Tuesdays with Tanya

Soul Food...are ya hungry?

2012-02-07T11:30:00.001-08:00

Got my new cover last night! Publishing date TBA...but look for it before summertime.

Anyway, if you think a vegetarian can't be chuck cook for a wild-west wagon train, you've never met Kelley Martin, in book Five of my Hearts Crossing Ranch series from White Rose Publishing. As she puts it, she's not judgmental against carnivores. She falls for geneticist Jason Easterday all the while worried about her restaurant --a vegetarian eatery set smack dab in the midst of cattle country...

So stay tuned for release date, contests to win a copy...et al infinitum.

And God bless~

A Four and a Half Star Review at Night Owl...a delightful surprise!

2012-01-31T09:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Maria-reviews-Hearts-Crossing-Ranch-by-Tanya-Hanson.aspx

Just got wind of this review today...perfect timing for a Tuesday with Tanya.

I'm trying hard to be a better blogger. I just don't have the gene. Does it help promo a book? I dunno. Nonetheless, every Tuesday I'll try to post SOMETHING. News on an upcoming release or contract. Links to a review.

An interview/blurb about a fellow writer friend. A fun question to consider. Something.

So stay tuned. Hope to see ya around.

Merry Christmas...two nominations for the CAPA Award!

2011-12-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled, humbled and honored that two of my books, Faithful Danger and Sanctuary, are among the ten nominated in the Inspirational category of the 2011 CAPA Awards at the Romance Studio.

I think all of my books are books of the heart in some way, else I wouldn't bother to fill the pages, but these two are pretty land-mark for me. Faithful Danger is my first-ever suspense story. Caffey Matthews, a young widow escapes to California's beautiful Santa Ynez valley to hide from enemies of her late husband, a white-collar criminal hang. She manages to hang on to her faith while danger lurks...and she finds herself drawn to a mysterious cowboy, Rhee Ryland, unbeknownst a high-priced P.I. hired to find her who's falling in love himself...

And Sanctuary is devoted to my husband, a testicular cancer survivor, and our dear family friend battling glioma. A love story full of heart and hope between Hooper Martin, foreman of the Hearts Crossing Ranch, and a beautiful wedding visitor, Mallie Cameron, will really make you feel at home at the ranch.

I have to admit, the last six weeks have been pretty hard about the homestead as one of my beloved family members struggles with a serious problem that kinda tainted our holiday spirit. so these nominations arriving two days before Christmas really reminded me, once again, Who's in charge.

Aw I wish had the trust in God that I give my characters...I think that better be my New Years Resolution.

Oh yeah I know this logo is from last year...when I was nominated for Favorite author. Wow, what a year it's been since then.

Merry Christmas..it might be the 28th but Christmas is still going on in my opinion, and happy new year to y'all.

Love from me to you! oxox

Nominated..TWICE! Yippee and yee-haw...most of all, thanks, God!

2011-12-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled, humbled and honored that two of my books, Faithful Danger and Sanctuary, are among the ten nominated in the Inspirational category of the 2011 CAPA Awards at the Romance Studio.

I think all of my books are books of the heart in some way, else I wouldn't bother to fill the pages, but these two are pretty land-mark for me. Faithful Danger is my first-ever suspense story. Caffey Matthews, a young widow escapes to California's beautiful Santa Ynez valley to hide from enemies of her late husband, a white-collar criminal hang. She manages to hang on to her faith while danger lurks...and she finds herself drawn to a mysterious cowboy, Rhee Ryland, unbeknownst a high-priced P.I. hired to find her who's falling in love himself...

And Sanctuary is devoted to my husband, a testicular cancer survivor, and our dear family friend battling glioma. A love story full of heart and hope between Hooper Martin, foreman of the Hearts Crossing Ranch, and a beautiful wedding visitor, Mallie Cameron, will really make you feel at home at the ranch.

I have to admit, the last six weeks have been pretty heard about the homestead as one of my beloved family members struggles with a serious problem that kinda tainted our holiday spirit. so these nominations arriving two days before Christmas really reminded me, once again, Who's in charge.

Aw I wish had the trust in God that I give my characters...I think that better be my New Years Resolution.

Oh yeah I know this logo is from last year...when I was nominated for Favorite author. Wow, what a year it's been since then.

Merry Christmas..it might be the 28th but Christmas is still going on in my opinion, and happy new year to y'all.

Love from me to you! oxox

Mary Did You Know...

2011-12-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

This song has really touched my heart this Christmastide, Maybe it's the newborn baby grandson I hold in my arms.

Or the newborn Lord I hold in my heart.

Mary Did You Know...

[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Right to Bragg..Book Four, Hearts Crossing Ranch

2011-11-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

It's out, published on 11/11/11. Right to Bragg. I can't believe the cool date. It's Book Four in the Hearts Crossing Series, and I hope you enjoy Tiffany’s falling both in faith and love during a picture-perfect Christmas on that fictional little ranch, Hearts Crossing, where everybody love to come home.

BLURB:

Disowned by her family, Tiffany Vickers faces a lonely Christmas and takes great comfort in the baby boy in her care. Her faith in tatters, she guards her heart against the baby's uncle, handsome cowboy Bragg Martin, a man with baggage of his own. While Bragg longs to open his heart and family to the lovely nanny, he doesn't understand her interest in his arch enemy. Saving a man's life and saving Tiffany's faith bring the couple together…and home to Hearts Crossing Ranch.

EXCERPT:

Tiffany got up for another cup of coffee, Matty’s eyes watching her every move.

“He sure notices you,” Bragg remarked as the baby drained the bottle.

“Yeah. We bonded right off. I’m so glad about it.” As she’d made a snap decision just then, she rushed on. “I left behind my precious nephew. I guess in my psyche somewhere I figured maybe nanny to Matty might help ease that hole in my heart.” Gently she rubbed her hand over Matty’s head, the edge of her hand tugging at Bragg’s shirt and causing a funny havoc. Mostly though he listened to her pain.

She sank back down into a kitchen chair, resting her cheek in her hand. “I was with Connor from the moment he was born. Paul and Diana wanted me there. Then things went haywire. It was my fault. You talk about forgiveness, but there isn’t any in this case. And I miss that little boy. Oh, I miss him so. I need him. His love was unconditional, you know. He’s three now. I can’t let him forget me.”

Bragg’s heart tugged at the agony on her face, and Matty’s little hand flailed. Tiffany took it at once. “It can’t be that bad, can it?”

“I’ve been disowned, so, yeah, Bragg. It’s that bad.”

Speech Tags --Tuesday with Tanya

2011-10-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Some times you gotta have 'em. After all, we're not watching a play and it's easy for a reader to get lost in our dialogue when we don't remind them who's talking.

I've got a long sheet somewhere in my writing handouts from conferences with a list of "tags." You know, like shouted, yammered, hollered, shrieked, howled, barked, giggled, chattered.

Use too many of them and the reader is going to anticipate them and pay more attention to that than your dialogue.

I use them rarely but once in a while must sneak in a "Brixton drawled" because I love me those cowboys. Then again, he didn't wake up and think I'll drawl now.. From the heroine's POV, she heard it. Understand?

But "Louis said" is best, unless somebody's asking a question and then you already know because of the punctuation mark... use Marguerite asked only if we need to be reminded of the speaker.

"Be back by dawn, ma'am," Louis said, two fingers touching the brim of his Stetson.
The cowboy's drawl sent Marguerite's heart skipping. "I'll be waiting for you," she said.

Tuesday with Tanya: Some little hints from Teaching English

2011-09-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

I always reckon I learned more teaching writing and grammar to high school freshmen than I taught them. First thing I did was put the "weakness list" on the board. Here are a few of the biggies.

1. Get with the program regarding your and you're. It's not "your welcome." It is your car, your book, your iPad. It's you're welcome. Think: you ARE.

2. Watch its and it's. It's means: it is. So...the baby bird fell from it's nest...is wrong, because you wouldn't say "the baby bird fell from IT IS nest."

3. If you have to write all right, at least spell it right. It is NOT alright. Never, ever.

4. And think about already and all ready. I'm already finished with the report that isn't due until January. The students are all ready to take the test.

Wow, these take me back LOL. But thing is, these little errors appear more than I wish in contest entries I judge and in crit group. Just saying....

Sexy Saturday

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

A sight for sore Saturday eyes...sigh.

First Lines Friday

2011-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Rachel woke up just this side of a bad dream. Heart pounding, sheets strangling, she reached for something that wasn’t there. Someone.

Nick. Dead sixteen months."

latest wip, Hearts Crossing Series, yet untitled

Some Reviews for Faithful Danger

2011-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

"I truly enjoyed this book and will have to keep my eyes open for future books by this author. Although it was my first inspirational, it was far from the last. If you enjoy good, sweet, inspirational romance stories, I recommend this book. I think you will love it." Long and Short Reviews

"Filled with incredible suspense, this quick read is perfect for mystery lovers. It’s a thrilling ride as you follow Caffey and Rhee, and the ending hits you with a jaw droping twise. Definitely worthy of 4 stars. Highly recommended!" The Romance Reviews

Tuesdays with Tanya: Emotion

2011-09-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new thing: a microburst every Tuesdays with stuff that's helped me as a writer.

Emotion. It's not humor or stuff that gets a reader laughing. It's the tug on the heart. In my Marrying Minda, it's little Neddie looking up at Minda with his blueberry eyes and asking the mail-order bride if she's his new mama.

In Little Women, my ultimate favorite, it's when Beth dies. Anybody who knows me knows that Louisa May Alcott does it all for me. This author has influenced me probably more than any other. The first time I read Little Women when I was eight years old, of course I cried when Beth died. But...I knew it was gonna happen. She was delicate and frail, tons of foreshadowing. It's in her book Jack and Jill, chapter 20, when the kids' pal Ed Devlin dies, that has the power to hitch my breath all these years later.

For an emotion fix, I'm reading the book again now. Got it free on the ipad. Last night I read Chapter 20 again and had to turn off the gizmo, let the emotions of grief, goodness, and peace simmer. These feelings hopefully will help me get my current deadline wip in shape.

QUICKIES QUIZ...leave a response. I'll be drawing a name if anybody does...

2011-09-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Available Amazon and White Rose Publishing

QUICKIE QUIZ: Take the quiz in your comment! If more than two participate LOL, I'll draw a name for copy of my e-novella Sanctuary.

Satin or Lace? LACE.
Cowboy or CEO:   COWBOY  (come on! I write westerns)
Thunder or Lightning? LIGHTNING.
Dark eyes or Light eyes? DARK.
The sound of a heartbeat or a crackling fire?  HEARTBEAT.
Sleeping bag or Bed?   BED.
Dinner or Movie?  DINNER.
Coffee or Tea? COFFEE (in particular, Cafe Francais or McDonald's iced, regular flavor)
Chiseled jaw line or Chiseled abs?   CHISELED JAW LINE.
Holding hands or Holding his attention?   HOLDING HIS ATTENTION. (been doin' it for 37 years!)
Red or Black?   BLACK.
Rain or Sunshine?    SUNSHINE.
Red wine or white?   RED
Thanksgiving or Christmas: THANKSGIVING (because Christmas is still coming and I miss it so much when it's gone.)

Just for Fun....

2011-09-04T13:21:00.001-07:00

Harlequin Novel, Updated.... 2011 Version

He grasped me firmly, but gently, just above my elbow and guided me into a room, his room.

Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone.

He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear.
"Just relax."
Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing, and moving upward along my calves, slowly but steadily. My breath caught in my throat.

I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care. His touch was so experienced, so sure. When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes. My pulse was pounding. I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage.
And then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply.

Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine to my panties.
Although I knew nothing about this man, I felt oddly trusting and expectant. This is a man, I thought. A man used to taking charge. A man not used to taking 'No' for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man who would look into my soul and say . . . ..

"Okay ma'am, you can board your flight now." !

Four-Star Web Exclusive Review at Romantic Times!

2011-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Our recent vacation had many highlights, but just about the best one was receiving a terrific review from Romantic Times.

"Hero Hooper will appeal to many fans of inspirational fiction. He is thoughtful, caring and devout. Surviving his life-threatening illness has only reaffirmed Hooper’s faith in the Lord. Mallie is an equally winning character. She is upbeat and open, welcoming new experiences into her life. However, while both characters put their faith in the Lord, they are also aware that their cancer might return, which adds a bittersweet, yet realistic, aspect to their relationship."

Check it out the whole thing by clicking on Romantic Times above, and thanks!
Thanks be to God, too.

Meet me at Dora Hier's blogspot today!

2011-07-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dora Hiers author of God-gracing, heart-racing romantic suspense, has become a good friend through our publishing house, White Rose. I'm so honored she took the time to feature Faithful Danger at her blog today. I'd love to have you join us.

See you there!

Dora Hier's Blog

My first romantic suspense! Check it out!

2011-07-15T09:50:00.001-07:00

My first ever...White Rose Publishing releases Faithful Danger today!

What happens when a hot cowboy turned P.I. falls for the woman he's hunting? And what if she's nothing like he expected, everything he's always wanted, and pushes him towards a faith he's long since forgotten? Find out in Faithful Danger!

After her husband's financial crimes and suicide, Caffey Matthews leaves behind her wealthy Manhattan life-knowing her husband's enemies are in pursuit. Frightened and alone, Caffey hides her identity and finds succor in the remote California ranch land, which helps her to reclaim faith and trust in God. Even as he frightens her, mysterious stranger Rhee Ryland steals her heart...

Believing Caffey is involved in her late husband's misdeeds, cowboy-turned high-priced private investigator Rhee Ryland arrives in sleepy Rancho Lorena ready to haul her back to justice. He doesn't expect to fall in love with her. Even more surprising is his return to his childhood Lord.

P.s. Rhee grew up near Hearts Crossing Ranch!

Mary Manners' Buried Treasure....available now, White Rose Publishing

2011-07-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to tell you about Mary Manners' latest release, Buried Treasure, from White Rose Publishing. I just finished her other recent release Kate's Kisses, and let me tell you: Hero Logan is as delectable as Kate's bakery confections. It's the start to a wonderful four-part series about four very interesting sisters.

As for Buried Treasure....
Ever notice sometimes the things that are right in front of us are the things we fail to fully recognize? Caroline's about to experience that very thing. You don't want to miss handsome, Matt Carlson, as he convinces Caroline he's her second chance at happiness. Download it today!

When Caroline flees Chicago following the brutal murder of her husband, the last thing she expects—or wants—is to fall for Matt Carlson, a builder with strong roots in the small town of Mountainview, Tennessee. She needs to focus on raising her six-year-old daughter and protecting both their hearts from ever being shattered again.

Matt is struggling with issues of his own…guilt over the death of his wife and the responsibility of raising a cynical teenaged nephew who is dropped on his doorstep, abandoned by Matt's alcoholic sister. He doesn't have time to fall in love, yet he can't help being drawn to the woman who is ready to defend her home—and her daughter—with nothing more than a feisty attitude and a broom handle.

Can Matt's help and friendship convince Caroline to trust again…and when Caroline's daughter goes missing, will Matt be able to find the girl before it's too late and he loses everything he loves…again?

This talented author never disappointed. That I promise. That I know!

Check out my new book trailer!

2011-07-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hope you check out my new trailer, encapsulating the first three books in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series.

Sanctuary is out!

2011-06-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

The third in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series is now available at White Rose Publishing. This book of the heart--well, aren't they all? is more book of the heart than usual. I based the hero Hooper on my hubby, and other guys I met at an online testicular cancer group during my sweetheart's life-threatening struggle with this horrible illness three years ago. I reckoned those brave guys exhibited perfect hero material for a story.

Heroine Mallie takes on inspiration from a beloved family friend, our daughter's glorious and dazzling sorority sister, who is battling stage four glioma.

Everybody deserves love, hope. A chance. I hope you'll give Sanctuary a chance.

Sanctuary

2011-03-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

I just don't have the blogging gene...although I do good guest posts around the cyberworld. So if anybody actually stops by this blog, sorry it's so lame and looks so neglected. Within a few days, I'll be posting another guest blog by another White Rose Publishing author, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, I'll show you the cover--I just got it--for Book Three in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series. Sanctuary. It's a story dear to my heart as the hero, Hooper Martin, and heroine Mallie Cameron are both cancer survivors. It's dedicated to the two main survivors in my own life...my wonderful hubby of 36 years, and our daughter's dear sorority sister.

Hoop is ranch foreman and the oldest Martin brother in the 8-book series about the siblings of Hearts Crossing Ranch outside fictional Mountain Cove, Colorado.

Details and excerpt forthcoming. I've got a pressing deadline (March 20) for the sixth book in the series, tentatively titled Angel Child in which Martin brother Scott falls for a woman who's not only older but has a seriously disabled son.

Cover design by the amazing Nicola Martinez, who does all my covers. She is so talented!

Please stay tuned, and thanks for your patience.

In the Spotlight...

2011-02-22T00:10:00.000-08:00

I'm in the Author Spotlight this week at Rhonda Lee Carter's wonderful site. Would love to see some friendly faces...you might win a copy of Hearts Crossing Ranch. Hope to see you!

CAPA AWARDS...Favorite Author Nominee: ME

2011-01-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

Humbled, honored, freaked. What alternate reality is this when I'm nom'd for Favorite Author along with Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan, and Philippa Gregory?

Thanks, Romance Studio!

Meet Anne Greene, inspirational romance author

2011-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

inspirational romance author, Anne Creene

I’d like to welcome my friend and fellow White Rose author, Anne Greene, to my blog for a few days! I know you’ll enjoy the interview as much as I do. Don't forget to leave a comment for the name-draw for a copy of Anne's book!

Anne, tell us about yourself.

Thanks so much for the interview, Tanya. I’m not sure what readers want to know about me, but here’s a sampling. In my early years I lived in a small farm town in Ohio, and have lived in San Diego, Chicago, and now live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas. I have four grown children, and just recently returned from spending a year in Seoul, Korea where my husband served in the Military. He is a Special Forces Colonel (Green Beret). I love to play sports, sail in the ocean, and travel. I’ve visited twenty-five foreign countries and every State in the US except Alaska. I also enjoy horseback riding, though I haven’t ridden English for several years. And I enjoy swimming. But writing is my passion.

How long have you been writing?

Masquerade Marriage is my second published book. I’ve been writing about ten years. Reading was my escape in my growing up years, and I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I graduated from the University of Texas cum laude with a degree in Literary Studies, but worked as a photographer and as a Real Estate Agent before diving in full-time to write. When I joined American Christian Romance Writers, the journey to writing got much easier. I have a wonderful critique group, and because of their annual conference, I’ve met many editors and agents. Finalling in writing contests gave me excellent feedback, plus got me my latest contract with White Rose Publishing. So, I recommend both contests and conferences.

What genre do you write and why?

I write in the Historical, Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense genres. As a girl, I didn’t like history—until I read my first Historical. Then I was hooked. So, I know many people today don’t enjoy history, and my goal is to open up the glories of the past to them. History was modern life lived with all its heartache, joy, and excitement in a world very different from our own. I bring these different worlds into vivid, living color, and give a painless dose of history along the way. I write Romantic Suspense because I like to see good win over evil with fast action, surprises, and some who did it and why.

Masquerade Marriage is a book of my heart. My paternal ancestors are Scotch of Clan Gunn, which was located in the far north of Scotland in the Cathness area where Vikings intermarried with the Scots. I visited Scotland with the purpose of setting one or more historicals there, and fell in love with the country. The final battle between the English and the Scottish Highlanders changed the Highlands forever. A way of life ended. The drama in this story appealed to me, and so I wrote Masquerade Marriage. I love this time in history and so enjoyed living it as I wrote the book. I hope the reader finds a new world to love as he reads my book. The following is a blurb and an excerpt.

A SECRET LIST

To protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead, Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than Scotland. But his presence throws her into danger.

A VOW HONORED

To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart.

A SACRIFICE MADE

Outlawed, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can't have her, he heads alone to certain death...

EXCERPT FROM MASQUERADE MARRIAGE

Like a determined hero, the fugitive warrior strode through the door at the far end of the tiny stone kirk.

Megan’s eyes widened. Her clenched jaw relaxed. Some of her dread dissolved.

“Impressive.” Molly, Megan’s Irish maid, whispered from where they stood together in the vestibule.

He stopped in front of the hand-carved altar and half-turned toward her. Megan pulled in an uneven breath. This Highlander, wearing formal kilts, was no scrawny lad grown older, nor was he a big, hairy Scot with a bushy beard. The tall, strapping soldier stood with legs braced as if about to do battle.

Her heart skipped. Though she’d known Brody when she wore short skirts, this blond warrior was far more than she expected. Her pulse throbbed in her temples. Doubt niggled her brain. Brody was too tall, too obviously a Highlander. How could she hope to pass him off as a Lowland Laird? He appeared to have too big a chip on his shoulder to let her command him.

Brody’s thick sandy hair swept the collar of his linen shirt. Lace-trimmed cuffs matched the white jabot at his muscular throat. A silver broach clasped his crimson and black tartan to his wide right shoulder. His claymore, dirk, and thick sword belt startled her.

Megan suppressed a shudder. The English outlawed kilts. With his dress, Brody spat in the face of the English and further imperiled his life. Why?

His intense sapphire stare blazed a trail across the empty wooden pews toward her. His eyes made her feel dizzy as if she just danced a fast reel with a lively partner.

Molly grinned and handed Megan the bridal flowers.

What had she gotten herself into?

Do you plot your books before you write them?

I am a pantser. I have tried plotting out a book in advance, including storyboarding, and that just doesn’t work for me. I start with a general idea, a setting, and a general idea of what characters I’m using. But very soon into the first draft the characters take over and direct the book. It’s a bit like watching a movie and just writing down what is happening. It’s quite exciting to see where the book will go.

Do you do much research?

I do a great deal of research for all my books, including the contemporary ones. I always visit the setting and get some good pictures. Then I find books about the history and time. Small details I research on the internet, but the important ones come from non-fiction books. I am extremely careful in my research because if a reader discovers one error, then I lose credibility. If I’m writing detective, I have a detective look over the manuscript before I send it out. If I’m writing WW11 stories, I find someone who has been there. I always find a person who has done the job I’m writing about to look over the finished manuscript. Of course, when I go further back into history I have to rely solely on the non-fiction books. But I enjoy research and often do far more than I ever use in any one book.

The character I love writing about the most—is the one I’m currently working on. I love all my characters. However, I do think I like being in the male point of view slightly more than the female. I like being macho and looking at life from a different perspective. I like being strong enough to handle a couple of thugs. Of course my detective knows martial arts, but she doesn’t use her fists. I like looking at a woman I’m interested in and being totally confused as to what makes her do the crazy things she does. But, on the other hand, I love having a woman use her wiles and smarts when that’s all she has going for her. But Megan and Brody from Masquerade Marriage are probably closest to my heart.

I don’t think I can NOT include faith in my writing. I am a new creation in Christ. I have a Christian worldview. I have deep beliefs and a few boundaries that cannot be crossed. I want my books to have meaning and take-away value. I want my readers to take a deep delicious breath and say—Oh, now I understand. How beautiful God’s way is.

I have a website, http://www.annegreeneauthor.com//. My books can be purchased at WhiteRosePublishing.com and on Amazon. My blog is also on my website.

I’d love to share my email, but I’ve been told that is not a good thing to do. So, readers can reach me through WhiteRosePublishing. I’d love to hear from them. If readers join my website, they can leave comments. I’m also on Facebook where comments are welcomes.

Anne, thanks for spending time with us today. This is an awesome interview. It's truly an honor to be part of White Rose Publishing, isn't it? I am so happy there. God bless you with much success and many more books! oxoxox

Tidbits Welcomes Tanya Stowe!

2010-12-14T22:23:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to introduce my "doppelganger" from White Rose Publishing, the wonderful Tanya Stowe. I hope Tidbits makes her feel welcome!

Howdy! It’s such a thrill to spend the day at Tanya’s Tidbits to tell about my new release, Tender Trust,
from White Rose Publishing.

California Gold played an important part in the Civil War. It was gold from California and the newly found Colorado mines that kept the Union army afloat when the Confederate army began to flounder in debt. But California gold almost didn’t make it to the Union.

One of the pivotal scenes in my new novel, Tender Trust, occurs when word about hostilities at Fort Sumter reaches the small mining town of Harperville. Emotions run high and a group of Union sympathizers turn into a mob that drives a small band of Southern men out of town. One of the Southern men is Royce Darnell’s best friend and mine foremen, Alex Marsden. Alex and his friends barely escape Harperville with their lives and head to Southern California where Confederate sympathizers had already issued a call for cession from the Union to form the Pacific Republic which would have included Oregon, Washington and possibly New Mexico.

In reality, it took almost 10 days for news of war to reach California by telegraph and Pony Express. When it did, outbreaks of violence like the scene in my book took place everywhere. Pro-Union Democrats rallied in San Francisco and had to be controlled with Federal troops … commanded by a Southerner, Brigadier General Albert Sidney Johnston. Rumors ran rampant that General Johnston was part of a Confederate conspiracy to take over California but he remained true to his Oath to the Federal government by reinforcing the garrison at San Francisco and quelling the riots. His actions insured that California gold made it back to support the Union cause.

Fortunately!

I hope you enjoy the excerpt of Tender Touch, my first Western-set work. My first novel, Time’s Embrace, a time-travel adventure, was released in the United States in 1993 and internationally released in 1995. Most recently I have contributed to a collection of women’s survival stories titled, Triumph! The Beautiful Face of Courage and collaborated on at full-length play, a Christmas musical titled The Night Before Christmas.

I have been a member of Romance Writers of America since 1992, and I have taught writing at conferences and workshops, and have held seminars throughout California. I’d love for you to follow the workshops, classes and ups and downs of writing at http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com/.

"Lacy--look at me," Royce commanded. She looked up. "Feel the music, Lacy. Just move with me."

Her muscles eased. Her breathing slowed. She seemed to sense the rhythm of his body and took her cues from the slight touch of his hand. He dipped, she followed. He swept, she flowed, her skirts swinging in a graceful arc behind them. They sailed around the room in perfect motion.

Royce smiled. "I knew you could do it."

"Thank you for teaching me," she murmured.

Royce looked at the woman in his arms. He'd known the minute she'd entered the room. He was shocked to see her, knowing instinctively that the crowd and the noise would not be to her liking. But, when he'd seen the pink of her cheeks and the high color of her eyes, he knew she was enjoying herself ... and that made him happy. He liked the little giggle she tried to suppress and the way her eyes lit when the dancers came near her. So he’d asked her to dance.

“Thank you," Lacy repeated.

"My pleasure, ma'am. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Her features turned somber. "You can let me go, now, before it's too late.”

She was asking him to do what he'd vowed to do. But looking at her lovely features, he knew he wouldn't do it.

"I can't, Lacy. I've tried and I can't."

The truth of his words flowed over both of them. They stood still in the middle of the dance floor. He wondered where the words had come from, and how he could take care of this fragile, beautiful creature in his arms.
Thanks, Tanya, for inviting me here today!

You're so welcome, Tanya! Come again, for sure! oxox

Available White Rose Publishing

Nominated for Best Book of 2010: Marrying Mattie YEE HAW

2010-12-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Wow. I'm over the moon about this one. Getting nominated by Love Western Romances for the best book of 2010 has got to be a highlight of an already amazing year.

I hope you'll do me the honor of riding on over yonder to http://www.lovewesternromances.com/ and casting your ballot for my little novel. I'm facing stiff competition and need all the votes I can get. Voting commences today through January 11...but don't y'all take too much time.

Thank you so very much!

FIVE SPurs for Marrying Mattie at Love Western Romance

2010-11-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

One of the most venerable review sites of all, Love Western Romance, has awarded Marrying Mattie FIVE Spurs! I am over the moon!

"This book is a sweeping tale with a plot that kept me glued to the edge of my seat. More than once I imagined how this story would plan out on the big screen...the author treats the reader with a great deal of respect, tearing you with little snippets of information...but leaving you to try to figure out the whu's and how's along the way in this wonderful tale."

To check out the whole review, please visit this wonderful site! Love Western Romance rocks!

An Apology AND my new header ad!

2010-11-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

I know I don't burn up the record book with blog followers, but the last two months have just sent personal blogging to the bottom of my to-do list. If I had 25 hour-long days, I mighta handled it but...I had two deadlines, a slew of revisions, two new releases, and a two-week trip to Hawaii during which hubby needed his due share of quality timewith me.

Every single one of those things has been beyond delicious. I never imagined I'd be so delightfully busy.

But something had to give...hubby got me a housecleaning service to help out, but blogging other than my major ones, Petticoats and Pistols and Romance Studio, and guest promos, had to take a backseat. I'll try to at least post once a week when something fun happens.

Today: it's my Header Ad to appear at Long and Short Reviews.

Thanks for your patience.

Hero performed by Michael Israel in New York

2010-09-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Marrying Mattie: treat yourself!

2010-09-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Marrying Mattie, avail. print, digi and Kindle...

Mattie and Call's love story steams up the pages. Yeah, I know. I'm concentrating on Christian romance now (Please visit Hearts Crossing Ranch...) but the folks in Paradise, Nebraska circa 1880 need love too.

I hope you enjoy your trip back in time!

(Marrying Molly and Marrying Marguerite are in the works...)

Spicy and Sweet...at The Romance Studio

2010-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to The Romance Studio for a peek at my latest releases, and see if "spicy" and "sweet" conflict with each other..or make it work like Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Hope you enjoy Marrying Mattie, available now at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon...Kindle version, too. Sign my guestbook at my website to enter a name draw for a signed copy.

Marrying Mattie is here, here, HERE

2010-08-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Jumping the gun a bit, my second book in the Paradise Brides series, Marrying Mattie, is already available at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ Yee-haw!

All along, I've thought the Big Day was August 27...but while I was up in the Tetons on a wagon-train trip (more details to follow...or you can check out http://heartscrossingranch.blogspot.com/ ) my dream came true. Sincere thanks to my editor Helen Andrew for making it all happen.

The hero, schoolmaster Call Hackett, makes an important appearance in my current release, Marrying Minda, when he woos mail-order bride Minda during her troubled marriage. But her reluctant hubby, hottie cowboy Brix Haynes mans up and falls hard for his woman. So I reckoned Call deserved a love story all his own.

My free short story His Christmas Angel introduces him --now a self-described horse "doctor"--to Minda's sister, Mattie, and this new longer book shows their road to a marriage interrupted by her rich, evil ex-husband.

I hope you enjoy getting to know the folks of Paradise, Nebraska, their toils and tribulations, their triumphs and loves.

Don't be a stranger at http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

Five-Star Review at The Romance Studio!

2010-07-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! Hearts Crossing Ranch has received a five-star review at The Romance Studio!
I still find myself drawn to the ranch and the wagon-train vacation even though they're fictional...but so much so that hubby and I are off on a similar adventure this summer...a real one...around the Tetons.

I can't wait to get inspiration from God's incredible nature, from the close family members sharing the experience with us, and from the wranglers who'll lead us.

In the meantime, Hooper Martin's story is in the works!

Something nice...

2010-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

A four and a half star review from Novel Editions--yee haw, and thank you, God!

This was truly a book that forced the characters to dig deep within themselves and to confront the things that may have shaken their walk with the Lord. Both Kenn and Christy were raised to be a child of great faith. However, in both of their lives one event --Kenn's guilt over "letting down" his brother Bragg, and Christy's unexpected loss of her father-- seemed to have them turning their backs on God.

Ms. Hanson's ability to paint a picture and tell a compelling story kept me interested until the last page. I also loved her clever references to things that relevant to everyday of an average person's life -Michael Phelps, a horse named Joe Montana, etc.
My biggest hope is that Ms.Hanson will continue to tell the Martin Family story by using the other Martin siblings in future books!

Check out my 4/12-star review for Hearts Crossing Ranch at Novel Editions.

Novel Editions a book review site featuring reviews of books rated G or PG.

A Small Request....please, God?

2010-07-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Cancer is a strange cell.
You can go along for years in remission
and then one day it pops its head up again.
If you ever have it you will never be free of it.
Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.

A SMALL REQUEST...

Dear God,
I pray that You will guide someone to find a cure for cancer. Amen

In memory of my twin brother Mike and our dear friend Karen who have been
struck down by cancer and to my hubby and family still living with the specter of testicular cancer...

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.
If you're reading this, please Keep This Candle Going

Redeeming Daisy and Faithful Danger

2010-07-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm excited that the first round edits for Redeeming Daisy are in the can. Editors simply make one's writing better...noticing a word order or sentence structure that a second set of eyes knows can be slightly improved. Redeeming Daisy is the second story set at Hearts Crossing Ranch and features Pike Martin, large animal vet and brother to Kenn.

I'm grateful for such a talented editor, Nicola Martinez, who has a nose for the details...or is it eyes LOL? As well as one who calls Redeeming Daisy a "lovely story." Sigh.

I'll keep you informed as to the progress. I've also submitted to her TV Guide-like blurbies about what happens to the entire Martin clan!
Right now, though, I'm finishing up what I call March 9 Prompt, aka Faithful Danger. White Rose Publishing selected random details and posted them on March 9 to see what kind of story a writer can come up with in 10,000-20,000 words.

The SITUATION:
Two puppies, a woman in hiding, a mysterious man, and a pair of pink polka dot pumps.

The PHRASE:

“Dead guys don’t usually show up for breakfast,” she said, staring at the very-much-alive man who stood in front of the pastry counter.

I'm in the closing stretch of Faithful Danger...I'll let you know how it turns out. Yeah, my mysterious man is a cowboy turned private investigator. And our heroine falls for him spur, lariat and Stetson even though she's in hiding in a small Central California ranch town from very bad Soprano-esque people...

Happy Fourth of July...God Bless the USA!

2010-07-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

God Bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America...my home sweet home!

Eric Pettis: 5 Scoreless Innings

2010-06-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Don't think Eric would mind me spreading the word. He's the nephew of very good friends of ours and just got drafted by the Williamsport PA CrossCutters. In his first game--Father's Day, no less, the Cutters extended their extended their record in the all-time SawBuck Series to 27-24.

Starting pitcher Eric Pettis pitched five scoreless innings surrendering only four hits, striking out three and walking none.

Yay, Eric! Hope to see you in action someday soon!. Congratulations!

It's been a good week all around...with Redeeming Daisy getting contracted b White Rose Publishing. Which reminds me: I got work to do.

Redeeming Daisy...

2010-06-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, today I got the contract for Redeeming Daisy, the second Martin story of the clan at Hearts Crossing Ranch, available now at White Rose Publishing. I'd thought to go with another title using Heart or Cross or some variant thereof, but after a brainstorm, my terrific editor Nicola Martinez came up with the present title.

Now comes the delicious "work" involved in a new release: composing blurbs, taglines, gathering reviews and comments about previous books to add as teasers to the frontispiece. So exciting! Esp. tossing out ideas for covers. (Nicola is a master artist as well. Boy, did I get lucky!)

I hope you'll stay tuned. I'll get the blurb posted as soon as...I think of it LOL.

Don't forget to visit my blog dedicated to the folks at Hearts Crossing Ranch And a chance to win!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

The fathers in my life have totally rocked.

My own precious dad died in a tragic car accident when my son, his first grandchild, was four months old. I'll never forget seeing both spectrums of life--birth and death--so close together, but his influence and love made me the woman I am. I'm married to my own personal hero who successfully fought wildfires for his career and successfully fought cancer two years ago and gave me the two greatest children ever.

My son is now a daddy himself, and his little boy is the latest love of my life. And my brother-in-law Tim, who stood by my side during those terrible testicular cancer days has given me two amazing nieces.

God bless you, all, everyone!

SPECIAL EDITION: Hearts Crossing Ranch RELEASE DAY

2010-06-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

Yeah, things have been a tad nutso. But HCR is here, here, HERE!

And featured today at White Rose Publishing.

The cover design is to-die-for, my editor Nicola Martinez absolutely the best. I thank her again for taking this chance with me--my first contemporary and my first inspirational. I hope you enjoy Christy and Kenn's journey of faith and path to love.

Visit my Hearts Crossing Ranch blog once in a while for summer contests going on. I'm trying to get things updated at my website....wish days were 25 hours long. Yesterday I had the great pleasure of being invited to The Romance Studio June release party, and my "behind the book" blog at Petticoats and Pistols last Wednesday was a ton of fun.

The Write Stuff: Win a copy of Hearts Crossing Ranch

2010-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Join me at Petticoatsandpistols
today, Wednesday, June 2, and The Romance Studio tomorrow, Thursday, June 3...

I'll be drawing some winners for copies of Hearts Crossing Ranch.

Yee-haw. See you there!

P.s. Please visit Hearts Crossing Ranch and leave a comment once in a while...summer contests going on!

I AM POEM--Georgie, always in our hearts

2010-05-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Georgie left us all too soon. When you see a homeless person with a dog at his/her side, don't be stingy. Last November, this beautiful young man helped out such a pair, rescuing them from some abusive teens...paying for a hotel room so the homeless guy had a shower and a bed, giving the guy the last twenty-dollar bill in his pocket.

His generous heart has touched so many others. Hearts that broke into a million pieces when the Lord called Georgie home just after New Years.

"I Am Poem"

by: George Anthony

1991-2010

I am a football player in pain
I wonder if war is the answer
...I hear the struggling people
I see pain in the heart of America
I want peace between others
I am a football player in pain

I pretend that I am the best
I feel emotion in my heart
I cry when being a different color matters
I am a football player in pain

I understand everything doesn't come easy
I say be a leader not a follower
I dream of too many things
I try with all my heart
I am a football player in pain

Silver Spur Ranch: Yee-haw. I've love to go again...

2010-05-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Just got this e-mail from the Silver Spur. If you're still finalizing plans for Memorial Day Weekend, give the ranch a whirl. One of the funnest times I've ever had!

"Hey everyone,

There are still a few rooms available THIS weekend for Memorial Day. We are offering ALL our subscribers a last minute 15% discount on adults rates.....that is 3 times the Lifetime Discount!!

There are LOTS of fun activities planned on and off the ranch. In town there is a parade down Main Street you won't want to miss with lots of entertainment and venders, Mansfield Park has rodeos going on 3 full days, the weather is great and the river is open for tubing and all the Saloons have great music going on!!

On the ranch we will be doing a Scavenger Hunt on horseback.....prizes to the winners!! Evening rides after supper will be available and you wont want to miss out on our Star Gazing after dark down by the campfire area.....see incredible views of the Universe!! You might even want to try your hand at Karaoke!! And of course we will serving root beer floats and the pool is OPEN!!

Be sure to mention "Memorial Special" when making reservations!! Your friends and family are welcome to this same discount!

Your Friends at the Silver Spur"

Weekend Recipe GAME: Texas Tantalizers

2010-05-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'm still in Texas mode. Here's a Texas Chili GAME to help you pass your time...while you imagine just what the last photograph suggests!

Ooh-la-la.

Saddle up and Write: Bandera, Texas

2010-05-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I sure hope you'll scoot on over to Petticoats and Pistols today, the all-Western romance site, where I'm blogging about my experiences as a cowgirl at the Silver Spur Ranch in Bandera, Texas. Hey, I found out I'm not too fat and old to learn to ride a horse...or too dumb shoot a gun! The "Saddle up and Write" retreat sponsored by my publisher The Wild Rose Press totally rocked from beginning to end...

...and those days as a Texan will live forever in my heart and memory.

Sigh.

Glen Ivy Mudbath...what a way to spend a Saturday with my posse

2010-05-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yowza. Who'd ever thunk it, a playdate in the mud at our age. Well, it happened, it was weird and cool at the same time. Mostly it was some good old-fashioned girl bonding.

Daughters, sister, friends, cousins.

Oh, and I can't forget the massage! Good time, good people.

Good memory!

Weekend Recipe: Aunt Grace's Killer Banana Bread

2010-05-14T00:16:00.001-07:00

Well, I know I've posted this one before, but it's such a keeper that I'll keep on doing so LOL when I'm rushed and out of other ideas. Top Chef I am not! Have a great weekend.

AUNT GRACE’S BANANA BREAD

½ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 medium mashed bananas
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda

Cream shortening and sugar and add eggs and cream well. Sift flour and soda together. Fold flour and bananas into above misture. Add ¼ cup chopped nuts.

Bake in greased floured loaf pan, 1 hour, at 350º.

Writing Stuff: Blurb for "Hearts Crossing Ranch"

2010-05-12T00:29:00.001-07:00

My wonderful editor Nicola Martinez helped tweak this a bit. Blurbs are not my strength. But I hope it intrigues you enough to get Hearts Crossing Ranch when it's released. (Date still to be determined....we're working on the "galleys" right now. And I'm in the closing stretch of another Hearts Crossing story, about brother Pike and Kenn's ex, Daisy. Yikes! Can they make it work?

A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.

Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.

On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.

Revlon Cancer Walk...Los Angeles

2010-05-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Whre was I last Saturday? One of my favorite places, University of Southern California along with the historic Los Angeles Coliseum. But I wasn't at a graduation or a football game.

Along with 50,000 others marching on various teams, I had the honor to walk with the CVS team around the LA Coliseum and USC ("fight on"--my kids are alums) to raise money with Revlon to find cures for women's cancers.

Many folks wore signs on their backs to acknowledge loved ones fighting breast cancer..."my lovely wife Elaine"..."my sister AND my mom"..."our friend Candice."

Others wore memorial signs. One man memorialized his mom, two aunts, and a sister who had lost their fight. And--his other sign supported three more relatives fighting breast cancer!

We marched for our dear friend Karen, our neighbor Sherry, and my writer pal Susan...all who lost their valiant battles against the evil breast cancer last fall.

Thrilling were the signs many women wore with claims of triumph: "I am six months cancer-free." "I'm a 13-year survivor." "Yes, I had cancer. But it never had me!" Too many more, praise God, to write down.

Teams had delightful names. Our favorites:

Hikers for Hooters
Walkers for Knockers
Hello Tittys
Bergens for Boobies.
Save the Tatas

One family wore signs with the picture of an adorable baby girl wearing a big pink hat. The caption read:

"Find a cure before I grow boobs."

Wow. My own personal hero is a two-year survivor of testicular cancer, so I kinda know. We celebrated this event with the two of the most important people during his battle...

To all who journey with this awful disease cancer...to those to fight it, have won their fight, and to those who walk at your side:

FIGHT ON!

Special Edition: BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK ®

2010-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 2-8, 2010

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. If you’ve known me for longer than ten seconds, you’ll know I’m a critter freak.

Since I’m in Texas most of this week, I wanted to keep this posted on my blog until I get back to the regular "schedule." One thing…I’m going to visit the Alamo and dear to my heart is getting my grandbaby a coonskin cap. Reminiscent of my childhood and Disney’s Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

But I won’t unless it’s synthetic fur.

I support wolves and polar bears with Defenders of Wildlife, household pets at Humane, and donkeys at the Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land.

Even though this special week includes shelter adoptions, information, terrific merchandise and a kids’ contest, it’s only celebrated once a year.

Here’s how we can appreciate all animals, domestic and wild, every day, our whole lives through.

Speak out for animals
Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout our country.

Report animal abuse
Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. Report anything suspicious…a dog chained in the yard, underfed pets…small children being mean to an animal. Let someone know.

Appreciate wildlife
All animals deserve to be treated humanely -- family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely. (Here in the suburbs that used to be wild terrain,, too often bears, coyotes and mountain lions are routinely killed by the Fish and Game.)

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. My hubby and I have said good-bye to our two black Labs in the past year or so and our next sweetheart is definitely going to be a rescue pup.

Take care of your pet
Pets are like your babies who never grow up. Keep them healthy. But….don’t prolong their lives because of your own selfishness. I’m totally about compassion and dignity when our sweet critters age and life isn’t ideal for them anymore.) Make sure the pets wear an ID.

And if you have a dog or cat, give them a special hug from me.

Weekend Recipe: Texas Toast!

2010-04-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Honoring my sojourn to TEXAS, here's a little snack to spice up your weekend. Enjoy!

2 Servings Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 slices French bread (1 inch thick)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Chopped green onions or parsley, optional

Directions:
Spread butter over bread. Sprinkle with garlic powder and cheese. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with onions or parsley is desired. Serve warm. Yield: 2 servings.

Wild Rose Press Writers Retreat--Bandera, Texas, here I come!

2010-04-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Howdy! Sorry to miss Monday's Places I've Been. I'm waiting on the pix of the mud bath I took last weekend, (honest!) so be patient LOL (Remember my Wine Jacket Posse...well, we took a sojourn to a spa...but that's another blog...)

Right now, my imaginary spurs really are jiggling. I'm doing last-minute shopping and laundry so I can pack up for TEXAS! My publishing house is holding a writers retreat an hour out of San Antone on a real ranch, the Silver Spur, with real cowboys, horses, and rodeo. When I got the invitation, there was no keeping me away! Looks like I'll be staying in the Wild Bill Hickok cabin. Can't get any mow cowgirl than that!

Stay tuned, of course, for my pictures and accounts of my adventure.

In the meantime, here are some pix I lifted from their website.

With Lone Star temps in the 80's (we're full of gloom and fog here at home...) I'll likely be needing a dip in the pool after a long stretch of creating.

Most of all, I get to cross something off my Bucket List. I'll be learning how to ride a real honest-to-goodness horse!

See ya'll soon.

Weekend Recipe: Concord Grape Jelly

2010-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Concord grape was developed and grown in Concord, MA. In fact, the company made and provided schools with a terrific video depicting a restless eenaged Louisa May Alcott on the Fourth of July that Henry David Thoreaou set up cabin-keeping at Walden Pond. Other characters were, of course, her mom Abba, Waldo, Nathanal Hawthorne. Oh, I miss that movie. (Thanks to Epicurious for the recipe.)

Yield: Makes 6 or 7 (1/2-pint) jars

Active time: 2 3/4 hr
Total time: 1 day (includes time for flavors to develop)

Use Concords at their peak for kid-friendly sweetness, lovely floral notes and a thick consistency.

Ingredients

5 lb Concord grapes, stemmed
5 cups sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Special equipment: 7 (1/2-pt) canning jars with lids and screw bands; a boiling-water canner or an 8- to 10-qt deep pot; an instant-read thermometer; a food mill fitted with fine disk

Preparation

Sterilize jars:
Wash jars, lids, and screw bands in hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Dry screw bands. Put jars on a rack in canner or deep pot and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, covered, then boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, leaving jars in water. Heat lids in water to cover by 2 inches in a small saucepan until thermometer registers 180°F (do not let boil). Remove from heat, leaving lids in water. Keep the jars and lids submerged in hot water, covered, until ready to use.

Cook jam:
Chill 2 small plates (for testing jam).

Slip skins from grapes and purée skins with 1 cup sugar in a food processor, then transfer to a 4- to 6-quart wide heavy pot. Stir in lemon juice, peeled grapes, and remaining 4 cups sugar and boil over moderate heat, stirring frequently and skimming foam, until pulp is broken down, about 20 minutes. Force jam through food mill set over a large bowl. Discard remaining solids. Return jam to pot and cook at a slow boil, skimming foam occasionally and stirring frequently as mixture thickens to prevent scorching, 35 minutes, then test for doneness.

To test jam, remove from heat, then drop a teaspoonful on a chilled plate and chill 1 minute. Tilt plate: Jam should remain in a mound and not run. If jam runs, continue cooking at a slow boil, testing every 5 minutes, until done, up to 25 minutes more.

Seal, process, and store jars:
Drain jars upside down on a clean kitchen towel 1 minute, then invert. Ladle jam into jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at top. Wipe off rims of filled jars with a clean damp kitchen towel, then top with lids and firmly screw on screw bands. Put sealed jars on rack in canner or pot and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, covered, then boil 10 minutes. With tongs, transfer jars to a towel-lined surface to cool.

Jars will seal; if you hear a ping, it signals that vacuum formed at the top of cooling preserves has made lid concave. Remember that you may or may not be around to hear that ping (some jars make the sound after you remove them from water, and others in same batch may take a few hours); the important thing is for jars to eventually have concave lids. Preserves will thicken as they cool.

After jars have cooled 12 to 24 hours, press center of each lid to check that it's concave, then remove screw band and try to lift off lid with your fingertips. If you can't, lid has a good seal. Replace screw band. Put any jars that haven't sealed properly in the refrigerator and use them first.

Cooks' notes:
· Let jam stand in jars at least 1 day for flavors to develop. · Jam keeps in sealed jars in a cool dark place 5 to 6 months.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Concord-Grape-Jam-232813?FORM=BING#ixzz0lqnpFkQZ

The Author and the Frog: Mark Twain at Petticoats and Pistols

2010-04-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hey, don't miss my blog today on Mark Twain at the all-Western romance site, Petticoats and Pistols. Today marks the centenary of his passing on April 21, 1910. And The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County is the one that started his fame going.

Hope to see you there!

What Twain works have you read?

The Shot Heard Round the World...Concord, Massachusetts

2010-04-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Current read: Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, Seth Grahame-Smith

CONCORD HYMN

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.

Yup. April 19, 1775. Yet still so real.

And being there, on the North Bridge, seeing the gentle flow of the Concord River...feeling the heroism that still lingers...seeing the Old Manse where Waldo's grandfather watched those first fired shots was a moment to encapsulate in my head and relive over and over.

Oh I loved this poem the first time I read it. Taught it. When a student essayed on the "Conquered" Hymn on a test, I hardly minded.

Forever and ever. Amen.

Christmas for Ransom...available November 5, 2010

2010-04-14T01:12:00.000-07:00

Well, if you don't know what to get that special someone for Christmas, the perfect stocking stuffer will be available on November 5, 2010. I'm thrilled to announce the release date for the Lawmen and Outlaws Christmas Anthology, of which my novella Christmas for Ransom is a part.

The happy news arrived in my inbox during our recent vacation to Point Arena! The book will also be available in e-form for those of you with Kindles and iPads.

Mercy me, was I ever excited when the editors at The Wild Rose Press asked me to contribute to this holiday, even more excited to write the story during the last holiday season! Really got me in the mood.

Here's a teaser:

Outlaw "Canyon" Jack Ransom grows a conscience after thieving
horseflesh from a sweet old lady who reminds him too damn much of his own gram-maw.

The deathbed promises he made to her --to live a good life and
learn to read-- have come back haunt him.

Taking a holiday break from the outlaw gang that's been his family for a dozen years, he heads to Pleasure Stakes in West Texas, and hires Eliza Willows, a beautiful schoolmarm, to get himself some learnin'.

Turns out she's the old lady's granddaughter. Believing the handsome cowboy is a "tracker", Eliza hires him to find Granny's missing horses.

Ransom has to decide…
run away or run straight into her arms.

Up in the Air at Point Arena

2010-04-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

It's a Bucket List thing...climbing up a lighthouse. I've visited several in my life but none let me up into the tower. Not until Point Arena.

That's where we spent Easter after several days in San Francisco. Yep, hanging out with two of our favorite people. Hubby's sister (well mine too!) and bil, Roberta and Tim who helped us through his cancer ordeal. It was more than significant, more than a miracle, that they were with is on April 8th. His second "birthday". Year #2 of his remission anniversary. Glory hallelujah!

Well, back to the lighthouse. This "smokestack" style light in northern California, first built of bricks and lit in 1870, was devastated by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Hence its modern construction in concrete. It's 115 feet to the top, and I made every single step.

Well, the going up wasn't too bad. I didn't even mind walking around outside at the tip-top. It was the going down that had me white-knuckled and sweating buckets of ice...

But I made it!

One more thing to scratch off my list!
The northern Coast is so glorious, so wild and craggy and full of wind and dreams. There's a ton more to tell about those ten wonderful days but hey, I've got a ton more Mondays left to tell you of places I've been.

Good-night now.

Tidbits is Taking a Spring Break....

2010-04-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

He is risen indeed!

Have a blessed Easter, a glorious Springtime, and (if you're a writer...), happy creating!

Weekend Recipe: Russian Easter Bread

2010-04-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

In honor of my Russian heritage, I thought I’d share a recipe today for Paska, otherwise known as Easter Bread.

2 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup light cream or half and half
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoon yeast
1/2 cup raisins and glazed cherries, mixed

Heat milk, half and half and butter till butter melts. Add to
remaining ingredients in the order your machine requires. Add the
raisins/cherries when your machine stops for adding "extras".

Use the dough setting. Punch down. Traditional way to bake is to place dough in a coffee can to make the traditional "top hat" shape to bake, but it also works as a round loaf when baked on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350F., about 25 minutes. Cover top with foil for last 10 minutes if it appears to be browning too quickly.
Will make two small loaves, or one large one.

Enjoy!

My First Inspirational Sale: Hearts Crossing Ranch

2010-03-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

I've been busy editing--
my first contemporary Western inspirational, Hearts Crossing Ranch! Every new contract is a gift, a blessing, an affirmation, but to sell my very first attempt at not just a contemporary Western but an inspirational one has me over the moon!

And the cover, designed by the amazing Nicola Martinez, is to die for. Hearts Crossing Ranch will be released by White Rose Publishing at a soon-to-be-announced date.

White Rose Publishing held a contest last summer, and I decided to keep my mind busy in a romantic way while we got ready for our daughter's wedding. The editor had a template with a few elements each submission had to have, including the title. Well, I reckoned Hearts Crossing was the perfect name for a ranch! My heroine Christy Forrest has come to the ranch for a city-slicker wagon train adventure and sparks fly when she meets Kennedy Martin, the hottie cowboy wagon master. Of course each is experiencing personal issues that lead to crises of faith, so their journey involves both their developing love for each other and their renewed trust in God.

(With us going on a similar wagon train adventure about the Tetons next summer, the setting and timing were irresistible.

Well, to make a long story short (too late?), I was runner up in the contest and my story found a home!

Hearts Crossing Ranch: "the perfect Wild West adventure...a beautiful city slicker. A handsome cowboy. ...covered wagons and campfires. And a would-be wedding grotto healing two hurting hearts."

Special Edition: The Donkey, by G.K. Chesteton

2010-03-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

To honor Palm Sunday and the celebration of our Lord Jesus' triumphant procession into Jerusalem, I can't resist sharing one of my favorite poems. I read it as a teenager, and it's never left my heart.

I totally love donkeys.

The donkey is such a patient, humble and intelligent beast of burden...such a precious part of a petting zoo and so terribly mistreated in many third-world countries. Some years ago, I learned of the Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land, and the selfless young woman Lucy Fensom who rescues these sweet animals. I've supported Jake, Jordie, and Burnie. Enjoy the poem and then visit her site and see up close the wonderful work she does, along with her caring staff and volunteers the world over. I promise you'll both weep and rejoice. Lucy's nothing less than a Mother Theresa for needy equines. God bless her!

The Donkey

When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born;

With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil's walking parody
On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.

~~G.K. Chesterton (1874–1936)

Weekend Recipe: Barbara Edwards' Cake in a Cup

2010-03-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

My name is Barbara Edwards. Thanks for having me as your guest.
Since I have a large sweet tooth, I’ve found this recipe to be perfect for the “can’t do without’ moment. Its used by my daughter-in-law although I’ve seen it on the web.

Cake in a Cup baked in a microwave

4 Tablespoons flour
4 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoon cocoa ( or1 Hershey's Instant chocolate packet instead)
1 egg
3 Tablespoon milk
3 Tablespoon oil
3 Tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) I’ve tried M&Ms, too

Mix dry ingredients; add egg and mix well; add milk and oil and mix again. Add chips. Put in a coffee mug and cook for 3 minutes at high. Cake will rise and puff over top like a muffin. Cool before removing from cup.
The recipe has nothing to do with my book Ancient Awakening and everything to do with my love of chocolate.

A Warm Welcome to BARBARA EDWARDS

2010-03-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Tidbits today Barbara. Give us the scoop on your current release, Ancient Awakening!

Okay. Some tidbits for you:
Paranormal, strong romantic elements, sensuous
Available at The Wild Rose Press, a Black Rose
The Wild Rose Press: Ancient Awakening, a Black Rose

Tell us about the story:

In Ancient Awakening, Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her.

Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth.

In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find the real killer and a love that defies death.

* * * *

Sounds terrific. I always enjoy love and death themes LOL. How about an excerpt?

Excerpt:
“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.

“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”

He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.

Danger! Danger! Danger!

Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.

Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.

Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor. As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.

Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.

His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.

He wanted, wanted, wanted…

Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.

Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.
He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.

* * * *

How can we get in touch with you?

Here are links to my website and Barb'Ed Comments.
www.barbaraedwards.net
http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp

Barbara, thanks for spending a few days at Tanya's Tidbits. And you out there, don't forget to come back for Barbara's weekend recipe!

Weekend Recipe: Chicken in Red Wine Sauce

2010-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Current read: Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter (Sound lame? It's pretty good.)

Since the posse and I recently went wine-tasting, I thought I'd share a chicken with red wine sauce this time. Mostly I see recipes with white wine for chicken. I haven't tried it...so let me know.

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 45 Min
Ready In: 55 Min
Servings 12

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon paprika
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup red wine
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook garlic in oil until tender. Place chicken in the skillet, and cook about 10 minutes on each side, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Drain oil from skillet. Sprinkle chicken with paprika and 1 cup brown sugar. Pour red wine around chicken. Cover, and simmer about 15 to 20 minutes; lightly baste chicken with wine sauce while cooking. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

The Eagle Has Landed!

2010-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Please join me at Petticoats and Pistols today and learn about a very special couple.

They’re American bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) about to become parents. On February 26, they laid their first egg at Pelican Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, off California’s coast not far from my homestead. Egg #2 came about on March 3. The parents have mated for life and will come back to this nest year after year.

These birds represent the first generation of naturally raised bald eagles in the Channel Islands in 50 years. The last “wild” bald eagle was seen on Santa Cruz in 1949 and wiped out due to DDT.

I've posted the link to Eagle-Cam. You can witness them incubating their eggs, and by the end of the month, bear witness to their hatchlings! The link is posted at Petticoats.

It's beyond inspiring...and Eagle-cam has folks, especially schoolkids, excited all over the world!

Come join us!

The Wine Jacket Club Goes to Temecula

2010-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, here we are last weekend in the wine country a bit north of San Diego. Me and my posse. Oh, it was grand. I joined the wine club at Wilson Creek and found some cool antique candlesticks in Old Town Temecula...and a heart-shaped pillow for a T.C. fundraiser basket I'm donating. (More on this next Thursday..."Something Serious." I'm waiting on the Geek Squad right now and can't upload pix from the camera. Long story...on hubby's laptop right now and he hates me to muck up his equipment LOL.)

And had a marvelous time with my dear, dear friends. We've all been friends (and relatives!) for such a long, long time. We finally decided on a name for our little group: The Wine Jacket Club.

Because...if you've got wine on, you're all warmed up.

After visiting three wineries (ooh la la, the chocolate port!), we got pizza in our hotel room, played "Apples to Apples" and wined it up some more.

A good time was had by all. Next up, next month: Massages.

P.s. So why am I the only one without a sombrero after our yummy Mexican lunch? Because, fortunately LOL, there were only three.

Weekend Recipe: Eggs Margarita

2010-03-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I didn't name this grub and there doesn't seem to be a margarita in the mix, but you can make a pitcher and serve them together! This recipe is from my pal Nancy. She's tried adding lots of different things and says browned sausage is really good, asparagus is good, or add whatever you want to put in. You can make and refrigerate the day before, but it will take longer to bake if straight from the fridge to the oven.

10 eggs
1 lb Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 stick butter, melted
medium container cottage cheese
1/2 cup flour
small or large can diced green chilies

Mix together, Bake 375 degrees, 30-35 minutes.

Writing Retreat: Yee-haw...Silver Spur Ranch, Here I Come!

2010-03-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

Well, guess where I'm spending the last days of April and first days of May?

This California girl is heading for Texas! The Silver Spur Ranch in Bandera, outside of San Antone. Writing, plotting, brainstorming, meeting fellow authors. A rodeo and gun show. Wow.

And I'll spend a couple of days afterward, seeing the sites such as the Alamo and River Walk.

It's a writers retreat sponsored by my publisher, The Wild Rose Press and I can't wait. It's a bit of a distance and a little bit of money, but hey, I'm worth it.

I'll be sharing pictures and all the good parts of the retreat a bit later on. But I just had to share my good news!

Stay tuned!

Fillmore (CA) Historic Railroad Featuring Thomas the Train!

2010-03-08T00:08:00.000-08:00

Ah, who can resist a trainride? Not me. I've been taking the Amtrak to visit my sister whenever I can. Sure beats hours on Southern California's wretched freeways.

This one, however, wasn't just a train. It was Thomas the Tank Engine. No cardboard cutout, but a real engine built like you-know-who. And I mean built, not just a train wearing a costume.

And boy, oh boy. Did the grandbaby ever have fun with his gramma and grampa!

A day to treasure and hold close in my heart. Wish you could have joined us.

Weekend Recipe: Lemon Drop Martini

2010-03-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

The signature drink at our daughter's wedding. Yummo. I'm a lemon-o-holic in the best of times, so it was the perfect drink. And the picture really is one from the wedding.

Enjoy!

Lemon Drop Martini

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce orange liqueur (Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, etc.)
1 teaspoon superfine sugar*
3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Ice cubes
Superfine sugar for dipping
Twisted peel of lemon

Mix the vodka, orange liqueur, sugar, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice; shake well (supposedly the cocktail is to be shaken 40 times to make sure the sugar is well blended).

Pour strained liquor into sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon.

NOTE: To create a sugar-rimmed glass, take a lemon wedge and rub the drinking surface of the glass so it is barely moist. Dip the edge of the glass into the superfine sugar.

Makes 1 serving.

Serious Stuff: Everything's Coming up Roses

2010-03-04T01:00:00.001-08:00

Well, my twenty one rose bushes have been pruned within an inch of their lives, so it looks pretty bare around the homestead...but they're already sprouting new growth. And I love the cliche I used for the title.

Because all my hubby's tests came back clear, clean, negative. Whatever the word is: he's hale, hearty and cancer-free!

Ding dong, the ugly thing is dead!

Praise God!

Don't Forget to Floss...Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the first female dentist

2010-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Howdy! Please mosey on over to Wildflower Junction at Petticoats and Pistols today and learn about the first female dentist...her determination, what she enduered in terms of descrimination and success! Known as "the woman who pulls teeth", she actually served mostly women and children. Does that mean the males in town were wusses?

Well, you can take a peek at some old-style dental tools. (Yikes!) And decide for yourself.

See you there!

Follow the (yellow) brick road...in San Juan Capistrano

2010-03-01T09:14:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it's not exactly yellow. This beautiful brick walkway is kind of a journey of the heart...at the Forster Mansion in SJC, California, where our daughter married a wonderful young man. Dang, how can it be six months ago already? I love journey metaphors...when you start out some place and end up just where you want to be. Of course there are hills and valleys along the way, some times steep and wide and divisive, but somehow, it all works out. I like to think it's because God Himself is in charge.

I am a believer, but it is hard to trust sometimes. We're waiting on routine but nervewracking medical tests this week, people are suffering now in Chile, a lovely honor student down south has gone missing...and I still miss my twin brother and my doggies. But the sun is shining, both my kids are happily married. My little grandson is the latest love of my my life and I'm sure my hubby is fine. Statistics are on our side. We just had a wonderful beach-house weekend with friends that I'll tell you about some other time.

And I just got my cover for the Christmas anthology, Lawmen and Outlaws! I'll tell more about it later on, but there's a sneak peek to the right. I sure hope you'll hunker down with a copy of Christmas for Ransom next autumn!

Nonetheless, the JURY SUMMONS breathing down my neck is making me both twirly and angry. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Delia's Honey Spinach Salad

2010-02-26T00:40:00.000-08:00

Delia, this one's definitely on my TBE (to be eaten) list. I am a spinach junkie and lemon addict. Thanks for spending time with me this week!

Honey Spinach Salad

1/4 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup of honey
1/3 cup of olive oil
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Light sprinkle of red wine vinegar (optional)

Salad
3/4 pound of fresh spinach
3-4 boiled eggs, sliced
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
5-6 slices bacon, fried crisp

Sprinkle salt in a saucepan; add garlic. Mash garlic and salt to a paste using the back of a spoon. Add honey, olive oil, and lemon juice and warm over low heat.

Remove stems from spinach; wash leaves and pat dry. Combine spinach, eggs, oranges, almonds and bacon in a large bowl; toss well. Pour honey mixture over salad, tossing to coat. Serve.

Note from Delia: This is a personal kind of thing, but I usually serve the dressing on the side. Allowing each guest to dress his/her own salad prevents it from wilting under the warm honey mixture. If you prefer to serve the salad ready to eat, add the honey dressing immediately before serving.

ENJOY!

Meet Delia Latham, CAPA nominee!

2010-02-24T00:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a tidbit about DELIA LATHAM, who's joining me at The Write Stuff today. She's is a born-and-bred California gal, recently transplanted to Oklahoma where she lives with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—but above all, she treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. Delia enjoys big, loud, happy family gatherings. When she’s not writing, she loves to play piano and sing, read, enjoy nature’s beauty, and design marketing products for authors. Her inspirational novel, Goldeneyes, was released in March 2008, and was nominated for The Romance Studio’s CAPA awards; Yesterday’s Promise is pending release through White Rose Publishing.

Congrats on the CAPA nom, Delia. When did you first know you were meant to be a writer?

My third-grade teacher assigned the entire class a one-page essay on the topic, “What I was Like as a Baby” She offered prizes—one for the best girl’s essay, and one for the best boy’s. I won the girl’s prize. That’s when I discovered that I loved to write. I just never stopped.

Describe your first sale. How many manuscripts had you completed when this happened?

My first experience was not a good one. I submitted to an online publisher someone recommended, and the manuscript was accepted within a week. That should have told me something, but I was too “green” to know it. I won’t go into all the details. Suffice to say, I was on my own as far as promoting that book. To give the publisher credit, they did everything they said they would do in their contract, I just didn’t know enough to understand that it wasn’t much. They were basically a glorified printing company. That was the first full manuscript I ever completed.

My second publisher was Vintage Romance Publishing. They published Goldeneyes—a historical fiction—and the entire experience was different from start to finish. I consider that my first real experience with a legitimate publisher, and I will be forever grateful for Dawn Carrington’s guidance during that process.

Is there a genre you haven’t written in yet that you want to aspire to? (I know this is a dreadfully awkward sentence LOL.)

I would love to write a suspense chiller. I’m accustomed to writing “sweet” romances, and the suspense genre—especially crossing over into “chiller” territory—seems like worlds away from that. Still, maybe someday.

Any advice for up and coming authors? Any advice you wish you’d ignored along the way?

Write, write, write. I think the most important piece of advice I ever received was to find a space—whether it’s an entire room, a closet, or simply a corner in an existing room—and make it yours. Go to that place every day, preferably at the same time every day, and WRITE. Sooner than you realize, it becomes a habit that’s hard to break.

On the other hand, I certainly wish I’d ignored the advice to visit that online publisher that printed my first book. I guess all I can advise along those lines is to thoroughly research any publisher you don’t recognize, before you sign a contract.

Do you have a critique partner or group? If so, tell us about it.

I have a wonderful critique partner. Sally Laity lives in California and I live in Oklahoma, but I can’t imagine getting through an entire manuscript without her valuable input. I also have a “reader” who goes through my manuscripts and advises me on flow and readability, typos, etc. If something slows her down, chances are it will slow other readers down as well. I cherish Saundra Randolph’s advice.

Tell us about your upcoming release!

Yesterday’s Promise will be released March 12, 2010, through White Rose Publishing. Here’s the back cover text:
A whirlwind romance amidst the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park. A spur-of-the-moment wedding at the foot of Bridalveil Fall. A young bride who awakens the morning after to find her new husband gone with the mountain wind.

Songbird Hannah Johns supports the child born of that ill-fated union by singing in a dinner lounge. Her dream of someday owning the elite establishment and turning it into a venue more suited to her Christian values is shattered when an unexpected transaction places it in the hands of Brock Ellis, the handsome biker who abandoned her in their honeymoon suite.

Ensuing sparks fly high, revealing buried secrets and forgotten pasts. Seeking to find peace with her painful past, Hannah returns to Yosemite, only to have Brock show up hard on her heels. Back where it all began, she finds herself in danger of losing her heart yet again to the man who shattered it the first time around.

And here’s a little excerpt:

Fury washed over her in a sudden, unexpected wave. She emitted an icy little bark of laughter and shook her head. "Do you? I can't believe you, of all people, can get that look on your face because I have a son without the benefit of a husband. At least I'm there for my son, and I will be as long as God allows me to walk this earth. I would never, under any circumstances—never abandon someone I love. Never.
"It's right there." She pointed a trembling finger at Lissy's house and fumbled for the handle as Brock swung the car to the curb. By the time he brought the vehicle to a full stop, she had the door open and one foot outside the car. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"Hannah, I-" Brock's bewildered expression almost passed for convincing. "I'm sorry, really. I didn't mean-"

"Lissy will take us home." She ignored his apology, then slammed the car door and marched up the sidewalk, head high, back ramrod stiff.

Davey flew out the door to meet her, his dark curls bouncing. "Mommy! Mommy, I missed-ed you!"

Hannah picked him up, hugging him to her. "Hey, big guy! I missed-ed you too." She rarely encouraged his mispronunciation of words, but at the moment she wanted Davey to stay little for a very long time.

""Who's that man, Mommy?" One arm around Hannah's neck, her son pointed to the car where Brock sat watching them. "Huh? Who's that?"

"Nobody, Davey." She set the small boy on his feet. Taking his hand, she led him to Lissy's door. Behind her, she heard the BMW pull away, but she refused to look back.
Only your daddy, sweet boy. He's only your daddy.

Any future releases in the works?

I have a manuscript off to Steeple Hill right now. Of course I’m anxiously waiting to find out if they like it.  It’s called Karissa’s Dream and is the first in a collection of three books that center around a Christian dating agency.

What are you working on next?

The second book in the trilogy I mentioned above. This one has a working title of Kylie’s Kiss.

How can readers and fans get in touch with you?

Website: www.delialatham.net
Blog: www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com
Interviews & Reviews: www.my-book-bag.blogspot.com
Design: www.deliadesigns.webs.com

Delia, I'm so glad to have you here, and I look forward to your Weekend Recipe. Everybody out there, make sure you come back for that treat! And I am more than likely going to be a customer of those lovely bookmarks of yours!

Hope to see you hanging out at The Write Stuff in future, Delia!

Ah, Central Park

2010-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

New York, New York...

I always wondered what all the hoopla is about. Why so many books and movies and TV shows are set there. Until I went. OMG. What a fantastic place to visit. I can barely imagine how it is to actually live there.

Thing is, I don't think New Yorkers take any of it for granted!

We celebrated my hubby's life in NYC...after the battle with T.C. Planning the trip gave us hope, something to aspire to, when he got his life back. We plan on going back in 2011. I'll already be there for the RWA National Convention. He'll join me at the end.

Right now...I'll relive those memories and play the slide show in my head as we wait on the next round of follow-up blood work and CT scan. Routine but scary as hell. Oh, my personal hero's fine. Grabbing life close, hitting the links often as he can and hanging out with his little grandson. Life can't get any better than it is.

It's just that...after that ugly thing came to live with us, there's always something there to remind us...

Keep him in your prayers. Thanks.

Weekend Recipe: Maverick Mac and Cheese

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

I must confess right off this recipe has nothing to do with the Maverick Saloon. I just couldn’t resist using this picture of a great little place full of history in Santa Ynez, California, a tiny super-Western town once part of a historic stage coach route, now surrounded by ranchland, California live oaks, vineyards and olive groves.

The saloon itself hosts country singers every weekend, and visitors tack dollar bills on the ceiling. Sure hope the place never burns down. There’s a fortune up thar.

Some years ago, I got this recipe from my friend Nancy, a Nebraska native. I’m worshipped by my family when I serve it and am adored on our cul-de-sac whenever I bring it to block parties. Someday I think I’ll kick things up a notch and use pepperjack cheese. As they say on Top Chef: Enjoy!

You need:

1 pound elbow macaconi

8 tablespoons (one stick) plus 1 tablespoon (one pat) butter or margarine

1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese (or 1/2 cup mild, 1/2 cup Muenster)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (or 1/2 cup sharp, 1/2 cup Jack)

2 cups half-and-half ( I use fat-free version. Why, I dunno, considering all the cheese.)

1 cup (8 oz) Velveeta, cut into cubes

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. (I’m a pepper junkie so I use WAY more than 1/8 teaspoon.)

Optional: 1/2 cup bread crumbs sauteed in butter to scatter over the top before baking.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter or PAM a deep 2 1/2 quart casserole.

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook macaroni until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain well and return to pot.

In small saucepan, melt 8 ounces of the butter and stir into the mac. In a large bowl mix the shredded cheeses. To the mac, add the half-and-half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheeses, the cubed Velveeta, and the eggs.

Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer to the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheeses and dot with one tablespoon of butter. Add optional bread crumbs which I highly recommend.

Bake until bubbly around the edges, maybe 35 minutes. Serves about 6.

Win a copy of Marrying Minda...and meet The First Mailman of the Old West!

2010-02-17T01:33:00.000-08:00

Current read: Tate, McKittricks of Texas, by Linda Lael Miller

Why not stop by the all-western romance site Petticoats and Pistols today and blog with me? You might win a copy of my current release, Marrying Minda.

To celebrate my good news at selling my FIRST contemmporary as well as FIRST inspirational Western novella, I'm going to draw a name from all who comment at Petticoats today. It might be you.

(I'll be posting here details on the above-mentioned up and coming novella as soon as they're finalized. I'm absolutely on Cloud Nine!)

Hope to see you at Petticoats...you'll meet Snowshoe John A. Thompson, pictured in the vintage picture above: The first mailman of the Old West!

Santa Ynez, California...now and then

2010-02-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

Just finished: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane; disturbing but awesome plot twists! I'm eager to see the movie. Grade: B+

I took this picture myself while I walked in a Livestrong fundraiser in this beautiful valley where Lance Armstrong has trained, near Ronald Reagan's ranch. It evokes such Western passion in me that my fantastic niece Kelley is using this pic and Photo shopping other elements so I can update my website with a new look.

It's not just the Western feel of the place that gets to me. It's where my brave and healthy hubby rides a half-century (about 32 miles) through the hills, raising funds to fight cancer. He did his first ride only 5 months into remission. I was and am so proud of him.

Just as the bikers and hikers do their thing raising money for this great cause, I can easily imagine the cowpokes and stagecoaches of yesteryear traversing the roadways. It's still rural and ranchy enough around here to make such imaginings easy.

Santa Ynez is so dear to family...our son-in-law took our daughter there to propose! He and she are right by my hero's side during the ride. (Or...maybe just a BIT ahead of him LOL, being younger and fitter.)

Anyway, it's a beautiful place to be.

Weekend Recipe: Deborah Schneider's Favorite Wintertime Drink

2010-02-12T00:42:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to have had Deborah Schneider spend these last few days at my blogspot. When I suggested she contribute to Weekend Recipe, her directions for making a Hot Toddy came promptly. It's not only her favorite cold-weather beverage, but it's also important to her sleepless heroine in Promise Me.

When hero Sam and heroine Amanda first meet in the kitchen of the hotel, she admits she can't sleep and Sam offers to fix her a Hot Toddy.

Here's an excerpt:

Swallowing her apprehension, she tossed her braid over one shoulder and crossed the small kitchen to take a chair at the table. She settled her candle next to the oil lamp and gave him an inviting smile.

"A hot toddy sounds perfectly wonderful. Are you sure it won't be too much
trouble?"

The man leaned forward. The corners of his lovely mouth lifted slightly. "It
would be my pleasure to assist an angel to bed."

She warmed from her cheeks down to her bosom. She had never in her life done
anything as brash as this. What would Father Mikelson say? She didn't want to
think about the penance she'd do when she confessed. Flirting wasn't the same as adultery, was it? Could she be an adulteress if her husband was dead?

Good Lord, why was she eve thinking about such a thing?

Now, here's the recipe for a Hot Toddy

Ingredients:
• 2 oz Applejack (or you can use Apple Brandy)
• 1 tsp honey
• hot apple cider
• cinnamon stick for garnish
• 2-3 whole cloves for garnish

Preparation:
1. Coat the bottom of a cup with honey
2. Add the Applejack/Brandy
3. Fill cup with hot apple cider
4. Stir well
5. Garnish with cinnamon stick and cloves

Yummy! Enjoy!

Welcome, Deborah Schneider: Writing the Love Scene AND Valentine's Day Contest!

2010-02-10T00:39:00.000-08:00

I’m thrilled to welcome Deborah today to The Write Stuff. She’s not only a talented romance author but also the 2009 Romance Writers of America Librarian of the Year! She and I have had many similar pit stops on our writers journey, but many joys too, including having the same terrific editor for our current releases. I’m so glad she can spend a few days at my blog.

Please follow her blog tour for her recent four-spur release, Promise Me at www.debschneider.com Each time you make a comment, you're entered in a
contest to win a free copy of Promise Me, chocolate, a $10 Starbucks card.

Wow. A fantastic Western romance, chocolate and a hot cuppa coffee. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Hi Deborah!

Hi, Tanya! Working for a huge library system and being a romance author can sometimes be a balancing act. It’s wonderful to work with people who love books, and I get a lot of respect from those readers who enjoy a romantic romp.
But, there are also those who raise their eyebrows and say, “you write that kind of book?”

Yup! I sure do, the kind where two adults meet, (sometimes in a cute or funny way), they’re attracted to each other, they become a couple and eventually, they make love.
Just like in real life. Because sexuality is a part of being a grown up in a relationship and pretty much expected between two consenting adults when that relationship reaches a certain stage.

Some people wait until they’re married, which was what happened to Sinclair and Jefferson in my first book, Beneath a Silver Moon. But sometime, the circumstances, the relationship and the couple themselves dictate that they will make love before being married.

And that’s fine too, because it’s the story and characters that provide the impetus for scenes of all kinds. It can’t be rushed and despite what many critics of romance might think, I don’t know any publisher that dictates what page the first love scene will appear by.

As an author, in the initial draft of the book I’m telling myself the story first. I do work from an outline, but those are plot points, things that have to happen in order for the story to move along. What I can’t outline are the character reactions, the dialogue and the way the relationship unfolds.

For me, that’s the fun of the first draft – chipping away at it until I’ve found the story. And when my characters finally “do the deed” you can bet that they’ve had a lot of fun working up to it. After all, who doesn’t like a little slap and tickle?

Stay tuned for Deborah’s Weekend Recipe feature starting Friday. Please make sure you get a copy of Promise Me soon at The Wild Rose Press.

And please remember to leave a welcome comment today to enter her Valentine's Day Contest!

Weekend Recipe: Oral Sex chili

2010-02-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

The fam holds it every Super Bowl Sunday. The chili cook-off. And the prize is a well-seasoned bronze pot that the winner is expected to take with him (or her!) everywhere they vacation.

Yes, indeedy. The most enviable award in cooking is up for grabs on Sunday. It's already been to Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, the island of Kauai...Disneyland. Even our daughter's wedding.

Here's my recipe from last year. Hot, spicy and wet...so I named it Oral Sex.

Here goes:

2 1/2 pounds of cooked, chopped chicken. (I cooked mine with garlic and onions.)

32 oz. chicken broth (I used fat-free, low sodium)

1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15-ounce can pinto beans with jalapenos, gently rinsed to retain more jalapeno flavor

1 1/2 7-ounce cans Herdez salsa

1 cup nopalitos, drained (these are green cactus leaves and very yummy)

1 4-oz can diced green chilis

1 tblsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. red chili flakes

Combine everything BUT THE CHICKEN in a big pot. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, then add chicken and heat through.

Sprinkle with cilantro before serving. Serves about 6.

Research: The Morgan Horse

2010-02-03T10:13:00.001-08:00
Just finished: Daniel's Bride, by Linda Lael Miller, A++++

Howdy ya'll! Join me today at Petticoats and Pistols, the wonderful all-western romance site, for some factotems on America's first and original breed of light horse. You've seen police officers mounted on Morgans, and cowboys riding the range on 'em.

"Justin Morgan" was born to breed...and became the foundation sire of this wonderful horse. Read about his pre-potency. What?

See you there!

Snow in late May...Lake Tahoe, the big water

2010-02-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

Two years yesterday the nightmare started. As my hubby was wheeled into surgery (a right inguinal orchiectomy), the urologist told me the tests had confirmed the tumor was malignant.

My daughter and I held each other, sobbing, in a waiting room where some other woman yelled about everyday nonsense to her friend. I was angry that her husband’s operation was some minor thing with his ear, so minor she could whine, loudly, about jewelry and leftovers. And toss her empty Starbuck's cup toward a wastebasket and miss.

Well, the three months of treatment that followed (3 x BEP) still make me shudder. While the diagnosis was terrifying, I have to admit the prognosis always was hopeful. But chemo itself can kill, and there were mornings I woke up and was positive he wasn’t breathing. After a collapse at a CT-Scan, I saw him flat on the ground, his arm wearing the yellow Livestrong bracelet flung unnaturally across the tile. It was like my eyes were in someone else's head. I can't explain it any other way. I was sure he had died…and how would I find the words to call our kids?

In all the horror was the hope. We took a “live like you were dying” Tim McGraw approach and planned some trips several months ahead, when he would be well.

One of those places was Lake Tahoe. It was late spring, 90 degrees in Placerville down the mountain, snowing three days later at Echo Summit. Dang, he wore his warm knit hat over that bald head on a good day! Snow was a no-brainer.

But it was here, in God’s country, that the two of finally talked about it, about the darkness and the terror. About him getting to watch our grandbaby grow up. About him giving his daughter away at her wedding someday.

I didn’t have to be strong anymore.

And we let the healing begin.

“I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords,” said Mark Twain upon his first sight of the “big water” on a summer day in 1863.

Weekend Recipe: Tanya's Trail Mix...just add merlot

2010-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00
Current read: Daniel's Bride, by Linda Lael Miller

On a cruise some years back, I traded in my California blush wine sensibilities for the regal richness of merlot. This classic, the backbone of some of France's finest Bordeaux, has risen to fame also due to California's Napa and Sonoma valleys where the grape performs wonderfully. Merlot is the third-best selling varietal wine in the U.S., so I'm not alone in my love for flavors of black cherry and oak with a hint of chocolate.

And here's something that indeed tastes great on its own, but chased down by a fine merlot is ooh-la-la.

Tanya's Trail Mix

1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries.

Pretty simple. Just mix together in a bowl, pour yourself a glass of merlot, and enjoy.

ENJOY!

Fun Stuff: The Best Singles Ad Ever

2010-01-28T00:06:00.000-08:00
Current read: Daniel's Bride, Linda Lael Miller (it's terrific but I have been head-over-heels in edits for my next two books...)

This ad is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (800) 765-4321 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting...

A Poem: Symphony in D Minor

2010-01-27T00:18:00.000-08:00

Every month or so, my friend Nancy and I attend a symphony concert. We have season tickets and make it a true girls-day out with lunch and shopping. Last Sunday, the "Ooh La La..." French tribute featured Mathieu and Franck, with a breathtaking encore by pianist Alain Lefevre that he composed to honor his wife, saying it was because of her he is the pianist he is. Sigh.

And Santa Barbara's poet laureate came on stage to read his lovely poem. It was a glorious day of perfect winter weather, California-style, with blue sky and crisp air and snowy mountains ringing the coastal plain...our favorite eggplant quesadillas, and fabulous finds at our favorite boutique.

All in all, a day to remember. I don't think Mr. Starkey would mind a bit, my sharing his poem with you.

Symphony in D Minor

There is no sadness that cannot be softened by music.
At night, alone before the fireplace, shadows flickering

their insistent Nothing will save you, the pizzicato
strings suggest otherwise. Though the whole

complex apparatus of living tip over in a tangle
of gears and wire, the bass clarinet's regal

molto crescendo recommends an alternative
to silent brooding and a tumbler of single malt

Scotch. Even the English horn, that doleful
instrument, reminds us that the dutiful

sun will eventually pierce the fog-laden morning.
Happiness nearly always comes without warning:

we suddenly recall the bucket of dahlias
somewhere in the house-vermillion and fuchsia

and shocking pink-the dog wags her tail.
Success is mere abstraction, and failure

needn't harm us. What we seek is what will last,
as long as we heed the tempo: fast, but not too fast.

~David Starkey
Santa Barbara Poet Laureate
January 2010

(Mr. Starkey has published several books of poetry and more than 400 poems in
literary journals around the world. He directs the Creative Writing Program at Santa
Barbara City College and currently serves as Santa Barbara's third Poet Laureate, with a term running from 2009-2011.)

Cruisin'...tasting the grape in Ensenada

2010-01-25T10:38:00.001-08:00
Current read: Daniel's Bride, by Linda Lael Miller

Such a fun time, four days at sea with my gal-pals. No worries, no cares, good wine and too much food. We took a shore tour of the wine country outside Ensenada, Mexico and found a little piece of Tuscany...mild weather, olive groves and vineyards.

I came home to four days of plunging rain, a weekend with my grandbaby, and a plethora of final edits. Yay! This all means I have books coming up and friends and family who love me.

What could be better than that?

Weekend Recipe: Crunchy Romaine Toss

2010-01-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

CRUNCHY ROMAINE TOSS (and some non edible sunflowers to brighten your day!

Mix together: (Use a cup with lid and shake)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Brown:
1 package Ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet or use some other way)
in 2 TBLS butter

Add the above to salad just before tossing:
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
1 small bunch Romaine lettuce, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Hint: Smash the noodles with a hammer inside the package before browning. Enjoy!

Marrying Mattie...and mammatus clouds

2010-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00
Current read: Daniel's Bride, by Linda Lael Miller

My pal Nancy is a Nebraska native who often fills my head with family lore or local color. When she described "boob clouds" during a summer visit to her homeland, I knew I had to include such a weather phenomena somewhere in a romance.

And so I did. In the upcoming Marrying Mattie, undulating clouds make an appearance in a tornado scene...when Mattie and Call take shelter in an abandoned shack. Aw, ya'll know what happens next. Sigh.

(No. They don't end up in Kansas.)

Thought you might like to see some. I think they are most aptly named...

Finding Serenity...in New Hampshire

2010-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00
Current read: Daniel's Bride, by Linda Lael Miller.
Just finished: The Vampire Diaries/The Struggle, by L.J. Smith, A

Here I am at Serenity Falls at Castle of the Clouds, eccentric bazillionaire Thomas Plant's summer estate built around 1914 above Lake Winnepasaukee on an ancient volcanic caldera. You get a 270 degree view of lake and mountains.

Not long after our dream trip to New England in 2007, I needed all the serenity I could get. Two years ago this very day my hubby's battle against testicular cancer began.

I still get shivers.

I often used pictures and memories from those lovely days on the East Coast to ease my mind during his harrowing ordeal.

Praise to our dear and generous Lord. My sweetheart is 21 months cancer free!

Weekend Recipe: My Aunt Grace's Killer Banana Bread

2010-01-15T01:21:00.000-08:00
Current read: The Vampire Diaries/The Struggle, by L.J. Smith
This past Christmas, as gifts for our neighbors, I baked up batches of this delish bread in loaf pans I got at the dollar store, then wrapped it up in sparkly plaid dish towels also from said store. You can make boy bread (with nuts) if you want.

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 medium mashed bananas
2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda

Cream shortening and sugar and add eggs, and cream together well. Sift flour and soda together. Fold flour and bananas into mixture. (Optional: add 1/4 cup nuts.)

Bake in greased loaf pan 1 hour at 325 degrees F.

Enjoy!

News and Notes...

2010-01-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

I have been busy, and I love it. A major excitement happened in November when I was selected to contribute to the 2010 Christmas Anthology, Lawmen and Outlaws. It was terrific fun writing a Christmas romance during the holidays.

We've just done the first-round edits and I admit, I enjoy re-reading it. "Canyon Jack" Ransom is such a bad boy. And Eliza Willows, no rule-followin' female herself, tames him just fine in Christmas for Ransom. I'll be posting an excerpt soon.

Even with all that excitement going on, I had heartbreaking news that my incredible editor is leaving the profession to concentrate on her own writing career. I wish her well but will miss her terribly. We're still together while we finish Marrying Mattie, but that's almost in the can. Sigh.

For a pre-quel to Marrying Mattie, why not download my 2008 Christmas story, His Christmas Angel, " This short story introduced Mattie and shows how she met the love of her life. It's free! You see now how they get together. Later, the longer novel will show you just what calamities keep them apart. Come on! It's free!

Flutter by...Pismo Beach

2010-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00
Current read: The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle, by L.J. Smith
Just finished: The Twilight Before Christmas, by Christine Feehan, B

Today in our garden, a monarch butterfly flitted around so quick I couldn't get much of a look. I wasn't at all surprised. Hundreds of Lepidoptera just like him/her, which can't survive in harsh weather, migrate to the California coast during the late fall, and "overwinter" in the gentler climes.

At a park near my home, a barranca filled with silvery green eucalyptus wears dim, homely brown clusters of closed-up butterflies all night. They actually look like clumps of dead leaves. Until the morning temperature gets to about 55 degrees. Then the beauties warm up, wake up, and party on.

I saw thousands of my butterfly's relatives recently at their main stomping ground, the Pismo Beach eucalyptus groves. The trees offer shelter from wind and provide foliage that's easy for the butterflies to grasp. And when the morning warms up, it's kinda like big orange snowflakes.

A piece of heaven on earth for a brief space of time.

It's 70 degrees at my homestead....

2010-01-09T10:41:00.001-08:00
Current read: Twilight before Christmas, Christine Feehan
Just finished: Vampire Diaries: The Awakening, LJ. Smith, A

Here's an ode to all my Nebraska friends, freezing and buried in the white stuff...thank you, Mary Conneally.

It's winter in Nebraska
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.

Oh, how I love Nebraska
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Nebraska
I'm frozen to the ground!

Author Unknown

A Wild West Christmas...twelve days long

2009-12-28T23:43:00.000-08:00
Currently reading: The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
Just finished: When Christmas Comes by Debbie Macomber A++++

Merry Christmas!

What? That's like, five days ago.

But did you know Christmas has long been celebrated for twelve days afterward, until the Feast of the Magi, or Epiphany, on January 6? I'm so happy the Hallmark Channel is still showing Christmas flicks this week and our cable system's "Sounds of the Season" is still belting out carols full force. So much better than the Los Angeles station that started playing Christmas music mid-November, non-stop, 24/7...only to cease cold turkey at 12:01 a.m. December 26. Grrrrrrrrrrrr. And all the marathons of White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and A Christmas Story stopped then too.

In fact, if you want the true meaning of the Twelve Days (it is NOT those twelve gimmicky shopping days beforehand), get on over to my recent blog at Petticoats and Pistols to learn the secret, sacred symbolism behind all the French hens and those maids a'milking.

That blogging day, I asked readers to help me re-write the classic Christmas carol, and here's what we composed: (No symbolism; we just had fun.)

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a roadrunner in a pinon pine tree.

...Two blue jays squawking,
...Three crows cawing,
...Four calves a-bawling,
...Five jangling spurs,
...Six cowgirls roping,
...Seven tumbleweeds a'tumbling,
...Eight pioneers a camping,
...Nine broncos bucking,
...Ten cowboys singing,
...Eleven roosters crowing,

And I just couldn't decide on the last one. Take your pick. They're all great.

Twelve stallions leaping
Twelve Texans twanging
Twelve riders riding
Twelve fillies rhyming
Twelve coyotes howling.

Point is. It's still Christmas!

A Very Merry Christmas, and God Bless Us All, Everyone

2009-12-17T06:57:00.000-08:00
Just finished: The Forgetful Bride, by Debbie Macomber, C-

It's that time of year when...I'm running out of time. But I love it! Bought out the dollar stores yesterday with stocking stuffers...have the cul-de-sac party on Saturday for which I make my famous mac and cheese. Best of all, Hubby's gift arrived by FedEx at a time when I could actually keep it a secret

There's shopping, baking for the neighbors, and tons of wrapping ahead all the while I'm finishing my next-year's holiday novella, Christmas for Ransom, and finishing the edits for Marrying Mattie. BTW, Marrying Minda could be the answer to your question about what to get for that special person. Available both print and e-form at The Wild Rose Press

And my short story His Christmas Angel (the prequel to next year's Marrying Mattie) is a FREE download at Wild Rose! Doesn't get much better than free!

Hope you enjoy the hottie cowboy. Off to pen the Christmas letter now, and no, it's not one of those obnoxious braggy ones. Just a quick sentence about each one of us.

Once again, God bless you all, every one.

P.s. The George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol is far and away the very best.

I'll Be your Huckleberry...

2009-12-10T09:17:00.000-08:00
Current read: Home for the Holidays, by Debbie Macomber

One of the greatest books of all time, Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, was published on this date in 1885 in Canada and England. It wasn't released for two months in the United States and has been in trouble ever since.

Ernest Hemingway declared it the "one book" from which "all modern American literature" came. Too true. Heretofore, all great works by American authors had bitten off from European counterparts. But this one, crammed full of local color, written in the regional dialogue of the time (which makes it the bane of students), showcasing a true if nasty art of American culture (slavery), set on a river like none other in the world, is indeed the first and the best. Contemporary critics and scholars have treated it as one of the greatest American works of art.
Why is in trouble? Well, mostly the whiners are people who haven't read it. They don't like some of the common terms of the time--which are not used as derogatory in the book. (Besides, why do females get to be called bitches and ho's and nobody seems to sense a way double standard?)

Here's to you, Samuel Langhorne Clemens!

Always in My Heart...

2009-12-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

Two years ago today my twin brother died. Cancer, ravenous, irrevocable, incurable. We got the dreaded news of his diagnosis on Mothers Day weekend, in a phone call at 8:30 p.m.--the time he always called, with a joke, news of his two daughters, plans for a get-together. All the stuff of real life. We never expected a death sentence.

But I believe in miracles and prayed for one. A transplant. Some magic experimental drugs. Which, truth to tell, there was one of the latter. (The former was impossible.) But the drug so compromised Mike's quality of life he said, no thanks, after several months of poison and misery.

In those last months, we danced together at niece Katie's wedding, myself in tears. The Beatles' "In My Life." There's nobody who compares to you, I wept into his shoulder.

I love your family like my own, Tonna. That was his special name for me. My son used it until he was about five, never calling me mommy.

With our spouses and closest friends, we did manage one last trip to Palm Springs, one of our favorite places, in July. Oh, the memories! Now, knowing what chemo does to the human body, I can only applaud Mike for his courage in accompanying us. I know now he was in hell much of the time.

Oh, I miss him every day. Every major event of my life, he was at my side. In some way, he still is. I know he was looking down and laughing with joy at Christi's wedding last August. That he sent me his love during those harrowing months of my hubby's chemo. But when the phone rings in the evening, my heart stops, and I wish things were different.

Because that was Mike's time, not some stupid "Unknown" junker that shows up on Caller ID.

I gave a talk at his graveside, and I managed laughter instead of tears. My hubby got up to speak, but just couldn't, awash in emotions. Our best man. Godfather to our son, an incredible uncle, father, husband...one month later, we got the horrific diagnosis of cancer ourselves.

In my life, Mike, there's nobody who compares to you.

Love always....