Cold Juices Hot Flash

Confession: my creative juices went cold when I finally got around to writing this post for my blog day. I've had a week and a half of traveling and being on a tight schedule - my mind is sleep deprived and numb.

I scanned through some old blogs hoping I'd find something for our hot and cold theme. Nothing. Whew, sent me into a hot flash. I settled on recycling the following short blog.

ROMANCE - First word that pops into your head?

Love…chocolate…kiss…diamonds…moonlight? Romance drives me, and I can’t get enough. But I need help explaining the word to the male gender. I’m not saying all men fall short on the romance-understanding scale, but I’ve found most don’t get the difference between sex and romance. Ladies, tell me the first word that pops into your head when you think of romance, and then give me your take on explaining my word – Romance – to a clueless male.

If there are any males tuning into this blog, I pose the same challenges to you.

A “clueless male” excerpt from my book, Sleeping with the Lights On:

Wesley appeared behind me, arms encircling my waist while planting an open, mouth-sucking kiss on my neck. “Mmmm, you smell better than the food.”

Growing and Shrinking in 2013 by Vonnie Davis

Making the leap from a technical writer to a romance author five years ago should have been easy. After all, I certainly knew how to craft a sentence. Sadly, what I didn't know was the craft of writing. I've been working hard ever since to catch up. And, boy oh boy, has there been a lot to learn. In these last five years I've written a book that will never see the light of day--for good reason, too. I've also secured an agent, have three full-length novels either published or waiting to release and four novellas contracted. I should be happy and I am--to a degree. I'm also eager to improve some more. There are just so many pesky weaknesses in my writing. Bad habits I can't seem to overcome. Like repetitive use of words or phrases, to name one. Oh, and there are so many more. Sigh, folks. Just sigh.

So one of my goals for 2013 is to grow as a writer.

 

I'm also the heaviest I've ever been. Glucose tests show I am pre-diabetic. I'd like to say I contacted this from Calvin, who has diabetes, and NOT from the candy, pies and pastas I consume. But Calvin's not having any of it and neither is my doctor. Drats! And it was such a lovely excuse, too. 

 

But I have to lose weight and build muscle mass. I promised Calvin I'd try my best. So, I'm pleased to announce our stationary bike and I are on intimate terms now. I'm adding a minute to my ride everyday.

 

The excersize I can handle. It's the food cravings that wear on me.

 

I haven't eaten garlic bread in nearly a year. Now that I'm trying to cut down on carbs, I'm craving it like a pregnant woman craves ice cream and pickles. What is it about diets that make us crave foods we normally don't eat? I want a foot-long from Subway, something I haven't had in six years. I want fried rice and donuts and coconut pie. Heck, even fruitcake sounds good right about now. Why do our bodies do this, I wonder? Someone, quick, wire my jaws shut!

 

Another goal for 2013 is to shrink as a person.

 

We've all heard the expression--I don't know if I'm coming or going. Well, I'll be struggling through 2012, not knowing if I'm growing or shrinking. But those are my goals. Tell me. What are yours?

 

Vonnie writes most sub-genres of romance. Her most recent release, Mona Lisa's Room is a romantic suspense set in Paris. Check out her website at http://vonniedavis.com

June 16th - One of the Sweetest days of the Year by Jena Galifany

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to National Fudge Day! Ah, that sweet confection that melts in the mouth and brings so much pleasure to the taster.

Fudge comes in so many different flavors, there are bound to be one (or more) that will please your taste buds. There is chocolate, caramel, maple, peanut butter, and marshmallow. I’ve found in my search for into on this tasty day there is even peppermint, orange cream or white fudge.

Originally known as Scottish Tablet back in the 17^th century, it has evolved into the treat it is today. Then, it was not as tasty, lacked chocolate and had a harder texture. I found this information on www.punchbowl.com .

Upon further research, I found that American legend holds that the name was derived from a culinary accident that not only developed the new dessert but also the expletive used when making a mistake. “FUDGE!”

The original recipe has been around since the 1800s but many alterations have been made to enhance and/or simplify the procedure. Although the original recipe required the utmost precision, modern recipes have simplified the process, making it so much easier for chocoholics to indulge.

For those who are now ready to rush to the kitchen and whip up a batch to celebrate this delightful day, here are a few online recipes to help you along.

http://www.verybestbaking.com

http://www.fudge-recipes.net 

- this page has links to other recipes as well.

http://www.countrykitchensa.com/

- another collection of fudgy ideas.

I hope you take a few moments to celebrate National Fudge Day. It may not be one of the holidays that made America great, but it will certainly make your family happier and your day just a little bit sweeter.

Cheers!

Jena Galifany

ShadowsForge Series – Whiskey Creek Press

Shyanne’s Secret – Whiskey Creek Press

Her Perfect Man – Red Rose Publishing

Love Lifted Me – Red Rose Publishing

A Sweet for Valentine's Day

Laura Breck

If you live anywhere near Napa Valley, California, stop into my niece Wendy's chocolate shop, La Foret.

 Here are a few very sweet photos to make your Valentine's Day richer.

If you're like me, and trying to lighten your load this year, here's a sweet sample of my latest release, Scandalous L.A. Desires. Fewer calories, but just as satisfying!

Dante worked through the night to finish the mural. The formal opening was the next evening and the paint needed time to dry.

Morning sun streaked through the windows as he yawned and made a few final brush strokes. Yesterday, he'd questioned the museum curator about the Beauden Foundation requesting his dismissal, but he'd assured Dante there would be no changes to the summer curriculum. Had Lindsey's family backed off their ultimatum? “I hope so,” he mumbled. His greatest satisfaction came from working with children. It nearly sidelined him when Lindsey had warned him he might lose his position with the outreach program.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone at the playroom door. Strangely, he sensed it was Lindsey, but what would she be doing here? He turned to her. “Hi.”

She smiled. “Hi.”

He chuckled. “This is a different side of you.” She wore a black Minnie Mouse warm-up suit and bright red running shoes, her hair in a braid with a red polka-dot ribbon tied at the end.

“The hospital board asked me to remind you that you're welcome to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow night.”

“I wouldn't miss it.” He set the paintbrush down and wiped his hands on his white painter's coveralls. “Are you on the board?” he asked as he walked toward her.

“I'm a new member, but I've volunteered since high school. One morning a week I play with the children. That's where I'm headed now.” She backed up half a step.

“That explains the outfit. You like children?” He stepped over paint cans and tarps.

“Yes, very much. They add so much to my life, and if I help these little ones and their families…” When he reached her and held out his hand, her sentence trailed off.

“Let me show you the mural. It's almost finished.” He stood with his hand out waiting for her to decide. He could see the hesitancy in her eyes as she looked around the room.

He smiled. “Will you come in and see it?” The bigger question was, did she trust him?

She tentatively put her hand in his, their eyes met, and he noticed that hazy look again. He fought the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her breathless, and instead led her into the room, steadying her as she stepped over obstacles.

Still holding her hand, he stopped in the middle of the room and they turned to get the full effect of the painting. He heard her sharp intake of breath. 

“Dante, it is beautiful. I'm absolutely awestruck. It's like being under the sea—whales, fish.” She eased her hand from his and moved closer to the mural. “The coral is so lifelike, and how you captured the filtered sunshine. It's perfect. The children will love it.”

He heard a catch in her voice and when she turned to him, a ray of sunlight hit her face. The tears in her eyes sparkled. He took a step toward her, overwhelmed by the need to touch her.

“Lindsey.”

 

“Forgive me for being emotional. Just knowing how the children will appreciate it makes me happy.”

“Art is worthless if it doesn't evoke emotion.” He put his hand on her shoulder, then slowly moved his fingers down her arm. “I am humbled by your response.” He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. He wanted to kiss her sexy, pink lips, hear her sigh, and see her eyes misty and unsure. He'd kiss away all her doubts…

Please stop by my blog to read the first chapter.

Hope your Valentine's Day is wonderful!
Laura

LauraBreck.com
Secret Vegas Lives
Scandalous L.A. Desires
both available from Red Rose Publishing
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Don't forget to check out Romance Biggest Winner 2 – a fun, social way to make 2012 a healthier, happier year! http://romancebiggestwinner.blogspot.com/

It's the little things, the itty bitty things

It's the note that you leave on the breakfast table
With a list of things to help me plan my day

These are two lines from a Robert Earl Keen song that my husband likes to sing when I'm being overly organized with my lists. I can't repeat the ending lines, but it's obvious this guy is not pleased with his lady.

Brenda Whiteside

I'm a list maker. My life is a jumble, my plate is full, and if I didn't make lists, I'd probably forget to eat or sleep. Okay - a bit of an overstatement, but my husband says I don't know how to relax so that gives you some idea of my schedule. My calendar goes out several months and each day has its list. It's the only way I can keep track of when to write blogs, when to post ads, pay bills, call my mother, balance the budget, etc.

Some scheduled fun in an AZ ghost town.

The weekend has its own list. This is a tablet on the kitchen table of all the things I hope we can get done as a team on the weekend. Hubby isn't impressed. But I even list such activities as go to a movie or take a hike too! Shouldn't that satisfy him? Yes, I even list fun stuff or I might forget to have fun.

Hubby found my chocolate stash.

When it comes to my writing, I'm a totally different person. I'm what you call a pantser - no plotting or outlines for me. Structure doesn't work when I'm diving into a book. The story and the characters have free rein on me to go any direction they please. I can't subject my characters to the same rigidity I need to get through my days. They don't make lists or organize their stories - they just go for it. Once, I tried making a list of what would get written each day. But I found writing goals hampered my creativity, disrupted the flow. I know I need to finish my current manuscript by April, and that's as much as I can plan it out.One thing that is consistent when I write is my afternoon chocolate break. I don't even need to write that down to remember!

You can win a copy of Brenda's latest release, Honey On White Bread, at both of these sites:
Goodreads
Coffee Time Romance and More

Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Recently, they moved to prairie country in Arizona and are enjoying the wide-open spaces while tending fruit trees and veggie gardens. They share their home with their dog, Rusty. When Brenda isn’t at her laptop writing, she enjoys hiking, motorcycle riding and the company of good friends.

Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.

Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor

She blogs on the 9^th and 24^th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

She blogs occasionally on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/