Author, Author

...read all about it!!    Thursday April 5th


Thanks for joining us and please welcome a terrific author,

Suzanne Barrett

Hi Suzanne and welcome.  Would you start by telling us a little about yourself...

I'm California-born but have lived in a number of states. I went to school in California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. After a career in engineering, I left Corporate America to write full time. I divide my time between writing, jewelry design,gardening and teaching water fitness. I love early music, British mysteries, gourmet cooking, cats and staying at home. I write content for and maintain an Irish Travel website(www.irelandforvisitors.com) in addition to my jewelry site(www.bellerustique.com) and my author site(www.suzannebarrett.com).

 What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?

 Since childhood I've always enjoyed writing, but my foray into writing romance fiction came after reading LaVyrle Spencer's"Hummingbird". I had read many other romantic stories, but hers resonated with me and made me wonder if I could write a romance. I began my first story in early 1989, a few days after purchasing my first computer.

What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?

Some of my research is extensive. For In Love and War, which is a contemporary set in Ireland, I spent part of a winter in the little Co. Waterford town of Cappoquin where I interviewed dairy farmers, cheese makers, villagers, even a couple of old ex-IRA men in a local pub. When I wrote Taming Rowan, a story set in Northern England, I had the area research down because at one time we were going to move there. My heroine is a structural engineer who's sent to England to design an antenna support platform. I got the idea when I was...wait for it...working on an antenna support platform here in the States.

 

 

My most ambitious research project has been for A Terrible Beauty, a story set in Ireland between the time of the Easter Rising and the formation of the Irish Free State (1924). This involved another trip to Ireland, and obscene investment in Irish history books from Kenny's in Galway, tours of countless battle sites, greathouses, and a course in weaponry. There was also a tremendous amount of research in the local culture, products of the time, even automobile colors. With history so recent, you have to be accurate. So, if anyone wants to know what cigarettes were smoked, what was the favorite chocolate of the time or what color a Silver Stream automobile was likely to be, just ask.:-)

Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?

 I have an office in my house. It's an 11 x 14 room off the kitchen with a sliding glass door onto a deck with a pergola. Beyond that is our meadow and orchard. My computer is a desktop with a flat screen, so I'm pretty much stuck in a computer chair. However, I have a comfy down sofa at one end of the room and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along one wall.

As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

I read romantic suspense, British sagas, women's fiction, historical fiction, biographies and political books. Each has some influence in what I write.

What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?

 I write on the computer. I have arthritis and carpal tunnel which makes paper and pen writing difficult. I have a rough outline and a GMC for each protagonist, but generally I'm a pantster.

When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?

Making jewelry or digging in the dirt or trekking out to watch my chickens (believe it or not, watching chickens is very relaxing). And then there are the trips to the gym. The treadmill and exercise bikes are great venues for reading on my Kindle.

Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??

 I'm terrified of needles but pierced my own ears(my parents were horrified). I trained to be a shot putter.

For fun, I have a few personal questions,

Your Favorite 5

1) Favorite color - Green

2) Favorite dessert – Lemon Sponge

3) Favorite Season - Autumn

4) Favorite sad song- Sonny (I like the Liam Clancy version, also the one by Emmy Lou Harris, Dolores Keane and Mary Black) 

5) Favorite Romantic movie - Reckless(the Robson Green, Francesca Annis film)

And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??

A trip to Ireland

Where can our readers find you??

www.suzannebarrett.com

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

Risking it All (available as of 3/12/12)

Loving Luke will release in May

Both available from Turquoise Morning Press, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and several digital outlets.

Risking it All(http://www.amazon.com/Risking-It-All-ebook/dp/B007JQTEU0/ref=sr_1_12?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331688567&sr=1-12)

A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS

Pushed out of his own start-up company, Tom McKittrick is ready to lickhis wounds in private at the rural family estate he’s inherited. But heisn’t prepared for his Garden of Eden to have a built-in Eve­a reclusivenaturalist with a long-term lease on the caretaker’s cottage, a knack forgardening, and an incredibly beautiful face.

A PARADISE FOR TWO

April Fairchild is not about to let Tom McKittrick order her out of thehome that has been her cozy retreat from the world. But she has to feel sorry for him ­the corporate bigwig is clearly out of his element in,well, the elements. April knows she can teach this hunky guy a thing or two about how to relax. All she has to do is sow the seeds of romance…and let nature take its course.

Before we let you go today Suzanne, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.

Lemon Sponge

1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs, separated

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup flour

1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups milk

pinch cream of tarter

sifted confectioners' sugar (optional)

Using an electric mixer, cream butter together with sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, the lemon juice, and the flour, the lemon rind, and the salt. Combine mixture well.

 Add milk in a stream, beating, and combine well. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of cream of tarter until they hold stiff peaks. Stir one forth of the whites into the lemon mixture. Fold in remainder of whites gently,and transfer the mixture to a buttered 1 1/2-quart glass souffle dish.Set the dish in a deep pan, adding enough boiling water to pan to reach halfway up the sides of the souffle dish. Bake dessert in a preheated 350degree F. oven for 50 minutes, or until it is puffed and the top golden.

 Sift confectioners' sugar over top and serve dessert warm or chilled.(The sponge will separate, forming a custard sauce on the bottom.)

Spoon the top onto dessert plates, and spoon sauce over each serving. This is my all-time favorite dessert!

Seriously, I cannot wait to try your Lemom Sponge, it sounds sooooooo good.  Thanks again Suzanne for being with us today. It was great to learn more about you.  I hope you'll stop by anytime!

Readers, don't miss out on Risking It All, get your copy today and keep an eye out for the release of Loving Luke to grace our stores soon. 

Happy reading,

Krista

Author, Author Sunday April 1st.

...read all about it!!


Thanks for joining us and please welcome a great author,


           Tamaria Soana


Welcome Tamaria, great to have you here today. Can you tell us a little about yourself??

I'm a forty year old stay-at-home mom of two very active young girls three and seven.  I live in western New York and yes it snows a lot here.  I love curling up with a good book (on  my kindle) on cold nights.  I've been married for twelve years.



What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?

My love for reading. I really just dabbled in writing until three years ago. I was a closet writer up until just last year.



What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?

Depends on the story. For Obsession I had to research social stalkers. I read a few articles and case studies so I could understand how their mind works.



Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?

No not really. I have a small corner in the rec room in our basement, it's cold and not well lit. So I usually I'm at the kitchen or dinning room table typing away.



As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

I read romance/erotica. I don't think reading influences me so to speak. I think it's important for any author to read. Last week I took a week of from writing and read 6 books.



What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?

Laptop. I do often write in a spiral book with a pen.



When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?

Reading or shopping!



Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??

I love crazy, funny, out there movies that make you laugh. Like Soap, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man,  Weekend at Bernie's



Where can our readers find you??

My website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Beachwalk Press



Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

Obsession which just released March 19th !

Is there anywhere safe when you're the object of someone's obsession?

Alexandria Stevens is a New York Times best-selling romance novelist. After she makes a guest appearance on a popular TV talk show, she creates a Twitter account. Within a few short weeks she meets a fan, and they become fast friends…or that's what Alex thinks. When Alex finds herself being stalked, the person she least suspects is her new friend Jillian. What she doesn't know is that Jillian has been obsessed with her for years. She wants everything Alex has, even her husband.



Excerpt

Alex went into her study to answer some emails and go over the script for her movie again when the doorbell rang. Knowing Hudson was on a conference call, she went to answer it. She looked out the window to find a deliveryman with a long, white box. Her heart melted, Hudson had flowers delivered for her. He was always so romantic and thoughtful. God, she loved him.

Alex opened the door and signed for the flowers. As she took them to the kitchen to place them in a vase, her mind wandered to all the ways she could thank Hudson properly after his conference call was over. Her favorite one involved her being down on her knees. Alex couldn't wait to see and smell the beautiful flowers. Giggling, she untied the ribbon and anxiously lifted the lid.

She screamed and dropped the box. It was filled with a dozen black roses, a purple plastic butterfly attached to one stem. Fear rocked through her body as she remembered the note left on her car. Like a butterfly, a wild butterfly. I will collect you and capture you. Alex fell to the floor and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Alex, oh my God. Are you okay? What happened?" Hudson asked as he placed his arms around her trembling body.

She pointed to the black roses. "I thought you sent me flowers," she stuttered in between her sobs.

Hudson looked at the roses with confusion, then Alex pointed to the butterfly and told him about the note she'd found on her car and how Colleen said it was nothing, probably a sick prank.

"You should've told me, baby. I'm calling your father, this isn't just a prank." Hudson dialed Anthony, Alex's father and a police detective. Hudson held her tight and assured her that he wouldn't let anything happen to her and they would find out what was going on.

Anthony was at his daughter's side within fifteen minutes with two policemen in tow. He asked a few questions and took the flowers for evidence. Alex just clung to Hudson as her father lectured her for not telling anyone about the note that had been left on her car. He was upset that the note had been destroyed, because there could've been forensic evidence on it that would help them figure out who was doing this.

Alex looked into her father's eyes, he looked both angry and conflicted. She knew this had to be hard on him. He had to be both her father and the detective on the case. He assured them he would try and keep a lid on it for as long as possible. Alex let out a moan knowing what would happen if the media found out about it.

Hudson asked Anthony about the possibility of the police providing some sort of security for Alex. She objected, saying she didn't want to be babysat. Her father quickly dismissed her objection, stating it was a good idea and he would arrange regular patrols of the street. He swore to her that he would catch the psycho who was stalking her. He hugged her before he left, which took Alex by surprise because he never showed emotion.

When everyone was finally gone, Hudson got Alex some water and two sleeping pills. Soon she was in bed wrapped in Hudson's arms. Although she was both emotionally and physically exhausted, she felt safe next to him. She sighed and snuggled as close to his warm body as she could as she wiped away a tear and drifted off to sleep.

Alex woke to her cellphone ringing over and over again. Who the hell keeps calling? She moaned as she grabbed her phone from the bedside table. When she looked at the screen and saw who the caller was, she rolled her eyes.

"Mom?"

"Oh my God, Alexandria, are you okay? Why do I have to find out from the media that someone is stalking my daughter?"

Alex just let her mother rant—no good would come out of trying to stop her and explain things until she had it all out of her system.

"And a movie deal? Why am I the last to know everything? Well, I'm waiting."

"I'm sorry, Mom. I was going to call you today. Things have been a bit crazy. What do you mean you heard it from the media?"

"It's all over the entertainment news."

"Christ!" Alex took a deep breath. She needed to focus and find out what was being said. "Mom, I have to go. I promise I'll call you later and fill you in on everything. I need to find out exactly what has been leaked."


Available now at:

Beachwalk Press  and  Amazon




Before we let you go today, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to share with readers and try out myself :)

Here is my all-time favorite quick dinner to make. I sold the Pampered Chef for years!

Easy Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:
1   medium red bell pepper 1   medium green bell pepper 1   large onion 1   plum tomato 1   pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves		1   package (1-1.25 ounces) fajita seasoning mix 2   garlic cloves, pressed 1   small lime, cut in half 8   (7-8-inch) flour tortillas, warmed Optional toppings: salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, sliced pitted ripe olives and sour cream

Directions:
1.	Cut bell peppers into 1/2-inch strips. Cut onion and tomato into 1/4-inch wedges. Set vegetables aside. Cut chicken into 1/4-inch strips. Combine chicken and seasoning mix in small bowl; toss to coat and set aside.
2.	Heat Grill Pan over medium-high heat. Lightly spray pan with vegetable oil using Kitchen Spritzer. Add bell peppers and onion; cook 3 minutes without stirring. Stir and cook an additional 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove vegetables from pan; set aside.
3.	Spray pan again with vegetable oil. Add chicken; cook 2-3 minutes without stirring. Add garlic. Stir and cook 3-4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Add reserved vegetable mixture and tomato to pan. Squeeze lime over chicken mixture. Cook 1 minute or until heated through; stir.
4.	To serve, spoon a portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture in center of each tortilla. Top with desired toppings, if desired.
Yield: 4 servings  Tamaria thank you so much for being with us today!  It was great to learn more about you and thanks so much for that yummy recipe.  My family will love it.  Can't wait to get your new release, it sounds really good. Readers, don't waste any time, follow the links above and get your copy of Obsession  today!!! Happy reading, Krista

 

 

Author, Author Thursday March 29th

...read all about it!!


Thanks for joining us and please welcome a very talented  author,

Melissa Keir 

 

Welcome Melissa, it's great to have you here today.  Can you start off by telling us a little about yourself…

My life is like the Brady Bunch but without Alice.  We are a blended family with four children. Born and raised in a rural town in Ohio, everyone knew who I was growing up.  If I got a speeding ticket, you can be assured that my parents heard about it before I arrived home. Thinking to escape the horrors of small town living, I moved to Michigan and ended up in an even smaller town. We have only one light in town. 

I’ve worked as a blogger, book reviewer, teacher, and editor over the last twenty years.  Writing has always been a passion of mine and one that I’m glad that I can satisfy today.

What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?

My mom was my first inspiration.  When I was younger, she wrote a romance novel and tried to get it published.  There wasn’t such a thing as e-publishing or computers, and I remember her writing her story on the old typewriter in our family room. Her dedication and drive to get published was a part of the reason why I wanted to write.  It allows me to be close to her.

What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?

When I need to, I enjoy doing extensive research.  I take a look at every piece of information that I can find on the subject.  When I was working on my story, Forever Love, I researched Alzheimer’s.  I wanted my character to be realistic and it required me to really understand the disease.

Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?

 I love to write at the kitchen table or kitchen island.  It allows me to be a part of the action, close to the food and drinks, and still be relaxed.  I have written my stories on my couch curled up with the dogs and a blanket or in bed as my husband sleeps next to me.  When the muse comes, I have to write.

As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

My favorite genres to read are paranormal romance.  I love shape shifters, magic, and kick-butt characters.  However, I haven’t written in that genre yet.  Never say never! 

What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?

 I MUST have my computer.  It goes where I go, the doctor’s office, my honeymoon, or bed.  It is the only way that I write.  It gives me a safe way to write and save my ideas.  I don’t plot out my ideas, although I do write down plot bunnies when they come to me.  Otherwise I wouldn’t remember them.  But I do write with the flow of my muse.  Some days it flows like water from the faucet while other days it is a mere trickle.

When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?

When I need a break from writing, I can be found reading and reviewing books, or working as an editor.  I am always busy.  There isn’t a part of my life that isn’t centered around books.  They are my passion and my escape from the real world.

Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??

My two dogs are named after characters from some of my favorite TV shows, CSI and CSI:Miami.  They are like my little babies and I spoil them rotten!

Where can our readers find you??

www.melissakeir.com

http://www.facebook.com/melissa.keir#!/profile.php?id=100003150554229

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Melissa-Keir/143020369136928 (fan page)

www.twitter/melissa_keir

I love to hear from readers and frequently post excerpts, blogs and musings on life on my website.

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

My first story “Forever Love” was released on Valentine’s Day and is a part of the Love, Again Anthology by Ruby Lioness Press. It can be purchased in e-book formats from Amazon or B&N.  It can be purchased in print from the Ruby Lioness store (www.rubylionesspress.com/store/).

Forever Love (Blurb)

When Syndie Wilder returns to Amherst, Ohio, she comes back to take care of her ailing father and doesn’t expect to run into the childhood friend who dumped her in high school. When fate causes the two to meet, sparks fly again. But will a childhood friendship turn into a forever love?

My upcoming release “Second Time’s the Charm” will be released on April 3^rd from Rebel Ink Press.  It will be available on Amazon and B&N as well as other online retailers.

Second Time’s the Charm (unedited blurb)

When divorce shreds Lissa’s self-confidence, she gives up on men and throws herself into her sons.  An emergency life threatening illness of her best friend's son puts her on the path to romance. Lissa finds her new love in an unexpected way...introduced by his ex-wife. Who knew that first time loves could lead to second chances? 

Okay, now before we let you go today, we have a few fun questions for you if you don't mind?   

Your Favorite 5

1) Favorite color - green (like my eyes)

2) Favorite dessert - I don't have one.  I try not to eat dessert.

3) Favorite Season - Spring.  I love the way the Earth comes alive!

4) Favorite sad song- I usually don't have a favorite song.  I'm always changing my mind!

5) Favorite Romantic movie - I love Phantom of the Opera and Mama Mia.  They show that love is more than just passion.

And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??

My ideal romantic vacation is anywhere that I can spend the time with my husband, great weather and enjoy some time away from the daily worries.  :)

Melissa thank you so much for being with us today.  It was great getting to know more about you.  Please come back to visit us any time!

Readers, don't forget to get out there and scoop up these great reads by Melissa Keir. 

Happy reading,

Krista

Monday Madness ...

Good Afternoon!

It's a beautiful day in Michigan but oooh it's cold.  We got super spoiled with the last week or two of 70's and 80's temps but today's high is only 47and the nights are dipping down in the 20's. I definitely don't like that. Every day when our days are cold like this I'm super jealous of my parents and my in laws who all live in Florida.  Maybe I should do some convincing to my husband :) Nah, I actually lived in Florida once and loved it but it was super expensive so I'll just stay where I'm at.  If my hubby decides it's time to pack up and go south, well alrighty but until then I'll just stay inside and stay warm. 

On a side note, really thinking of my parents right now as they have taken the plunge and are as we speak enjoying vacation in Paris.  What a great escape.  I'm so excited for them and jealous that I'm not there too. However I'm sure my parents are quite OK with their baby not joining them on their vacation lol.

Doing alot of computer work today.  Have some blog posts to set up for some guest interviews and some interviews to work on myself for my newest release Second Chances available now thru Ruby Lioness Press.  I am also in the 'think and pitch' process of Second Thoughts and Second Nature, books 2 and 3 as follow ups from Second Chances.  I also have many other story thoughts and projects I'm contemplating so maybe in the next few weeks I can go more into detail on those. 

In addition to all that fun stuff, I recently became a finalist in the Shooting Star Writing Contest for Decadent Publishing's Western Escape line.  Check it out here.  Pretty excited about that and have a deadline fast approaching.  I'll update about that when I can :)

Guess that's the gist of my day but I'll leave you with some parting gifts, or recipes that is.


I'm totally doing 'easy' today so enjoy these easy recipes!


Potato Casserole

1 package (frozen) Potatoes O'Brien
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 pint sour cream
cheddar cheese( as much or little as you like)

Mix - Bake at 350 for 1 hour





Fruit Dip


1 large jar marshmallow cream
1 8 oz. block cream cheese( softened)

Combine and service with your favorite fruit pieces.

Makes a great finger food!


Hope you all have a great Monday!!!

Krista

Author, Author Sunday March 25th

...read all about it!!


Thanks for joining us and please welcome a wonderful author and a great new friend, 

Denise Moncrief 

Hi Denise, great to have you here, could you tell us a little about yourself...

I’m a Southern girl. I’ve lived in Louisiana all my life. And yes, I have a drawl. Writing is my passion. I tell people accounting is a skill I learned to earn some money to support my writing habit. I’ve been writing off and on since I was seventeen. That’s more than a few years ago. I have a wonderful husband and two incredible children. They not only endure my writing moods, but also encourage me to indulge my passion.

What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?

Harlequin romances. My friend Brenda and I devoured probably hundreds of them in high school. I wrote my first “novel” when I was seventeen. Seventeen pages on school ruled paper and an obvious rip-off of the last Harlequin I read. I love reading. A lot of my inspiration comes from other writers.

Probably my biggest inspiration comes from my daydreaming. I have an incredible imagination. It made me feel guilty to spend so much time thinking about what it would be like to live in other places and be in other situations and know other people. Then one day I got the brilliant idea to write all those scenarios.

What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?

I like to set my stories in interesting places. So the amount of research I do depends on the location. If I’ve been to the locale, it’s easier to use my impressions of the scene. Otherwise, I have to do a lot of googling. I’ve probably purchased twenty guidebooks on different vacation destinations trying to add local flavor to a story.

If there is some aspect of the story I’m not familiar with, I will do the research necessary to give the plot detail some authenticity. I’ve researched heart transplants, drug interactions, police procedure, hurricanes, architects…Just about anything that might give the story an added bit of reality.

Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?

I sit on my bed with my MAC. I have a cup of coffee on the nightstand and a comfy pillow behind my back. Sometimes the lights are out because it’s late at night. I think I do my best work after nine at night.

As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

I’ve read so many books in my life I couldn’t count them. My Goodreads profile doesn’t even begin to mention a fraction of them. I love a good suspense novel. I love a good romance. Those novels that mix the two in a nice, satisfying balance are my favorites. I also like to read in a variety of other genres, particularly novels that explore family dynamics or character psychology. I like to know what makes a character tick. I think reading a range of different styles and genres adds to my knowledge of the craft of writing.

What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?

My family thinks my MAC is permanently attached to my hands. I never completely plot or outline my stories before I write them. I have a spiral bound notebook where I sometimes flesh out the main characters or rough out a timeline of events if things get a little inconsistent or tangled. Usually, I know how the story begins and how I want it to end, and I let my muse take my imagination from point to point.

When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?

I like spending time with my family. My daughter and I are shopaholics. I have a few television shows I’m obsessed with. Grey’s Anatomy. Castle. And…I confess, America’s Next Top Model. When I’m not doing those things or working at my other, less satisfying job (accounting), I’m reading.

Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??

I have a severe crush on Nathan Fillion.

Where can our readers find you??

Please visit my blog at www.denisemoncrief.blogspot.com.

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

Snow White and the Seven Dogs  is scheduled to appear in April in the Unleashed Hearts anthology published by Still Moments Publishing. It will be available at www.stillmomentspublishing.com and at www.smashwords.com.

      Having a daughter, I guess I’ve seen every Disney princess movie ever made. I’m not sure when or how I thought of naming my heroine Snow White, but once I did, the rest of the story just kind of wrote itself. I love tales with a sense of humor, so this story was a lot of fun to write. I write suspense, so I couldn’t resist writing a modern version of Snow White with its wicked Queen (or corporate CEO, in this case). Instead of dwarves, seven pooches named after Disney dogs become her best friends.

Snow flees not only from a criminal investigation for fraud but also from the wrath of her conniving future mother-in-law. Ann Winters is more than willing to let Snow take the fall for her crimes if it will drive a wedge between Snow and her son Anson. With nowhere else to go, Snow escapes to the White’s family apple orchard near Yakima, Washington. Her hideout turns into a not-so-safe haven when the secrets from her family’s past prove to be just as large as her problems back in Seattle. She cringes every time she introduces herself to someone new, but when she meets handsome Eric Prince, he doesn’t react to her Disneyesque name. He acts as if he knows more about her family's past than she does. Enter seven recalcitrant pooches. Snow isn’t a dog person, but Eric seems to know every one of them, and they know him. Eric and the dogs are determined to protect Snow from the danger swirling around her.

Sounds like a great read, i can't wait!  Now before we let you go do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.

Slap Ya Papa Chili

This was my Daddy’s specialty. Like so many other of his recipes, he started his chili with a roux.

Roux

1 med. yellow onion, chopped somewhere between fine and coarse

2 lbs lean ground meat

2 cans chili beans

2 cans chili tomatoes

2 Tbsp tomato catsup

Chili powder to taste

Prepare the roux by browning ½ C flour in a ½ cooking oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook on med heat, stirring almost constantly so it won’t stick for 15 to 30 mins until the roux is the color of coffee with light cream.

Brown the ground meat and onion together. Add together the roux and the meat in a stockpot. Add the chili beans, chili tomatoes, and catsup. Add chili powder. Taste. Add more chili powder. Taste. Add more chili powder. Eventually there will be enough chili powder added that it tastes right.

Daddy loved to extol the virtues of eating onions. He claimed they prevented heart disease, stroke, and cancer. About two and a half years ago, he passed away from an aortic aneurysm at the ripe old age of eight-nine, three months shy of his ninetieth birthday. Daddy said most of the world’s best recipes started with a roux. He always added a little sweet catsup to anything with tomatoes, because he said it cut the acid.

Denise I'm so sorry to hear about your Daddy, he sounded like a wonderful and wise man, and a great cook!!  Thank you so much for being here with us today, it was great learning more about you and I hope you'll come back and visit us soon !!

Readers, thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to get your copy of Snow White and the Seven Dogs when available, at  www.stillmomentspublishing.com   and  www.smashwords.com.

Happy reading !!

Krista