I Have Arrived....or....Have I?

Hello There!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Pamela S Thibodeaux and Anna has graciously extended me an ivitation to visit with you today.

When I began writing more than twenty-five years ago, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. All I knew was I’d been disappointed one-too-many times. Based on what I read I figured it couldn’t be hard. I can do better than this!

With the niavette of the uninformed, I figured all I had to do was write a good story and BAM! I’d be published. So I did. I poured my heart out in page after page of five-subject notebooks. By the time I’d filled several and started researching how to get published, I found out the manuscript had to be typed!

I didn’t own a typewriter nor could I afford to rent one. Then came the blessed day I purchased a used word processor. Just when I thought I’d be able to really embark on the glamorous journey, submissions became electronic!

I’d put off buying a computer for lots of reasons, the main one ~ all I do is write. After getting connected, I figured the voyage to being in print was just an email away. Wrong again.

My first novel was accepted as an Ebook, my first short story in an Ezine. What’s with this E-industry? I wanted to hold a book in my hands – after all, being Epublished isn’t really published. That’s what ‘they’ say (anyone ever figure out who ‘they’ are?).

In my article on Success, I make a statement…as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so is success. It is, in and of itself, success.

In addition to numerous articles and essays, poems and devotions, I now have 5 published novels (4 part Tempered series & The Inheritance) available in ebook and print as well as 5 short stories available for readers. This year I signed my un-contracted work with a Literary Agent. Guess this means I’ve finally arrived……or Have I?

We all have our own definition of success, our own idea of what it means to ‘arrive.’ I’ll arrive when I can make a living doing what I love most – bring glory to God through my writing.

When will you know you have ‘arrived’? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this but please remember, I work full-time so I won’t be around much to chat – I will however, drop by this evening to answer your comments.

Until later…. Be Blessed!

Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder of Bayou Writers Group and a member of White Roses in Bloom Authors. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” (TM) and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
WRIB Blog: http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com

Wednesday's Chow - Layered Mexican Dip

With the holiday's right around the corner, I know they're will be lots of parties and pot lucks. So here's a quick dish to take along.

Layered Mexican Dip

1 can bean dip
2 avocados
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 diced tomatoes
6 cut-up green onions
1 small can ripe olives
shredded cheddar cheese

Using a square or oblong dish, layer the following ingredients:

First: 1 can bean dip.
Second: 2 avocados, mashed and add 1 tsp. lemon juice.
Third: combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour
cream with pkg. of taco seasoning mix.
Fourth: 2 diced tomatoes and 6 cut-up green onions.
Fifth: 1 small can sliced ripe olives.
Sixth: top off with grated cheddar cheese.

Dollop some sour cream on top, then sprinkle on a few olives, chopped tomatoes and green onions.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

October Contest Winners

Thanks to everyone who entered my contests this month. I held several daily ones, and three month-long ones.

Nancy O. won my month-long blog contest: a Smart Women Read Romance T-shirt and three romance novels....just to prove how smart you really are: too good to be true by Kristan Higgins, The Cowboy's Second Chance by Christyne Butler and To Love a Scoundrel by Kristina Cook.

In my website, www.aklanier.com, guest book drawing, Michelle B. won a Pink Ribbon Goodie Bag chockful of Pink Ribbon items: a silver-plated pink ribbon bracelet, a rubber duckie, a 2010-2011 pocket calendar, as well as additional pink ribbon items and an electronic copy of M. J. Sager's short story A SECOND CHANCE AT FOREVER.

The winner of my 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness contest is Grace B. She won a Pink Ribbon Basket containing items such a stainless steele travel mug, calendar, pens, as well as six romance books: Rescue Me by Christy Reece, Red's Hot Honky-Tonk Bar by Pamela Morsi, The Boyfriend's Back by Ellen Hartman, A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore, One Night of Scandal by Nicola Cornick and My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel. Thanks to everyone who viewed the video on Inflammatory Brest Cancer.

Guest Blogger - Eliza Knight

Question and Answer with a Regency Heroine

I’m so excited to be at Chatting with Anna Kathryn today! I had the fabulous opportunity to meet Anna at RWA Nationals this past summer in DC.

I’d like to introduce you to Juliette, the heroine in my newest release, Her Captain Surrenders. She’s agreed to a little question and answer session today. I’m going to let her take over from here…

Juliette: Why, thank you Eliza. Eliza is really a dear isn’t she? I was so pleased when she asked me to do her blog for her today, although I wasn’t entirely sure what a blog was. She said, just to hit these odd little keys and words would appear. Imagine my surprise when I realized she was right?

So if you please, send me your questions in the comments area below and I will do my absolute best to answer.

Additionally, Anna has graciously included the description and an excerpt from my romance with Captain Cruise below.

Blurb:

Captain Nathaniel Cruise has a job to do. But what happens when a beautiful woman tempts him to turn his eye from his duties to pursue more…pleasurable entertainments? Not only that, the woman has a wit and intelligence that rivals his own and he finds himself falling deeper and harder for her.

Lady Juliette Blackburn, knows what she wants, and she wants Captain Cruise. A rich widow in her own right, she’s decided to take her love life in her own hands. However, at every turn the man of her dreams is running away from her. She’ll have to keep up a subtle chase to discreetly reel him in.

Despite their mutual attraction something darker is pulling them together. A rogue former lover of Juliette’s is the main suspect in Nathaniel’s investigation, and now he’s threatening both their livelihoods. Together they’ll fight the villain and perhaps on the way Nathaniel and Juliette will surrender to love.

Excerpt:

“Captain Cruise.” His hostess Lady Challedon came up behind him. “May I introduce to you to a dear friend?”

Nathaniel swallowed his distaste at meeting another groom hunter, and turned to gaze into the most stunning pair of lavender eyes, made all the more brilliant by a frame of thick, curling black lashes. Lady Blackburn. For a moment he was struck dumb. They’d never been formally introduced, yet he’d seen her everywhere, the park, ballrooms, Covent Garden, and dinner parties. And she had seen him. More than once, he’d looked up to find her eyes on him but he’d been too preoccupied helping Captain Montgomery, the Earl of Stafford, to beg an introduction. He’d managed to find out her name, that she was a widow, and little else.

“My pleasure, ladies.”

He bowed. She curtsied. Nathaniel let his gaze fall to where full breasts pushed the limits of her silvery gown. His gaze lingered on her breasts a scant moment longer before traveling the length of her narrow waist and rounded hips. The curves of her figure promised to be a lush experience for any man. His body stirred to life with the thought. Perhaps he could persuade her to enjoy a night with him.

He caught his bearings and managed a polite, “Lady Blackburn, would you care to honor me with a dance?”

“I should like that very much.”

Deep golden blonde hair, with hints of coral red, bobbed atop her delicate head as she nodded. She slipped her arm into the crook of his elbow, and gazed up at him. Her touch sent a shocking hunger racing through his veins. He’d never reacted this way to a woman before.

Get a hold of yourself, Nathaniel! He felt like an adolescent rather than the two and thirty years he was.

“Captain Cruise, I seem to be running into you quite often. Are you enjoying the Season?”

He paused a moment before answering. He couldn’t tell her he would rather chew off his own arm than attend another ball. He should let her know he didn’t intend to tarry long in London. The sea called his name, begged him to return, and he planned to answer as soon as he possibly could.

“’Tis a most fascinating way to distract myself until I return to my ship.” Nathaniel glanced at the lady to gage her reaction.

The corners of her mouth curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She looked away, as if trying to hide her disappointment.

“What is the name of your ship, Captain?” Her voice held a note of pique. Was she a saucy lady then?


***

Eliza Knight is the author of sizzling historical romance and erotic time travel Highlander romance. Eliza is the author of the award-winning blog, History Undressed and has published numerous articles on writing craft and history. She is a freelance copy editor, professional critiquer, President of the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers signature chapter of the RWA and Contest Chair for Hearts Through History. She presents workshops on history, researching techniques and writing craft, to writing groups online. For more information on Eliza, please visit http://www.elizaknight.com/ or http://www.historyundressed.blogspot.com/.

Upcoming Workshops:
November:
~ Crafting the Sensual Novella
~ Conducting Historical Research Online

December:
~ Edit Your Book in a Month
~ The Hapsburg Dynasty

The Friday Record - Western Words 5

The best laid plans....and all that. I had planned to have a historical blog for today, but I never got around to doing it. So, once again, I'm turning to WESTERN WORDS: A Dictionary of the Old West by Ramon F. Adams.

Just match the Numbers (words) to the Letters (definitions). Example: 15 X, 16 Y, 17, U Be sure to post your guesses, you'll be eligible to win my monthly prize – a Smart Women Read Romance t-shirt and three romance books: too good to be true by Kristan Higgins, The Cowboy's Second Chance by Christyne Butler and To Love a Scoundrel by Kristina Cook. This blog will be your last chance to enter to win for the month, so don't be shy about matching up the words to what they mean. Oh, and, one person who does post their guesses and leaves their email address, will win a Pink Ribbon goodie bag, full of Pink Ribbon items like a pen, calendar, rubber ducky and more.

1. Manada
2. Daunsy
3. In the brush
4. Roostered
5. Batch
6. Air-tights
7. Rawhide
8. Stood up
9. Notch in his tail
10. Yack

A. Said of a horse which has killed a man
B. Unmarried man
C. A stupid person
D. A weak cow
E. Moody, downcast
F. On the dodge, running from the law
G. Canned goods
H. Brood Mare
I. Robbed
J. Drunk

Anna Kathryn Lanier
3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event
October 1-31~Multiple Prizes to Win
FMI Contest page http://www.aklanier.com/
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Wednesday's Chow - Wacky Cake

What if I told you that you could make a delicious, moist chocolate cake without any eggs or milk? Would you say I was being a bit wacky? I promise there’s no magic involved. Except perhaps in how quickly it disappears. It’s no trick, but certainly a delicious treat. Although you’d be right in calling it ‘wacky.’

Though if you’re looking for a little magic be sure to check out my Faery Rosette entitled THAT MAGIC MOMENT with The Wild Rose Press. My heroine, Celeste is caught cookin’ in the kitchen, but it’s not a recipe for a cake she’s preparing.

What’s that smoke from? Could it be from the sparks flying between Celeste and Dane? Well, I don’t want to spoil it…you’ll have to read it to find out.

Nothing goes better with a good story than some chocolate. Enjoy one of my family’s favorite recipes for Wacky Cake.


Leave a comment and you could win a copy of THAT MAGIC MOMENT and $5 Starbucks gift card.


Maureen Bonatch
THAT MAGIC MOMENT
Faery Rosette- The Wild Rose Press
http://maureensmuse.blogspot.com/
myspace.com/mbonatch

Wacky Cake

Sift:
2 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cocoa
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar

Mix:
10 tablespoons melted margarine/butter
2 teaspoons vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups cold water

*Mix all together and bake at 350 degree 45-55 minutes- sides will start to pull away from the pan when done and can check with a toothpick.

~Awesome with powdered sugar sprinkled over the top or your favorite icing.

Blurb for THAT MAGIC MOMENT:

Can love cross the boundaries mortals have erected to reject all that cannot be explained? As the last witch in the Turner line, Celeste doesn’t know if she’s finally found true love or if her grandma cast a love spell to continue the Turner line. Dane Johns is a man not easily forgotten, but that’s exactly what Celeste plans to do. Because he has one big flaw. He’s a mortal.
Dane Johns doesn’t know it but he’s under a spell, and Celeste Turner is the cure. Mysteriously healing his injury while captivating his heart, Dane is enchanted. Although once he discovers Celeste’s secret he must decide if he’s charmed enough to not only accept love into his life, but the world of magic.

Rhodes Ends All Hallow's Eve Celebration

Welcome to Rhodes End’s Halloween where All Hallows’ Eve is celebrated on the Town Green.

Two churches bracketing the wide swath of grass like book-ends dispense orange and black decorated candy bags. The scents of cinnamon, burning candles and scorched pumpkin drift on the breeze. An owl hoots from a hollow tree in the ancient cemetery behind the church. The nearby streets are dark and empty in stark contrast to the noisy party-goers. No-one goes from house to house yelling Trick-or-Treat since an incident in 1943 that no one claims to remember.
A huge bonfire lights the night where excited children toast marshmallows donated by Nelson’s grocery store and parents drink heated apple cider from Styrofoam cups. Peter’s Pluckers’, a local blue-grass band is stomping out ‘Turkey in the Straw’ to loud clapping at the gazebo strung with bobbing skeletons and ghosts. Johnson’s Orchard donates huge tubs of shiny green Granny Smith’s for bobbing. The dripping faced kids hardly wait to be dried before running off to another game. Colorfully attired townsfolk escort laughing, excited children from event to event. Everyone wants to keep the little ones safe tonight.

Costumed or painted to reflect their own personality, every child is present except Mickey Burton. He has the measles. A few giddy teenagers who dared each other to climb the flat-topped boulder on Witch’s Rock Road, run onto the green shrieking. One shouts she saw a shape fly across the face of the rising full moon. Parents nod wisely and laugh. Kids!

The full moon rises as the evening wanes and the younger children are taken home, protesting through wide yawns. Parents cast uneasy glances into the shadows. Older children drift to the games and food offered inside the church halls. More and more are encouraged to return to the safety of home as the hour grows late.

The costumed crowd oddly thickens. The patrolling police cruiser stops to allow two witches, a werewolf and a ghoul to cross the street. Headlights pick out gleaming red eyes. A casual wave is exchanged.

Under the huge silver moon, the townsfolk circle the bonfire as midnight approaches. Thankfully, a full moon doesn’t occur every All Hallows’ Eve. The churches shoo the remaining families home, shut off the lights and lock their doors.

A few brave souls linger, nervously glancing over their shoulders. The air is electric with nerves, fear tickles. A dozen witches gather to one side. Shadows conceal details, but a gleaming fang or claw occasionally reflects the flames. Hair, hide and patchy skin conceal the wearers. Too many red eyes reflect the light.

A thick-set man wearing a knit cap feeds wood onto the fire and flames leap voraciously skyward. The crowd pulled back then surges closer. It’s almost midnight, the witching hour. The heavy wood-smoke mingles with a coppery smell of fresh blood and rotting flesh. Circles within the circle join hands and murmur. Not all are willing, but they must protect their secrets.

The Congregational church clock bongs, once, twice, and the flames explode up in a column of sparks. Three, four, five…chanting echoes across the Green. Six, seven, eight, nine… skeletal figures twist and turn, stretch clutching fingers from the seething flames, almost breaking free. Demons howl. Ghouls curse. Ten, eleven… the chants strengthen until they drown the unearthly noise. The threatening figures shudders with rage. Tonight is their night to walk free!

Twelve…

With a weary sigh, the fire shapes disappear. The fire dies. Only embers remain.

The crowd silently melts into the night leaving a few shivering adults to wonder what they just saw.

What's your favorite Halloween memory? Leave a comment (with your e-mail) for a chance to win Ancient Awakenings.

Barbara Edwards
Ancient Awakening, a Black Rose from The Wild Rose Press
http://www.barbaraedwards.net/
http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp for Barb'Ed Comments

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.

Help Feed the Hungry in America

Just watch this video by Kraft Foods and they'll donate food to Feeding America. It's that easy!



Anna Kathryn Lanier
3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event
October 1-31 ~ Multiple Prizes to Win
Check it out here: www.aklanier.com
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com