This is a day that changed history, because it brought about a fraction within the Roman Catholic Church, which resulted in the formation of several other religions over the years. Though this schism would undoubtedly happen sooner or later, October 31, 1517 is the day history changed forever. Up until this time, Christianity was the Roman Catholic Church and while I won’t get into a debate over religion, let’s just say that the saying ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’ holds true here.
As the title suggests, Luther had 95 main gripes against the Roman Catholic Church. His biggest was the selling of indulgences, a relief from sin, if only you pay the church for that relief. While this did not forgive a person from sin, it allowed them relief from Purgatory – 100 days for each relic a person donated to the church. So, if you were rich enough, you could indulge in as much sin as you wished, then pay the church for relief from Purgatory. Luther’s stance was that Christian’s don’t have to pay for forgiveness, as it’s free in the form of God’s Grace through the death of Jesus Christ. All a Christian has to do is be repetitive and ask for forgiveness himself. He doesn’t need to go through the Church for that forgiveness, much less pay for it.
An interesting factor in all this has to be the Gutenberg Printing Press. Why, you say? Luther nailed his Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, which held one of Europe's largest collections of religious artifacts, or holy relics…the view of which, and donation for that view, bought indulgences. Castle Church was also well-known for being a bulletin board for the university, a place to announce events, etc. That’s where the 95 Theses may have stayed, but for the Gutenberg Press.
So, a little background. In 1424, Cambridge University’s library had a whopping 122 books, each worth a small fortune. But a rise in literacy among the middle-class brought about a demand for more, less expensive books. Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg (yeah, say that 3 times fast), invented the moveable printing press in 1439. So, by the time Luther posted his theses on Castle Church’s door, the press had been around for half a century. Someone took the 95 Theses off the door (or copied it down), took it to a printing press and printed it out. It was then distributed throughout The Holy Roman Empire and the Reform Movement took hold.
Splits along certain doctrinal lines resulted in the emergence of rival Protestant churches. The most important denominations to emerge directly from the Reformation were the Lutherans and the Reformed/Calvinists/Presbyterians. In England, the Movement gave rise to the Anglican Church and it did accelerate the Catholic or Counter Reformation within the Roman Catholic Church.
So, October 31st just isn’t a day to honor the spirits, it is a day that may have very well resulted in the religion you call your own.
Works Cited
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Ninety-Five_Theses
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Johannes_Gutenberg
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Indulgence
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/
October 31, 2008
October 30, 2008
Spooktaculary Funny One-liners - in Honor of Halloween
Q. Why did the ghost go to the doctor?
A. To get his boo-ster shot?
------
Q. Why are there fences around cemeteries?
A. Because so many people are dying to get in!
------Q. Where does Dracula water ski?
A. On Lake Eerie!
------
Q. Where does Count Dracula make his withdrawals?
A. At the blood bank.
------
Q. When does a ghost need a license?
A. During "haunting" season.
------
Q: How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?
A: With a pumpkin patch!
------
Q: What is a witch's favorite subject in school?
A: Spelling!
------
Q: What do you call a ghost with a broken leg?
A: Hoblin Goblin.
------
Q: When does a skeleton laugh?
A: When something tickles his funny bone.
------
Q: What happens when a ghost gets lost in a fog?
A: He's mist
A. To get his boo-ster shot?
------
Q. Why are there fences around cemeteries?
A. Because so many people are dying to get in!
------Q. Where does Dracula water ski?
A. On Lake Eerie!
------
Q. Where does Count Dracula make his withdrawals?
A. At the blood bank.
------
Q. When does a ghost need a license?
A. During "haunting" season.
------
Q: How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?
A: With a pumpkin patch!
------
Q: What is a witch's favorite subject in school?
A: Spelling!
------
Q: What do you call a ghost with a broken leg?
A: Hoblin Goblin.
------
Q: When does a skeleton laugh?
A: When something tickles his funny bone.
------
Q: What happens when a ghost gets lost in a fog?
A: He's mist
~Anna Kathryn
October 29, 2008
Red Stirs Primal Urges in Men
According to recently released research, women who wear red are found to be more attractive by men. This falls in line with the animal world--female baboons and chimpanzees become redder when they are ovulating, to send out sexual signs to the males, who find the females more attractive.
And as the researchers said, “Our findings confirm what many women have long suspected and claimed—that men act like animals in the sexual realm.”
In the study, done by the University of Rochester in New York, five psychological experiments were done to assess how color might affect a man’s view on a woman’s attractiveness.
The study showed that men found women in red to be more attractive (even the same woman in two different outfits, one red and one of another color—she was more attractive in the red outfit). Additionally, women in red were more likely to be asked out and to receive a more expensive date.
Red did not change how a woman rated the attractiveness of another woman. Nor did it change how a man rated a woman’s likeability, intelligence or kindness.
To read the entire article by Shari Roan a the Los Angles Times, go to http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/6082987.html
So, what are your thoughts on this? Should we all be blonde wearing red?
~Anna Kathryn
And as the researchers said, “Our findings confirm what many women have long suspected and claimed—that men act like animals in the sexual realm.”
In the study, done by the University of Rochester in New York, five psychological experiments were done to assess how color might affect a man’s view on a woman’s attractiveness.
The study showed that men found women in red to be more attractive (even the same woman in two different outfits, one red and one of another color—she was more attractive in the red outfit). Additionally, women in red were more likely to be asked out and to receive a more expensive date.
Red did not change how a woman rated the attractiveness of another woman. Nor did it change how a man rated a woman’s likeability, intelligence or kindness.
To read the entire article by Shari Roan a the Los Angles Times, go to http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/6082987.html
So, what are your thoughts on this? Should we all be blonde wearing red?
~Anna Kathryn
More contests to enter
Here's a few more contests to enter for great prizes....sponsored by my friend Skhye Moncrief:
Eh, I don't want to suck your blood! CONTEST What do you think is the draw we have to vampires? Is it today's packaging? Or something deeper? Post an answer by midnight CST, tonight, and be in the running to win a pdf of the novel ROMEO VS. JULIET, http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=460.
You can still enter my contest through the 31st to win a paperback of HE OF THE FIERY SWORD in my THE UNDEAD contest http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/2008/10/25/the-undead-does-the-end-justify-the-means.aspx.
And there are quite a few prizes up for grabs in our WEAR PINK RIBBONS breast cancer awareness contest that ends on the 31st. The information is here: http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/Page_4.html
~Skhye
Eh, I don't want to suck your blood! CONTEST What do you think is the draw we have to vampires? Is it today's packaging? Or something deeper? Post an answer by midnight CST, tonight, and be in the running to win a pdf of the novel ROMEO VS. JULIET, http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=460.
You can still enter my contest through the 31st to win a paperback of HE OF THE FIERY SWORD in my THE UNDEAD contest http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/2008/10/25/the-undead-does-the-end-justify-the-means.aspx.
And there are quite a few prizes up for grabs in our WEAR PINK RIBBONS breast cancer awareness contest that ends on the 31st. The information is here: http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/Page_4.html
~Skhye
October 28, 2008
Wednesday's Chow - Little Pumpkin Cups
Well, Halloween is just a couple of days away, so I thought I'd do a recipe in celebration of that holiday. I'll confess that I haven't made this recipe yet, but it sure sounds yummy and as it's from a cookbook for kids, it's very easy.
So, here's Little Pumpkin Cups from Betty Crockers' Cookbook for Boys and Girls, page 83.
Ingredients:
2 envelopes (about 1 1/2 ounce each) of whipped topping mix
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 can (16-ounce size) pumpkin (about 1 cup)
Candy Corn
Line 12 muffin cups with baking cups. Prepare the topping mix as directed on envelopes, using a total of 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla, and add the cinnamon, salt, cloves, ginger and nutmeg before beating. Fold in the pumpkin with a rubber scraper.
Divide the mixture among the paper-lined cups. Decorate each serving with candy corn. Refrigerate as long as 2 hours or freeze as long as 8 hours and remove to refrigerator 1 hour before serving.
Don't forget to enter my website guestbook contest. All you need to do is log on and tell me one of my recipes for the month (including this on). The guestbook link is at the bottom of my home page: http://www.aklanier.com/. You could win a copy of Skhye Moncrief's "Naked on the Staircase" novella. And scoll down for more information on my other contests and for how you can help the Galveston Library recover from Ike.
~Anna Kathryn
So, here's Little Pumpkin Cups from Betty Crockers' Cookbook for Boys and Girls, page 83.
Ingredients:
2 envelopes (about 1 1/2 ounce each) of whipped topping mix
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 can (16-ounce size) pumpkin (about 1 cup)
Candy Corn
Line 12 muffin cups with baking cups. Prepare the topping mix as directed on envelopes, using a total of 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla, and add the cinnamon, salt, cloves, ginger and nutmeg before beating. Fold in the pumpkin with a rubber scraper.
Divide the mixture among the paper-lined cups. Decorate each serving with candy corn. Refrigerate as long as 2 hours or freeze as long as 8 hours and remove to refrigerator 1 hour before serving.
Don't forget to enter my website guestbook contest. All you need to do is log on and tell me one of my recipes for the month (including this on). The guestbook link is at the bottom of my home page: http://www.aklanier.com/. You could win a copy of Skhye Moncrief's "Naked on the Staircase" novella. And scoll down for more information on my other contests and for how you can help the Galveston Library recover from Ike.
~Anna Kathryn
Don't forget to enter in my October Contests
CONTESTS
MONTHLY PRIZES GIVEN ON MY WEBSITE
Leave a message in Anna Kathryn's guest book and you could win a prize. Each month, she'll draw a name from those who've left a comment.
October's prize: An e-book copy of Skhye Moncrief's "Naked on the Staircase," a short story by The Wild Rose Press. http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/
October's question: Please visit Anna Kathryn's blog and post the name of one of the recipes she put up for October (a new recipe will be added each Wednesday). find a receipe at:
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/. Then go to my website http://www.aklanier.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the HOME page for the guest book link.
Post the answer on her guest book by midnight October 31st to be eligible for the drawing.
The drawing for a winner will take place on or about November 1st.
WEAR PINK RIBBONS!
It's Breast Cancer Awareness month again! Slap a pink ribbon on your jack-o-lantern and get ready to name that topic. Six romance authors are giving away romantic and inspiring gifts to multiple winners. All you need to do to be in the running to win one of these prizes is visit each of the websites below and find the hostess's WEAR PINK RIBBONS! blog entry. Each hostess will discuss a topic of her choice--all dealing with breast cancer. Just note the topic and author on a list that you must e-mail to happyendings2007@aol.com by midnight CST October 31st.
Skhye's Blog Entry
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/ContestsEvents.htm
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/
http://www.skypurington.com/
http://www.iloveshapeshifters.com/
http://www.chicksofcharacterization.blogspot.com/
Find the link to the right for "Breast Cancer Inflammatory Disease" for some helpful information and an informative video.
I will give away a copy of No Law Against Love Romance Anthology, featuring the short story by M. J. Sager "A Second Chance at Forever." All proceeds from No Law Against Love go to breast cancer research and prevention.
A second winner will receive a Pink Ribbon Goodie Bag, full of 'pink ribbon' items, including a travel mug, pin and electronic copy of her short story "A Second Chance at Forever."
And, last but not least, don't forget to leave a comment on my blog. I'll draw one person's name for a 2009 Believe in Yourself and Your Dreams Calendar.
~Anna Kathryn
The Galveston, TX Library - aftermath of Ike
One of the places in Galveston that was badly flooded by Hurricane
Ike was Rosenberg Library. It's near downtown, where 10 to 12 feet of
sea water came in from Galveston Bay, and all that water completely
wiped out everything on the library's first floor. Which is where the
children's library was. They lost the entire children's collection.
Not just books, but shelving and chairs and DVDs and CDs and finger
puppets and everything.
The wave action picked up everything that wasn't fastened down--and
some things that were--and tossed them around, soaking everything in
salt water and mud. They do not even have shelves to put books on, so
they can't really accept donations of actual books. But if y'all have
a few dollars to spare--even just $5--that would go a long way to
getting Rosenberg Library to the point where they CAN get books (and
other materials) back in the hands of the kids.
Right now, the children's librarians are doing mobile storytimes.
It's a "You provide the place and kids, we'll bring the stories and
fun," kind of thing where people can call and request a librarian
with a story. Even with their facility in this kind of mess (and they
are beginning to get the mess cleaned out), they're providing
services.
You can visit Rosenberg Library at http://www.rosenberg-library.org,
where there is a donation button, or you can send a
donation to Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston, TX 77550.
(Any donation is tax-deductible.) Anything is appreciated.
Please do pass this request on to other chapters and organizations.
It's going to take a lot of work and money to get this town, and its
library, up and running again.
~Anna Kathryn
Ike was Rosenberg Library. It's near downtown, where 10 to 12 feet of
sea water came in from Galveston Bay, and all that water completely
wiped out everything on the library's first floor. Which is where the
children's library was. They lost the entire children's collection.
Not just books, but shelving and chairs and DVDs and CDs and finger
puppets and everything.
The wave action picked up everything that wasn't fastened down--and
some things that were--and tossed them around, soaking everything in
salt water and mud. They do not even have shelves to put books on, so
they can't really accept donations of actual books. But if y'all have
a few dollars to spare--even just $5--that would go a long way to
getting Rosenberg Library to the point where they CAN get books (and
other materials) back in the hands of the kids.
Right now, the children's librarians are doing mobile storytimes.
It's a "You provide the place and kids, we'll bring the stories and
fun," kind of thing where people can call and request a librarian
with a story. Even with their facility in this kind of mess (and they
are beginning to get the mess cleaned out), they're providing
services.
You can visit Rosenberg Library at http://www.rosenberg-library.org,
where there is a donation button, or you can send a
donation to Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston, TX 77550.
(Any donation is tax-deductible.) Anything is appreciated.
Please do pass this request on to other chapters and organizations.
It's going to take a lot of work and money to get this town, and its
library, up and running again.
~Anna Kathryn
October 26, 2008
Seven Helpful Things I Wish I’d Known When I Was a Beginning Writer
I’m a writer of historical romance; my 15th book for Harlequin Historicals (Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride) was just released and now I’m beginning another medieval historical romance. Looking back on where I started as a raw beginner, I wish I’d known some things besides spelling and grammar:
1. The importance of reading–both in my own chosen historical romance genre and outside of it–especially nonfiction, literary fiction, and how-to books (for example, How To Write a Damn Good Novel (James Frey); How To Make a Good Novel Great (Linda Seger). How other writers handle sticky issues of point of view or pacing can be terrifically helpful; it also helps to keep up with what publishing houses are buying which genres. This changes through the years-- lines get dropped, new lines start!
2. Advantages of joining an advanced critique group, with published authors. I suffered, being a beginner, but I learned fast and saved a lot of learning-curve time. I also wish someone had warned me about “toxic” groups, the ones where you generally feel worse after the session instead of encouraged and fired up. This can be pretty subtle; women in particular tend to take harsh criticism as “something is lacking in Me.”
3. The value of workshops, conferences and writing classes, not only to learn the craft of writing and current trends in fiction, but to establish a network of writing friends and at least talking-relationships with some editors.
4. The importance of the basics of grammar and punctuation. Poor English will get a manuscript rejected faster than anything else. I keep Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition and Jan Venolia’s Write Right on my bookshelf.
5. Learning to read rejection letters between the lines. When a rejection letter is a “real” letter, as opposed to a form letter, there’s much that can be gleaned. A hand-scribbled “Sorry” note at the top is really a compliment. A “not our cup of tea, but send something else” is to die for.
6. The importance of writing every day, even in small blocks of time. Even 10-minute blocks of time every day are precious. If you wrote 1 single page every day for a year, you’d have a 365-page novel by the year’s end. Two pages per day = six months.
7. How to laugh and maintain perspective. Writing is easy (someone said); you just sit at your typewriter until the blood stands out on your forehead. And: writing is not magic. Magic is not magic, either.
Sorry....I missed the Friday Record
Sorry, I forgot to do the Friday Record. It was a crazy week, nothing bad, just really busy. And on Friday, I took my granddaughter to see some exotic animals (a liger- a cross between a lion and tiger) and have lunch with my mom, daughter and granddaughter. Then I had to get things together to attend the Northwest Houston RWA chapter's Lone Star Conference Friday night and Saturday. Since I live an hour's drive away, I decided to stay up in north Houston instead of making two round trips. I don't have a lap top, so couldn't post while gone.
The conference was great and I'll be posting about it in a couple of days with pictures....not that I'm in any of them, cause I was the one taking the pictures....lol.
BTW, stop by Monday, the 27th and visit with my guest blogger 27 October Lynna Banning who writs Historical Romance for Harlequin Historicals. She'll blog on "Seven Things I Wish I'd Known When I Was a Beginning Fiction Writer." Check out Lynna's website at:
http://www.lynnabanning.com/
~Anna Kathryn
The conference was great and I'll be posting about it in a couple of days with pictures....not that I'm in any of them, cause I was the one taking the pictures....lol.
BTW, stop by Monday, the 27th and visit with my guest blogger 27 October Lynna Banning who writs Historical Romance for Harlequin Historicals. She'll blog on "Seven Things I Wish I'd Known When I Was a Beginning Fiction Writer." Check out Lynna's website at:
http://www.lynnabanning.com/
~Anna Kathryn
October 21, 2008
Wednesday's Chow - Cookies in a Jar and Hot Chocolate Mix
With the holidays just around the corner....trust me, they ARE just around the corner....here's a couple of recipes that will make nice gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers or critique partners.
Oatmeal Plus Cookies
Jar Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups oats
* raisins
Filling the Jar:
Layer the ingredients in a quart size canning jar in the order listed. I used a small funnel and it worked pretty good for most of the ingredients! Use enough raisins to fill the jar to the top. If you do not want to use raisins, you can use baking chips; our favorite is butterscotch! Pack down all ingredients, especially the brown sugar!
Include these instructions with the jar:
Oatmeal Plus Cookies
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened1 egg, slightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl; thoroughly blend. Add the butter or margarine, the egg, and the vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.
Hot Chocolate Mix
2 cups powdered milk
Dash of salt
¼ cup cocoa
1 cup powdered sugar
Combine ingredients well and put in a pretty container with a tight-fitting lid.
Include these instructions with the jar:
Hot Chocolate Mix
To Use:
Put approximately 4 tablespoons into a cup, then fill with about 8 oz. of boiling water. Add more mix to get the taste you like. Stir and enjoy!
~Anna Kathryn
Oatmeal Plus Cookies
Jar Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups oats
* raisins
Filling the Jar:
Layer the ingredients in a quart size canning jar in the order listed. I used a small funnel and it worked pretty good for most of the ingredients! Use enough raisins to fill the jar to the top. If you do not want to use raisins, you can use baking chips; our favorite is butterscotch! Pack down all ingredients, especially the brown sugar!
Include these instructions with the jar:
Oatmeal Plus Cookies
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened1 egg, slightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl; thoroughly blend. Add the butter or margarine, the egg, and the vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.
Hot Chocolate Mix
2 cups powdered milk
Dash of salt
¼ cup cocoa
1 cup powdered sugar
Combine ingredients well and put in a pretty container with a tight-fitting lid.
Include these instructions with the jar:
Hot Chocolate Mix
To Use:
Put approximately 4 tablespoons into a cup, then fill with about 8 oz. of boiling water. Add more mix to get the taste you like. Stir and enjoy!
~Anna Kathryn
October 20, 2008
And the Winner Is....
Carolyn, your name was drawn as the winner of a free e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo! Thanks for stopping by and if you e-mail your addy to me at annecarrole@aol.com I'll get that out to you. Thanks everyone for stopping by and thanks Anna Kathryn for having me.
October 18, 2008
Express Yourself Western Style--Rodeo and Western Sayings
The American West has contributed more than a few colorful expressions and words to the fabric of our country. This is also true of the rodeo, which holds a special place in the western experience. A little background on the rodeo before we express ourselves western-style.
Rodeo came into being when cowboys from different ranches engaged in friendly, and not so friendly, competitions of skill after long cattle drives in the late 1800s. Such a cowboy gathering was a good place to blow off steam and a form of needed entertainment. When the Homestead Act and barbed wire fences brought an end to the open range, cowboys would gather at stock shows and compete.
When was the first rodeo held? History isn’t clear on this and it’s hotly contested.
Payson, Arizona claims it’s the oldest continuous rodeo (1884). But when the game Trivial Pursuits upheld Prescott Arizona’s documented claim as the oldest organized rodeo (1888) it was Pecos, Texas that threatened to sue based on its documented eye-witness accounts of a rodeo that took place there in 1883. However, all three may have lost out by about fourteen or so years, according to the New York Times, since it appears Deer Trail, Colorado may hold the bragging rights as they held their event in 1869 when an Englishman, Emilinie Gardenshire, successfully rode a horse named Montana Blizzard and took home a new set of clothes as his reward. Rodeo is still going strong in big cities and small towns not only out west but throughout the United States. My own eastern town throws a rodeo the first weekend of June every year. Even New York City hosts an annual rodeo at Madison Square Garden. If you want to see some great pictures of (cute) rodeo cowboys from my local rodeo, stop by either http://www.myspace.com/annecarrole (be sure to friend me, too) or my blog where I talk about the rodeo and the history of the west at http://www.annecarrole.blogspot.com/
In my new book, Re-ride at the Rodeo, from The Wild Rose Press, part of the Wayback, Texas, series, rodeo is the element that both brings the couple together and threatens to tear them apart. You see, the hero, Clay Tanner is a saddle bronc rider looking to make some money and have a good time. He spies a pretty little blonde who looks like she could use some fun. Trouble is she turns him down. Dusty Morgan wants nothing to do with rodeo riders. Her late father rode broncs and he was never there for her—until he learned he was going to die. Now she’s looking for happily ever after and despite her attraction to the strapping cowboy, she’s not interested in a hit and run with a footloose rodeo man. At the end of the blog I’ve included an excerpt to give you a little flavor—western style and you can check out the trailer of the book at http://www.annecarrole.com/ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6hxQsgCEU.
He frowned. “I would have thought a girl like you would participate in the rodeo. Thought you might be a natural at barrel racing, especially given your size, and growing up in Wayback.”
She had been a natural. And she had loved it. She’d only raced here at the Yellow Rose, on a horse borrowed from Maggie Devereaux. She hadn’t been able to afford the fees, or the trailer, or the horse to make a run at it anywhere else. And then, after all that had happened, she’d lost her taste for it. It was bad enough working the rodeo as it was. Not wanting to explain, she just shrugged in answer to his question. “You’d have thought wrong.”
He shifted as if to get a better look at her. “For a woman who grew up in a rodeo town and works at the rodeo, you don’t seem all that thrilled with rodeo or cowboys.”
She shrugged again. “Maybe I’ve just had my fill. Like when you have too much of anything, you can lose your appetite for it.”
He chuckled. “Some things, maybe. Other things, never. There are things I would never get my fill of or lose my appetite for—guaranteed.” His eyes glittered with amusement and something more, like he was talking about her, which was a foolish notion.
He took a slug of beer. Over the rim of the cup he took her measure from top to waist and back again. “Like that kiss last night,” he said in a low, sexy voice.
Heat rushed up her body like it was in a race for the finish line. In the distance some mother was arguing with her child about the bathroom. Say something. Anything
Rodeo came into being when cowboys from different ranches engaged in friendly, and not so friendly, competitions of skill after long cattle drives in the late 1800s. Such a cowboy gathering was a good place to blow off steam and a form of needed entertainment. When the Homestead Act and barbed wire fences brought an end to the open range, cowboys would gather at stock shows and compete.
When was the first rodeo held? History isn’t clear on this and it’s hotly contested.
Payson, Arizona claims it’s the oldest continuous rodeo (1884). But when the game Trivial Pursuits upheld Prescott Arizona’s documented claim as the oldest organized rodeo (1888) it was Pecos, Texas that threatened to sue based on its documented eye-witness accounts of a rodeo that took place there in 1883. However, all three may have lost out by about fourteen or so years, according to the New York Times, since it appears Deer Trail, Colorado may hold the bragging rights as they held their event in 1869 when an Englishman, Emilinie Gardenshire, successfully rode a horse named Montana Blizzard and took home a new set of clothes as his reward. Rodeo is still going strong in big cities and small towns not only out west but throughout the United States. My own eastern town throws a rodeo the first weekend of June every year. Even New York City hosts an annual rodeo at Madison Square Garden. If you want to see some great pictures of (cute) rodeo cowboys from my local rodeo, stop by either http://www.myspace.com/annecarrole (be sure to friend me, too) or my blog where I talk about the rodeo and the history of the west at http://www.annecarrole.blogspot.com/
In my new book, Re-ride at the Rodeo, from The Wild Rose Press, part of the Wayback, Texas, series, rodeo is the element that both brings the couple together and threatens to tear them apart. You see, the hero, Clay Tanner is a saddle bronc rider looking to make some money and have a good time. He spies a pretty little blonde who looks like she could use some fun. Trouble is she turns him down. Dusty Morgan wants nothing to do with rodeo riders. Her late father rode broncs and he was never there for her—until he learned he was going to die. Now she’s looking for happily ever after and despite her attraction to the strapping cowboy, she’s not interested in a hit and run with a footloose rodeo man. At the end of the blog I’ve included an excerpt to give you a little flavor—western style and you can check out the trailer of the book at http://www.annecarrole.com/ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6hxQsgCEU.
Of course, in Wayback, Texas, where Re-ride at the Rodeo takes place, the Yellow Rose Rodeo is the main event every weekend from spring until fall. If you hang out in Wayback or at any rodeo, you’ll hear a lot of colorful western sayings and descriptions. So you won’t feel lost when you read Re-ride at the Rodeo or any of the other books in the Wayback series, here’s a list of sayings and terms, with their meanings, that you might want to tuck away—or use yourself.
Expressing yourself: Western Style:
Arm Jerker: An animal that bucks with a lot of power
A good saddle is not cheap, a cheap saddle is not good: You get what you pay for
All hat, no cattle: Think Washington politician—all talk, no substance
All horns and rattles: That’s one angry person
Always leave the gates the way you found them: Put things back the way they were
Bail out: No, not the $700 billion kind. It’s a horse that comes straight up on its hind legs when it leaves the chute before it starts to buck.
Bailing out: No, not what we did for Wall Street and not to be confused with the above, this is when a cowboy intentionally jumps off a bucking animal.
Bite the dust: Just what you think it means; that cowboy got bucked off that bronc and landed face first in the dirt. Ouch!
Cowboy up: Get ready to ride but also showing the grit, hard work and strong determination that marks the character of a cowboy.
Every path has a few puddles: Expect a few troubles along the way
Get in while the gate’s still open: Take advantage of a good situation
Gully washer: an extraordinary amount of rain. Guess Hurricane Ike, Gustav and Katrina would qualify.
He’s got a saddle to fit every horse: Someone who has an opinion on everything
Pulling leather: When a bronc rider holds on to any part of the saddle before the eight-second buzzer. This will disqualify the rider. Clay would never do that!
Rank bronc: a rough horse to ride
Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse: say what you have to but don’t hang around for the fallout.
Swollen up like a drowned horse: Not a very flattering description of someone with a big ego.
Walking in tall cotton: Doing real good, thank you.
When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging: Seems that’s what the banks forgot to do.
So what did you think of those expressions? Any one tickle your funny bone? Any of them familiar? Any you plan on using? Be sure to comment and feel free to share some of your own. And when you comment, you'll be entered into a drawing for a free e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo.
Expressing yourself: Western Style:
Arm Jerker: An animal that bucks with a lot of power
A good saddle is not cheap, a cheap saddle is not good: You get what you pay for
All hat, no cattle: Think Washington politician—all talk, no substance
All horns and rattles: That’s one angry person
Always leave the gates the way you found them: Put things back the way they were
Bail out: No, not the $700 billion kind. It’s a horse that comes straight up on its hind legs when it leaves the chute before it starts to buck.
Bailing out: No, not what we did for Wall Street and not to be confused with the above, this is when a cowboy intentionally jumps off a bucking animal.
Bite the dust: Just what you think it means; that cowboy got bucked off that bronc and landed face first in the dirt. Ouch!
Cowboy up: Get ready to ride but also showing the grit, hard work and strong determination that marks the character of a cowboy.
Every path has a few puddles: Expect a few troubles along the way
Get in while the gate’s still open: Take advantage of a good situation
Gully washer: an extraordinary amount of rain. Guess Hurricane Ike, Gustav and Katrina would qualify.
He’s got a saddle to fit every horse: Someone who has an opinion on everything
Pulling leather: When a bronc rider holds on to any part of the saddle before the eight-second buzzer. This will disqualify the rider. Clay would never do that!
Rank bronc: a rough horse to ride
Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse: say what you have to but don’t hang around for the fallout.
Swollen up like a drowned horse: Not a very flattering description of someone with a big ego.
Walking in tall cotton: Doing real good, thank you.
When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging: Seems that’s what the banks forgot to do.
So what did you think of those expressions? Any one tickle your funny bone? Any of them familiar? Any you plan on using? Be sure to comment and feel free to share some of your own. And when you comment, you'll be entered into a drawing for a free e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo.
Here’s the excerpt from Re-ride at the Rodeo I promised—with expressions of a purely romantic kind!:)
From Re-ride at the Rodeo:
She shook her head. “I don’t watch, especially not bull riding.” She could never watch after that day.
From Re-ride at the Rodeo:
She shook her head. “I don’t watch, especially not bull riding.” She could never watch after that day.
He frowned. “I would have thought a girl like you would participate in the rodeo. Thought you might be a natural at barrel racing, especially given your size, and growing up in Wayback.”
She had been a natural. And she had loved it. She’d only raced here at the Yellow Rose, on a horse borrowed from Maggie Devereaux. She hadn’t been able to afford the fees, or the trailer, or the horse to make a run at it anywhere else. And then, after all that had happened, she’d lost her taste for it. It was bad enough working the rodeo as it was. Not wanting to explain, she just shrugged in answer to his question. “You’d have thought wrong.”
He shifted as if to get a better look at her. “For a woman who grew up in a rodeo town and works at the rodeo, you don’t seem all that thrilled with rodeo or cowboys.”
She shrugged again. “Maybe I’ve just had my fill. Like when you have too much of anything, you can lose your appetite for it.”
He chuckled. “Some things, maybe. Other things, never. There are things I would never get my fill of or lose my appetite for—guaranteed.” His eyes glittered with amusement and something more, like he was talking about her, which was a foolish notion.
He took a slug of beer. Over the rim of the cup he took her measure from top to waist and back again. “Like that kiss last night,” he said in a low, sexy voice.
Heat rushed up her body like it was in a race for the finish line. In the distance some mother was arguing with her child about the bathroom. Say something. Anything
You can find Re-Ride at the Rodeo at The Wild Rose Press.com For your $3 purchase you’ll also be eligible to enter a contest for a Sony E-Reader. You’ll find the details at The Wild Rose Press web site.
Also, be sure to find me on Facebook, Writers and Readers of Distinct Fiction and Shelfari in addition to Myspace. Thanks for stopping by and thank you Anna Kathryn for having me over for a chat! Now don't forget to tell us your favorite saying(s).
Blogging on Monday - Anne Carrole
Capturing the Romance of the West
Did an American win the first rodeo? Do you have a saddle to fit every horse or are you too busy walking in tall cotton? To find out the answers to these questions stop by the blog where Anne Carrole, author of "Re-ride at the Rodeo," gives you a little primer on the history of rodeo and expressing yourself western-style. And be sure to add your own sayings to the list.
http://www.annecarrole.com/
Did an American win the first rodeo? Do you have a saddle to fit every horse or are you too busy walking in tall cotton? To find out the answers to these questions stop by the blog where Anne Carrole, author of "Re-ride at the Rodeo," gives you a little primer on the history of rodeo and expressing yourself western-style. And be sure to add your own sayings to the list.
http://www.annecarrole.com/
October 16, 2008
Breast Cancer 101
Here's a Breast Cancer 101 from AOL. There are links to different topics, including what women should do or not do, according to their age, to help fight breast cancer.
http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/breast-cancer/awareness-month/breast-health?icid=200100397x1211508395x1200722807
Don't forget to participate in the Wear Pink Ribbons Contest I'm in. Just click on the link to the right for information on how to enter. There's six authors participating and lots of prizes to win.
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/breast-cancer/awareness-month/breast-health?icid=200100397x1211508395x1200722807
Don't forget to participate in the Wear Pink Ribbons Contest I'm in. Just click on the link to the right for information on how to enter. There's six authors participating and lots of prizes to win.
~Anna Kathryn
The Friday Record - Influenza Pandemic 1917-1919
Well, since flu season is about to swoop down on us, I thought I'd write about the influenza Pandemic of the 1900's. In the book "It's About Time: How Long History Took" Mike Flanagan writes on page 106 that the pandemic took 3 years and that:
"Chicago's crime rate dropped 43 percent. In one day 851 New Yorkers died. More American soldiers died of the "Spanish Flu" in 1918 than were killed on battlefields of World War I. Since epidemic bronchitis preceded the flu from 1915-1917 in France and England, few individuals had a prior immunity to this new lethal strain and often died within a week of exposure. In the United States, 500,000 deaths were recorded between March and November of 1918. Globally, about 40 million people died. Recent studies say the virus may have percolated within humans and pigs for several years until it grew lethal enough to emerge as history's worst influenza pandemic."
You may recall that this pandemic was mentioned in the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life." As an employee at the pharmacy, George Baily reads a telegram from the war department to Mr. Gower telling him his son died of the influenza. That causes Mr. Gower to poison some medicine by accident and George saves the day by noticing what had happened. When George is 'never born,' Mr. Gower was sentenced to years in prison for killing people that day.
Additional information can be found out:
http://virus.stanford.edu/uda/
http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/encyclopedia/entries/influenza-pandemic.html
for a time line:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/timeline/index.html
The CDC's website says:
Influenza (the flu) is serious.
Each year in the United States, on average:
More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications;
36,000 people die from flu.
For more information from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) check out their website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
And more information on flu shots and statistics can be found at WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20080925/flu-shots-whats-your-excuse
If you're at high risk for the flu, young, old, or chronically sick, you should get your flu shot, before the flu gets you.
**Thus ends my public service announcement.
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/
"Chicago's crime rate dropped 43 percent. In one day 851 New Yorkers died. More American soldiers died of the "Spanish Flu" in 1918 than were killed on battlefields of World War I. Since epidemic bronchitis preceded the flu from 1915-1917 in France and England, few individuals had a prior immunity to this new lethal strain and often died within a week of exposure. In the United States, 500,000 deaths were recorded between March and November of 1918. Globally, about 40 million people died. Recent studies say the virus may have percolated within humans and pigs for several years until it grew lethal enough to emerge as history's worst influenza pandemic."
You may recall that this pandemic was mentioned in the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life." As an employee at the pharmacy, George Baily reads a telegram from the war department to Mr. Gower telling him his son died of the influenza. That causes Mr. Gower to poison some medicine by accident and George saves the day by noticing what had happened. When George is 'never born,' Mr. Gower was sentenced to years in prison for killing people that day.
Additional information can be found out:
http://virus.stanford.edu/uda/
http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/encyclopedia/entries/influenza-pandemic.html
for a time line:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/timeline/index.html
The CDC's website says:
Influenza (the flu) is serious.
Each year in the United States, on average:
More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications;
36,000 people die from flu.
For more information from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) check out their website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
And more information on flu shots and statistics can be found at WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20080925/flu-shots-whats-your-excuse
If you're at high risk for the flu, young, old, or chronically sick, you should get your flu shot, before the flu gets you.
**Thus ends my public service announcement.
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/
October 15, 2008
Recipe - Chocolate Chip Pie
Here's a yummy dessert recipe my daughter made for us. It tastes like a chocolate chip cookie.
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 6-oz pkg chocolate chips
1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked
Preheat oven 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine the butter or margarine, eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla and salt; beat on high speed with electric mixer until well blended. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie crust. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
***Remember by going to my website and clicking on my guestbook, you can use this recipe to enter my monthly drawing. Find out more at www.aklanier.com, the guestbook link is at the bottom of the Home page.
~Anna Kathryn
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 6-oz pkg chocolate chips
1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked
Preheat oven 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine the butter or margarine, eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla and salt; beat on high speed with electric mixer until well blended. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie crust. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
***Remember by going to my website and clicking on my guestbook, you can use this recipe to enter my monthly drawing. Find out more at www.aklanier.com, the guestbook link is at the bottom of the Home page.
~Anna Kathryn
October 13, 2008
And the winner is...
Hi everyone,
The winner of my first book give-away is... Tessy!!!! Congrats, Tessy. Contact me at:
abbeymacinnis@gmail.com with your info, and I'll send you your prize. :-)
Thanks again to everyone for stopping by and leaving your comments. :-) Anna Kathryn, I had fun. Hope we can do this soon. :-)
The winner of my first book give-away is... Tessy!!!! Congrats, Tessy. Contact me at:
abbeymacinnis@gmail.com with your info, and I'll send you your prize. :-)
Thanks again to everyone for stopping by and leaving your comments. :-) Anna Kathryn, I had fun. Hope we can do this soon. :-)
October 12, 2008
Meet Abbey MacInnis
So, tell us a little about yourself? What is your typical day like?
I’m usually up before 8:00. My eight-year-old black Lab, Tess is my alarm clock. If she isn’t fed, to her, she’ll die. *g* I grab some coffee and breakfast, then it’s off to check emails. My book, Delighting Miss Daisy a Wayback Texas story was just released, so I try to do a little promo each day. Depending on what’s going on that day, I might get to work right away writing in my current WIP, or it might be afternoon until I get writing. I could write a guide on procrastination. *g* lol
Here’s some info about my book:
Blurb: When Sam Howard, CEO of Sam’s Smooth Sliding Ale, arrives in Wayback to advertise his product for the rodeo, bakery entrepreneur Daisy Porter goes on a crusade to tear down every poster in town. Can Daisy look past the businessman to the compassionate man underneath, or has the lock to her heart finally rusted shut? Sam is a patient man, who doesn’t force his way through the walls she’s placed up to guard her heart. With the threat of someone from her past shadowing her, can Daisy reclaim her self-confidence and strength to find happiness with Sam?
To check out the trailer, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz6v0s01K6k
To purchase the book go to:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=978&zenid=89ec0f19bade733b1d84b44d6c254564
When did you start to write and how long did it take you get published? How many stories did you finish before you were published?
I started writing in 2002 on my summer breaks from college. But I didn’t get serious about getting published until 2006, after I graduated with my Masters in Social Work. Oddly enough, I’m not practicing in my field. After graduation, I thought that I’d take writing seriously, and see if I could make a career of it. I didn’t want to think back twenty years from now with regrets at what could’ve been. I finished six ms, between novellas and a full-length story mixed in with a few shorter works, it’s been difficult, but amazing. I’ve made it a point to learn the business side of writing as well. Along with craft, that’s also important. It took me a little over two years to see my story published, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
What influenced you to write?
I’ve always been a voracious reader. Initially though, it wasn’t a book that sparked the idea for my very first awful attempt at writing. *g* I was taking a Sociology course on serial killers, and I had this idea, that at the time seemed really awesome. Looking back though, it was really messed up. I won’t ever forget that day though when I felt the desire to write.
What inspired you to write romance?
I’ve always been a sucker for a great love story. Be it book or movie, if it ended happily, I’d be first in line to read or see it. *g* Honestly though, there’s so much negativity in our world. We all need a break. Reading a romance to me, or something that can make me smile lightens my day and makes me feel better.
What genre or sub-genre do you write? Why did you choose this genre?
I write under two pen names. Abbey MacInnis
http://www.abbeymacinnis.com/
writes heartwarming and passionate romance. I don’t like restricting myself to just contemporary or historical – love variety in my writing. With my Abbey books, you’ll always get an HEA and passion. As Eve Knight, same goes with the subgenre issue. The main difference is that my Eve work is less mainstream, and erotic. There may not always be an HEA, but just an HFN ending, and the sexual content and language may be more graphic than some readers would prefer. I don’t have any Eve books available yet, but you can always check my site http://www.eveknight.com/ if you’re interested. *g*
What motivated you to write your current book?
Marguerite Arotin and I heard about the new series that The Wild Rose Press started. We got together and decided we’d write about two sisters who found love in Wayback Texas. I love the series. We’re in great company with some very talented authors. It’s really cool to see how the series keeps evolving with each book. The town continues to grow. New characters are introduced, and we get to see like in my story, familiar characters such as Gina Logan and Patty Pie.
While writing Delighting Miss Daisy, the characters, in particular, Daisy took me down a path I never intended on traveling. I honestly considered not finishing the story. Before I knew what I’d written, Daisy’s past was right there on the screen before me. I had a woman who’d suffered through and survived a horrible relationship, who lived to tell her story. She was given a second chance at life, unlike the million women each year who die at the hands of their abusers.
However, since I’d come this far, I needed to tell Daisy’s story. I had to tell it for all those women, some men, but especially the children who have or have not survived, or are currently in a bad situation. I had to tell it for all those who chose not to leave and suffered the horrible consequences of not doing so, and those who wanted to leave but couldn’t get out in time. I had to tell it to hopefully, help just one person see and come to grips with their present situation, to give them the inner strength and perseverance to reach out for help.
If Daisy were a real woman, the help she sought almost came too late. She had to dig deep to find the strength in herself to leave and get back on her feet. No one could do that for her. She had to hold onto hope with both hands. Even with the support of her siblings, she was the one who had to go on living even though she was afraid.
I hope Sam and Daisy’s story not only entertains you, but opens your eyes to how strong survivors who have moved on after an abusive relationship really are. Brave and courageous aren’t strong enough words to describe how they endured the hell they suffered through. Even those who weren’t’ fortunate to survive should be remembered with having strength. They should NEVER be allowed to be forgotten.
How much time do you devote to writing each day?
Well, if it’s a perfect day, I’ll get about 4-6 hours worth of work done, but normally I get just a few hours in. I work from home, but there’s always little things that need to be done. I’m still working on managing my time effectively. *g*
What are you working on now?
My current Abbey WIP is a Time Travel Regency with a little fantasy and suspense thrown in. *g* The Eve WIP I’ve just started involves a mermaid and a Viking.
How do you write? Are you a panster or a plotter? Is it your characters or your plot that influences you the most?
Every story is different. I can’t plot out a book scene by scene. That totally ruins the story for me. Part of what keeps me writing is what will happen next. Before I start a story, I like to have a general idea of my characters, their GMC, the black moment, and the resolution. I don’t always have all of those elements when I begin, but I find them once I get further along in the story.
What was the most usual way you came up with a story idea? I mean, I’ve gotten a plot idea from a song I heard, from brainstorming with a classmate. What unusual thing caused you to think, ‘hey, I could make that into a story?’
Oh, lol I haven’t written this story yet, but I was at a wedding, and the DJ played “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. This story unfolded right in front of me. I got chills right there at the reception. That’ll definitely be a book I’ll write.
What is your all time favorite book?
When I first started reading romance, I got hooked on Elizabeth Lowell. Her love scenes are so sensual, so beautiful. She’s one of my favorite authors, but I have so many, and all for different reasons. It’s difficult to choose.
How do you do research for your books? What’s the most interesting bit of research you’ve come across?
For my current WIP I’m finding myself asking questions to several RWA chapter loops I belong to. I’ve always loved the Regency period. Writing in that particular time period can be challenging however. So I’m checking and rechecking my facts.
What advice would you give aspiring writers today?
Know the market, but don’t write to it. I’ve heard that from many authors. Learn the business side of writing as well as craft. Write everyday even if it’s just a page.
How do you like your fans to contact you?
I’d love to hear from you. You can send me an email at:
abbeymacinnis@gmail.com
Feel free to friend me at My Space:
www.myspace.com/authoreveabbey
Or Bebo:
http://www.bebo.com/authoreve-abbey
Join my Abbey/Eve Yahoo news group:
Groups.yahoo.com/eve_abbeynews
You can also check out my Manic Readers page:
http://manicreaders.com/AbbeyMacInnis/
and my Polka Dot banner page:
http://www.polkadotbanner.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=253
I’m usually up before 8:00. My eight-year-old black Lab, Tess is my alarm clock. If she isn’t fed, to her, she’ll die. *g* I grab some coffee and breakfast, then it’s off to check emails. My book, Delighting Miss Daisy a Wayback Texas story was just released, so I try to do a little promo each day. Depending on what’s going on that day, I might get to work right away writing in my current WIP, or it might be afternoon until I get writing. I could write a guide on procrastination. *g* lol
Here’s some info about my book:
Blurb: When Sam Howard, CEO of Sam’s Smooth Sliding Ale, arrives in Wayback to advertise his product for the rodeo, bakery entrepreneur Daisy Porter goes on a crusade to tear down every poster in town. Can Daisy look past the businessman to the compassionate man underneath, or has the lock to her heart finally rusted shut? Sam is a patient man, who doesn’t force his way through the walls she’s placed up to guard her heart. With the threat of someone from her past shadowing her, can Daisy reclaim her self-confidence and strength to find happiness with Sam?
To check out the trailer, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz6v0s01K6k
To purchase the book go to:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=978&zenid=89ec0f19bade733b1d84b44d6c254564
When did you start to write and how long did it take you get published? How many stories did you finish before you were published?
I started writing in 2002 on my summer breaks from college. But I didn’t get serious about getting published until 2006, after I graduated with my Masters in Social Work. Oddly enough, I’m not practicing in my field. After graduation, I thought that I’d take writing seriously, and see if I could make a career of it. I didn’t want to think back twenty years from now with regrets at what could’ve been. I finished six ms, between novellas and a full-length story mixed in with a few shorter works, it’s been difficult, but amazing. I’ve made it a point to learn the business side of writing as well. Along with craft, that’s also important. It took me a little over two years to see my story published, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
What influenced you to write?
I’ve always been a voracious reader. Initially though, it wasn’t a book that sparked the idea for my very first awful attempt at writing. *g* I was taking a Sociology course on serial killers, and I had this idea, that at the time seemed really awesome. Looking back though, it was really messed up. I won’t ever forget that day though when I felt the desire to write.
What inspired you to write romance?
I’ve always been a sucker for a great love story. Be it book or movie, if it ended happily, I’d be first in line to read or see it. *g* Honestly though, there’s so much negativity in our world. We all need a break. Reading a romance to me, or something that can make me smile lightens my day and makes me feel better.
What genre or sub-genre do you write? Why did you choose this genre?
I write under two pen names. Abbey MacInnis
http://www.abbeymacinnis.com/
writes heartwarming and passionate romance. I don’t like restricting myself to just contemporary or historical – love variety in my writing. With my Abbey books, you’ll always get an HEA and passion. As Eve Knight, same goes with the subgenre issue. The main difference is that my Eve work is less mainstream, and erotic. There may not always be an HEA, but just an HFN ending, and the sexual content and language may be more graphic than some readers would prefer. I don’t have any Eve books available yet, but you can always check my site http://www.eveknight.com/ if you’re interested. *g*
What motivated you to write your current book?
Marguerite Arotin and I heard about the new series that The Wild Rose Press started. We got together and decided we’d write about two sisters who found love in Wayback Texas. I love the series. We’re in great company with some very talented authors. It’s really cool to see how the series keeps evolving with each book. The town continues to grow. New characters are introduced, and we get to see like in my story, familiar characters such as Gina Logan and Patty Pie.
While writing Delighting Miss Daisy, the characters, in particular, Daisy took me down a path I never intended on traveling. I honestly considered not finishing the story. Before I knew what I’d written, Daisy’s past was right there on the screen before me. I had a woman who’d suffered through and survived a horrible relationship, who lived to tell her story. She was given a second chance at life, unlike the million women each year who die at the hands of their abusers.
However, since I’d come this far, I needed to tell Daisy’s story. I had to tell it for all those women, some men, but especially the children who have or have not survived, or are currently in a bad situation. I had to tell it for all those who chose not to leave and suffered the horrible consequences of not doing so, and those who wanted to leave but couldn’t get out in time. I had to tell it to hopefully, help just one person see and come to grips with their present situation, to give them the inner strength and perseverance to reach out for help.
If Daisy were a real woman, the help she sought almost came too late. She had to dig deep to find the strength in herself to leave and get back on her feet. No one could do that for her. She had to hold onto hope with both hands. Even with the support of her siblings, she was the one who had to go on living even though she was afraid.
I hope Sam and Daisy’s story not only entertains you, but opens your eyes to how strong survivors who have moved on after an abusive relationship really are. Brave and courageous aren’t strong enough words to describe how they endured the hell they suffered through. Even those who weren’t’ fortunate to survive should be remembered with having strength. They should NEVER be allowed to be forgotten.
How much time do you devote to writing each day?
Well, if it’s a perfect day, I’ll get about 4-6 hours worth of work done, but normally I get just a few hours in. I work from home, but there’s always little things that need to be done. I’m still working on managing my time effectively. *g*
What are you working on now?
My current Abbey WIP is a Time Travel Regency with a little fantasy and suspense thrown in. *g* The Eve WIP I’ve just started involves a mermaid and a Viking.
How do you write? Are you a panster or a plotter? Is it your characters or your plot that influences you the most?
Every story is different. I can’t plot out a book scene by scene. That totally ruins the story for me. Part of what keeps me writing is what will happen next. Before I start a story, I like to have a general idea of my characters, their GMC, the black moment, and the resolution. I don’t always have all of those elements when I begin, but I find them once I get further along in the story.
What was the most usual way you came up with a story idea? I mean, I’ve gotten a plot idea from a song I heard, from brainstorming with a classmate. What unusual thing caused you to think, ‘hey, I could make that into a story?’
Oh, lol I haven’t written this story yet, but I was at a wedding, and the DJ played “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. This story unfolded right in front of me. I got chills right there at the reception. That’ll definitely be a book I’ll write.
What is your all time favorite book?
When I first started reading romance, I got hooked on Elizabeth Lowell. Her love scenes are so sensual, so beautiful. She’s one of my favorite authors, but I have so many, and all for different reasons. It’s difficult to choose.
How do you do research for your books? What’s the most interesting bit of research you’ve come across?
For my current WIP I’m finding myself asking questions to several RWA chapter loops I belong to. I’ve always loved the Regency period. Writing in that particular time period can be challenging however. So I’m checking and rechecking my facts.
What advice would you give aspiring writers today?
Know the market, but don’t write to it. I’ve heard that from many authors. Learn the business side of writing as well as craft. Write everyday even if it’s just a page.
How do you like your fans to contact you?
I’d love to hear from you. You can send me an email at:
abbeymacinnis@gmail.com
Feel free to friend me at My Space:
www.myspace.com/authoreveabbey
Or Bebo:
http://www.bebo.com/authoreve-abbey
Join my Abbey/Eve Yahoo news group:
Groups.yahoo.com/eve_abbeynews
You can also check out my Manic Readers page:
http://manicreaders.com/AbbeyMacInnis/
and my Polka Dot banner page:
http://www.polkadotbanner.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=253
It's great to be here!
Thanks to Anna Kathryn for having me here. :-) I'm offering as a prize that will run all day tomorrow, a copy of my Wayback Texas release, Delighting Miss Daisy. I'll be putting the names of everyone who leaves a comment tomorrow in a basket and draw the winner tomorrow night. I'll just say as a side note, I won't share, sell, or distribute your information. :-)
I'll post the name of the winner, here, tomorrow night, and we'll get in touch. :-)
Here's the info about Delighting Miss Daisy that's now available from The Wild Rose Press.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_pag
e=product_info&products_id=978&zenid=89ec0f19bade733b1d84b44d6c254564
When Sam Howard, CEO of Sam’s Smooth Sliding Ale, arrives in Wayback to advertise his product for the rodeo, bakery entrepreneur Daisy Porter goes on a crusade to tear down every poster in town. Can Daisy look past the businessman to the compassionate man underneath, or has the lock to her heart finally rusted shut? Sam is a patient man, who doesn’t force his way through the walls she’s placed up to guard her heart. With the threat of someone from her past shadowing her, can Daisy reclaim her self-confidence and strength to find happiness with Sam?
I'll post the name of the winner, here, tomorrow night, and we'll get in touch. :-)
Here's the info about Delighting Miss Daisy that's now available from The Wild Rose Press.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_pag
e=product_info&products_id=978&zenid=89ec0f19bade733b1d84b44d6c254564
When Sam Howard, CEO of Sam’s Smooth Sliding Ale, arrives in Wayback to advertise his product for the rodeo, bakery entrepreneur Daisy Porter goes on a crusade to tear down every poster in town. Can Daisy look past the businessman to the compassionate man underneath, or has the lock to her heart finally rusted shut? Sam is a patient man, who doesn’t force his way through the walls she’s placed up to guard her heart. With the threat of someone from her past shadowing her, can Daisy reclaim her self-confidence and strength to find happiness with Sam?
October 11, 2008
Abbey MacInnis - Oct. 13 guest author to discuss abuse in relationships
Come meet author Abbey MacInnis. Abbey writes heartwarming and passionate romance. I don’t like restricting myself to just contemporary or historical – love variety in my writing. With my Abbey books, you’ll always get an HEA and passion. As Eve Knight, same goes with the subgenre issue. The main difference is that my Eve work is less mainstream, and erotic. There may not always be an HEA, but just an HFN ending, and the sexual content and language may be more graphic than some readers would prefer. I don’t have any Eve books available yet, but you can always check my site www.eveknight.com.
Abbey will talk about her debut book: Delighting Miss Daisy as well as the issue of abuse in relationships.
www.abbeymacinnis.com
www.myspace.com/authoreveabbey
Abbey will talk about her debut book: Delighting Miss Daisy as well as the issue of abuse in relationships.
www.abbeymacinnis.com
www.myspace.com/authoreveabbey
October 10, 2008
The Fridy Record
Today's History post will be delayed until after my 11:00 doctor's appointment. I'm hoping I'll be able to wear my glasses after that, which I can't now because of the HUGE bandage over my right ear, due to my ear drum repair surgery today.
I never realized how blind was was with my glasses. I can't read anything. So drop back in later this afternoon for see what I'm talking about....cause right now, I don't know what it'll be.
I never realized how blind was was with my glasses. I can't read anything. So drop back in later this afternoon for see what I'm talking about....cause right now, I don't know what it'll be.
UPDATE: The surgery, though minor, has really wiped me out, so I've been sleeping most of the day away. I'm going to skip this week's Friday Record and post a new historical fact next Friday.
Anna Kathryn
October 7, 2008
Italian Vegetable Soup
I've had this recipe for about 17 years now. One day I got this magazine in the mail "The Farmer's Wife" or some such title. It had all this hints on how to can, freeze food, work the farm and some recipes. I don't know, someone sent it to me by mistake, thinking I was domesticated!
I have a couple of the other recipes that were in it, but this is really the only one I make. It's pretty simple, once you get all the vegetables chopped. And it's yummy, good for you and filling. You may want to add water to it when you put in the macaroni, because that really soaks it up. Oh, and I usually don't add the green beans, but I think that's because I mostly have canned, since I hate frozen green beans. I do get fresh sometimes, so maybe the next time I make this, I'll add fresh ones.
Italian Vegetable Soup
1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (16 oz) tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, undrained
2 cups water
5 teaspoons beef bouillon granules or five bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon sweet basil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup frozen or fresh green beans, in 1-in pieces (optional)
½ cup small elbow macaroni
Parmesan cheese, grated
Brown beef in large heavy kettle; drain off fat. Add all the ingredients except cabbage, green beans and macaroni. Bring to a boil. Lower heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add cabbage, green beans and macaroni; bring to a boil and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes). If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional water. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese before serving.
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/
I have a couple of the other recipes that were in it, but this is really the only one I make. It's pretty simple, once you get all the vegetables chopped. And it's yummy, good for you and filling. You may want to add water to it when you put in the macaroni, because that really soaks it up. Oh, and I usually don't add the green beans, but I think that's because I mostly have canned, since I hate frozen green beans. I do get fresh sometimes, so maybe the next time I make this, I'll add fresh ones.
Italian Vegetable Soup
1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (16 oz) tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, undrained
2 cups water
5 teaspoons beef bouillon granules or five bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon sweet basil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup frozen or fresh green beans, in 1-in pieces (optional)
½ cup small elbow macaroni
Parmesan cheese, grated
Brown beef in large heavy kettle; drain off fat. Add all the ingredients except cabbage, green beans and macaroni. Bring to a boil. Lower heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add cabbage, green beans and macaroni; bring to a boil and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes). If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional water. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese before serving.
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/
Click to Give - help fight Breast Cancer
Here's a fast, easy and free way to help fight breast cancer. Just click to the link below, then click to give a free mammogram. The site also has tabs where you can click to help fight hunger, child health, literacy, save the rain forest and help rescue animals. Not bad for a minute's work.
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2&ThirdPartyClicks=EEB_100608_BCSm
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2&ThirdPartyClicks=EEB_100608_BCSm
~Anna Kathryn
Trick or Treat for UNICEF
I remember Trick or Treating for UNICEF a couple of times, once when I was a child, and once with my daughters. Although this campaigne has been around for decades (if I did it as a child...it certainly has!), I don't think it's very well known. So, here's a link where you can learn more about it. And I see that you can set up a page and Trick or Treat online.
http://youth.unicefusa.org/
~Anna Kathryn
www.aklanier.com
http://youth.unicefusa.org/
~Anna Kathryn
www.aklanier.com
October 6, 2008
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
GUEST BLOGGERS:
I have a great line-up of guest bloggers this month, so be sure and stop by for a visit each Monday and meet some wonderful authors:
6 October – Skhye Moncrief - Romantic Legend, Reconstructed... Expect the Unexpected!
http://www.timeguardians.com/
http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/
Scroll down to read Skhye's blog!
13 October - Abbey MacInnis– Passionate, heartwarming journeys of romance.
Eve Knight – Tempting erotica romance.
http://www.abbeymacinnis.com/
http://www.eveknight.com/
20 October - Anne Carrole – Capturing the Romance of the West
http://www.annecarrole.com/
27 October - Lynna Banning – Historical Romance by Harlequin Historicals
http://www.lynnabanning.com/
BLOGGING
Also, this month, I’ll be posting my weekly recipes on Wednesday’s. Since the weather is turning cold (in some places, at least…not so much here in southern Texas), I’ll post some soup recipes and maybe some special Halloween treat recipes. Be on the lookout for them.
And on Friday’s, I do a historical blog of some sort. So for a short history lesson, check out The Friday Record!
CONTESTS:
As usual, I have several contests going. First, is the blogging contest. All you have to do is leave a comment during the month and you’ll be eligible to win a prize -- a 2009 Believe in Yourself and Your Dreams Calendar.
Website guestbook contest: Visit my website and leave a comment in my guestbook. This month, I’m asking you to tell me the name of a recipe I post during October on my blog. Visit http://www.aklanier.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the Home page to find the link.
Lastly, I’m participating in WEAR PINK RIBBONS contest with some friends. Click on the link to the right for information about it.
Happy October!
~Anna Kathryn
I have a great line-up of guest bloggers this month, so be sure and stop by for a visit each Monday and meet some wonderful authors:
6 October – Skhye Moncrief - Romantic Legend, Reconstructed... Expect the Unexpected!
http://www.timeguardians.com/
http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/
Scroll down to read Skhye's blog!
13 October - Abbey MacInnis– Passionate, heartwarming journeys of romance.
Eve Knight – Tempting erotica romance.
http://www.abbeymacinnis.com/
http://www.eveknight.com/
20 October - Anne Carrole – Capturing the Romance of the West
http://www.annecarrole.com/
27 October - Lynna Banning – Historical Romance by Harlequin Historicals
http://www.lynnabanning.com/
BLOGGING
Also, this month, I’ll be posting my weekly recipes on Wednesday’s. Since the weather is turning cold (in some places, at least…not so much here in southern Texas), I’ll post some soup recipes and maybe some special Halloween treat recipes. Be on the lookout for them.
And on Friday’s, I do a historical blog of some sort. So for a short history lesson, check out The Friday Record!
CONTESTS:
As usual, I have several contests going. First, is the blogging contest. All you have to do is leave a comment during the month and you’ll be eligible to win a prize -- a 2009 Believe in Yourself and Your Dreams Calendar.
Website guestbook contest: Visit my website and leave a comment in my guestbook. This month, I’m asking you to tell me the name of a recipe I post during October on my blog. Visit http://www.aklanier.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the Home page to find the link.
Lastly, I’m participating in WEAR PINK RIBBONS contest with some friends. Click on the link to the right for information about it.
Happy October!
~Anna Kathryn
October 5, 2008
Author Skhye Moncrief
Should a girl trust her gut or a hunky guy?
And don't think she won't use her grenade...
And don't think she won't use her grenade...
All hell is about to break loose along the timeline.
***************************
I'm thrilled to finally be able to order a print copy of the first SONG OF THE MUSES anthology. Three authors penned inspiring and sexy stories for three Greek muses...
ANCIENT MUSINGS:
Calliope When the muse of writing, Calliope, challenges Zeus to end her immortal existence, she faces the reality of death in Hades. Only Jake Genoese, an archaeologist' s soul, can outwit Zeus's Harpies and help her find new purpose. Far more is at stake when both realize they are no more than pawns for ANCIENT MUSINGS.
HIGHLAND MUSE:
Melpomene Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy, risks everything to save Rowan Stewart's life. Devoted to Scotland in life and the God of War in death, Rowan struggles to understand her undying devotion to him. Can a melodramatic Grecian Goddess and a resolute Scotsman truly love one another? Find out in HIGHLAND MUSE.
DESTINY'S LIGHT:
Eutrepe Hades, Zeus, Hestia and the chaos of a forgotten memory, Eutrepe hurries to fulfill her quest to unlock the buried words to complete Ceris' unfinished song. Their bond forged the night she's almost killed, Ceris must venture to the underworld to save her and bring them both into DESTINY'S LIGHT.
My story is ANCIENT MUSINGS--a story that takes place in Hades.
One's darkness proves the other's light.
Contest just for today...
I'm giving one lucky person a pdf of UNIQUE TRANSFORMATION, http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=933.
All you have to do to enter is tell me the what the number three means to Aron MacKintosh in NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE. Just read the 1st chapter and post your reply here by midnight CST, October 6th to be in the running.
************
OCTOBER'S TRICK OR TREAT SPECTACULAR:
Hang out with a pack of ghouls at http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/ this October to talk about interesting topics certain to be found in paranormal romances, recipes, prizes, and Tarot.com Kharma coins. We're trying to win all the kharma coins we can to get free astrology/tarot/numerology/fengshui/etc. information. Join the fun! There are treats for all! ~Mistress Skhye
************
Skhye's free read--VOW OF SUPERSTITION: DRAGON'S BLOOD
Never confuse love with carnal attraction.
************
Thanks for having me, Anna K. ~Skhye
September Contests Winners
The winner of my 'leave a comment on my blog' contest is Ruth, who commented on Sept. 18th about Hurricane Ike. Congrats, Ruth. You've won a $15 gift certificate from The Wild Rose Press.....mmmm, or Barnes and Noble. LOL...now I have to go look and see what I'm giving away. I was thinking it was TWRP....but I remember saying somewhere, I'd give away a B&N gift card..... Okay, I looked, and it is a B&N gift card. So, congrats, Ruth, you won a B&N gift card!
Meanwhile, I drew Deidre's name for my guestbook winner and have a new contest up on my website for October - win a copy of Skhye Moncrief's book "Naked on the Staircase" by posting on my guestbook one of the recipes I'll post for October (so far, there's only one you can name and you only have to name one to enter). www.aklanier.com, then go to my guestbook -- the link is at the bottom of the HOME page.
~Anna Kathryn
Meanwhile, I drew Deidre's name for my guestbook winner and have a new contest up on my website for October - win a copy of Skhye Moncrief's book "Naked on the Staircase" by posting on my guestbook one of the recipes I'll post for October (so far, there's only one you can name and you only have to name one to enter). www.aklanier.com, then go to my guestbook -- the link is at the bottom of the HOME page.
~Anna Kathryn
October 4, 2008
Pyschic vampires, anyone?
Join me on Monday, October 6th for guest author, Skhye Moncrief.
http://www.timeguardians.com/
http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/
Psychic vampires, anyone?
NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE(A Time Guardian Halloween Tale)A demon stalks Druidess Aron MacKintosh, trying to use her to gain control of the timeline in present-day Scotland. Time plows toward Samhain when the doorways open between the Now and the Happy Otherworld. She finds herself in a strange alliance with an unusual time guardian, Cowboy. The duo struggles to defeat the demon. If Cowboy can’t earn her trust, the integrity of the timeline could be endangered. Only Cowboy’s charm and southern idea of chivalry has what it takes to leave an ancient evil bound NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=980
http://www.timeguardians.com/
http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/
Psychic vampires, anyone?
NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE(A Time Guardian Halloween Tale)A demon stalks Druidess Aron MacKintosh, trying to use her to gain control of the timeline in present-day Scotland. Time plows toward Samhain when the doorways open between the Now and the Happy Otherworld. She finds herself in a strange alliance with an unusual time guardian, Cowboy. The duo struggles to defeat the demon. If Cowboy can’t earn her trust, the integrity of the timeline could be endangered. Only Cowboy’s charm and southern idea of chivalry has what it takes to leave an ancient evil bound NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=980
October 2, 2008
The Friday Record - Thanksgiving
Yes, it's a little early to be thinking about Thanksgiving, however, this day is very much connected to that autumn holiday. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day to be observed on November 26th - in honor of the adoption of the United States Constitution. The Episcopal Church began to celebrate an annual Thanksgiving Day on the first Thursday of November. There was no annual national holiday until October 3, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving. In 1939, 1940 and 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt changed the day to the next-to-last Thursday in November. This conflicted with half the states' proclamations for Thanksgiving. In 1941, Congress passed a joint resolution making the fourth Thursday in November.
Canadians also celebrate a National Thanksgiving Day - the first Monday in November.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day dish?
~Anna Kathryn
www.aklanier.com
Canadians also celebrate a National Thanksgiving Day - the first Monday in November.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day dish?
~Anna Kathryn
www.aklanier.com
Orphan Works Bill Update
Though the Senate passed this bill, the House has not. However, they could pass it at any time. For an October 1st article about the bill, follow the link below. Then contact your Congressman and let him/her know to vote AGAINST this bill! Your intellectual rights are at stake.
http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2008/10/orphan04.html
~Anna Kathryn
http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2008/10/orphan04.html
~Anna Kathryn
October 1, 2008
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory Breast Cancer may be rare, but when it does strike, it's very aggressive. This cancer had not had a lot of attention, thought that's changing now.
According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms of IBC may include redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast, often without a distinct lump in the breast. The redness and warmth are caused by cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised. The skin may also have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange (called peau d'orange), which is caused by a buildup of fluid and edema (swelling) in the breast.
For more information on IBC, go to the NCI's site: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/ibc
Below is a 6 minute news report on IBC. It includes pictures of what IBC looks like. I encourage everyone to watch it. Six minutes is a long time, but not if it saves your life!
~Anna Kathryn Lanier
Wear Pink Ribbons Contest
It's Breast Cancer Awareness month again! Slap a pink ribbon on your jack-o-lantern and get ready to name that topic. Six romance authors are giving away romantic and inspiring gifts to multiple winners. All you need to do to be in the running to win one of these prizes is visit each of the websites below and find the hostess's WEAR PINK RIBBONS! blog entry. Each hostess will discuss a topic of her choice--all dealing with breast cancer. Just note the topic and author on a list that you must e-mail to happyendings2007@aol.com by midnight CST October 31st.
Skhye's Blog Entry
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/ContestsEvents.htm
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://www.skypurington.com/
http://www.iloveshapeshifters.com/
http://www.chicksofcharacterization.blogspot.com/
Skhye's Blog Entry
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/ContestsEvents.htm
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://www.skypurington.com/
http://www.iloveshapeshifters.com/
http://www.chicksofcharacterization.blogspot.com/
I'll will give away a copy of No Law Against Love Romance Anthology, featuring the short story by M. J. Sager "A Second Chance at Forever." All proceeds from No Law Against Love go to breast cancer research and prevention.
A second winner will receive a Pink Ribbon Goodie Bag, full of 'pink ribbon' items, including a travel mug, pin and electronic copy of my short story "A Second Chance at Forever."
~Anna Kathryn Lanier
The Orphan Works Bills of 2008 will change the copyright laws
As should be, our country's attention is in tuned to the Wall Street financial crisis. However, while we are looking one way, Congress is trying to pass a bill that drastically affects us and our right to successfully protect our intellectual property and copyrights.
Please check out what's going at http://www.owoh.org/index.php, then sign the petition telling our Congressional leaders that it is not fair to sign away our rights to our intellectual property.
~Anna Kathryn
Please check out what's going at http://www.owoh.org/index.php, then sign the petition telling our Congressional leaders that it is not fair to sign away our rights to our intellectual property.
~Anna Kathryn
Shrimp Caprice
As promised, here's another quick and easy shrimp recipe. Serve with a salad and green peas and you have a nice meal.
SHRIMP CAPRICE*
Shell and clean 1 lb of cooked or frozen shrimp. Make a medium cream sauce using 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 tablespoons flour, and 2 cups of chicken broth (made with 2 cups of water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes). Cook until thickened. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, a little pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon grated onion, and 1 teaspoon fresh dill, 1/4 teaspoon or dried dill OR 1/4 teaspoon dill seeds. Dill really gives this dish its special flavor. Add shrimp to sauce. Reseason to taste. Serve over freshly cooked rice.
* From the cookbook - "Quick and Easy Meals for Two" by Louella G. Shouer. I've had this book since I married the first time, so over 27 years. This is about the only recipe I've made consistently out of the book.
~Anna Kathryn
SHRIMP CAPRICE*
Shell and clean 1 lb of cooked or frozen shrimp. Make a medium cream sauce using 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 tablespoons flour, and 2 cups of chicken broth (made with 2 cups of water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes). Cook until thickened. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, a little pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon grated onion, and 1 teaspoon fresh dill, 1/4 teaspoon or dried dill OR 1/4 teaspoon dill seeds. Dill really gives this dish its special flavor. Add shrimp to sauce. Reseason to taste. Serve over freshly cooked rice.
* From the cookbook - "Quick and Easy Meals for Two" by Louella G. Shouer. I've had this book since I married the first time, so over 27 years. This is about the only recipe I've made consistently out of the book.
~Anna Kathryn
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