You guessed it....a new laptop. I already have a new desk top tower, so as soon as MS Word is installed, I will have a fully functional computer.
I mentioned the houses that came with the one we live in, didn't I? Item #2 would be to Get Our Green House Emptied and Torn Down.
The only things left inside is some windows, a refrigerator, dishwasher, washer (all non-working), some shelving, a filing cabinet, and a patio table. Then this house can be torn down. This is an older picture I found, and you can't see the holes in the roof or the fact the back has completely collapsed.
Item #3: Our Brown House Used For Storage:
This house will actually stay standing for a while. We plan to eventually move the contents of our storage unit into it, as soon as we finish getting rid of some exercise equipment, several doors, several rolls of carpet, and the spouse plans to use the flooring found on the upper level for the garage roof. We can't restore this house; there's evidence it had once caught fire and the previous owner tried to reuse the existing (burnt) ceiling joices. A no-no.
#4: Little Things For The Living Space:
My closet is tiny. I need a shelf above my bed, to hold my clock and hearing aid container. I want to replace my existing bedside table with a three-drawer tote, so I can store more of my clothing inside. Currently, they're in a box at the foot of my bed. Yeah, been here an entire year now, and my clothes are still in a box.
#5: Outlets In The Basement....And In The Dining Room!
Dining Room: So we can utilize the other wall. Currently, there are only two outlets in this room. One by the kitchen and one by the hallway. One more outlet would take the pressure off the power strip to my immediate left.
Basement: I could set up my stereo....move my computer downstairs....in essence, move my writing space downstairs! Not to mention relocating the chest freezer down there, freeing up more space in the garage!
To see what others have to say, go here.
NaNo Update: Made it over the 10K mark at 10033:)
Then I get to start baking cookies! Whoo hoo!
Thursday, November 23, 2017
"Technical Difficulties...Please Stand By..." #MFRW Authors #47
Back in 2011, this was my 'prime' writing space, our local bookstore, along with my shiny new laptop:)
However, two weeks ago, it died. This is all that's left of it.
Have you figured out by now that electronics just don't like me?
Yesterday, a friend of mine brought over this shiny new tower! My desk top, purchased in 2008 (Vista operating system) was outdated, and throwing fits. That tower was replaced with a MS 7 OS, and e-machine, so I can at least do my online job, write, and not have to wait ten minutes for pages to load.
I've also written at the kitchen table (at our old house).
With all these techno-challenges, I've been forced to use Google Docs, or even more recently, resort to that tried-and-true method, the notebook and pen. Then comes the challenge of deciphering my own handwriting. Never very good, since the
My dream office downstairs still needs outlets, shelving, and other items before I can move my desk downstairs. Hopefully next year??? Stay tuned!
In the meantime,
Happy Thanksgiving!
To see what other authors' writing spaces look like, go here. And don't forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday! Stay safe if you venture out tomorrow for Black Friday.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Indy Christmas Gift and Hobby Show #MFRW Authors #46
Again, apologies....my laptop indeed died, and I'm supposedly getting a temporary laptop to use until our insurance $$ arrives and I can get a new one (hubby was in an auto accident the week before Halloween-no one seriously injured, but the truck was totalled). So in the meantime, I'm using my very UNRELIABLE desk top, which was purchased new ten years ago, when VISTA was the 'new' Operating Server.
Now....the topic at hand is 'let me brag for a moment'.
Hmmmm.....there's child #1 who has earned his Orange Belt in Tai Kwon Do, and took 2nd place in a tournament a few weeks back....plus has lost over 100 lbs on the Keto diet.
Or there's the granddaughter, who spelled out her Uncle's T-shirt....still can't read yet, but is recognizing her letters!
What About Why I Was Absent Last Week??
Or there's the fact that last week, I managed to sell 13 books, three more than last year, PLUS managed to pay for half my booth for next year AND gas up my rental car AND pay for food during the ride home.
That's me on the far right; I completely sold out of Teacher's Pet, Hotel Stories, Best of Both Worlds, and Orion Anthology:)
Now to order more.....sigh.....
What's going on in YOUR life? Tell me:)
To see other's 'brag moments', go here.
Now....the topic at hand is 'let me brag for a moment'.
Hmmmm.....there's child #1 who has earned his Orange Belt in Tai Kwon Do, and took 2nd place in a tournament a few weeks back....plus has lost over 100 lbs on the Keto diet.
Or there's the granddaughter, who spelled out her Uncle's T-shirt....still can't read yet, but is recognizing her letters!
What About Why I Was Absent Last Week??
Or there's the fact that last week, I managed to sell 13 books, three more than last year, PLUS managed to pay for half my booth for next year AND gas up my rental car AND pay for food during the ride home.
That's me on the far right; I completely sold out of Teacher's Pet, Hotel Stories, Best of Both Worlds, and Orion Anthology:)
Now to order more.....sigh.....
What's going on in YOUR life? Tell me:)
To see other's 'brag moments', go here.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
So Many To Choose From! #MFRW Authors #45
How do you pick one date that stands out? I have six, yes SIX that I absolutely can not pick 'just one'. I'll keep it brief, though!
April 20, 1991: The day I found out I was expecting my 1st child.
Dec 8, 1991: The day Child #1 was born, at 3:41am. I'd gone into active labor around 7 pm on the 7th. Start-finish: 8.5 hours.
July 3, 1994: The day Child #2 was born, after a quick 3 hour trip to the hospital. We weren't due for three more weeks, but my 'firecracker' decided to arrive early, while we were out of town. We debated going to the local hospital or trying to make the trip back to Indianapolis, and opted for the latter. Long story short, an hour after we arrived, Miss Sara made her entrance. Start-finish: 4 hours.
Feb 29-March 1, 2004: Child #3 (and final!) arrives. I was happily watching the Academy Awards when I made a trip to the bathroom at 10 pm and my water broke. Since this had never happened at home before, plus it had been ten years, I totally panicked. I did NOT want this child to be a Leap Year Baby, and was praying we'd get to the hospital in time (do you see the pattern I thought we were establishing?), plus I was pissed about missing the rest of the awards. So when we arrived at the hospital, I demanded my spouse turn on the TV so I find out if Lord of the Rings won Best Picture. I don't remember anything more until the awards were over, other than telling the nurse the child could NOT be born until after midnight, lol! I was thrilled to learn I was only dilated at 5, and could get the elusive epidural, which I wasn't able to get with the other two. Finally, at 3:29 am my 'caboose' was born. Start-finish: 5.5 hours. NOT the 2 hours I predicted!
Nov 15, 2008: The day my first e-book was accepted, with the condition I expand the story. I was thrilled!
Jan 29, 2009: The day my 1st contract arrived from Freya's Bower for All She Ever Wanted.
Okay; I'm throwing in a 7th: May 19, 2009: The day ASEW went live on amazon:) My writer's group threw me a release party, complete with cake, and the family took me out to dinner:)
What about you? What date immediately comes to mind when asked about your 'most memorable'?
For others, go here.
Apologies again; I'm currently up in Indianapolis at the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show. My laptop died earlier this week, so I've posted this earlier than usual with the help of my son's computer. I'll check in with everyone on Monday.
April 20, 1991: The day I found out I was expecting my 1st child.
Dec 8, 1991: The day Child #1 was born, at 3:41am. I'd gone into active labor around 7 pm on the 7th. Start-finish: 8.5 hours.
July 3, 1994: The day Child #2 was born, after a quick 3 hour trip to the hospital. We weren't due for three more weeks, but my 'firecracker' decided to arrive early, while we were out of town. We debated going to the local hospital or trying to make the trip back to Indianapolis, and opted for the latter. Long story short, an hour after we arrived, Miss Sara made her entrance. Start-finish: 4 hours.
Feb 29-March 1, 2004: Child #3 (and final!) arrives. I was happily watching the Academy Awards when I made a trip to the bathroom at 10 pm and my water broke. Since this had never happened at home before, plus it had been ten years, I totally panicked. I did NOT want this child to be a Leap Year Baby, and was praying we'd get to the hospital in time (do you see the pattern I thought we were establishing?), plus I was pissed about missing the rest of the awards. So when we arrived at the hospital, I demanded my spouse turn on the TV so I find out if Lord of the Rings won Best Picture. I don't remember anything more until the awards were over, other than telling the nurse the child could NOT be born until after midnight, lol! I was thrilled to learn I was only dilated at 5, and could get the elusive epidural, which I wasn't able to get with the other two. Finally, at 3:29 am my 'caboose' was born. Start-finish: 5.5 hours. NOT the 2 hours I predicted!
Nov 15, 2008: The day my first e-book was accepted, with the condition I expand the story. I was thrilled!
Jan 29, 2009: The day my 1st contract arrived from Freya's Bower for All She Ever Wanted.
Okay; I'm throwing in a 7th: May 19, 2009: The day ASEW went live on amazon:) My writer's group threw me a release party, complete with cake, and the family took me out to dinner:)
What about you? What date immediately comes to mind when asked about your 'most memorable'?
For others, go here.
Apologies again; I'm currently up in Indianapolis at the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show. My laptop died earlier this week, so I've posted this earlier than usual with the help of my son's computer. I'll check in with everyone on Monday.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Apologies.....#MFRW Authors #44
Forgive me; I had an entire post prepared, but before I could write it, LIFE interfered, and here it is, twelve-thirty Thursday night/early Friday morning and I cannot remember one word of what I was going to write!
Who inspires me? My mom, other authors.....look to the blog roll to the right. These ladies encouraged me on this journey ten years ago, and I'm forever grateful to them.
I also admire my daughter. For someone who never played with dolls, she's turned out to be a darn good mother to my granddaughter!
Now, what the heck blew up this week?
-A week ago, a woman pulled out in front of my spouse as he was taking the kids to school. No one was seriously injured, but our truck is now missing the front end. The insurance adjuster FINALLY has arranged for a rental car for us that we'll be picking up around 9 am.
-Kids. My teen had a meltdown and managed to get himself suspended from school Tuesday and Wednesday. He became my House Elf, and complained bitterly, but maybe now he'll remember that getting suspended is no laughing matter around here? Plus, taking care of a house is Hard Work when all you want to do is play videos and sleep til noon....oh yes, he was grounded from the PS3 and all electronics.
-Granddaughter: Had an accident twice this week in kindergarten, and the 2nd time, her mommy forgot to send fresh clothes to school. Did I mention we got this news as soon as her mommy left for work and my oldest left for his afternoon college course? Poor child had to hang out in the nurse's office for an hour until College Kid returned and we could go rescue her. Since we now live over a mile away from the school instead of 5 blocks, walking was NOT an option, esp in the rainy weather today!
So apologies; Kenzie's a little stressed out and grumpy today.
To see who the other authors on this blog hop admire, go here. Don't forget to come back next week; I'm sure to be in a better mood!
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