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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Wednesday Whittleings - Pens, Calves, Wood and Chicken Alfredo!


Wednesdays are my day to randomly babble. Sometimes about childrens' books, others about writing, and usually about whatever strikes my mind. Random thoughts...random whittleings.


Ready for a heap of randomness! My mind is more tangled than a bowl of chicken fettuccine alfredo (that might be my latest craving adding its tidbits) with the book launch three weeks away. But since life doesn't center only around writing....  

No, it doesn't. There really is more than story telling, editing and marketing going on around here. 

Really. There is.


First and foremost... it's calving season!!!


My herd isn't that big, especially since it's little ole me taking care of them. This cutie was born Sunday morning. Another one was born yesterday in the wee hours. And judging by the utters on two other cows, I should have four by the end of the week.   (Tidbit: When cows get close to birthing, their utters lower and swell with milk...to the point it appears as if they will explode. It's hard to miss.) Our house overlooks our winter pasture, so I can gaze out and watch them prance around anytime. I do love it.

But super sweetness isn't the only thing going on...

Anybody else being hit with cold temperatures the last weeks? (Silly question!) Luckily, I made sure my wood pile was well packed this last Fall. I run one and, on really cold days, two wood burning stoves twenty-four hours a day. Yes, we do have regular heating, but we live in the middle of forests. So, it seems silly not to use that. It's not like wood chopping is high on the list right now. Only on warm days. But we had some of those last week.


That's my personal, little tractor—a 'her' tractor. My husband was kind enough to build/construct the entire shovel section onto it last winter. He actually lifted this trunk with it and drove it to the hay barn where I'll chop it into pieces. Oh, not by hand! I cheat and have an awesome splitter.


This is my husband's 'his' tractor. It only gets pulled out during hay season.


And then, my husband had a huge surprise for me. (This does get back to the writing end of things.) While visiting his family in Germany, he happened across this...


Can you guess what it is?

A glass pen! Now, this isn't a calligraphy pen (although I was sure it was at first). Rather, the glass is swirled with small trenches near the tip. When dipped in ink, it settles in the trenches. The point is very similar to a regular pen and rounded. As you write, the ink slowly descends onto the glass point. I was amazed at how smooth and long it writes! He wants me to use it at my book signings, but I'm so afraid it will break!


And that's my whittleings for today! How about you? What are you up to this week? Keeping warm? Busy? Have anything special happen?

What are your whittleings?

Oh, and before I forget, here's the link to that super speedy, delicious and extremely easy recipe:
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53695/one-pot-chicken-alfredo-recipe/


I find that the super cheap Parmesan which comes in the plastic container works well...it melts better than that 'fake'...(I don't know if it's really fake, but the texture is anything but natural)...grated, cheese in the baggies in the cooling section.


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

IWSG - Creativity and Tagline Video!!!!


It's IWSG time!

Every first Wednesday of the month, this group of writers come together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let out frustrations and woes. Writing is a tough journey, and we don't have to go it alone.

Thanks goes to the brain behind this group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! If you want to join in or find out more (because there is so much more to this group) then head on over here.

Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts:

 Raimey Gallant,Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!



Hello, February! I have a feeling it's going to be very, very short. It's amazing how much has to get done before Music Boxes' release day (March 5th!), and I'm not sure I'm really staying on top of everything anymore. I keep telling myself that the first time is the worst, and every release after this will be a breeze. Right? (Just lie to me and tell me it's true.)

So, off to this month's question:
Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have?

Lately? Well, I'm making tons of bracelets (2000) as swag for school and bookstore events.

Usually, I sew and paint and garden and construct all sorts of things and glue and write music and...
It's a very long list. I don't like to sit still and love to try new things. Granted, writing has taken up much of my extra time, but I still like to work with my hands when I can.

What about you? What creative outlets do you have?

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I'm adding this to the post because I just got it done and am super excited to show everyone!





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Today, I'm happy to shout-out the new box set from a writer friend...

From USA Today bestselling author Ilana Waters:
Now, on pre-order.
Coming February 8th!!! Only $1.99 for the first week (until February 15th)


Vampire. Witch. Hero. Monster.

Titus Aurelius is all of these things. Ever since he rose from the ashes of ancient Pompeii, this former Roman general has fought for survival.  

A few millennia later, bloodseeker Titus isn’t looking for trouble—just a quick meal. But when his path crosses the witch Abigail’s, that plan gets shot to Hades. They find out the Paranormal Investigation Agency (PIA) is plotting something monstrous—something that involves exploding gas mains, lethal bird-shifters, and sadistic vampire minions.

Will they uncover the PIA’s murderous secret before every supernatural in its path is destroyed?

And what is Titus and Abigail’s connection to the mage who, almost twenty years later, is exiled to a paranormal boarding school? Can this mage solve a mystery concerning a stolen potion and ghostly figure before students—including him—wind up dead?

Together for the first time, the Mage Tales Prequels: Books 0-II are action-packed, edge-of-your-seat suspense stories shot through with a megadose of snark. If you love authors like Kevin Hearne, Lev Grossman, and Ilona Andrews, give these a try! This box set contains one novella and two full-length novels:

When Darkness Falls
Blood and Magic
Mage Lessons




  
    “The literary equivalent of a blockbuster movie. Fast-paced with lots of actionhumor, and a bit of romance that should appeal to urban fantasy fans. Grab your bowl of popcorn and prepare to be entertained!” ~LaffingKat
     “I’m completely blown away and speechless!” ~Kristen Lewendon
     “A page-turner you'll remember!” ~R. Alexander
     Intrigue, battles, love, and all sorts of excitement and adventure.” ~Tonja Drecker
     “If you like witches and vampiresevil plots, plenty of action, and a bit of romance, this is for you.” ~Brad Friedlander
     “I sat down to read it, got sucked in, and wasn’t putting it down until I was done.” ~Amazon reviewer
     “If you want magic, mayhem, and mystery, then what are you waiting for? Click the buy button!” ~Amazon reviewer


And here she is...

I write urban fantasy for those who like it fast, funny, and fierce. If you're into cross-blended creatures (think witch-vampire hybrids and half-breed mages) and supernatural ass-kicking, I'm all over that. Ditto if your book turn-ons are equal parts creepy and action-packed (think ancient cities and crypts combined with beheadings and bombs).

Sign up for my newsletter here, and I'll give you a free book: http://tinyurl.com/zp7q9u8