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Today I'm at D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters, a fun blog which showcases the first chapter of a romance book each day.
I've got the first chapter of Lord Rakehell's Love there, so you'll get to see how Aphrodite concocts her plan to be a matchmaker in Regency London. I hope you'll stop by to check it out!
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I got to know Silver James via Twitter, when she kept offering to send her "Coffee Fae" to help me make it through each morning. These are hunky creatures who make sure my coffee cup is always seen to, and well, they can make a gal forget why she loves coffee! (You can probably imagine our conversations when Silver wanted me to send them BACK. Hah!) After that, we got to know each other better via Six Sentence Sunday snippets. Silver's always got sexy heroes and sassy heroines that are tons of fun, as well as a little "out of this world". She's also got a wicked sense of humor. Without further ado, here's the lovely and talented Silver!
Of all the characters you've created, which one is your favorite? (Characters, look over there! They're giving away free coffee!) Why do you love them best?
*deploys coffee fae as diversion* *lowers voice to whisper* Oh, you wicked woman! This is like picking my favorite child. Of course, I only have one…Child that is. Okay. Characters. My favorite. Not that I’m stalling or anything. I’ll have to pick Sade Marquis, the FBI heroine of my new Urban Fantasy series. The guys who have to deal with her will understand because they sort of feel the same way. Sade, and yes, it’s Say-dee, has been living in my head for seven years now and she’s finally escaped by appearing in the prequel novel, THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC, which is like #0.5 in The Penumbra Papers series. The first full-length novel—SEASON OF THE WITCH—will be out in October.
Oooh, she sounds intriguing! Just like the coffee fae! What's your go-to "writing avoidance" technique? (There's always room for more of these in our collection.)
Ah yes, the infamous WAT system! I’m ALWAYS looking for models for my characters. And gosh, if I have to tweak the photos by like changing eye color or adding a tattoo or something, there’s always my trusty Paint program. And there’s this new thing I’m doing—postcards with quotes from the books. So that means searching for just the right background image, acquiring rights, and getting the text placed just right and the right color and…and…Oh yeah. I can spend HOURS! Would you like to see some of them? You can check out the character page at my website. ;) Just look for PENUMBRA PAPERS and click.
Damn you! *shakes fist* Now I'm going to be spending all my time there! And I love acronymns. If you were able to go on a writing retreat, where would it be? (I hope I don't have to repack these suitcases. . .)
So many choices! I love mountains and the sea, but not for like wearing a swimsuit or anything. I’d love to go somewhere in the Big Sur, California area and stay someplace historic. IS there such a place? Ooh…Google, here I come! Yeah. Settings are important. Google maps and images is also my friend when it comes to WATs. ;)
It's like an armchair vacation! (And I love not having to worry about the swimsuit part.) What's the word you love to use (and abuse and overuse, so you have to take it out of your book during edits)?
That depends on the book. When I’m dealing with Sade, her favorite word is F^@%! But I don’t ever take it out. LOL Crutch words though…in the edits I just finished, it was “of them.” Okay, that’s two words. But “both of them” and “the two of them” and…pretty sure there was more of them in there somewhere. “Just” is probably another one.
That's too funny about the "of them". I love that. Name the first thing you'll do when you make a million dollars from your books.
Same thing I’ll do if I win the lottery—set up the Just Because Foundation so I can hand out money “just because.” Like when volunteers come to help after a disaster and some scumbag steals their tools? Yeah, I’d be all over replacing the tools. A disabled vet needs an ADA van? You betcha’! A high school band is raising money for a bowl appearance? Let me buy about 100 cases of that chocolate! And all anonymous because warm fuzzies are best when private. Oh, and I’d buy my husband a new truck and pay off my daughter’s student loans. ;)
Aww, now *I* want a million dollars so I can do that! That is beyond wonderful. Okay, next is a lightning round we'll call The Tasty Ten, where we get to know you in a speed dating kind of way:
Dark roast or light roast? Dark! Or light. Hot. Cold. Yeah. Bring it! Oh, coffee fae?!?
Drafting or revising? Draft. Beer and words.
Twitter or Facebook? Six of one, half dozen of another…*looks shifty-eyed*
Winter or Summer? Fall. Or winter. But Fall.
Werewolf or vampire? And fae, gargoyle, and dragon. Thank you. :D
Baseball or football? Baseball! And college football.
Rare or well-done? Medium rare. With horseradish. There’s just something about hair on a chest…
Soldier or sailor? Married a soldier but there’s something about a Marine (which is both!)
Beer or wine? Yes, please.
Biter or licker? (Hey! I'm talking ice cream cones here!) Cup or cone? And is there a cherry with a stem? *looks shifty-eyed again* Not that I can tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue or anything….
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Author Bio
Silver likes to take walks on the dark side and coffee. Okay. She loves coffee. LOTS of coffee. Warning: Her Muse, Iffy, runs with scissors and can be quite dangerous. She’s the author of the award-winning Moonstruck series and new urban fantasy series, The Penumbra Papers. She's been a military officer's wife, mother, state appellate court marshal, airport rescue firefighter and forensic fire photographer, crime analyst, technical crime scene investigator, and writer of magic and mystery. Now retired from the “real world,” she lives in Oklahoma and spends her days at the computer with two Newfoundland dogs, the cat who rules them all, and myriad characters all clamoring for attention. She writes dark paranormal thrillers, time travel romance, and light contemporary with a kiss of suspense. To find out more about Silver, visit her blog and website at https://www.silverjames.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads
Book Blurb
Welcome to the world of the Penumbra Papers. These "Cases from the Shadow's Edge" explore the forces of light and dark as they dance through shadows humans barely glimpsed prior to the Big Rip. Since then, all manner of preternatural magicks intermingle with humans in ways mysterious, magical and, in some cases, criminal. Much to humanity's surprise, there really are monsters under the bed and the things that go bump in the night are bigger and scarier than anyone ever imagined.
That’s where Special Agent Sade Marquis enters the mix. A human FBI agent with an X-Files mentality,
Sade's been handpicked to fill a new slot within the Bureau—Preternatural Liaison Officer with the MAGIC Unit. The Magical Activity, Grievances, and Inhuman Crimes unit is in charge of investigations involving magicks. It's her job to deal with all the monsters.
Along with her FBI partner—and werewolf best friend—Caleb Jones, Sade is sent to New Orleans to investigate the murders of several high-ranking magicks. The Big Easy is neutral territory so Sade must find and arrest the culprit before war breaks out between the Realms. Things look up when the gargoyle Sentinel, Roman, a permanent fixture in Sade’s childhood, arrives to keep the peace. Maybe.
The investigation is hampered by Sade’s faerie nemesis, Ariel—the King’s Seducer. Oh, and then there’s the new dragon in town, Nikolas Constantine. Sade can’t decide whether to arrest his ass or admire it.
When guilt and innocence come to play in the French Quarter, it’ll take Sade’s brand of crazy to sort it all out.
That Ol’ Black Magic – It’ll cast a spell on you!
Excerpt
This was only Day One of what was shaping up to be a bloody weird week and the gods had been drinking again. Too bad Sade Marquis didn’t have that option. She was on duty. Dammit. Not to mention it was only ten in the morning. However, if things got any stranger, she might change her mind.
She occupied the one booth that gave her a broad view of the whole place. Déjà Vu. All over again. Back in the early days, right after graduating from the FBI Academy, the New Orleans Field Office had been her first assignment. She’d leased an apartment upstairs from the Déjà Vu. The bar-restaurant combo became a second home. Open twenty-four/seven, she could eat no matter the time of day.
She was on her third cup of post-breakfast coffee when two girls sitting at the bar stirred. Their attention swiveled to the front door, eyes on the prime specimen of fae male swaggering into the shadowed space. Back-lit by a sunshine nimbus, Ariel made quite an entrance. Sade looked to heaven for a reprieve that didn’t come. Her day just kept getting better and better.
Book Buy Links
Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance eBooks~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo
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It was bound to happen. My muse Endora saw how much fun we were having with the guests on Friday Friends, and she insisted on having her own spot. I told her I didn't have a Friday FIENDS feature, but. . . *pops arm back into socket* Let's just say she has a very persuasive manner.
Endora and I go back a long, long way. In fact, our partnership started years before I recognized she was the nagging, disdainful voice of my inner critic. It took me a while to figure it out because I was hoping for a gentle, encouraging sort of muse. What I got was Endora, from the classic TV show Bewitched. I've written a few posts about her, but she wasn't content with that, and it ended up being easier to let her hog the spotlight once again.
So, without further ado, please bow down and worship (she made me say that) the wonderfully talented (*cough* cranky and contrary *cough*) Endora!
Of all the characters you've created, which one is your favorite? Why do you love them best? Well, I'm actually upset that none of them seem to resemble ME. I'm certain I created several, or maybe even all of them, in my image. You've obviously edited them too much while I wasn't looking. *sniffs* Although the heroes are somewhat amusing I suppose.
That's the price you pay for leaving me all alone when I need your assistance. I already know the answer to this, but I'll ask anyway: what's your go-to "writing avoidance" technique? Ahh, you mean this one? *snaps fingers and disappears in a puff of smoke*
Hey! Can't you at least make it through five simple questions? Oh good, you're back. If you were able to go on a writing retreat, where would it be? Does it have to involve writing? You keep me so busy with that, I need a month-long spa retreat to recover. Yes, a spa retreat, where I am pampered the way I should be. By those who appreciate the brilliance I so selflessly offer on a daily basis.
Yeah, that's what we all deserve. Especially me, for putting up with YOU. What's the word you love to use (and abuse and overuse, so it has to be taken out during edits)? Hmm, let me get back to you on that one. All of my words are pure gold, so if there's any editing needed, it's after you've gotten your meddling hands on things.
Hah! Name the first thing you'll do when you make a million dollars from your books. My books. Er, our books. It's tempting to say "go on a permanent spa retreat", but I know how devastated you would be if I left for good.
Yes, devastated is exactly the word I'm thinking right now. Next is a lightning round we'll call The Tasty Ten, where we get to know you in a speed dating kind of way:
Coffee or tea? Honestly. You've refilled my coffee cup enough times to know the answer to that.
Drafting or revising? Relaxing on the sofa while you draft.
Winter or Summer? As much as I detest agreeing with you on anything, I will have to say summer, since it better suits this negligee thing I wear.
Werewolf or vampire? Warlock
Morning or evening? Midnight
Land or sea? A 5-star hotel overlooking the sea. With room service. And a delectable concierge to see to my every need while you work elsewhere.
Early or late? I have no idea what you mean by "early". And I'm never late, because nothing happens until I arrive.
Gin or vodka? Yes.
Pecs or abs? Yes again.
Biter or licker? (Hey! I'm talking ice cream cones here!) How droll. That's just what I said to the cute concierge earlier. . .Well, I have to go now. No long, drawn-out goodbyes for me. *disappears in a puff of smoke*
Whew. Thank goodness that's over.
*disembodied voice* I heard that.
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I got to know Lara Nance via a different online route. We both had the same agent for a while, and there was a Yahoo group that everyone used to communicate with each other. I enjoyed Lara's posts to the loop, and we soon started our own separate email exchanges. What can I say? We're mavericks! I've even had the chance to chat with Lara on the phone a few times and she has the softest, sweetest voice, with a personality to match. It's hard to imagine this sweetheart can write stuff so scary I'm afraid to read it! Please welcome Lara to Friday (the 13th) Friends today!
Of all the characters you've created, which one is your favorite? (Characters, cover your eyes!) Why do you love them best?
Talia from my DraculaVille series. She’s tough and prickly in the beginning, but learns to open herself to love. She has a wicked sense of humor that I loved writing. Her character goes through the most changes and challenges of all my heroines and she becomes a better person for it.
You know I love a wicked sense of humor! What's your go-to "writing avoidance" technique? (You can never have too many avoidance mechanisms.)
Facebook !!!
Hmm, I don't waste AS MUCH time there, but I can see how it happens. If you were able to go on a writing retreat, where would it be? (I wonder if I need more suitcases. . .)
A cabin in the mountains with a hot tub.
*throws bathing suit into suitcase* You had me at hot tub. What's the word you love to use (and abuse and overuse, so you have to take it out of your book during edits)?
“but”
Such an essential word! Name the first thing you'll do when you make a million dollars from your books.
Quit my day job and set sail on my sailboat to the islands.
Make sure you send postcards from each port of call! Next is a lightning round we'll call The Tasty Ten, where we get to know you in a speed dating kind of way:
Coffee or tea? Coffee!
Drafting or revising? Drafting
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook
Winter or Summer? Actually I’m a spring and fall kinda gal.
Werewolf or vampire? VAMPIRE!
Morning or evening? Evening
Land or sea? Sea
Early or late? Early
Beer or wine? WINE – red.
Biter or licker? (Hey! I'm talking ice cream cones here!) Biter
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Author Bio:
Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cities throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres within the scope of women’s fiction. But the basis of all her stories is a tale that will entertain and intrigue.
If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales, to paranormal romance and adventure, Lara’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, with a touch of romance.
Her first paranormal romance, Memories of Murder, won RWA’s New England Chapter’s readers’ choice award in 2012 for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as an award of merit as Best Book from a Virginia Author in the Holt Medallion contest. In 2013, her novel DraculaVille – Discovery in New York, won the Rudy award for best novel with romantic elements.
Having initially gone the publisher/agent route, she’s now a happy self-publisher with ten novels out along with two short stories. Five of these are now also in audio format and the others soon to follow.
Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories.
Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio.
Social Media Links:
Facebook ~~ Twitter ~~ Goodreads
Blurb for DraculaVille I – Discovery in New York
When Advertising Executive Talia Quinton takes on the unwelcome job of promoting the country of Romania, she has no idea it will involve rescuing a real vampire and being thrust into a conflict among warring vampire factions in New York.
She and her rescued vampire, Drake, must fight for their lives to protect their growing love for each other and escape capture in time to present Talia’s campaign to the Romanians.
For Talia’s groomed Drake to become Dracula, the spokesperson for a multi-billion dollar project to build an adult fantasy theme park/resort in Transylvania called….DraculaVille.
Excerpt:
“Until you strip away all the absurd layers of meaningless crap from your life, you’ll go on being lonely, friendless, and without love.” He came to the sofa and ran a finger over her bracelet. “Nice bracelet, by the way. dZi beads if I’m not mistaken. To ward off evil, right? Want to know why they don’t work against me? It’s because I’m not evil, Tal. I’m not evil.”
Buy Links:
DraculaVille II – Danger in Los Angeles was released this past Saturday.
DraculaVille III – Destiny in Transylvania will be coming out after the first of 2014.
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Today's snippet is from my latest, Lord Rakehell's Love. It's the novella that commences The Curse of True Love series, where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, tries her hand at playing matchmaker in Regency London. Unfortunately, it doesn't go smoothly.
The hero, Simon, is trying to figure out how to win back Georgiana, who left him at the altar when he was late to their wedding. Oh, and he was also accompanied by his best friend Hugh's ladies-of-the-evening. In this snippet, Hugh, also known as Lord Wastrel, is giving advice to Simon on how to win Georgiana's favor:
"I have it on good authority that females find it quite enticing when a man grovels with his heart in hand."
Simon was not convinced this was the manner in which to prove his love to Georgiana. He had made similar protestations at their wedding, but to no avail. He had sent flowers to her home each day, along with heartfelt letters begging her forgiveness.
Every single bloom and missive had been returned without a reply.
"I have good reason to doubt the success of your plan," Simon admitted.
"You doubt me--after all I have done to earn the title Lord Wastrel?"
"Perhaps I would have fewer doubts if you were named Lord Wedded Bliss."
Thanks to all the Weekend Writing Warriors for stopping by! I'm excited to read your snippets this week.
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Heather is another one that I've "known" for so long online, I can't remember exactly where we first "met". I think it was on another blog that she was a member of, and then I bumped into her on Twitter, and on Six Sentence Sunday. One thing I vividly remember is she's the one that got me started on Goodreads, because she was the first to review one of my books there. I was thrilled at the lovely things she said about Summer Lovin', and next thing I knew, I was hanging out on Goodreads all the time. Heather writes wonderful Regency historicals, and she's got a new one out that I'm looking forward to.
Please welcome Heather to Friday Friends!
Of all the characters you've created, which one is your favorite? (Characters, quick! Look over there!) Why do you love them best?
At the moment I’d have to say Rosemary Randall the heroine from my new release. I finished work on the book months ago and she’s the one I’m having the most trouble letting go of. Rosemary’s character was in the works a lot longer than all my others. When I planned out the Wild Randalls series featuring the four siblings, there was always the question of where they had all ended up. Book one Engaging the Enemy was eldest brother Leopold’s story and brought Tobias home by the end. Book 2 Forsaking the Prize was all about taming Tobias and Blythe. Book 3 Guarding the Spoils dealt with Oliver. That left only Rosemary’s whereabouts unknown and she’d been mentioned in every book in the series.
Rosemary was complicated. She’d embraced her fall from good society and was determined to make the most of her situation. She didn’t want to belong anywhere, preferring independence and avoidance of her brothers. She wanted to be forgotten but she just won’t go away. LOL
I can see what she's hard to let go of! What's your go-to "writing avoidance" technique? (We'll never run out of these!)
That would be Photoshop and book cover design. It could probably be considered as much of an addiction as my daily coffee habit. I’m a few book releases ahead for my own work but I have recently found SelfPubBookCovers.com and started work as a freelance artist there. It’s
a lot of fun to come up with covers to suit genres outside what I write.
Wow! That's impressive. Oh, and daily coffee doesn't count as an addiction. It's a necessity! If you were able to go on a writing retreat, where would it be? (Oh, don't mind me. I'm just rearranging this stuff in my suitcases.)
Are you supposed to actually write on a writing retreat? If so, the perfect situation for me would probably be still at home after kicking the family out to go play elsewhere. I write better in solitude I’ve found. Now if there was little writing to be done I’d love to spend a week(s) at Calke Abbey with fellow historical romance authors (if such a thing were possible). Calke is owned by the National Trust of England and is being preserved as they found it, in a state of decay and the original owners were great collectors. From what I’ve read so far it would be an amazing place to explore.
Well, I haven't read any rule that says you HAVE to write during a writing retreat. It's kind of like "research". Which I would love to do at Calke Abbey, now that you've mentioned it. . . What's the word you love to use (and overuse, so you have to take it out of your book during edits)?
I’m sure I need to come up with a new era appropriate expletive. @#$% is getting old even for me. LOL I’ll get on that shortly. I think every book I’ve sent to an editor this year has had a different overused word. I conquer only then move on to something and then succumb to repeated mention of gasp. Must check the current manuscript to see where my mind went after that.
LOL -- I think yours is the first expletive to be overused. If that is even possible! Name the first thing you'll do when you make a million dollars from your books.
Get on a plane to come meet you. LOL I suppose I’m like most people I’d deal with the big needs. Pay my bills, fund my retirement, expand my collection of regency era print books. Then hire a big hunky guy to lure me from my computer and Photoshop with fresh coffee and the promise of a long overdue holiday. (Yes dear husband, I meant you as the hunky guy.)
YES! Definitely come visit me. I'll have a ton of coffee waiting, and I'll do my best to distract you away from those regency era print books! *evil cackle*
Okay, here's the Tasty Ten lightning round, where we get to know you in a speed dating kind of way:
Dark roast or light roast? Dark
Drafting or revising? Drafting
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook now
Winter or Summer? Summer (though I cannot believe I said that. I don’t usually like the heat but its almost spring down under and I’m getting restless.)
Cats or dogs? Cat and small dog.
Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla
Heels or flats? Flats
Morning or evening? Morning
Pecs or abs? Abs
Biter or licker? (Hellloooo! I'm talking ice cream cones here!) Suck. LOL Just to be different.
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Author Bio
Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission.
Social Media Links
Website ~~ Facebook ~~ Twitter
Book Blurb
She can lose her birthright, but not her heart!
Meredith Clark wants no part of her long-ago identity as Rosemary Randall. She's created a more exciting life as the courtesan, Calista, and her newest lover is both intriguing and rugged enough to capture her fancy. But the widowed Earl of Grayling craves more than this woman's dazzling intelligence and fiery passion. He wants her as his mistress, and if she won't agree to that, he'll settle for taking her home as his daughters' governess.
Determined never to be tied down to one person or place, Meredith prepares to run again. Yet something deep inside her yearns to stay -- until she discovers Constantine’s real identity. Now she's faced with the hardest choice of her life. Should she trust the man she's coming to love with the secrets of her past, or flee to save them both from an even greater heartbreak?
Excerpt:
Sinfully beautiful men were Meredith Clark’s weakness, especially ones who didn’t notice the spell they cast over their captive audience. Known only as Calista in the secluded country brothel, Meredith Clark breathed deep, scenting the clean skin and earthy fragrance of Lord Grayling as he filled her starved senses. Her job might be to please those who came into her arms and bed, but gaining a little pleasure for herself in return was always an unlooked-for treat.
“I believe I shall leave you in Calista’s capable hands, my lord. Do be sure to ring if you require the slightest embellishment to your night,” Linnie murmured, casting Meredith a look that warned she’d better not leave him wanting for anything. The madam departed soundlessly. Grayling barely acknowledged Linnie’s departure. He remained apart and returned Meredith’s frank stare.
Meredith’s pulse quickened. Grayling was handsome and had an air of command. A fallen angel sent to lure any good woman to ruin. Not that Meredith’s ruin was possible or even probable now. She’d fallen as far as she could already without being forced to beg. Yet when she looked Grayling over from head to toe, the idea of begging this man for anything involving pleasure held an appeal she could not dismiss easily.
Buy Links
Amazon ~~ Apple iBooks US ~~ Barnes & Noble ~~ Kobo ~~ Smashwords
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This is a post I wrote last year, and it's eerie how closely it reflects this past week, from the cobbler to the weather. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
I hate to see summer leave. It's one of my favorite seasons, filled with freedom, and leisure, and all kinds of delights I wait all year to enjoy.
So I decided to celebrate the end of summer by making a peach cobbler, a treat I always associate with this time of year. I had some fresh peaches I'd bought at a favorite farm stand, and it seemed like a good idea to use them before they morphed into fruit leather. (My fridge is some kind of vampire, sucking out the essence of produce behind closed doors. You should see what it did to some oranges recently. They ended up looking like Yoda. Well, without the big ears. And if Yoda had used an orange-ish spray tan for a week straight.)
But I digress.
Cooking is not a simple thing for me. I may be a pantser when I write, but I don't wing it when it comes to food. It doesn't make sense to experiment with stuff that I plan to eat. There's not really an effective delete key with food either.
Which may be why I love cookbooks. Someone else has already done all the experimentation and come up with the final list of ingredients, in the right measured amounts, and then provided a roadmap that can be followed to a culinary HEA.
After a little online searching, I finally found a peach cobbler recipe that closely matched the ingredients I had on hand. I rejected one candidate because I wasn't about to make a trip to the store for self-rising flour. If I made it to the store, I could just buy ice cream and let the fridge do its dehydration thing on the peaches, and we'd both be sated.
Still, there was a little glitch. I didn't have 4 cups of peaches. I had 2. So I checked to see if I could easily cut the recipe in half, meaning I wouldn't have to do anything fancy with fractions. Whew. Yes, I could cut it in half, without scrambling my brain over a half of a half teaspoon.
Crisis averted.
Another potential issue was when I belatedly realized the peaches were supposed to be mixed in the same pan as the melted butter. The wording of that section of the recipe could use a revision/edit, for clarification purposes, which just goes to show that ALL writing can be improved.
While the oven did its part, I worked on the WIP, feeling productive and virtuous, knowing there was going to be a reward for all my efforts.
At last it was time to sample my culinary masterpiece, and I gobbled it up quickly, with only a smidge left over for today. (It was half a cobbler, if you remember.) It was delicious, evoking memories of summers past, while staving off dread of winters-to-come.
The funny thing is today is dark and dreary and cool and rainy -- as if Mother Nature wanted to reinforce in my mind that summer has been sent packing, thanks to my culinary endeavors, and its evil cousin winter will be swooping down to torment us before we're ready.
But before that happens, I'll have autumn, another one of my favorite seasons, as well as a wonderful array of apples to utilize in the kitchen.
You can bet I'll be rhapsodizing about my favorite apple cake pretty soon.
Unless it provokes winter into showing up early.
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